Teresa Mosqueda leads King County committee meeting on federal funding cuts

The King County Housing, Health and Human Services Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding federal funding cuts impacting local health, housing, and human services. Chair Teresa Mosqueda opened the meeting, highlighting a full agenda that included appointments and several briefings aimed at understanding the implications of potential federal budget reductions.

The committee began with an appointment to the Women's Advisory Board, which was included in the consent agenda. Following this, the first briefing featured Director Dwight Dively from the Office of Performance Strategy and Budget, alongside Lisa Yeoman, President and CEO of Healthpoint, and Sarah Dickmeyer, External Affairs Manager from Plymouth Housing. This session focused on the federal cuts and policy changes that threaten essential services in the community.

The second briefing, led by Director Kelly Bridal from the Department of Community and Human Services, provided an update on human service provider and workforce stability funding. This initiative aims to enhance workforce stability, which is crucial for maintaining effective services for clients. The discussion included insights from advocates and experts, including Lauren Fay from the Downtown Emergency Services Center and Jennifer Romich from the University of Washington School of Social Work, who emphasized the need for better investment in the human services sector.

The final briefing addressed a budget proviso requiring the Department of Community and Human Services to present a plan for improving grant processing timelines for housing and human service providers. This effort aims to stabilize the community by ensuring timely funding for essential services.

Chair Mosqueda concluded the meeting by thanking community members for their ongoing support and underscoring the importance of addressing the impacts of federal funding cuts on local services. The committee's discussions reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding health and human services in King County amidst challenging financial circumstances.