The Issaquah City Council Services, Safety & Parks Committee convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss the future of the Opportunity Center and potential human services models. The meeting focused on evaluating options for the center, including the possibility of withdrawing from the current agreement, which could impact the development timeline and funding allocations.

The committee explored various models for human services provision, including a rotating system of service providers. This approach aims to reduce the financial burden on individual organizations by allowing them to share space rather than committing to long-term leases. Council members raised questions about the feasibility of this model, referencing successful examples from other jurisdictions, such as the Together Center in Redmond.

Director Watling emphasized the need for further investigation into these options, noting that while promising discussions with potential service providers are ongoing, no decisions have been finalized. The committee acknowledged the importance of aligning any new plans with the city’s human services strategic plan and the necessity of conducting due diligence on the proposed models.

The discussion also highlighted the urgency of notifying the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) regarding the city’s intentions about the Opportunity Center. A timeline was suggested, indicating that a decision should be made within the next month to avoid complications with KCHA’s building permit plans.

Council members expressed their commitment to providing human services in the community, reflecting on past momentum for establishing a dedicated human services campus. The conversation underscored the need for community engagement to gauge current needs and support for such initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, the administration was tasked with continuing discussions with potential service providers and exploring the viability of the rotating human services model. The committee plans to reconvene in the fall to review findings and discuss next steps.