Council members agreed Tuesday to pursue a proposal to allocate $250,000 from the council’s Community Stability Fund to support immigrant‑serving community organizations providing urgent legal, housing and stabilization services.

Councilmembers and the mayor described recent meetings with immigrant‑serving organizations and said those groups reported urgent needs — including legal assistance, housing stabilization and direct client support — following recent federal developments. Council President Kritzer and Councilmember Stewart said organizations asked for “rapid response funding” to cover immediate, one‑time needs.

Councilmember Stewart, who worked with Councilmembers Salahuddin and Kritzer and Mayor Berney on the idea, said staff and council leadership propose using funds from the previously set‑aside Community Stability Fund, which was created during the 2025–26 budget process from projected staffing savings. The mayor and Director Helland said human‑services staff already hold contracts with several trusted partners, which could accelerate distribution and reduce administrative delay.

Staff and councilmembers described eligibility and distribution mechanics to be refined by Human Services: initial guidance would prioritize organizations with existing city human‑services contracts serving immigrants, refugees and asylees so money can be disbursed quickly; uses could include emergency legal assistance, short‑term housing support, language access, outreach and “know‑your‑rights” workshops. Council Vice President Forsyth asked for a prior list of intended recipient organizations; staff agreed to provide that list before the council vote.

The mayor said the allocation would be a one‑time emergency use of the Community Stability Fund and stressed it would not fill all needs. Councilmember Fields urged the council to draft a plan for the remainder of the stability fund and to confirm federal restrictions, if any, on eligible uses. Staff said funds are available in the near term and that Kirkland and other jurisdictions are pursuing similar approaches; the city expected to bring a new‑business item to the next council meeting.

There was no formal vote Tuesday; the council signaled support to place the $250,000 allocation on next week’s business meeting agenda and asked staff to return with implementing language, a list of eligible organizations and reporting requirements for expenditures.