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Council approves social-services funding list after debate on prioritizing Beaverton-based groups
Summary
The council approved the Social Services Funding Committee’s recommended allocations (agenda bill 25081) after a discussion about prioritizing organizations based in Beaverton; the motion passed 6-1.
The Beaverton City Council voted to approve the Social Services Funding Committee recommendation in agenda bill 25081 after debate about local prioritization and funding criteria. The motion passed 6-1.
Councilor Kimmy had pulled the item from consent to request a work session focused on prioritizing organizations that are based in Beaverton and serve city residents. ‘‘I would like to fund directly to the organizations who’s based in Beaverton priority and who works with Beaverton residents secondly and then Greater Beaverton area third,’’ Kimmy said, explaining why she pulled the item.
Other councilors defended the SSFC’s vetting process and the committee’s adherence to council-provided priorities. Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg said the committee undertook months of work and recommended allocations consistent with the priorities the council previously set. Councilor Hassan thanked the committee and said she was ‘‘torn’’ but acknowledged the heavy workload and importance of supporting organizations taking direct calls from residents.
Council members and staff named many of the organizations included in the funding list during the discussion: Adelante (family engagement coordinator in Beaverton), Afghan Support Network, Beaverton Education Foundation (reading and math programs), Beaverton Resource Center (services for homeless youth), Bridge Meadows (Beaverton location), immigrant and refugee services, College Possible (Aloha High School), Dougy Center (mental health support), Family Justice Center, Family Promise of Tualatin Valley (sheltering hosts), Filipino American Community, Home Plate Youth Services, Just Compassion (senior programs), Kinship House, Latino Network (legal and urgent needs), Meals on Wheels, Mercy Connections (rental assistance), Metropolitan Family Services (ESL in Beaverton schools), Urban Gleaners, Beaverton Immigration Relief Fund, and a women’s sewing circle program.
Councilors acknowledged the committee’s effort to fund some new organizations (seven organizations had not previously received funds) and the limitations of the available funding. Several councilors suggested future work sessions to discuss policy-level questions about funding outside organizations and whether to emphasize Beaverton-based providers more strongly in future rounds.
The motion to approve the committee recommendation was made on the record by a council member and carried 6-1 (roll call recorded six yes votes and one no). Councilors emphasized that changes to future priorities could be addressed through council direction to the SSFC and possible work sessions later in the year.
No changes to the grant awards were made at the meeting; the approved allocations reflect the SSFC’s recommendations as presented in the agenda bill.
