Councilmembers reviewed several Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) requests focused on tenant services funding, permitting capacity, and transparency for mandated regulatory updates.

Central staff introduced SDCI 1a, an amendment to add $1,000,000 in ongoing general fund appropriations to restore tenant services grants and contracts to 2024 levels. Sponsors described tenant services as distinct from rental cash assistance: services include legal clinics, eviction defense support, ‘‘know‑your‑rights’’ education, mediation and case management. Councilmember Rink, sponsor of the amendment, said restoring this funding acknowledges Seattle’s status as a predominantly renter city and supports prevention work to keep people housed.

Members questioned the appropriate departmental home for tenant services. Councilmember Kettle asked why the line remains in SDCI after some tenant assistance functions were shifted to the Human Services Department (HSD) in a prior budget cycle. Staff explained past moves were driven by audit findings and the presence of rent‑registration and habitability enforcement programs in SDCI; moving the contracts back to HSD would require a policy decision and potentially code changes. Committee staff agreed to provide contract performance and deliverable information to members.

Separately, the committee considered SDCI 2a, a request to add one term‑limited FTE (strategic adviser) and $192,000 in construction and inspections fund to serve as a permanent permit expediter for prioritized projects (small business tenant improvements, special projects, shelters, affordable housing, FIFA‑related needs). Chair Strauss explained that two audits — permit issuance and certificates of occupancy — are underway and that an expediter would help implement audit recommendations while avoiding delays to the broader permitting workload.

SDCI 3 SA1, a statement of legislative intent sponsored by Councilmember Solomon, would ask SDCI and OPCD to report on how the departments will prioritize mandated regulatory changes and transmit legislation in time to meet state or federal deadlines. Sponsors characterized the request as improving transparency and avoiding future missed statutory deadlines.

Committee members cosponsored several SDCI items and asked for additional data on contract performance, permit volumes and fund reserves to inform final budget decisions.

Sources: Sponsor remarks and central staff presentations on SDCI 1a/2a/3 SA1 and committee Q&A.