Seattle Council records signatures for regional letter urging release of Continuum of Care funds
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Summary
Council members agreed to affix signatures to a Puget Sound Regional Council letter to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray requesting release of HUD Continuum of Care funding; eight councilmembers chose to sign, one declined.
During the Nov. 3, 2025 special meeting, the Seattle City Council reviewed a Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) draft letter to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray asking the federal government to release Continuum of Care (CoC) funds held up by the federal shutdown.
Council Member Rivera introduced the item and said PSRC prepared the letter in consultation with lobbyists, including ones who also represent the city, and that the letter asks the federal government to release CoC dollars to providers that use the funds for permanent supportive housing. Rivera described the request as an attempt to "amplify our call to the federal government to release our tax dollars so we can care for our residents." She said the letter was provided to the council so members could decide whether to sign.
Council members discussed the mechanics for signing (staff will affix signatures electronically after an open-session roll call) and some members noted past practice about whether they sign on to regional letters. Council Member Rink said CoC funding is critical in the region, estimating roughly 4,500 households rely on the CoC-funded programs in the region and that delays in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are already putting partners at risk.
A roll call to record which councilmembers wanted their signatures affixed produced eight affirmatives and one negative. Council Member Kettle stated aloud that they do not sign on to letters as a matter of practice. The clerk reported "8 signatures will be affixed." Council staff indicated members who consented would have their signatures attached to the PSRC form letter online in accordance with open-meeting requirements.
The action does not change federal funding policy; it records the council's support for PSRC's request and transmits member signatures to the regional council for delivery to Sen. Murray's office. Staff said the letter is intended to amplify local advocacy for release of CoC funding that supports permanent supportive housing.