Mayor Kelly Curtis and the City Council on Nov. 5 unanimously approved a resolution declaring an emergency and a fiscal note to reserve $100,000 from unallocated general‑fund balance to support local human‑service providers responding to an interruption in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

The emergency and funding were proposed by city staff after the federal government shutdown left SNAP benefits at risk. "Staff is proposing a fiscal note, to allocate $100,000 of the general fund balance from, to the emergency action fund to support local human services providers responding to the increased need from the temporary shutdown of SNAP," Kevin Pestring, financial planning manager, told council during the budget study session.

Why it matters: Council members said the pause in federal SNAP benefits could produce an acute rise in local demand for emergency food support, and they wanted a rapid way to give money to organizations that already deliver food services in Kirkland. "If we give money directly to a human services provider, I would want a way of ensuring that this money is received by Kirkland residents," Councilmember Tim Chisholm said. Staff recommended using existing contracted partners such as Hopelink to distribute aid rather than the city running a direct benefit program.

How it will work: The approved fiscal note authorizes use of up to $100,000 from unallocated general‑fund balance to be administered through an emergency action fund and distributed to local providers as needed. Pestring said the funding source is unallocated fund balance available now and that council would still adopt the mid‑biennium budget in December. He also said the funds would most likely be granted to organizations the city already contracts with to provide food.

Legal and procedural steps: The council passed Resolution 5700 (unanimous vote) declaring a local emergency tied to the interruption of federal SNAP benefits. The resolution authorizes the city manager to take necessary actions during the emergency and is written to expire Dec. 31, 2025, or when the federal SNAP disruption is resolved. After the resolution passed, the council voted 7–0 to approve the fiscal note allocating $100,000 to the emergency fund.

Council and staff next steps: Council members asked staff to return with distribution details and documentation expectations for recipients so the city can ensure funds reach Kirkland residents. Staff said they will coordinate with local philanthropic partners (for example local community foundations) and human‑service agencies to avoid duplicative assistance and to track usage. Council also asked whether other jurisdictions were taking similar steps; staff said some nearby cities were considering similar measures and would provide updates.

What staff said in the meeting: Pestring summarized the proposal as "money we have today" and noted that it is intended to be flexible and targeted to partners who already provide food services. The city attorney and staff said the action is intended to be temporary until the federal program is restored and the council will revisit the issue if conditions change.

What the action does not do: The resolution and fiscal note do not commit the city to an ongoing program or to spend the full $100,000 automatically; staff said the money will be deployed as needs arise and documentation and reporting requirements will be created for grant recipients.

What's next: Staff will bring back a proposed distribution plan and grant agreements for council review and will update the council if the federal SNAP situation changes before the Dec. 9 adoption of the mid‑biennium budget.