Lakewood asks state to codify and sustain Western State Hospital community partnership program

Mayor (unnamed) opened the meeting and urged legislators to consider codifying the community partnership program that supports Western State Hospital, saying the program "plays a critical role in our region's behavioral health system" and that the city appreciated the inclusion of $640,000 in the 2527 operating budget for the program.

The mayor asked that the legislature make the partnership part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) maintenance budget to avoid the uncertainty of having to request funds every two years. The mayor noted Senate Bill 5286, which the mayor said is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Hawley and that "might help us achieve the goal," but also acknowledged the state's significant budget challenges.

Rep. Levin (first speaking at SEG 078) told the meeting she supports the program but expressed concern about codifying it in statute while the state is projecting a roughly $2 billion budget shortfall, saying annual requests keep local officials accountable and provide incentives to maintain program outcomes.

Paul Bokey and city staff reiterated that the city views the program as long-standing and said codification would help ensure continuity of the services that support patients, staff and the surrounding neighborhood. No formal legislation was passed at the meeting; legislators invited additional information and discussion, and one legislator said they would look for potential pathways to provide support where feasible.

Next steps: City officials asked legislators to review SB 5286 and to consider mechanisms to make the partnership a stable line in the DSHS maintenance budget; legislators said they would continue discussions but noted budget constraints could limit immediate action.