Seattle Human Services previews aging and disability services, WA Cares implementation and nutrition gaps
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Summary
The Human Services Department outlined Aging & Disability Services' 2026 priorities including the area plan, WA Cares local implementation support, Health-Related Social Needs screening, and anti-ageism training; staff flagged senior-nutrition wait lists and announced five new culturally focused senior centers for 2027.
Human Services Department leaders briefed the City Council committee Feb. 6 on the Aging & Disability Services (ADS) division's portfolio and 2026 initiatives, calling attention to ongoing demand for senior nutrition and services that support aging in place.
"Our mission is to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need," HSD Director Tony Kim said, describing the department's role as both funder and direct service provider. Kim told councilmembers that HSD's adopted 2026 budget totals about $421,000,000 and that HSD employs roughly 480 full-time staff.
ADS staff said the division's 2026 adopted budget is $93,600,000 and that anticipated increases in several program areas will bring a revised 2026 total near $115,000,000. The largest single fund source for ADS is Medicaid Title XIX (about $52,400,000), with the City of Seattle contributing roughly $19,700,000.
Jacqueline Cobbs and Mary Pearson detailed core ADS services that include elder-rights advocacy, a Long-Term Care Ombuds program, caregiver respite and support, congregate and home-delivered nutrition (Meals on Wheels), and supportive services such as transportation and community case management.
ADS outlined four priorities for 2026: developing a new four-year area plan shaped by older adults and people with disabilities; serving as a local front door for WA Cares benefits; launching Health-Related Social Needs screening and referrals through partnership with Healthier Here and Medicaid; and expanding anti-ageism training, including a healthcare-focused module.
Council members asked about senior nutrition and wait lists. Staff acknowledged need and said nutrition programs remain under pressure despite a one-time $250,000 investment; they also said five new culturally focused senior centers will be added in 2027, bringing the city's total funded centers to 19.
Officials invited council members to advisory council meetings and offered to share the mayor's Council on African American Elders' priorities and other advisory materials.
What happens next: ADS will continue area-plan development and WA Cares implementation work, provide requested advisory-council materials to councilmembers, and monitor wait lists for nutrition and other services.