Shoreline Human Services Strategic Plan adopted by City Council on April 8, 2024 

The City has provided funding for human services that serve Shoreline residents since 1996, shortly after the City’s incorporation. As the City grew, components of the Human Services program have been modified and shifted along with our changing community. Along the way, there have been a few opportunities for need assessments and programming adjustments; but there has not been a comprehensive program and funding review. There have been other outside factors - such as the ‘Great Recession’ and the COVID-19 pandemic - that have also affected human services programs in the region, as well as the rising cost of housing and the opioid crisis.

Additionally, the City conducts a resident satisfaction survey every two years. While the survey has been conducted since 2004, questions about human services and homelessness were added in 2010 and 2020, respectively. The importance of human services has been shown in the most recent satisfaction surveys conducted in 2020 and 2022. Based on the survey analysis, the major services that are recommended as the top priorities for investment over the next two years to raise the City’s overall satisfaction rating are:

• Overall response to homelessness, and
• Overall quality of human services.

In response, the City Council approved one-time funds in the 2023-2024 biennial budget to develop a comprehensive Human Services Strategic Plan. The development of the plan was carried out by the City’s consultant, BERK Consulting, in collaboration with City staff.

The primary objectives of the Human Services Strategic Plan are as follows:

• Review established data and information to prioritize service areas and identify gaps.
• Review City programs, policies, staffing and best practices to make recommendations that will guide the work of the City.
• Identify policy and program opportunities to promote equity and inclusion and build on community strengths.
• Provide a rationale for an appropriate level of funding required to have the impact in the areas that the Plan prioritizes.

The Council held discussions on the development of and recommendations from the Human Services Strategic Plan at their January 8, 2024, and February 26, 2024, Council meetings. The City Council then adopted the final plan on April 8, 2024.