Budget Roundtable Season Update: Faithful Presence, Collective Impact

Demontrice Bigham testifies at a Seattle Select Budget Committee Meeting

Grounded in our shared faith values of justice, dignity, and care for our neighbors, faith leaders and community partners showed up consistently this fall to speak in solidarity with those most impacted by budget decisions. This work would not have been possible without the commitment, leadership, and advocacy of our Budget Roundtable team. 

Our Budget Roundtable members demonstrated what faithful civic engagement looks like: showing up for public comment, participating in meetings, and speaking with moral clarity and conviction throughout the season. City Councilmembers and their staff repeatedly acknowledged the power of our consistent presence. 

Throughout the budget process, we: 

• Met with 3 councilmember offices 

• Attended every Select Budget Committee meeting offering public comment, maintaining a strong and visible presence 

• Submitted over 250 public comments between the two public hearings 

These engagements strengthened relationships and reinforced that faith communities remain deeply invested in policies that uphold the values of community care – funding human services, housing, food security, and community-led, evidence-based solutions to prevent community violence. This season reminded us of the power of consistent, collective action. 

We are deeply grateful to our Budget Roundtable members, whose time, energy, and faith-filled leadership made this advocacy possible. As we look ahead, the momentum built this season positions us well for continued engagement and deeper collaboration with City Council.