Amid the federal shutdown, Seattle leaders are helping impacted workers access immediate support and spotlight the City’s ongoing affordability and utility assistance programs that help residents save on everyday costs year-round.
SEATTLE – As the federal government shutdown continues, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and the City of Seattle are partnering to host a Federal Workers Resource Fair at Seattle City Hall on Thursday, October 30, connecting affected federal employees and contractors with local resources, services, and support.
The event is open to all federal workers and contractors across the county, including those who live or work outside Seattle city limits, as many participating organizations and community partners serve customers and residents throughout the broader Seattle–King County area.
The fair will run 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the 1st floor Lobby of City Hall (600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104) and will feature on-site assistance and resource information from a range of community and government partners, including:
- Seattle City Light (SCL)
- Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)
- Food Lifeline
- BECU
- Essentials First
- King County Promotores Network
- United Way of King County
- Washington State Employment Security Department
- Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County
- And other partners
“The City of Seattle cares deeply about our residents and communities, especially those facing hardship because of the federal shutdown,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “We also know affordability pressures are real for many families across our city. That’s why we’re connecting federal workers and people of all occupations to resources they can use right now, along with encouraging residents to access the year-round utility assistance and affordability programs designed to ease financial strain and help people stay stable in our city.”
“During this Republican Shutdown, families across the country are struggling to make ends meet. Millions of Americans, including thousands of workers in Seattle, do not know when their next paycheck will come or how they’ll keep their bills paid and keep food on the table,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “I am grateful to have partners at the City of Seattle and organizations throughout my district who are dedicated to working together to provide resources and support federal workers and their families during these challenging times. Showing up for our community is crucial, which is why I am proud to host this resource fair, organized in partnership with Mayor Harrell and the City, to ensure our neighbors have the support they need.”
In addition to the resource fair, the City of Seattle continues to provide year-round utility assistance and affordability supports to help residents — including federal workers and contractors — offset rising costs and maintain access to essential services.
Residents can explore affordability resources on the City’s Assistance and Discounts page — an online hub that brings together dozens of programs helping people save on utilities, transportation, childcare, food, internet and other essential resources.
To make applying for help even easier, residents can also visit Seattle CiviForm — the City’s award-winning, one-stop online platform that connects people to many of the same discounts and benefits featured on the Assistance and Discounts page. CiviForm securely reuses applicant information, helping residents discover and apply for programs like utilities, transportation, food, childcare and more.
Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) offer several payment options and assistance programs designed to help customers maintain service and ease financial strain:
- SPU has partnered with PromisePay to make it easy for customers with past-due balances of $100 or more to set up flexible, interest-free payment plans online. The process is simple, and customers have full control over how and when they pay.
- Payment plans: Both utilities can help customers customize payment plans that fit their budget.
- City Light’s Project Share: Funded by community donations, this program provides a $250 bill credit each year for qualifying households.
- SPU’s Emergency Assistance Program (EAP): Provides short-term financial aid for income-qualified customers facing sudden income loss — up to $518 per year, or $1,036 for households with children under 18.
- City Light’s Emergency Bill Assistance Program: Offers up to $710 per year, or $1,420 for households with children, to reduce past-due balances.
- Utility Discount Program (UDP): Offers long-term help, reducing future bills by 50% for SPU and 60% for City Light customers who qualify.
Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers outside of Seattle city limits may also qualify for assistance programs, as both utilities serve neighboring communities across the region. Residents can learn more and apply online at the Utility Bill Help site or call (206) 684-3000 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.) for personalized assistance. Free interpretation services are available.
Together, these supports give residents multiple ways to connect to city resources designed to help relieve financial strain and provide assistance when it’s needed most.
What People Are Saying
Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities
“We want to support our customers through these uncertain times as they navigate financial challenges. Our customer care team is prepared to work with anyone impacted so they don’t have to worry about their utility bills while waiting for their paychecks.”
Dawn Lindell, General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light.
“We know that in times of financial uncertainty it can be hard to ask for assistance. We want customers to know that there are options available for everyone, and we want to help.”