On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Tim Burgess sent legislation to the City Council that will require the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) to use results-based contracting when making its $105 million in annual investments in human services programs.
“Despite Seattle tremendous growth, we know that too many Seattle residents are struggling to make ends meet,” said Burgess. “When considering the overwhelming needs of our vulnerable populations and the City’s finite resources, we must work with service providers to ensure our safety net investments are evidence-based and meet agreed upon performance standards.”
According to city officials, The legislation strengthens and codifies the HSD’s existing performance-based, data-driven effort to invest in nonprofit organizations that demonstrate an ability to effectively serve those most in need. Using the data-driven framework, HSD will expand its contracts with community-based service providers for specific outcomes, while leveraging City resources for maximum impact on reducing racial and other disparities. This is to ensure the most critical human service needs are met.
Under the bill, HSD contracts would now offer incentive pay for performance, which provides increased compensation when planned outcomes are met or exceeded. It will also support opportunities for HSD and service providers to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of vulnerable populations by funding pilot projects for up to two years.
“The people of Seattle want both accountability and transparency in their government. This is good governance that I promote,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “The Human Services Department’s ongoing implementation of this performance based evaluation policy ensures accountability and transparency as we invest funds with our contractors. This is how we create the change we need.”
The legislation would also require that HSD rigorously evaluate new and existing programs, including evaluating whether a particular program has a measurable impact on identified racial disparities. The department would measure the quantity, quality, and impact of programs receiving taxpayer funding and use that information to make process improvements or funding changes.
“I am pleased to see the City of Seattle taking important steps to address race and equity by challenging individual, organizational and structural barriers that prevent equitable outcomes for all citizens,” said Dr. Margaret Spearmon of the UW School of Social Work. “This marks important progress and is integral to a future of thriving communities. Additionally, I applaud a commitment to deep and sustainable impact through results-based accountability.”
