Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has presented his proposed biennial budget of $1.87 billion, which has a distinct focus on human services and public safety.

The proposed general budget totals $920 million in 2009 and $952 million in 2010. The Seattle City Council will spend the next two months reviewing the budget to determine if any funds should be cut or reallocated to balance the budget. Cities by law must balance each budget.

Nickel's proposed budget includes a record breaking $52.5 million, of the general fund, for human services to benefit for the city's less fortunate.

"In these tough economic times, we simply have more people in need," Nickels said in a press release. "A compassionate city cares for those who are struggling, especially in these difficult times."

One major program included in those funds is Housing First, a strategy that provides additional housing support for the chronically homeless. The program accounts for $2.12 million and is anticipated to provide 569 housing units by 2011.

Seattle City Councilmember Richard McIver, chair of the Housing and Economic Development committee, was pleased to see strategies for affordable housing included in Nickel's budget.

"We want to make sure that Seattle remains a livable city," McIver said.

Nickel's budget also includes funds to support food distribution, including purchasing food in bulk and delivery to homes.

Additional funds have also been allocated to seniors on Medicaid, with the creation of 15 case management positions added between 2009 and 2010.

"We want to make sure we've given the seniors a fair shake," McIver said. "We can talk about youth all we want, but we have an aging society and we need to make sure we pay attention to them."

Neighborhood improvement projects, including the renovation of Colman Pool and upgrades for ball fields in Delridge are also included.

"I like that the mayor's budget protects core city services," said Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess. "But all the details really matter, so we'll be getting into those over the next few weeks."

Public safety programs account for 53 percent of Nickel's proposed general budget, adding up to $493.9 million. Included is funding for 42 new uniformed police officers between 2009 and 2010.

Additionally, more than $9.2 million will fund the new Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. While overall crime in the city is at its lowest in 40 years, Youth Crime has been stagnant. During 2008 four teenagers have been killed.

The initiative would coordinate three neighborhood networks in southeast, southwest and central Seattle to address approximately 800 young people each year who are at risk for perpetuating, or being victims, of violence. The city's goal is to cut the juvenile crime rate in Seattle by 50 percent within a year.

$3.6 million of the programs funds have been redirected from other city sources, which caused some concern for Council member Jean Godden.

"He's putting a lot of money into (the initiative)," Godden said. "I would like to know where it came from."

Approximately $46.7 million from the general budget will be spent on transportation and utilities. Construction of the Spokane Street Viaduct is expected to begin later this year, and funds in Nickel's proposed budget would strengthen and widen the viaduct while providing a new ramp for traffic from West Seattle.

Utility replacement would also be covered while the Alaskan Way Viaduct is replaced.

Through funds from Bridging the Gap and King County's Proposition 2 Levy, the Burke-Gilman trail's missing link will also be completed.

Finally, $3.5 million will benefit pedestrian safety and provide 26 blocks of new sidewalks as well as 26 lane-miles of repaved streets.

Arts, culture and recreation also take a large portion of the general budget, totaling $155 million or 17 percent. Nickels has proposed a tax exemption on ticket sales to support Seattle's live music scene.

Despite a national economic crisis, Seattle has continued to see revenue growth. The City has maintained its emergency reserve fund and built up a $30.6 million Rainy Day fund in case of a local recession.

Still, the city is facing rising costs of health care, salaries and gas prices.

"Our budget is in better shape than any other city I know," said Council President Richard Conlin. "We've been very careful and frugal about the way we've budgeted over the last few years. But the economic times are pretty uncertain, so we're going to really have to tighten our belts and possibly make some tough decisions."

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com