Seattle Hosts Resource Fair To Support Federal Workers During Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Seattle is stepping in to support impacted workers with direct access to essential resources. On Thursday, October 30, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will host a Federal Workers Resource Fair at Seattle City Hall, offering assistance to federal employees and contractors affected by the shutdown.

The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of City Hall (600 4th Ave, Seattle) and is open to all federal workers and contractors across the region, not just those living within Seattle city limits. A broad coalition of public agencies and nonprofit organizations will be on-site to provide support, including Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Food Lifeline, BECU, Essentials First, the United Way of King County, Washington State’s Employment Security Department, and others.

“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.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal added that the shutdown is placing real pressure on workers and their families.

“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 Jayapal. “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, Seattle continues to offer year-round affordability programs to help residents manage the rising cost of essential services such as utilities, transportation, food, childcare, and internet.

Seattle’s Assistance and Discounts page serves as a one-stop hub connecting residents with dozens of programs that help reduce everyday expenses. The City also encourages use of Seattle CiviForm — an award-winning online platform that streamlines applications and securely reuses resident information to help them access multiple programs at once.

Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light both offer flexible payment plans and financial assistance to customers who need support. These programs include:

• SPU and PromisePay: Customers with past-due balances of $100 or more can enroll in flexible, interest-free payment plans online.
• Customized Payment Plans: Both utilities offer personalized payment options.
• City Light’s Project Share: A community-funded program offering up to $250 in bill credits per year for eligible households.
• SPU Emergency Assistance Program (EAP): Provides up to $518 annually, or $1,036 for families with children under 18, for qualifying households.
• City Light’s Emergency Bill Assistance: Offers up to $710 per year, or $1,420 for families with children.
• Utility Discount Program (UDP): Offers long-term relief, reducing bills by 50% for SPU and 60% for City Light for income-qualified customers.

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities, emphasized the agency’s commitment to helping residents during this period.

“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,” said Lee.

Seattle City Light CEO Dawn Lindell echoed that sentiment.

“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,” said Lindell.

Both utilities serve communities beyond Seattle, so many residents in surrounding areas may also qualify for assistance. More information is available at the Utility Bill Help site or by calling (206) 684-3000 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free interpretation services are available.