The City of Kenmore partnered with Health Management Associates (HMA), a national research and consulting firm, to conduct a needs assessment to learn more about what support systems our community needs to help residents through economic and personal crisis and provide opportunities for all Kenmore residents to thrive. Outreach included interviews and focus groups, as well as a community survey. The information gained – drawn from data and lived experience - on the broad spectrum of human service needs and gaps in service are essential to developing human services strategies that are responsive to the needs of all community members. The assessment will also provide a touchstone for monitoring progress towards desired goals and objectives for the City’s Human Services team and the community.

The first phase of the City of Kenmore’s Human Services Needs Assessment community engagement process concluded in March 2024, and included a community survey, focus groups and key stakeholder interviews. The results, including draft guiding principles, key findings, and funding priorities, were presented to the Kenmore City Council at a Study Session on March 25, 2024.

Timestamped presentation to Kenmore City Council: https://www.youtube.com/live/nPPySy_07dY?si=D0lFHGl7dvjfOUog&t=2531

The City provided the community an opportunity to review and comment on the guiding principles, key findings, and funding priorities from March 25, 2024 to June 14, 2024, including a Human Services Workshop held at City Hall on May 6, 2024. The final report was adopted by Council on July 22, 2024.

 City of Kenmore Human Services Needs Assessment Final Report

The guiding principles, key findings and funding priorities developed through the needs assessment process will guide the funding determination for the 2025-2026 Human Services Grant Program and strategic planning for 2025-2030. Developing the Human Services Needs Assessment is only the first step; the next phase, strategic planning, will identify activities and programs to achieve the plan’s goals and address the community’s needs. These activities and programs may require additional staffing, consulting services, budget and community support. A term-limited Human Services Advisory Committee will be formed in fall 2024 and will play a key role in the creation of the Human Services Strategic Plan, which is anticipated to be delivered to the City Council in early 2025.

The Human Services Advisory Committee will advise the Housing and Human Services Manager and City Manager concerning human services strategic planning and grant funding recommendations. The advisory committee is a term-limited group composed of 7-10 people who reside, own a business, work, or are a student in Kenmore. At least one committee member will be under the age of 20. 

Learn more about the Advisory Committee and application process on the Human Services Advisory Committee page. 

Human Services Advisory Group Charter