City of Seattle

This document outlines the proposed Strategic Business Plan Rate Path for Seattle Public Utilities' Water, Drainage & Wastewater, and Solid Waste funds for the 2025-2030 period. It details financial projections, specific annual rate increases, and key drivers such as operational expenses and capital investments. The plan includes revenue and expenditure assumptions, identifies potential risks, and highlights financial indicators to ensure adherence to policy targets and overall financial health. It also incorporates considerations for demand trends and the Utility Discount Program.

This document, "Appendix B -- Community Research and Outreach Summary," details the methodology and findings of extensive research and community outreach efforts conducted by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). These efforts aim to inform the organization's 2025-2030 Strategic Business Plan Update by gathering customer and community perspectives. The research encompassed community outreach, Voice of the Customer research, qualitative QualBoards, and a comprehensive residential customer survey. Key themes identified include general satisfaction with SPU services, particularly drinking water, but also highlight concerns regarding affordability, the need for improved city cleanliness, and limited awareness of SPU's full range of services, climate change initiatives, and financial assistance programs. The plan emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and diverse engagement strategies, with identified opportunities for enhancing internal insight sharing, external feedback loops, and coordinated research.

This document presents the Customer Review Panel's comments on Seattle Public Utilities' proposed Strategic Business Plan Update for 2025-2030. The plan prioritizes four strategic areas: Affordability and Accessibility, Asset Management and Infrastructure, SPU Workforce, and Climate Resiliency. The objective is to ensure equitable and affordable access to basic services, maintain existing assets while building resilient infrastructure, develop a diverse and supported workforce, and proactively prepare for climate change impacts by prioritizing overburdened communities.

This document outlines Seattle Public Utilities' strategic priorities for affordability and accountability. It addresses challenges faced by customers, particularly low-income residents impacted by rising costs, and the utility, including aging infrastructure and climate change. The plan commits to improving ratepayer affordability and business performance through transparent pricing, enhanced customer assistance programs, cost minimization, and increased transparency in reporting. The overarching goal is to deliver high-quality service at the lowest predictable rates while demonstrating results and meeting commitments.

This strategic business plan update for Seattle Public Utilities outlines its commitment to protecting natural resources from climate change and pollution, maintaining utility systems, and investing in communities. Its mission is to equitably manage water and waste resources for healthy populations, environments, and economies, guided by principles including customer and community focus, affordability, resilience, equity, and service. The plan focuses on equitable delivery of essential services, environmental and health protection, empowering customers, community, and employees, and strengthening business practices. It also addresses future utility price changes, projecting tariff increases from 2025-2030.