Muni News
VOLUME 90, ISSUE 3  - MARCH 2000

THE URBAN LEAGUE OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
By James Kelly, President & CEO

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle was founded 70 years ago. The organization came into prominence through political influence and effecting public policy, through the Civil Rights activities in the ‘60’s, focus on Affirmative Action in the ‘70’s, and working hard for economic development and economic equality in the '80's and ‘90’s.

The ULMS services have long included programs to assist people with housing, medical care, financial aid, and employment opportunity and at one time child adoptions. Many of our services evolved out of the needs of our community and the needs of those who had nowhere else to turn. We remained a population not entitled to public dollars or equal government support.

Over the decades we have addressed accountability for segregation, discrimination and inequality. While some consciousness has been raised and progress has been made, much remains to be done. The struggle against racism, discrimination and the fight for equal opportunity remains with us today.

The ULMS will enter the year 2000 with a proactive role in public policy issues, expansion of services the organization is historically known to provide, and a view to the future for African Americans, people of color and poor people.

The ULMS has established an agenda for the 21st Century and the year 2000 that includes: Support for Governor Locke’s supplemental budget proposal to add more than $1billion to local school funding over five years through a Learning Improvement Property Tax Credit.

ULMS supports legislation and Governor Locke's supplemental budget request that provides $5.2 million in grants to implement policies, training and school security.

ULMS supports a patients’ Bill of Rights. Medical decision belongs with individuals and their doctors.

In Seattle and King County the ULMS will respond to the public’s request for our input into government commissions, appointments and political events.

As the ULMS moves into the 21st century we will look for new opportunities to partner in venues to better serve our client population and all people who seek our support in Seattle.

A new energy, a new century and a new opportunity to lead in the community, city and region, as well as exploring new ventures, expanding and reaching what hasn’t been tried before, will be part of the ULMS agenda in the year 2000 and on.