SEATTLE, Wash. — Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed $9.1 billion budget could shift more money to the Seattle Police Department and less to the Seattle Fire Department.
Seattle City Council convened Thursday morning to discuss the budget proposal and hear feedback from city departments.
The proposed 2027 budget represents a 2.2% increase in overall city spending. Despite that increase, the proposal calls for more than $50 million in annual General Fund reductions and would eliminate 128 city positions, including 15 filled positions that could be subject to layoffs.
According to Thursday’s discussion, the proposed budget would increase the police department’s budget. SPD would receive about $556 million, roughly $68 million more than in 2026. This increase would mostly come from higher wages negotiated by the department’s union.
However, police will also take a cut in funds for recruiting new officers. Department leaders told councilors Thursday that a large portion of the city’s law enforcement are officers in training and can help fill any perceived staffing gaps soon.
Not all departments are pleased with the proposal. Leaders with the Seattle Fire Department say funding cuts could limit the overtime the department can pay its firefighters, reducing the number of crews available to respond to emergencies.
The proposed budget would cut funds for crew overtime by just over $7 million, although overall funding to the fire department is expected to decrease by only about $4.5 million as funds are added for hiring more firefighters, utilities, and maintenance.
The proposal also maintains spending on housing and homelessness, including more than $300 million for affordable housing, $37 million for a shelter accelerator, and $183.5 million in ongoing investments.