SEATTLE — Seattle residents will have a chance Tuesday, October 6, to weigh in on Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed $9.1 billion 2027-2028 budget, as the City Council considers what stays, what changes, and what gets cut before adopting a final spending plan.
The City Council is holding a public hearing giving people an opportunity to comment on priorities ranging from housing and homelessness to police, fire and other city services.
Wilson has said she inherited a General Fund deficit estimated at $175 million and is proposing a budget aimed at putting Seattle on more stable financial footing without relying on new major taxes.
The Office of Housing would receive $347.7 million in 2027, which covers rental and homeownership investments, operating costs, and administration.
The proposal also maintains $183.5 million in ongoing investments to address homelessness, including $37 million to establish nearly 1,000 shelter units by the end of 2027. The city estimates those shelters would serve about 2,000 people annually.
Public safety is another major piece of the proposal.
The Seattle Police Department’s proposed 2027 budget is $556 million, an increase of $68 million, or 13.9%, compared with the 2026 adopted budget. The proposal funds 1,250 officers in 2027 and 2028, 66 more than were funded in the 2026 adopted budget.
But balancing the budget also means cuts.
The city proposes more than $50 million in General Fund spending reductions each year and would eliminate 128 city positions. Fifteen of those positions are currently filled and are expected to result in layoffs.
The Seattle Fire Department would receive $346 million under the proposal, while its overtime budget would be reduced by $7.1 million.
Seattle’s business community is welcoming the lack of new taxes, while firefighters are warning proposed cuts to their overtime budget could hurt emergency response.
Beyond public safety, the mayor is proposing $57 million for community food security in 2027, including money for food banks and meal programs. The proposal also provides $4 million in one-time funding for universal school meals at all Seattle Public Schools.
The budget would also expand access to public restrooms and youth programs, while continuing investments in immigrant and refugee services.
Wilson’s administration says the proposal is intended to break Seattle’s recent cycle of dealing with projected annual deficits through temporary measures.
The public will have another opportunity to comment on the budget on November 5 before the council works toward adopting a final budget.
Remote public comment for Tuesday’s hearing begins at 1 p.m., with in-person public comment beginning at 5 p.m. at Seattle City Hall.
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