SEATTLE — Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson announced Wednesday she will work to preserve funding for the Seattle Channel after the mayor unveiled his proposed budget last week.
Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposed $8 billion 2025-2026 budget would reduce spending for the Seattle Channel by $1.6 million and eliminate six full-time employees, impacting programming.
According to the proposal, the city needs to balance the budget for the Seattle Channel, which airs on channel 21, because it has seen a decline in the funding it gets from the Cable Television Franchise fee, due to streaming.
“As a dedicated viewer for years, I know firsthand that Seattle Channel programming is a critical public service, supporting the arts, government transparency, and civic life in Seattle,” Nelson said. “In an age of media constriction, maintaining this programming is more important than ever. I believe there must be opportunities for less impactful adjustments, and we should start there.”
Harrell's proposal includes $8.3 billion in appropriations overall. It includes $916 million for public safety services, $264 million for education and human services, $145 million in arts, culture and recreation, and $91 million in utilities, transportation and the environment. It includes a $342 million investment in affordable housing in 2025, with another $343 million for the following year. It would also balance the city's $250 million deficit.
He said the plan does not include tax increases and does not require major employment cuts, although 159 city positions will be eliminated, including the six at the Seattle Channel. Harrell said about half of those are currently vacant.
The council is beginning its review of the proposed budget and amendments will be negotiated in the Select Budget Committee by Oct. 30.
