SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled his 2025-2026 budget proposal on Tuesday, which includes more than $8 billion on appropriations and would balance the city's $250 million deficit.
"My guiding principle as mayor is that it is my obligation to you, the people of Seattle, to do our best to spend every dollar we have toward the needs of the city and its people in a responsible, efficient, effective way," Harrell said in an hour-long speech inside Seattle City Council chambers.
The proposal includes $8.3 billion in appropriations overall and includes $916 million for public safety services; $264 million for education and human services; $145 million in arts, culture and recreation; $91 million in utilities, transportation and the environment.
Harrell is also proposing a $342 million investment in affordable housing in 2025, with another $343 million for the following year.
"I believe we met our commitment to you, the residents of Seattle. This strategy allowed us to put every dollar we have toward the needs of our city," said Harrell. "Together we are building a great city, clawing our way back to a city we love so much."
He said the plan does not include tax increases and does not require major employment cuts, although 159 city positions will be eliminated. Harrell said about half of those are currently vacant.
Police, fire and homeless response services will not be impacted, Harrell said.