SEATTLE — As the City of Seattle grapples with a potential budget deficit of over $200 million in 2025, Mayor Bruce Harrell has issued a hiring freeze for many of the city's departments.
The freeze will have exceptions, including hiring of first responders like police, fire and other positions that provide essential public services. Employees backfilling for others on paid parental or family care leave and vacant positions where an offer was extended before Jan. 19 are also excluded.
The Mayor's Office confirmed through a spokesperson that a significant financial gap is forecasted for 2025, with an over $229 million deficit looming.
"Mayor Harrell remains committed to thoughtfully considering all factors, including the potential for new or adjusted revenue sources, to help the City reach a sustainable fiscal trajectory," said Jamie Housen, the director of communications for Harrell's office.
Although Seattle operated with a surplus budget in 2021 and most of 2022, a significant decline in revenue expectations will widen the deficit gap through 2026.
This comes as the Seattle City Council just turned over two-thirds of its members in January, ushering in a new era of leadership in The Emerald City.
Seattle is not the only western Washington municipality dealing with a budget shortfall in coming years.
King County leadership revealed in April 2023 that a $100 million shortfall is expected in 2025, which it claims is due to a limitation on property tax collection.
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