Seattle mayor’s $8.9 billion budget proposal does not include any layoffs

(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposed 2026 budget contains no layoffs and has a full preserved fiscal reserve fund.

Harrell’s 2026 budget totals approximately $8.9 billion in appropriations overall, including $2 billion in the general fund. That is an increase from $8.2 billion in overall appropriations and $1.91 billion general fund this year.

Seattle faced a budget deficit of nearly $200 million at one point, However, in his announcement video, Harrell said Seattle avoided dipping into its “rainy day” fund by extending its hiring freeze, stopped nonessential travel, training and technology upgrades.

Harrell’s budget proposal also contains funding from proposals that have not been approved yet: a business and occupation tax restructure that is projected to bring in $81 million in new revenue, and a 0.1% sales tax increase for public safety needs.

According to Harrell, his budget proposal focuses on “proven solutions for the challenges of today.” Those challenges include homelessness, affordability, accessibility to food, and childcare.

Harrell’s budget announcement video mentioned President Donald Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr. multiple times due to the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending and threats to prevent funding for Seattle for not complying with multiple executive orders regarding immigration enforcement and DEI policies. Last month, Donald Trump Jr. referred to Seattle and Portland, Ore., as “craphole cities,” adding that the federal government should take over the city’s policing.

“While Trump and his family lob lies and insults at our beautiful city, look around us: This is a craphole? Really?” Harrell asked while looking over Seattle’s recently finished waterfront restoration project totaling $800 million. “We’re writing our own narrative, a narrative that recognizes we’ve come a long way from the pandemic, but that we still have work to do.”

Highlighted funding in the 2026 proposal include $349.5 million toward affordable housing, $225 million in homelessness response, and $52 million in food access, among others.

The Seattle City Council will begin deliberations on the proposed budget starting on Thursday with continued presentations over the next two months. Public hearings on the 2026 budget are scheduled for Oct. 7 and Nov. 6. The city council currently plans on holding a final vote on the 2026 budget on Nov. 21.