Overview
- The City Council voted unanimously to pass the 2026 budget totaling about $8.9 billion.
- Housing commitments reach new highs with roughly $349 million for affordable housing and nearly $65 million for social housing.
- The plan directs $225 million to homelessness services and adds $11.8 million to emergency reserves to cushion federal cuts to shelter and housing programs.
- Public safety spending rises with investments in Seattle Police and Fire, drug treatment, and community safety initiatives.
- Revenues hinge on a voter-approved B&O tax restructuring projected to raise $81 million and a state-authorized 0.1% public safety sales tax, as members press for proven outcomes and flag a projected $140 million 2027 deficit while the budget heads to Mayor Bruce Harrell and sets the blueprint for Mayor-elect Katie Wilson.