Seattle Mayor Proposes $9.1 Billion Budget as Council Begins Review
Seattle is a city in King County, Washington. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has proposed a $9.1 billion budget for 2027 as the city works to address continuing financial shortfalls, The Center Square reported on October 16. The proposal avoids major new taxes but includes higher overall spending and some fee increases.
The plan eliminates mostly vacant positions, shifts expenses between funds and uses available balances to help close budget gaps. City Councilmember Dan Strauss praised the proposed investments in housing, while another councilmember voiced support for Seattle Center funding and potential public-private partnerships.
Public safety is another major focus of the review. Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Wynne argued the city must examine spending priorities and create a stronger environment for business growth to avoid recurring deficits. Seattle Police Guild President Ken Liu questioned how much of the proposed police funding increase would actually support additional officers, noting that much of the spending growth reflects previously negotiated labor obligations. The City Council will now review the proposed budget.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：西雅图市政厅。图片来源：Seattle City Council，Wikimedia Commons，CC0。Photo: Seattle City Hall. Image: Seattle City Council, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
