Mayor Harrell’s 2025-2026 Proposed Budget for DON

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/24/2024 05:39 PM PDT
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Mayor Harrell's 2025-2026 Budget Proposal

Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell is releasing the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget. In this budget, Mayor Harrell is continuing to make needed investments and take bold action to address the urgent needs of our communities and advance our One Seattle priorities. Mayor Harrell’s budget proposal remains focused on strengthening public safety, creating housing affordability, and supporting healthy, vibrant, and thriving communities, while also responding to a $251 million general fund deficit with a balanced budget. The general fund deficit and fiscal position meant difficult choices that were not required in past budget cycles.  

Like every other City department, the Department of Neighborhoods had to make some tough decisions to reduce costs. We examined our budget through the lens of our core strategies: relationships, investments, and capacity building. We identified ways that we could make reductions that would allow us to maintain the integrity of our programs and minimize the impact on our staff and community. 

Below are some highlights of major changes for the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) in the Mayor’s 2025-26 Proposed Budget:  

  • A Strategic Shift in Equity and Engagement 
    In 2025-2026, we will expand our Strategic Partnerships program by entering agreements with additional City departments. DON is well-positioned to support Mayor Harrell’s One Seattle vision, ensuring city services are delivered equitably and inclusively across all communities. 

  • Decrease in Staffing 
    To meet our budget allocation and maintain our core services, DON will be reducing our overall staff by eliminating six positions, five of which are currently vacant, across the department. 

  • Reductions in Grant Funding 
    In order to address revenue shortfalls in both the City’s general fund and the Sweetened Beverage Tax Fund, the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget reduces DON’s overall grant awards. 

    • Neighborhood Matching Fund awards will be reduced by $208,000 in 2025 and $228,000 in 2026. This will result in 4 to 6 fewer awards to community-led projects each year, out of the approximately 20 to 30 awards typically given annually. 
    • Food Equity Fund awards will be decreased by $231,000 starting in 2026. This will result in 3 to 5 fewer awards to community-led projects in 2026. This decision is a response to the declining funds in the Sweetened Beverage Tax Fund. 

Moving forward, DON remains committed to empowering communities and fostering meaningful civic engagement. We will continue to work closely with our partners, community-based organizations, and residents to build a city where everyone feels connected and has a voice. 

For more details on the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget and what it means for Seattle, please read Mayor Harrell’s press release at: https://harrell.seattle.gov/2024/09/24/mayor-harrell-announces-2025-2026-budget-proposal/

Over the next two months, the City Council will review the Mayor’s 2025-2026 Proposed Budget. Public hearings are on October 16 and November 12. Final adoption of the budget is expected on Tuesday, November 21.  

If you have any questions, please send them directly to MOS_COMMS@seattle.gov. 

Sincerely, 

Jenifer Chao, Director