Mayor Wilson’s 2027–2028 Proposed Budget focuses on responsible fiscal management of public funds for the people of Seattle. After years of unsustainable one-time fixes that did not address the deficit in future years, the mayor’s first budget begins the important, necessary work of stabilizing Seattle’s budget so that the City can continue to provide essential services.
The decisions in this proposed budget are not easy and come amid a difficult backdrop of an inherited ongoing General Fund deficit compounded by actions taken at the federal level. At the same time, the proposed budget continues significant investment in Seattle’s human services system and in the community-based organizations that help residents meet basic needs, remain housed, find shelter and safety, and connect to support.
For the Human Services Department, key highlights include:
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Significant investment in shelter and homelessness services, including $18.3 million in ongoing investment to support the Mayor’s Shelter Acceleration Initiative and expanded shelter capacity.
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The proposed return of City-funded homelessness contracts from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Approximately $113 million in City-funded homelessness contracts currently administered by KCRHA would return to HSD in 2027. HSD’s priority will be continuity for people receiving services and a smooth transition for providers.
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Continued investment in community-based providers, including $10.2 million in annual contract inflation adjustments intended to help eligible providers respond to rising costs and support the workforce delivering services.
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Helping people remain housed, the proposed budget includes an additional $6.5 million in homelessness prevention funding to help households avoid entering the homelessness system.
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Maintained or increased investments in key human services, including food and nutrition, youth and family supports, and services for older adults and adults with disabilities.
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Supporting safety, stability, and wellbeing. The proposal includes $500,000 for a Queer and Trans Stabilization Fund for residents experiencing significant need to access essential resources and community support.
The proposed budget also includes reductions and changes to some HSD-funded services. Several one-time investments are ending, some programs are proposed to move to other City departments, and some investments are being reduced where HSD identified opportunities to reduce duplication, changing needs, or other areas where resources could be redirected.
We recognize that even when funding was intended to be temporary, the end or reduction of an investment can affect organizations, staff, and residents who have come to rely on those services. HSD is reviewing these changes carefully, including potential equity and service impacts.
The proposed budget is the beginning of the City Council’s budget review process, not the final adopted budget. Council will review the proposal over the next two months, with final adoption expected on November 20.
For organizations directly affected by proposed funding or program changes, HSD will provide additional information about specific impacts, timelines, and next steps as those details are confirmed. Providers should continue operating under their current agreements unless they receive direct communication from HSD indicating otherwise.
We value the work our community partners do every day and will continue to communicate as the budget process moves forward.
For more information on the proposed budget, read the mayor’s press release here.
In community,
Tanya Kim
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