For Immediate Release 
Sept. 24, 2026 

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Dan Strauss 

CONTACT: Jesse Franz, Councilmember Strauss’ Office
(206) 819-8786 or jesse.franz@seattle.gov  

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), chair of the Select Budget Committee, kicked off its annual budget process this morning.  

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson delivered her proposed $9.1 billion budget to the council on Tuesday. Over the next two months, the Select Budget Committee will review, amend, and pass a balanced 2027-2028 city budget.  

“My focus in this budget is safety, affordability, and stability. Over the past few years, we have made major strides in addressing the city’s structural budget deficit while maintaining the public services that working Seattleites depend on. That work is paying off. At the same time, I have concerns with parts of this proposal, including the significant cuts to CARE Community Crisis Responders and reductions to the Seattle Fire Department’s budget. I look forward to working with the community and my council colleagues to review and improve this proposal,” said Councilmember Strauss.  

What’s happening this week? 

The Select Budget Committee began hearing from departments about the mayor’s proposed budget. The departments presenting can be found below: 

• Today: City Budget Office, Seattle Parks and Recreations, Seattle Center, and Office of Arts and Culture 

• Tomorrow: Seattle Police Department, Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE), and Seattle Fire Department 

Opportunities for Community Feedback 

The Seattle City Council is working to hear community feedback before it adopts the budget. The council will host six public comment periods and two larger-scale public hearings.  

Public comment periods 

• September 24 @ 9:30 a.m. 

• October 13 @ 9:30 a.m. 

• October 27 @ 9:30 a.m. 

• November 13 @ 9:30 a.m. 

• November 20 @ 1 p.m. 

Public hearings 

• October 6
  • Remote public comment begins at 1 p.m.
  • In-person public comment begins at 5 p.m.
• November 5
  • Remote public comment begins at 1 p.m.
  • In-person public comment begins at 5 p.m. 

Members of the community can review the council’s Budget Basic webpage to learn more about how they can make their voice heard.  

About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing 800,000 constituents – seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.