City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following the mayor’s announcement of his 2026 Budget proposal earlier today.

This is my fourth budget on the City Council and every year my approach is driven by the most urgent needs our constituents are experiencing in their daily lives – on the street, in our parks, at work, on public transit – and the extent to which it addresses them.

As I delve into the details of the mayor’s proposed budget and evaluate my colleagues’ amendments to it, I’ll be paying particular attention to changes to the base budget which indicate a policy shift or reprioritization. Public trust is based on accountability and it’s our duty to examine the outcomes of our investments and make changes if necessary.

Through the years we’ve strengthened our capacity to make better informed decisions, and last year the Council requested 35 different reports from city departments which we have received throughout 2025. Those reports, on topics like police hiring and retention, vacancy rates in city-funded apartment buildings, and supporting small businesses, provide the basis for how we will go about making any changes.

As we kick off budget season today, my focus will be on:

• Expanding treatment options and services to better address our public safety and chronic homelessness
• Protecting the most vulnerable in our city from reductions in services from the federal government and direct attacks on personal and civil liberties from the Trump administration
• Affordable housing
• Public safety
• Protecting and enhancing the Office of Economic Development’s support for small businesses

Now let’s get to work.

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