Budget legislation proposals strengthen long-term fiscal accountability for both the Mayor and City Council

SEATTLE – In the midst of the City addressing an estimated $175 million budget deficit, Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9) is proposing new legislation aimed at eliminating large city budget deficits in the future. Councilmember Foster’s good governance budget legislation will mandate that the mayor submit balanced financial plans for the General Fund and JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax Fund in future years. Separate budget legislation also requests that final budgets passed by the City Council maintain balanced financial plans for the same period of time.  

“There are many factors contributing to the fiscal challenges we face today, but one thing that’s clear is that Seattle cannot continue balancing its budget one year at a time while leaving significant ongoing deficits for future leaders to address,” said Councilmember Dionne Foster. “For the first time in years, we have a budget that does not forecast a deficit in the out-years. We have a responsibility to build on that progress and establish a higher standard of fiscal accountability. That responsibility doesn’t rest with the mayor alone. The City Council should also account for the financial decisions we make and their long-term impacts. This legislation is about making long-term financial stability a consistent part of how we govern, so we can protect the services our communities depend on and ensure Seattle remains strong for years to come.”

“Fiscal responsibility is how we can ensure the good policies Seattleites deserve are sustainable. Progressive good governance is responsible stewarding of public dollars in service to the needs of our community. Councilmember Foster’s proposed budget legislation is just the latest example of the difference between elected officials who talk the talk of fiscal responsibility and progressives who walk the walk,” said Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8).

“We required the mayor to submit a budget this year that shows a balanced budget through 2030. The City Council should be held to the same standard. It’s good for residents and businesses to see their city leaders taking responsibility for our financial future while also providing necessary services for everyone in community,” said Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2).

“Across Washington state, municipalities are struggling to keep pace with residents’ needs and with critical investments in public services. Much of that challenge stems from our state’s antiquated tax code and the constraints it puts on local governments. We have much more work to do to solve that problem. Today, our local leaders face challenging decisions, but they also must continue to anticipate the future needs of residents and plan for protecting services in the long term. Councilmember Foster’s proposal asks the City Council and the mayor to uphold a high standard for balancing the City budget in the short term and to create a balanced financial plan in the long term, demonstrating a high standard for good governance.” – Eli Taylor Goss, Executive Director of Washington State Budget and Policy Center

Background

Based on a requirement in “Seattle Shield” legislation approved by voters in 2025, the Mayor submitted balanced financial plans for the General Fund and JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax through 2030. However, this balancing requirement was only for the 2027 budget.

What the legislation does

Councilmember Foster’s proposed legislation aims to maintain a balanced budget when proposed by the mayor in future years.  

As an additional sustainability enhancement, Councilmember Foster’s proposal will require that financial plans remain balanced after incorporating the decisions of the City Council, a change from the “Seattle Shield” requirement that only required balanced plans be provided by the mayor. Both measures are envisioned as a departure from recent years’ practice of producing city budgets year-to-year that show large future year deficits.

What’s next

The City Council is currently in the middle of the 2027-28 budget process. Councilmember Foster’s proposal will be discussed during a series of briefings that will take place beginning on Oct. 27. Members of the public are encouraged to voice their support, including at the next public hearing on Nov. 5.

A full list of public comment opportunities, including an overview of the budget process, is available on the City Council webpage.  

# # #