The Seattle City Council’s budget committee unanimously passed the 2026 budget, making record investments in improving safety and affordability for working families. “From the start, I have said this budget needs to be about making Seattle safer and more affordable for working families. I’m proud that today, the Council passed a budget that does just that,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss...
Dan Strauss
Posts from Councilmember Strauss
Seattle City Council Passes 2026 Budget: Summary of what’s included
The Seattle City Council’s budget committee unanimously passed the 2026 budget making record investments in improving safety and affordability for working families. It focuses on affordability, homelessness, public safety, building community, and fiscal responsibility. The mayor released his budget proposal on September 23. After two months of intensive analysis and debate, which included 17 public committee meetings and feedback thousands...
Seattle Councilmembers welcome Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, commend Mayor Harrell for years of service
Today, following Katie Wilson’s projected election as Seattle’s next mayor and Mayor Bruce Harrell’s concession address, city councilmembers issued the following statements. Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) “The voters have spoken, calling for change and a renewed focus on affordability, community, and fighting back against a resurgent Trump agenda. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Bruce...
Councilmember Strauss releases budget focused on improving safety & affordability for working families
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), Chair of the Select Budget Committee, released his Balancing Package focused on improving safety and affordability for working families in Seattle. “This budget is about making investments for a safer, more affordable Seattle for working families. As the federal government continues to pursue inflationary economic policies that hurt small businesses and step back from its...
Summary of Chair Dan Strauss’ 2026 Balancing Package
Seattle City Council Budget Chair Dan Strauss (District 6) released his Balancing Package on November 4, 2025 with a focus on making Seattle work better for working families. It focuses on affordability, homelessness, public safety, building community, and fiscal responsibility. What is the Balancing Package? The Balancing Package is put together each year by the budget chair and serves as...
Councilmember Strauss kicks off budget deliberations with focus on working families
The Seattle City Council’s budget process is now underway. Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), chair of the Council’s Budget Committee, released the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced his budget proposal today. “We need a safer, more affordable city where working families can thrive. As the federal government rolls back social services and pursues inflationary economic policies that make...
Take the Comp Plan Survey on District 6 Neighborhood Centers
Our Comprehensive Plan survey is now live! The Seattle City Council is getting ready to take final votes on the Comprehensive Plan and legislation to comply with House Bill 1110 (the “middle housing” bill), and Councilmember Strauss wants your feedback. Background on the Comp Plan The Comprehensive Plan is the city’s 20-year roadmap for how our city grows and updating it...
Councilmember Strauss celebrates appointment of Councilmember Juarez
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) released the following statement after the Seattle City Council voted to appoint Debora Juarez, who was twice elected by the people of District 5, to fill the vacant seat on Council. “I’m so happy to welcome Councilmember Juarez back to the Seattle City Council. She has a track record of getting things done for District...
Councilmember Strauss, advocates rally to save popular environmental education program for Seattle kids
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) joined advocates at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park today to advocate for fully funding the Seattle’s renowned environmental learning program. Thousands of kids could lose access to the program next year due to budget cuts. Councilmember Strauss has proposed an amendment that would preserve full funding for the program through the Every Child Ready Initiative. “A...
Councilmembers call to reschedule Stadium District rezone vote after receiving 9 new amendments yesterday
Seattle City Councilmembers Dan Strauss (District 6) and Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) are requesting to reschedule the Stadium District rezone legislation scheduled for a final Council vote later today. This comes after nine new amendments were released yesterday afternoon. The Seattle City Council has been considering fiercely debated legislation proposed by Council President Sara Nelson to rezone industrial lands...
Seattle City Council signs letter in support of federal workers targeted for layoffs
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) brought forward a letter today in support of federal workers threatened or targeted by layoffs. All seven of his Council colleagues in attendance at the inaugural meeting of the Council’s Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes added their names to the letter. The text of the letter can be found below:...
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss’ 2024-in-Review
Dear Neighbor, Happy New Year! As we conclude the year, we are reflecting on the work my team and I accomplished in 2024. We hit the ground running last January, had a number of transitions on the team, and closed out the year strong. In this blog we highlight many, but not all, of the policies, projects, and community events...