City of Seattle Budget Process
The City of Seattle follows a biennial (two-year) budget process in which the City Council approves funding for year one while endorsing the amounts for year two. The current biennium period is 2025-2026.
Jan.-Aug.
Budget monitoring and development
City Budget Office monitors current budget and spending
City Budget Office gives budget guidance to departments based on revenue forecasts and other factors
Departments develop proposed budgets; City Budget Office supports Mayor to build the full budget based on proposals
Sept.
Mayor proposes budget
Mayor announces proposed budget, usually in late September
City Budget Office publishes proposed budget documents
Oct.-Nov.
City Council budget deliberations
Seattle City Council considers the proposed budget and holds public hearings
Councilmembers propose and vote on amendments
Nov.-Dec.
City Council approves final budget
Seattle City Council votes to approve the budget, usually in late November
Mayor can choose to approve the Council’s budget, veto it, or let it become law without mayoral signature
Per state law, budget must be adopted by December 2 (30 days before the fiscal year)