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)

Budget Office

Dan Eder, Acting Director
Address: 600 4th Ave, Floor 6, Seattle, WA, 98124
Mailing Address: PO Box 94747, Seattle, WA, 98124-4747
Phone: (206) 615-1962
Fax: (206) 233-0022
CBO@seattle.gov

City Budget Office oversees all aspect of the city's budget. The web site includes current and archived budgets, capital improvement programs, economic updates and other related information.