The pandemic is still the main cause of many of the economic downturns over the last couple of years. Seattle’s Revenue and Forecast Council expects the city’s budget issues to be short-lived, with recovery expected to start by mid-2023. The budget has top dollars focused on domestic violence, homelessness, and food security providers, Equitable Development Initiative projects, Green New Deal investments, school-based health centers, and affordable housing.
The city is still not fully staffed. The council forecasts the city will not return to current city-wide employment levels until 2025. The budget has $253 million proposed for affordable housing. This is more than $50 million over the last budget for building rental housing, more supportive services, and first-time ownership opportunities.
The city is serious about housing as it’s investments into affordable housing went from $52 million in 2016, to around $200 million in 2022, to now $253 million. The Regional Homelessness Authority alone is seeking a 75% budget increase. The $50 million increase is due to JumpStart, a payroll tax that applies to Seattle companies with payrolls above $7 million.
Health is getting money priority. For instance, in the budget, there is an $18 million proposal for increased health centers in schools. This also includes a new $3 million investment in mental health services in response to the demand for more mental health providers by students impacted by gun violence.
“In the wake of the shooting at our high school, and the call for additional investments in mental health counselors, this budget invests in ongoing investments in violence reduction, as well as mental health counselors will be used as we seek as a city to help respond to the students demand for additional investment and safety,” said Seattle City Council at-large Member, Teresa Mosqueda.
This was not a quick budget run. This all came from two public hearings, eight public meetings, and more than 100 proposed amendments.
