By Aaron Allen
The Seattle Medium
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, joined by city officials and community advocates, announced a set of proposed budget investments Friday aimed at countering anticipated federal funding cuts under policies emerging from Washington, D.C.
Speaking at Seattle City Hall, Harrell described the 2026 budget proposal as a direct response to what he called “cruel, inhumane” federal rollbacks targeting immigrants and low-income communities.
“We’re here to announce critical investments as part of my 2026 proposed budget that makes a clear statement of who we are, what we prioritize, and who we stand with,” Harrell said. “They [federal policies] target our immigrant and refugee neighbors and slash federal support to vital services—something as simple as how one can eat. Seattle is choosing to stand with our communities and our values.”
The proposed budget outlines significant increases in local spending to preserve social safety net programs, including food assistance, shelter access, and legal aid for immigrants and refugees. Key investments include:
• $4 million for immigrant and refugee programs—a 60% increase over last year—to expand workforce training for youth and English learners, provide legal assistance, and help individuals navigate employment and housing challenges.
• $9.35 million in added funding for shelter and housing voucher programs.
• $4 million for food banks.
• $6.2 million for the Fresh Bucks program, which offers families financial support for fresh produce purchases.
“I’m proposing a $4 million investment that will strengthen our critical programs and services for our immigrant and refugee neighbors, while increasing our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs budget by 60%,” Harrell said. “These investments are directly responsive to the needs we are hearing from the community.”
Seattle currently receives about $370 million in federal funds through direct grants and state pass-through allocations. That’s up from approximately $207 million in federal fund expenditures in 2023, the most recent fiscal year on record. But with federal cuts expected to target programs such as SNAP and HUD rental assistance, city leaders say there’s a pressing need for local response.
To fund these investments, Harrell is proposing to draw on revenue from the Seattle Shield Initiative, a restructuring of the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax. Backed by Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, the measure will appear on the November ballot. It is expected to lower taxes for 90% of Seattle businesses while generating an estimated $80 million annually from larger corporations.
“What we’re witnessing from Washington, D.C., is the systematic dismantling of the social safety net that has protected American families for generations,” Mercedes Rinck said. “That’s why we have sent the Seattle Shield Initiative to voters—to ensure that when corporations profit in our city, they contribute fairly to our community’s well-being.”
Harrell said the city’s choices are shaped by its core values and its commitment to protecting those at greatest risk.
“We looked at Trump’s HUD Department and what they are doing, threatening billions in rental assistance. We know how challenging this could be,” he said. “Now, budgets are about choices, and so today we are announcing our choice to protect food access, housing, our immigrant and refugee communities, and shelter for the people who need them most.”
Hamdi Mohamed, director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), said her department is prepared to expand its work with the new funding.
“I am proud that Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle are safeguarding our One Seattle commitment to remain a welcoming city where immigrants and refugees are not only surviving but thriving,” Mohamed said. “These resources ensure our communities can continue contributing to Seattle’s growth and resilience.”
She said the funding would also enhance OIRA’s ability to provide legal aid, translation services, accurate immigration information, and critical staffing.
“With added capacity for interpretation, translation, and staffing, OIRA will sustain our rapid response program while focusing investments on creating resilience,” Mohamed said. “Ensuring immigrant and refugee families have the protection, opportunities, and resources to thrive in Seattle.”
Harrell closed the press conference by framing the budget as a declaration of civic identity.
“I think standing in a long list of mayors who have demonstrated this kind of commitment, we have to double down, triple down, and quadruple down on our values,” he said. “And that’s what these budget investments really do.”
