Summary

Seattle City Council adopts 2026 budget and approves multiple bond, tax, fee, and program changes at Nov. 21, 2025 special meeting

SeattleNov 21, 20253 min read

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Special Seattle City Council meeting called to order at 1:04 p.m.; Council President Sara Nelson presiding. Public comment heard from four speakers. Council adopted the Introduction & Referral Calendar, approved the consent calendar, passed the 2026 budget (CB 121116) and related budget/CIP changes (CF 314546), and approved numerous ordinances on bonds, fees, taxes, and administrative transfers (see key decisions). Resolutions on Seattle City Employees’ Retirement System funding intent and SCERS interest rates were adopted. Meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

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Key decisions

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Passed CB 121116 — adoption of the 2026 City budget, including capital improvement program and position modifications (passed as amended).
Approved CF 314546 — City Council changes to the 2026 Proposed Budget and the 2026–2031 Proposed Capital Improvement Program.
Authorized multiple bond and financing ordinances including: CB 121089 (drainage and wastewater revenue bonds), CB 121090 and CB 121091 (municipal water system revenue bonds and amendments), CB 121103 (limited tax general obligation bonds for capital improvement program), and CB 121104 (municipal light and power revenue bonds).
Approved CB 121101 — authorized bridge financing (interfund loan) of $39,800,000 for the Memorial Stadium redevelopment project and related fund creation.
Adopted property tax levy ordinances for 2026 (CB 121119 and CB 121120).
Approved fee and program changes including: CB 121106 (street and sidewalk use fee schedule), CB 121107 (Seattle Parks and Recreation 2026 fee schedule), CB 121105 (SDCI permit and related fees), and CB 121108 (amendment to Sweetened Beverage Tax code section).
Transferred administration of the Major Institutions and Schools program from the Department of Neighborhoods to the Office of Planning and Community Development (CB 121092).
Transferred graffiti nuisance enforcement authority from Seattle Public Utilities to the Superintendent of the Department of Parks and Recreation (CB 121109).
Authorized changes to the Seattle Transportation Benefit District uses, including expansion for passenger transportation services (CB 121123) and expansion for transit security (CB 121124).
Adopted Res 32184 and Res 32185 concerning City Council intent to fund the Seattle City Employees’ Retirement System (SCERS) and approval of SCERS interest rates for 2026.
Filed the 2026 Proposed Budget and the 2026–2031 Proposed Capital Improvement Program as Clerk Files CF 314544 and CF 314545.
Public comment was taken (rules suspended for the special meeting); speakers listed in the record: Pastor Steve Jerbi; Tara Miller; Bennett Haselton; Karina Patel.

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