(The Center Square) – The Seattle City Council on Friday afternoon unanimously approved a nearly $9 billion budget for 2026, with several city council members urging a deeper examination of which programs are effectively addressing the city’s most persistent challenges.

The $8.9 billion budget is 7% higher than the 2025 budget of $8.2 billion. Seattle faced a nearly $200 million budget deficit at one point, but was able to avoid dipping into its “rainy day fund" by extending its hiring freeze, stopping nonessential travel, and new taxes.

Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved a business and occupation tax restructuring that is expected to generate $81 million in new revenue. The council also passed a 0.1% sales tax increase authorized by the state for public safety needs.

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