Proposed city budget emphasizes safety, affordability, and homelessness
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has provided a first look at his 2023-24 budget plan. He told city workers Tuesday that one big focus of the $7.4 billion proposal is public safety.
"Too often, residents feel unsafe on the streets," Harrell said. "So I believe that in One Seattle, every person has an absolute right to safety, no matter where you live, where you go to school, who you are."
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Mayor Harrell spoke about forming a third public safety department, but didn't offer many details. He did say that he plans to return traffic enforcement duties to the Seattle Police Department. Those duties were previously shifted to the city's transportation department after the 2020 summer protests against police brutality.
Harrell also aims to reestablish the park ranger program to help maintain parks.
Other points outlined in the budget proposal:
- Quarter of a billion dollar investment for affordable housing.
- $88 million for regional homelessness authority.
- $5 million to support bonuses for child-care workers in the city.
- $8 million for Vision Zero projects.
- Funding for tiny homes and safe lots.
- $17 million in small businesses support and economic revitalization programs.
Harrell introduced his proposed budget Tuesday while speaking at Seattle's Charles Street Vehicle Maintenance Facility.
The full city council will vote on the proposal in November. There will be three public meetings prior to that vote.
