On November 23, 2015, the City Council finished its two-month deliberation and review of the 2016 operating budget and adopted the final budget for 2016. Councilmembers evaluated proposed spending in City departments, heard from the public, and made amendments to fund important programs. This website is a resource which includes past meeting dates, supporting documents, and information about the budget process.

Agendas

The Budget Process

The City Council conducts its official budget deliberations from late September to mid-November, but drafting the budget is a year-long process. If you have any questions about the process, please contact central staff Executive Assistant Patrick Wigren or 206-386-1381.

Questions about budget terminology? Take a look at the glossary.

Creating Baseline Budgets

The Budget Office and Departments set baseline budgets.

Feb - Apr

Forecasts and Guidance

The Budget Office and the department of Finance and Administrative Services develop forecasts and give budget guidance.

Apr - May

Budget Issue Papers

Departments develop and submit Budget Issue Papers (BIPs.)

May - Jun

Review and Feedback

The Budget and Mayor's Offices review BIPs and provide feedback to departments.

Jun - Jul

Departments Submit Budget Requests

Departments finalize and their submit their budget requests.

Jun -Jul

Mayor Delivers Proposed Budget

The city receives a revenue forecast, the Budget and Mayor's Offices review, balance, finalize and deliver their proposed budget to Seattle City Council.

Late Sept

Council Begins Budget Process

The City Council holds public hearings and discusses changes to the Mayor's proposed budget.

Oct

Public Hearing #1

The public provides feedback on the budget in Council Chambers.

October 6 @ 5:30pm

Public Hearing #2

The public provides feedback on the budget in Council Chambers.

October 20 @ 5:30pm

Council Adopts Budget

Seattle City Council votes on changes to the proposed budget and adopts the final version.

Nov

Share Your Ideas

There are several ways for you to share your budget priorities. Help us create Seattle's future by email or over the phone.

Review Public Hearings on the Budget

Public Hearing #1

Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 @ 5:30pm

Council Chambers // 600 4th Ave.

Review Agenda / Watch Video

Public Hearing #2

Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 @ 5:30pm

Council Chambers // 600 4th Ave.

Review Agenda / Watch Video

Search

• Search the archive of budget documents from 2009 - present.
• Search supporting documents/videos of Budget meetings

Budget Documents, Agendas and Information

Do you have questions about the budget agendas or can't find something? Search our City Council Budget Documents database or contact us at clerk@seattle.gov or 206-684-8344.