Mayor Wilson’s 2027-2028 Proposed Budget focuses on providing responsible fiscal management of public funds for the people of Seattle. After years of unsustainable one-time fixes that did not address the deficit in future years, the mayor’s first budget begins the important, necessary work of stabilizing Seattle’s budget so that we can continue to provide essential services to the people of this city.
The people of Seattle deserve good government that delivers a city that is safe, affordable, and inclusive for all of Seattle’s residents. Mayor Wilson’s 2027-2028 Proposed Budget is structured to provide it. The decisions made in this proposed budget are not easy and come amidst a difficult backdrop of an inherited ongoing General Fund deficit that is compounded by actions taken on the federal level. Mayor Wilson’s budget is intended to help Seattle residents build a resilient city and create the conditions for lasting prosperity by making real progress towards closing the deficit and breaking the cycle of annual budget crises.
For the Office of Arts & Culture, key highlights include:
- Increase to OAC grant awards in 2027 and 2028 recognizing the impacts of the higher costs of living and working in Seattle.
- Expanded investment in The Creative Advantage to ensure children have access to high-quality arts educational opportunities in Seattle Public Schools.
- Expanded funds to maintain the Seattle Civic Art Collection to ensure high-quality public art is available to everyone who lives, works, and plays in Seattle.
- One-time funding to extend activations and programming in King Street Station for the public to access high-quality arts programming in the space.
For more information on the proposed budget, read the mayor’s press release.
Next Steps
Over the next two months, the City Council will review Mayor Wilson’s 2027-2028 Proposed Budget. Public hearings are on Oct. 6 and Nov. 5. Final adoption of the budget is expected on Nov. 20. Press questions may be directed to MOS_Comms@seattle.gov.