The Mayor is presenting his budget recommendations for 2009-2010 to the Council today at 2 p.m. Councilmember Bruce Harrell and I get to escort the Mayor into our chambers . . . we're the rookies, so we get the honor.
After the Mayor's address this afternoon, the Council will begin a 60-day marathon of review, analysis, and modifications. For better or worse, my primary committee (Public Safety, Human Services, and Education) will focus on the following budget categories: Human Services, Domestic Violence, Criminal Justice Contracted Services (e.g., public defenders, etc.), Fire, Law, Municipal Court, Police, Family and Education Levy, and Gang Violence.
I will be watching closely for any proposed tax or fee increases, whether core services are fully funded, and whether human services assistance funds are protected. Thankfully, the city's economic condition is not nearly as dire as that of King County or the state of Washington, but these are uncertain times and a prudent and conservative financial management mindset is clearly the order of the day.
Read details about the Council's budget process, including schedules, glossary of terms, worksheets, and more. You can watch the Mayor's budget address on Seattle Channel 21 or online at the Seattle Channel.
You can share your thoughts on the city budget via email at [email protected].