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 at 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.
Key Highlights for SOCR
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights’ (SOCR) proposed 2027–2028 budget maintains support for its core services, including civil rights enforcement and testing, race and social justice initiatives, policy development, commission support, and some community investments. The proposed budget also includes positions and resources for implementing the 2026 standalone Do Not Solicit Ordinance.
In addition, in 2027, SOCR will continue efforts it began in 2026 to assist displaced queer and trans individuals migrating to the City of Seattle. In 2026, SOCR led a Trans & Queer Stabilization Interdepartmental Team (IDT), and from this effort, the City identified $550,000 of one-time funding in 2026 for rapid relief. The 2027-2028 Proposed Budget adds $500,000 ongoing funding in the Human Services Department to create a Queer and Trans Stabilization Fund, to support organizations that help meet the emergent needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. While no additional budget was added to SOCR for this effort, SOCR will continue the special project it created on gender justice on a temporary basis using existing staffing and budget authority.
The following is a summary of SOCR’s significant changes:
- $200K and 1 FTE increase for implementation and enforcement of Do Not Solicit Ordinance (Ord. 127491) in 2027, and in 2028 (and ongoing) $360K and an additional 1 FTE
- $26K reduction to a consultant contract supporting the Commissions Division
- $192K reduction removing a vacant communications position; SOCR retains 1 communications position
- $285K reduction in the Collective Network Grant Program; SOCR retains $285K in budget for this grant program
For more information on the proposed budget, read the Mayor’s press release here: Office of the Mayor – Mayor Katie B. Wilson
Next Steps and Communication About Budget
Over the next two months, the City Council will review Mayor Wilson’s 2027-2028 Proposed Budget. Public hearings are on October 6 and November 5. Final adoption of the budget is expected on November 20. Press questions may be directed to MOS_Comms@seattle.gov.
