Seattle residents can weigh in on Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed $9.1 billion budget for 2027 and 2028 as the City Council begins reviewing what to preserve, revise or cut before adopting a final spending plan. The council scheduled a public hearing at City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 6, with remote comments beginning at 1 p.m. and in-person comments at 5 p.m. Another opportunity for public comment is planned for Nov. 5. Wilson’s administration says the city faces an estimated $175 million General Fund deficit inherited by the mayor and that the proposal aims to stabilize city finances without major new taxes. The plan includes more than $50 million in General Fund reductions each year and would eliminate 128 city positions. Fifteen are currently filled, and the city expects those cuts to lead to layoffs. The proposal allocates $347.7 million to the Office of Housing in 2027 for housing investments and agency operations. It also maintains $183.5 million in ongoing homelessness-related spending, including $37 million to create nearly 1,000 shelter units by the end of 2027. The city estimates the new units would serve about 2,000 people a year. Public safety funding is a major point of debate. The proposed 2027 Seattle Police Department budget is $556 million, up $68 million, or 13.9%, from the adopted 2026 budget. It would fund 1,250 officers in both 2027 and 2028, 66 more than the 2026 plan funded. The Seattle Fire Department would receive $346 million, but its overtime budget would be reduced by $7.1 million. Firefighters have warned the overtime reduction could affect emergency response times. Business representatives have welcomed the proposal’s decision not to introduce new taxes. Other proposed spending includes $57 million for community food security in 2027, covering food banks and meal programs, and $4 million in one-time funding for universal school meals in Seattle Public Schools. The plan would also expand public restroom access and youth programs and continue support for immigrant and refugee services. The council’s review will determine how those priorities fare alongside the proposed staffing and spending reductions. Wilson’s administration says the budget is intended to move the city away from relying on temporary fixes to address recurring projected deficits.