The Seattle City Council formally adopted the 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on November 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the final budget bill passed with a rare unanimous vote. The adoption of Council Bill 12116 was followed by the approval of the clerk file summarizing all council changes, which also passed unanimously (nine in favor, none opposed).

The vote concluded a multi-week budget process that saw legislators secure funding for various priorities, including several key measures championed by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, whose district includes West Seattle.

District 1 Wins and Key Policy Measures

Councilmember Saka successfully sponsored or co-sponsored numerous measures that were adopted as part of the 2026 budget. Several of these actions directly benefit West Seattle and surrounding areas:

Saka also saw success with city-wide measures, including an increase of $275,000 to SDOT to add a Chief Transit Security and Safety Officer, and a proviso of $4.3 million in SDOT for pothole repair program implementation. Furthermore, he secured $ 250,000 to expand services at city−funded senior centers, and $75,000 for the Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) for veterans over 55. Saka also successfully increased Finance General (FG) by $500,000 for repairs and renovations to inclusive, neighborhood gathering places.

Measures Impacting West Seattle that did not pass

However, several proposals sponsored by Councilmember Saka intended to bring specific funding to District 1 were not adopted in the final package:

• An amendment that would have increased Human Services Department (HSD) funds by $125,000 for the West Seattle Food Bank was proposed but failed, as it required a corresponding decrease in funding for the Community Solutions Unsheltered Homelessness Pilot Initiative.

• A proposal to proviso $1 million in SDOT for SW Admiral Way safety improvements failed.

• A proposal to proviso $250,000 in SDOT for 30% design of SW Roxbury Street improvements also failed.

• An attempt to increase OED by $100,000 to support businesses in North Delridge facing displacement, offset by a decrease from the Stabilize, Activate, and Invest Locally (SAIL) Fund, failed.

Commentary on the Budget Adoption

The budget adoption was framed by council members and public speakers as a moment of achievement and a moral reflection of the city’s values, though concerns about long-term financial health were acknowledged.

Unanimity and Healing: Council Member Strauss, the Budget Committee Chair, highlighted the significance of the final 9-0 vote on the council’s changes to the budget (Clerk File 314546). He stated that the unanimous vote was "the first time in a decade that we’ve had a unanimous vote out of this body," and attributed it to "healing that has occurred between the seventh and the second floor over the last four years" and "within this body over the course of this year". Council President Nelson also congratulated the body on the rare unanimous vote on the budget bill.

Moral Document vs. Financial Reality: Public speakers emphasized the budget’s moral weight. Tara Miller of the Church Council of Greater Seattle reflected that budgets are "a moral document that speak to the values of our city through public investment" but warned that the current investments are "not enough" to protect the city from future forces. Pastor Steve Jerby critiqued the budget, stating that while it "funds important progressive items," it "fails to preserve our city by addressing systemic issues with data-driven evidence about what keeps us safe".

Sustainability and Economy: Concerns about fiscal responsibility were prominent among council members. Council Member Kettle noted that while the budget is balanced, it is "inherently unsustainable," meaning "hard decisions lie ahead". He stressed the importance of supporting the economy, warning, "we have to be careful that we don’t turn Seattle into a bedroom community," referencing residents and businesses relocating to the Eastside.

Praise for D1 Leadership: During the special meeting, Councilmember Saka was acknowledged for his leadership and commitment. Council Member Juarez praised Saka’s "passion" and his "commitment not only to the city but to your district". Council Member Solomon even jokingly referred to Saka as the "mayor of West Seattle". Additionally, Council Member Kettle thanked Saka for his work on transit security and safety, acknowledging the joint effort to ensure a safe environment for the transit system.