Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell is releasing the 2023-24 Proposed Budget. This budget reflects Mayor Harrell’s continued commitment to bold action on the priorities of our communities – investing to address urgent needs and emphasizing the essentials as we build One Seattle. Mayor Harrell’s proposal invests in creating safe, healthy, and thriving communities by supporting efforts to deliver effective public safety, build housing and address the homelessness crisis, and drive opportunity and equity for all. This budget responds to the City’s ongoing and long-term revenue gap, as expenditures continue to exceed General Fund revenues, balancing immediate priorities with the resources available to respond and by identifying improvements and efficiencies.
In addition to the investments outline below, this summer Mayor Harrell released his proposed budget for the next six-year budget cycle of the Park District which includes funding for major maintenance, recreation and youth programming, park development, and support for safe and accessible parks.
With the investments in this budget proposal, we can work together to advance our shared One Seattle vision and an agenda that will inspire the best in our city and keep us moving forward.
Most items in Seattle Parks and Recreation’s 2023-24 Proposed Budget relate to adopting the investments made in the Mayor’s Cycle 2 Park District plan, referenced above. The following is a summary of other changes in the proposed budget:
- $5.3 million toward staff to maintain clean and safe accessible parks
- $12 million (across 2023 and 2024) toward major maintenance, community center rehabilitation, and Zoo major maintenance
- $1 million to support rehabilitation of restrooms in parks
- Increase fees for community center rentals, aquatics programs, specialty garden admissions, and special event facilities to strengthen revenue collection and offset inflationary costs.
Over the next two months, the City Council will review the Mayor’s proposed budget. Final adoption of the budget is expected on Tuesday, November 22. More information can be found at www.seattle.gov/budget.
