Seattle Mayor Unveils $9.1 Billion Biennial Budget Directing $348 Million to Housing as City Council Debuts MHA Accelerator

Mayor Katie Wilson Introduces $9.1 Billion 2027–2028 Biennial Budget

SEATTLE, Washington — Prioritizing fiscal discipline while safeguarding vital public services, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson officially transmitted her administration's proposed $9.1 billion biennial budget for 2027–2028 to the Seattle City Council in late September 2026. The budget eliminates an inherited General Fund deficit through $50 million in administrative efficiencies without imposing broad new tax burdens on residents.

Crucially, the fiscal plan protects dedicated revenues from the JumpStart payroll expense tax to preserve frontline human services. The proposal channels an impressive $347.7 million into the Seattle Office of Housing for 2027, alongside $22 million for the Equitable Development Initiative and $16.3 million in direct tenant emergency rental assistance.

City Council Introduces MHA Accelerator to Fast-Track Housing Construction

On the legislative front, Councilmember Dionne Foster introduced the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Accelerator to jumpstart stalled residential development across Seattle. Under the policy, builders with currently vested building permits who break ground promptly receive a temporary 80 percent reduction in MHA in-lieu fees.

Furthermore, new residential projects vesting through 2027 can secure a 60 percent fee reduction if they allocate at least 25 percent of their total units to multi-bedroom, family-sized residences. Housing advocates noted the policy strikes a pragmatic balance between incentivizing private housing construction and expanding attainable family housing options.

Sound Transit Advances Link Light Rail Spines and Transit-Oriented Communities

Paralleling municipal housing efforts, Sound Transit reaffirmed its capital commitments to deliver the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions. The transit agency is actively coordinating with the City of Seattle to dedicate surplus construction staging parcels adjacent to Link light rail stations for affordable housing development, reinforcing Seattle's long-term vision of walkable, transit-connected urban neighborhoods.