Image: City of Seattle
Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle is raising concerns about proposed public safety funding in Mayor Katie Wilson’s 2027-2028 city budget, arguing that reductions could affect emergency response, neighborhood conditions and efforts to address crime.
In a statement released Oct. 15 following City Council briefings, Kettle, who chairs the Public Safety Committee and represents District 7, described the proposal as an “Unfund” budget for public safety. He said the plan does not adequately address challenges facing several Seattle neighborhoods, including Little Saigon, North Aurora Avenue, Belltown and Uptown/Queen Anne.
Kettle specifically criticized proposed Seattle Fire Department overtime cuts and changes affecting the city’s Unified Care Team, which conducts outreach and helps address trash and other conditions at encampment sites. He argued that the budget needs to support a coordinated public safety strategy addressing gun violence, public drug use, copper wire theft and other concerns.
The statement followed briefings that provided additional details and analysis from city departments and City Council Central Staff policy experts. Kettle said he plans to work with fellow councilmembers to address the issues raised during the budget review and urged the mayor’s administration to develop a more comprehensive public safety plan.
The proposed budget remains subject to the city’s budget process, which includes opportunities for public input. Kettle encouraged residents to contact the mayor and City Council and participate in the next public hearing, scheduled for Nov. 5.
The debate highlights questions facing city officials as they weigh public safety priorities against competing budget demands. Decisions about staffing, emergency response resources and encampment outreach may affect how businesses, employees and residents experience public safety in Seattle.
Kettle’s statement reflects his assessment of the proposed budget. The final funding decisions will be determined through the city’s budget deliberations.
