Seattle's Proposed 2027 Budget: MCC Shares Community Priorities
As Seattle City Council reviews the Mayor's proposed 2027–2028 budget, communities across Seattle are considering how proposed changes may affect essential services, infrastructure, parks, and public facilities.
The Magnolia Community Council (MCC) has prepared a letter to the Mayor and City Council highlighting several priorities affecting our neighborhood. We recognize the difficult decisions involved in balancing the City's budget and the importance of thoughtful, sustainable solutions that serve communities throughout Seattle.
Our letter focuses on four areas where we believe additional information, planning, or funding is needed.
Fire and Emergency Response
The proposed budget includes a $7.06 million reduction in Seattle Fire Department overtime, which would result in planned unit outages.
Reliable emergency response is essential for every Seattle neighborhood. In Magnolia, this issue is particularly important because the neighborhood has just three primary routes in and out, one fire station (Station 41), and depends on neighboring stations for additional emergency response resources. Two of those three routes cross aging bridges: the Magnolia Bridge, built in 1930 (96 years old), and the W Dravus Street Bridge, built in 1935 (91 years old). Both are currently the subject of preservation or long-term planning efforts.
These geographic and infrastructure constraints make it especially important to understand how proposed changes to fire staffing could affect response times and backup coverage. MCC is asking the City to identify which fire stations and units would be affected by the proposed reductions and evaluate how those changes could affect emergency response capacity, particularly when additional units are needed or a major access route is unavailable.
Magnolia Bridge and W Dravus Street Bridge
Maintaining safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is a citywide responsibility, and Magnolia's bridges are important connections for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and others traveling through the area. We appreciate the $16 million in Transportation Levy funding dedicated to Magnolia Bridge preservation. This work is necessary to maintain the existing structure, but it does not resolve the long-term need for replacement.
MCC is requesting clarification on the City's strategy for continuing replacement planning and positioning the project for future regional, state, and federal funding. Similarly, the W Dravus Street Bridge Planning Study is an important step toward understanding the bridge's future. We are asking the City to identify how the study will lead to design and eventual implementation.
West Magnolia South Athletic Field
The proposed budget removes $5.1 million in previously planned Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funding for converting the West Magnolia South Athletic Field to synthetic turf. The project remains in the City's Capital Improvement Program, and the separately funded field lighting replacement is unaffected.
Athletic fields provide valuable recreational opportunities for young people, families, and community organizations. Maintaining these facilities is an important part of supporting accessible recreation throughout Seattle. MCC is asking the City to identify replacement funding, including consideration in the next Park District funding cycle, and preserve the project's planned schedule to avoid further delays.
Mounger Pool and Seattle Aquatics
Access to swimming facilities is an important part of recreation, water safety, and community health across Seattle. Earlier this year, MCC wrote to elected officials about the future of Seattle's aquatics system and the importance of Mounger Pool. We appreciate the conversations with Seattle Parks and Recreation that followed. We are encouraged that Mounger Pool is expected to receive locker room renovations through the City's pool renovation program.
As Seattle considers the long-term needs of its aquatics facilities, MCC is asking that Mounger Pool remain part of that planning. We recognize that decisions about pool facilities must consider access, demand, and resources across the entire city.
Proposed Funding for Local Parks and Facilities
The proposed budget also includes funding for two projects we are pleased to see moving forward:
- Discovery Park Visitor Center: $1.6 million for repairs to this important public facility.
- West Magnolia Playground: $570,000 for inclusive play improvements.
These projects support public spaces that serve residents and visitors from throughout Seattle.
Looking Ahead: Share Your Voice
Seattle's budget process requires balancing many important priorities, and we recognize that neighborhoods across the city have significant needs. MCC's goal is to contribute constructively to that conversation by sharing local perspectives, asking questions, and supporting responsible planning for essential services and public facilities.
Upcoming City Council Budget Public Hearing
Thursday, November 5, 20261 PM: Remote public comment1 PM: Remote public comment5 PM: In-person public comment at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue
Residents are encouraged to participate, share their perspectives, and help shape decisions that affect communities throughout Seattle. Visit the Seattle City Council Budget Basics page for hearing details, public comment registration, and information about submitting written comments.
Read MCC's full letter to the Mayor and Seattle City Council:
MCC will continue following the budget review and amendment process and sharing updates with our community.
