Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has put forward a $4 million federal response budget for 2026, aiming to shore up services for the city's immigrant and refugee populations in light of recent federal cuts from the Trump administration. This budget proposal, if approved, would increase the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs' (OIRA) funding by over 60 percent, while also backing programs at risk of losing federal financial support, as reported by the Mayor's office.
Mayor Harrell's plan concentrates not just on maintaining existing services but expands them with new initiatives and increased staff capacity to enhance delivery, in this bid, services such as job training for youth and English learners are set to increase and new supports for citizenship seekers will be introduced, "Seattle is not standing idly by while the Trump administration slashes the social safety net and targets the immigrant and refugee neighbors who contribute to our communities and economy," the Mayor's office stated.
In response to threats of reduced federal aid, especially within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Harrell also plans a $9.35 million investment to keep Seattle's homelessness programs afloat including shelter and voucher services, this comes as part of a larger $80 million package reliant on a voter-approved Business & Occupation (B&O) tax restructure co-developed with Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, with the additional revenue intended to safeguard critical city services.
"These local investments put Seattle values at the forefront by supporting our immigrant neighbors," Councilmember Rinck told the Mayor's office, highlighting how the budget reflects Seattle's commitment to its diverse populations even as the federal government indicates a different direction. The proposed budget enhancements align with a wider stance by city officials and community leaders who strive to uphold Seattle's status as a welcoming city amidst federal adversities, according to the statements from U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal and various community leaders.
Hamdi Mohamed, Director of OIRA, emphasizes the importance of the newly introduced resources, telling the Mayor's office, "This $4 million investment strengthens programs that protect immigrant families and recognizes the vital role immigrants play in our workforce and economy," reinforcing this, community support is voiced by Roxana Nourouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica, who praises the investment for signaling a forward stride for immigrant and refugee families in Seattle.
