City Council Discusses Budget Priorities

City Council held a study session Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Council Chambers, 280 Madison Ave N, and remotely via Zoom. No formal votes were taken.

The session focused on the 2027-2028 biennial budget process, engagement, and priorities. Staff presented a status quo budget forecast, seeking Council guidance on development priorities. Community input via the City's website highlighted Road Maintenance and Infrastructure, Water and Sewer investments, Groundwater Management, and Affordable Housing as top priorities.

Council's 2025-2026 priorities, informing the new budget cycle, include Climate Action Plan implementation, Affordable Housing, City website improvements, Sustainable Transportation Plan implementation, the Comprehensive Plan, the Groundwater Management Plan, resolving permit backlogs, the Winslow Subarea Plan, an Equity lens, and Road maintenance. Staff recommended the Interim City Manager work with Council to gather more information on these priorities and schedule future discussion.

Also during the session, Ann Bennett, Executive Director of the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), trained Council members for one hour. The training covered Council member liability exposures and avoidance strategies, including impacts of executive session leaks.

Council also discussed the Governance Manual and potential social media revisions. Last updated in 2024, the discussion reviewed if updates are needed for current social media policies.

Staff is scheduled to propose a balanced 2027-2028 biennial budget on September 22, 2026, for Council discussion and potential modification.

(via CivicClerk)