Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed $9.1 billion budget is drawing questions over government spending, future deficits and police funding. Meanwhile, Washington's historical income tax voting records disappeared from a state website before being restored ahead of a major income tax repeal vote. And Washington Supreme Court candidates debate the court's decision to strike down a voter-approved natural gas initiative.

In the October 16, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines Seattle's financial outlook, Washington's income tax history and the upcoming state Supreme Court elections.

STORY 1 — SEATTLE'S $9.1 BILLION BUDGET

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is proposing a $9.1 billion budget for 2027 as the city works to address continuing financial shortfalls.

The proposal avoids major new taxes but includes higher overall spending and some fee increases. It also eliminates mostly vacant positions, shifts expenses between funds and uses available balances to help close budget gaps.

Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss praises the proposed investments in housing, while another councilmember voices support for Seattle Center funding and potential public-private partnerships.

Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Wynne argues that the city must examine spending priorities and create a stronger environment for business growth to avoid recurring budget deficits.

Public safety is another major concern.

Seattle Police Guild President Ken Liu questions how much of the proposed police funding increase would actually support additional officers, noting that much of the spending growth reflects previously negotiated labor obligations.

The Seattle City Council will now review the proposed budget.

STORY 2 — WASHINGTON INCOME TAX VOTING HISTORY DISAPPEARS

As Washington voters prepare to decide whether to repeal the state's new 9.9% income tax on income above $1 million, a state government web page documenting Washington's income tax voting history temporarily disappeared.

Jason Mercier of the Mountain States Policy Center compiled historical election results nearly a decade ago and worked with the Washington Secretary of State's office to make them publicly available.

The records document six rejected constitutional amendments and four additional ballot measures involving income taxes.

Mercier discovered the page was missing as he prepared to discuss Washington's income tax history ahead of the November election.

The Secretary of State's office said the page was removed during a project to retire obsolete web servers.

After questions were raised, the historical records were restored on a new state web page.

Mercier welcomed the restoration and emphasized the importance of voters having access to Washington's income tax history.

Washington voters will decide on November 3 whether to repeal or retain the state's new income tax.

STORY 3 — WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION AND NATURAL GAS RULING

Washington Supreme Court candidates Deborah Stephens and Todd Bloom discuss the court's decision to strike down a voter-approved natural gas ballot initiative.

The initiative sought to protect natural gas as an energy choice in Washington.

Stephens explains the court's reasoning involving constitutional procedural requirements and the single-subject rule.

Bloom questions whether portions of the measure could have been preserved and discusses concerns about how the decision affects public confidence in the initiative process.

The exchange highlights the legal and political questions surrounding Washington's Supreme Court elections and the relationship between voter-approved laws and constitutional restrictions.

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