New investments join shelter, housing, and food access supports in a 2026 budget plan that backfills essential services threatened by Trump’s federal cuts
SEATTLE — Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell detailed new investments included as part of his proposed 2026 budget focused on responding to President Trump’s federal actions and efforts to slash the social safety network. Mayor Harrell’s plan would add $4 million in new investments to protect critical programs that support Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by federal policy shifts and programs threatened by federal funding cuts from the Trump Administration. As part of Mayor Harrell’s 2026 proposed budget, these investments would increase the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs’ (OIRA) budget by more than 60% and expand essential services ranging from legal supports to workforce development.
“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,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This set of investments will protect programs that support access to affordable food and housing, prevent homelessness, and provide resources to help immigrants succeed in our city. While the federal government foments chaos, we are standing up for our people, priorities and values in this budget and with our actions.”
The proposed funding would bolster support for immigrant and refugee residents through:
- Expanding Core Services: increasing job training for youth and English learners; increasing legal services and safety resources; improving access to City and community programs that help families navigate housing, employment and legal services; and strengthening outreach through partnerships with ethnic media, translation services, and community advisory networks.
- Launching New Initiatives: new support for people seeking citizenship, new workforce development support for immigrant youth, stronger programs to help residents get involved in civic life and expanded community navigation so families can find resources more easily.
- Strengthening Rapid Response: increasing urgent, on-the-ground help for families — including legal consultations, Know Your Rights trainings, safety planning, and a hotline to report immigration enforcement activity.
- Adding Staff Capacity: to ensure sure these expanded and new programs are delivered effectively.
Mayor Harrell’s 2026 budget also proposes $9.35 million to sustain shelter and voucher programs that make up a critical part of Seattle’s homelessness continuum of care. With Trump’s HUD department threatening federal funding for homelessness response and prevention, the mayor’s proposed investments would prepare the City to help backfill local services that provide shelter, short-term housing supports and other stabilizing services for residents experiencing homelessness.
“Since the Trump Regime and Congressional Republicans resumed power over the federal government, cries for help from our local community have only grown louder each day,” said Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8). “These local investments put Seattle values at the forefront by supporting our immigrant neighbors.”
These investments are part of a larger package of federal backfill commitments in Mayor Harrell’s proposed 2026 budget, supported by revenues that would come from the proposed Business & Occupation (B&O) tax restructuring developed in partnership with Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck. If approved by Seattle voters this November, the updated B&O structure would generate over $80 million annually to safeguard essential services, sustain critical City programs, and support communities most at risk from the Trump administration’s policy shifts and threatened funding cuts. This includes:
- $6.2 million to expand the Fresh Bucks Program to increase the monthly participant stipend by 50% to $60 a month and serve everyone on the current 4,000+ person waitlist, in addition to continuing to serve 12,000 already enrolled Seattle families,
- $3 million to support food banks, mobile food pantries, and home delivery to homebound residents, and other grocery access for individuals and families.
- $1 million to maintain year-round meal access programs for youth, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and others in need of a nutritious meal, and
- $4 million in new ongoing annual rental assistance.
Together, these investments reflect Seattle’s efforts to protect food access, housing, legal supports and other essential programs for Seattle communities.
What People are saying
U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
“The City of Seattle’s robust budget investment for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs safeguards and empowers the immigrant and refugee communities being targeted by the Trump administration. This localized approach—along with the close coordination between local, state and federal leaders — sends a clear message to immigrants and refugees across Seattle and Washington state that this is a place that is, and will remain, welcoming to all. We know that when immigrants have access to workforce opportunities, legal help, accurate information, and the ability to live their lives with dignity, our entire country benefits.”
Hamdi Mohamed, Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
“I am proud that Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle are safeguarding our One Seattle commitment to remain a welcoming city where immigrants and refugees are not only surviving but thriving. In these unprecedented times, OIRA has stepped up with internal and external rapid response by training City departments and supporting community organizations. Through regional coordination with state partners, we have built systems that allow Seattle to respond effectively to recurring challenges. This $4 million investment strengthens programs that protect immigrant families and recognizes the vital role immigrants play in our workforce and economy. From legal assistance to accurate information, these resources ensure our communities can continue contributing to Seattle’s growth and resilience.
“With added capacity for interpretation, translation, and staffing, OIRA will sustain our rapid response program while focusing investments on creating resilience, ensuring immigrant and refugee families have the protection, opportunities, and resources to thrive in Seattle.”
Maritza Rivera, Councilmember, District 4 (Northeast Seattle)
“During this time of overreach and cruelty by the Federal government, we need to stand together and protect our immigrant neighbors. That is why I ensured that immigrant and refugee services were included as part of the B&O tax proposal that Council passed. Seattle is proud to be a Welcoming City, and I value and support the work that the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs does to protect our most vulnerable residents. We will not accept the inhumane treatment of immigrants in our city, and we will not see them driven into the shadows in fear. Thank you, Mayor Harrell, for your partnership in support of our immigrant community.”
Dan Strauss, Councilmember, District 6, and Chair, Select Budget Committee
“No child deserves to be in immigration court facing deportation without an attorney. Unfortunately, that’s happening far too often. While a campaign of fear is waged against our immigrant and refugee community, we are doubling down on our investments to be a welcoming city where people of all walks of life can thrive. Without equivocation, our immigrant and refugee communities make our city better. I am proud to support these investments.”
Roxana Nourouzi, Executive Director, OneAmerica
“At a time of federal attacks and rising xenophobia, this historic $4 million investment in OIRA is a step forward for immigrant and refugee families in Seattle. It means parents can access legal support to keep their families together, workers can find pathways into the economy, and entire communities can receive the information and resources they need to stay safe and move forward. This funding ensures Seattle is protecting and uplifting the very communities that strengthen our city. OneAmerica looks forward to working alongside the City to put these resources into action.”
Kelly Kinnison, PhD., Chief Executive Officer, King County Regional Homelessness Authority
“This investment helps to protect two vital resources — voucher programs and emergency shelter. Vouchers are a lifeline for many in our community, and they keep folks stably housed. We must also preserve emergency shelter to meet the immediate needs of unhoused people. It brings them indoors, out of the elements, and puts them on the path to rebuilding their lives. The investments introduced today show Mayor Harrell’s continued commitment to addressing one of the region’s most pressing issues.”
Kendee Yamaguchi, CEO, ACRS
“OIRA workforce programming like Ready to Work provides high-quality ESL classes and employment support that help immigrants and refugees in Seattle find jobs and restart their careers. With ESL programs closing across the region, those with limited English face even greater barriers. At a time when threats to our clients and communities are so clear, we must protect funding for Ready to Work—a program with a long track record of success—so that immigrants and refugees can continue on their path to achieving the American dream.”