The Seattle City Select Budget Committee convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues related to the city's budget and outreach efforts to small businesses. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by council members as they navigate multiple legislative priorities while seeking input from the business community.

Council President Nelson initiated the discussion by expressing concerns regarding the outreach conducted by the Office of Economic Development (OED) to small businesses. He emphasized the importance of understanding which organizations had been consulted, particularly in light of the opposition from the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), the largest small business association in Washington state. Nelson noted that he had not received a response to his inquiries about this outreach, raising questions about the timing and effectiveness of the engagement efforts.

Deputy Mayor Huang acknowledged the tight timeline for evaluating proposals, particularly those requiring voter approval, which added pressure to the council's workload. He recognized the need for thorough due diligence while balancing the demands of other legislative matters, including the comprehensive plan and filling a council vacancy.

In response to Nelson's concerns, Huang assured the committee that OED had engaged with various Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and the local chamber of commerce. He mentioned a recent conversation with the GSBA, clarifying that the organization had not yet taken a formal position on the proposed legislation but was in the process of gathering feedback from its members.

The discussion underscored the complexities of legislative timing and the necessity for effective communication with small businesses as the council prepares to finalize budget proposals. The committee members expressed a commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard and that the council remains responsive to the needs of the business community.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of timely outreach and the need for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to inform future decisions. The council's next steps will involve further engagement with small businesses and a focus on addressing the concerns raised during the meeting.