Council hears SDOT budget briefing as streetcar subsidy rises, camera rollout stalls and transportation fund shows $49M gap

Calvin Chow, council central staff, told the Select Budget Committee on Oct. 15 that the Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) 2026 proposal is "largely consistent with the 2026 endorsed budget," while noting several mayoral priorities that increase general-fund support.

Chow said the department requests new operating funds for FIFA World Cup preparations, additional subsidies for the Seattle streetcar system, and resources for downtown activation and enhanced permit enforcement. "For 2026, the streetcar operations are going to require 13,600,000 of subsidy for the continued operations," Chow said, attributing most of the increase to the end of a prior Sound Transit payment agreement.

Why it matters: Council members pressed SDOT and central staff on when and how promised programs will be implemented and on long-term sustainability. Chow warned that the transportation fund is balanced for 2026 but projects a roughly $49 million deficit in 2027, and he reminded the committee that the transportation funding task force called for in the 2024 transportation levy will convene in early 2026 with recommendations expected in 2027.

Key budget changes and items discussed

- Streetcar subsidy: Chow said the city will need about $13.6…