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Seattle City Council unanimously confirms Ally Panucci as City Budget Office director

Seattle City Council · February 24, 2026

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Summary

The council confirmed Ally Panucci (Appointment 3442) as director of the City Budget Office by a unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote on Feb. 24, 2026; colleagues praised her budget experience and she thanked the mayor and staff in brief remarks.

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously (9-0) on Feb. 24 to confirm Ally Panucci as director of the City Budget Office (Appointment 3442), a position the council said is central to the city’s relationship with the mayor’s office and the handling of municipal finances.

Council member Strauss, presenting the committee report, summarized the vetting process — "2 committee meetings, 11 questions, 10 pages of answers" — and said Panucci’s experience in both legislative and executive roles made her well suited to confront an identified multi-year structural budget deficit, including examining both "cost savings and progressive revenue." Several colleagues echoed praise: Council member Rivera called Panucci thorough, collaborative and "not afraid," and Council member Kettle said Panucci's expertise would help the city address difficult long-term fiscal choices.

The clerk called the roll for confirmation. Council members Strauss, Foster, Juarez, Kettle, Lynn, Rink, Rivera, Saka and President Joy Hollingsworth recorded "aye" votes; the clerk announced "9 in favor, none opposed," and the motion carried. The appointment paperwork lists the term as to 12/31/2029 (Appointment 3442).

Panucci, who has served previously in council central staff and as interim director, gave brief remarks: "I'm thrilled to be back," and thanked the mayor, council members and the City Budget Office team. The council paused for photographs following confirmation.

No substantive budget legislation was adopted as part of the confirmation; Panucci will work with council and mayoral staff as the city examines budget options for coming years. The council adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for March 3 at 2 p.m.