Shoreline Council reviewed 2027-2028 department budget recommendations

On October 19, 2026 the Shoreline City Council reviewed the 2027-2028 biennial budget.

L-R: Councilmembers Snider, Scully, Deputy Mayor Pobee, Mayor Robertson, Councilmember Mork. Councilmembers Ademasu and Roberts participated on Zoom.

By Kathleen Russell

The Shoreline 2027-2028 Biennial Budget totals $434.3 million and is in review by Council. On Monday, October 19, 2026, City departments presented their 2027-2028 Biennial Budgets to Shoreline City Council. After each department presentation, Council had the opportunity to ask questions. See video here.

Council discussion included Limited Time Employees (LTE); website fees; support of Shoreline Farmers Market; programs to expand dining options in Shoreline; ongoing need in Human Resources; role of the urban forester; % goal of the tree canopy; role of community support specialists; public art; decrease in public policing complaints; and concern about vandalism, an everyday challenge as confirmed by staff.

Council requested a separate discussion pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI). Following a question about cybersecurity, staff confirmed that Shoreline operations and website are secure.

The Planning Department presented one-time budget supplements required by state mandates and confirmed the steady pace of permitting, with less activity on large scale developments. The Planning Department is working to speed up permitting and a new process will be implemented in January 2027.

Increase in permit fees, three options, were presented with the 75% cost recovery option recommended by staff.

Residents may submit their questions about the budget to Council@shorelinewa.gov

The next budget review meeting is on Monday, October 26, when the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will be presented by Public Works.

References:

• Link to the 2027-2028 Proposed Biennial Budget and 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Shoreline Area News article about the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget, October 15, 2026.