Resolution 1553RESOLUTION NO. 1553
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, REGARDING COUNCIL PRIORITIES FOR THE 2025-2026
BIENNIAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, the City Council, as a legislative body, adopts the city's budget; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance 4301 establishing a biennial budgeting process
effective January 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 1532, passed by Council in November 2023, addressed the identified
fiscal imbalance, authorized use of general fund operating reserves, and declared a fiscal
emergency; and
WHEREAS, in January 2024, the mayor established a Blue-Ribbon Panel to provide guidance on
fiscal recovery and resilience. In July, the Blue-Ribbon Panel presented to Council and the
public their recommendations, including modifying budget development practices and
implementing priority-based budgeting measures; and
WHEREAS, the administration conducted a statistically valid community survey, gauging the
importance of multiple city functions, and these findings were shared with Council on August
13,2024;and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a budget retreat on August 16, 2024 and discussed areas of
emphasis and improvements for Edmonds over the next three to seven years; and
WHEREAS, throughout this budget priority discussion, the Council expressed appreciation and
commitment to equity considerations in all budgeting and prioritizing decisions, and reinforced
the shared accountability of adopting a fiscally responsible and balanced budget;
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council would like to prioritize funding in the following areas, listed
in order of councilmember priority votes during the retreat exercise:
• Safety, including fire and emergency medical services, police, and emergency
preparedness. (5 votes)
• Environment, including preserving natural assets and resources, climate action and
resiliency. ( 4 votes)
• Investment in infrastructure, including safe/accessible transportation and connectivity,
capital improvements and maintenance. (3 votes)
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• Public and Human Services, Edmonds-specific support for our residents in need,
including homelessness prevention and resources. (3 votes)
• Livability, creating a welcoming, safe and vibrant environment in our neighborhoods,
parks, businesses, and other gathering places. (3 votes)
• Economic Resiliency, including fiscal accountability and collaborative recovery,
economic development support across the city. (3 votes)
RESOLVED this 10 th day of September 2024.
ATTEST:
~PASSEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
RESOLUTION NO.
CITY OF EDMONDS
MA~
September 6, 2024
September 10, 2024
1553
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