As the City of Seattle grapples with a potential budget deficit of over $200 million in 2025, Mayor Bruce Harrell has issued a hiring freeze for many of the city's departments. The freeze will have exceptions, including hiring of first responders like police, fire and other positions that provide essential public services. Employees backfilling for others on paid parental or family care leave and vacant positions where an offer was extended before Jan. 19 are also excluded. The Mayor's Office confirmed through a spokesperson that a significant financial gap is forecasted for 2025, with a more than $229 million deficit looming. READ MORE: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-hiring-freeze-mayor-bruce-harrell/281-d6413fc5-32db-4381-86a7-b686372409fb