The economic outlook for Seattle is modestly better than it was over the summer, giving lawmakers in City Hall a small sigh of relief that their budget deliberations won’t be derailed by a gloomy forecast.

The much-anticipated October forecast from city analysts showed slightly improved revenues this year and next, in large part thanks to a resilient stock market, more construction activity than expected and steady numbers from the city’s payroll tax on large businesses.

The result is about $14 million in extra money for City Council members to spend next year — a drop in the $2 billion general fund, but possibly significant for a community organization or pilot program.

Despite the decent news — or, at least, lack of bad news — in Monday’s forecast, the overall economic and budgetary p

See Full Page