Seattle City Council Approves $1.55 billion Transportation Levy Package

The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed a $1. 55 billion Transportation Levy package focused on enhancing safety, maintenance, and modernization while limiting the impact on taxpayers. Councilmember Rob Saka led the proposal, which includes significant investments in areas such as street maintenance, bridge infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and climate change mitigation. The current transportation levy, which was passed in 2015 and accounts for roughly 30% of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s budget, is set to expire this year. The new levy will be finalized upon signature by Mayor Bruce Harrell and will be up for a final public vote in November 2024.

The proposal also includes measures to mitigate the levy's effects on the most vulnerable, with a new $1. 5 million fund for community outreach and education about property tax exemptions for eligible seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. To ensure accountability, the package incorporates transparency and good governance requirements, such as detailed spending requirements, strengthened oversight, and auditing provisions. The levy package represents a $150 million reduction compared to a separate proposal that was rejected by the Council last week. If approved, the levy will be funded by property owners in Seattle.