Seattle City Council Approves Largest Property Tax Increase in City History for Transportation Levy

In a unanimous decision, the Seattle City Council has approved a proposal to ask voters for the biggest property tax increase in the city's history. The $1.55 billion, 8-year transportation levy aims to replace the existing "Move Seattle" levy enacted in 2015. If approved by voters in the fall, property taxes would be raised by 70% on a median home.

The City Council's focus during negotiations over the levy centered on essential infrastructure, such as sidewalks, road repaving, and bridge maintenance. According to council members, these improvements cannot be adequately addressed within the limitations of the current budget. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell initially proposed a $1.35 billion plan, but after considering public feedback, he refined the proposal. City Council Transportation Committee Chair Rob Saka then added additional elements to the proposal, resulting in the final $1.55 billion amount.

Saka's committee unanimously passed the legislation last week, prompting the vote on Tuesday, which is expected to be a mere formality. Harrell is scheduled to sign the legislation on Wednesday, officially sending it to voters in the fall. Council members, including Saka, believe that public polling indicates strong support for significant investments in transportation improvements.

Despite the council's optimism, opponents express concerns about the affordability of living in Seattle. They argue that the property tax increase will further burden residents, with landlords passing the hike onto renters. Critics also worry about the impact on those struggling to keep their homes and small businesses afloat.

A last-minute amendment was approved to designate $20 million from the levy to complete the Burke Gilman trail. Saka's proposal outlines how the funds from the transportation levy package would be allocated. The breakdown includes $403 million for street maintenance and modernization, $221 million for bridge infrastructure and safety, $193 million for pedestrian safety, and $160.5 million for Vision Zero and school and neighborhood safety. Additionally, $151 million would be allotted to improve transit corridors and connections, $133.5 million for bicycle safety, and $100 million for traffic signal installation and mobility enhancement.

Other allocations include $69 million to address climate change and protect the environment, $66.5 million to activate public spaces and business districts, $45 million for economy-focused improvements to the freight transportation system, and $7.5 million for governance, oversight, and property tax relief education.

Former Seattle City Councilmember and Transportation Chair Alex Pedersen voiced his opposition, comparing the tax increase to the Titanic disaster: "This troublesome transportation tax increase is like the Titanic - too big, hardest on the poor, and destined to fail everyone." Pedersen criticized the lack of consideration for struggling renters, homeowners, and small businesses, questioning the effectiveness of the levy in addressing traffic congestion and fixing dangerous bridges.

With Harrell expected to sign the legislation on Wednesday, the transportation levy is on track to appear on the November ballot. The decision ultimately lies in the hands of Seattle voters, who will determine the fate of the largest tax increase in the city's history.