In a bid to enhance transportation safety and maintenance in Seattle, Mayor Harrell has unveiled an ambitious 8-year, $1.45 billion levy proposal. This proposal, shaped by extensive community input, follows a period of robust public engagement and reflects the City of Seattle’s commitment to a One Seattle vision for a safe, reliable, and connected transportation system.
The proposed levy, which is set to be reviewed by the Seattle City Council, aims to address the ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services citywide. It also seeks to balance essential needs with affordability, allocating an additional $100 million to fund top priorities raised by residents. These priorities include sidewalk construction and repairs, enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity to light rail stations, transit access and reliability, bridge maintenance and long-term replacement planning, and the maintenance and modernization of Seattle’s streets.
With Seattle’s current transportation levy set to expire this year, the new proposal comes at a crucial time. The transportation levies have historically provided approximately 30 percent of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) budget and have been instrumental in funding basic transportation services for the past 18 years, as determined by public votes.
Recognizing the critical role of a well-functioning transportation system in a thriving city, the levy funding will enable SDOT to address the fundamental needs of the city’s transportation infrastructure while making important investments in safety, climate resilience, and communities.
The proposal builds upon the input and insights of Seattle residents, incorporating plans such as the Seattle Transportation Plan and the One Seattle Plan, which is currently open for public comment. By aligning the priorities expressed by the public with the essential needs identified by the City, the proposal aims to deliver tangible improvements to Seattle’s transportation system.
The Seattle City Council will now review the proposal and consider its referral to voters for the November 2024 ballot. This opportunity for public input and engagement ensures that the final decision reflects the collective vision of the community.
