SEATTLE — The first of two public hearings was held on Tuesday for Seattle residents to give input on the city’s $1.45 billion proposed transportation levy.
If approved by voters, the proposed transportation levy would replace the current transportation levy that is set to expire this year.
The current levy was approved by voters in 2015 and costs the median Seattle homeowner $23 per month. This new levy would increase that amount to $39 per month.
“I'm mindful that we need to make sure that taxpayers are receiving a strong return on investment,” said Councilmember Rob Saka, who is the council’s transportation chair.
At Tuesday’s committee meeting, people shared some of the transportation needs they wanted the council to ensure funding for in the proposed levy. Some of those needs people shared were improved and more sidewalks, safer routes for cyclists to commute on, and improved roads for freight that goes through the city.
One woman who gave public comment spoke of a tragic experience. Her husband Robb Mason was killed in a 2022 hit-and-run crash while he was cycling during his commute near the West Seattle Bridge.
“When you have to ride near cars, it can be really terrifying. Not everyone is willing to do that. I am willing to do it, my husband was willing to do it, but he paid for it with his life,” said Claudia Mason, who lost her husband in the crash.
She wants the city to allocate enough money to cycling and pedestrian safety programs to try to prevent more deaths on Seattle roads.
“Riding a bike is only as safe as the most dangerous section of the journey and many cycling routes in our city expose the cyclist to unnecessary danger,” said Mason. “I hope they focus on the importance of people feeling comfortable in their neighborhoods. Every neighborhood in Seattle deserves to be safe.”
Councilmember Tammy Morales was brought to tears during the meeting as she expressed the need for the council to protect its constituents.
“I am tired of coming to briefings and talking about my constituents who have been killed because our roads are not safe,” said Morales.
Some of the funding allocations listed in the proposed $1.45 billion levy include:
- $423 million to repave arterial streets and improve infrastructure
- $221 million to keep bridges in reliable working condition and prepare for future bridge projects
- $162 million for Vision Zero safety improvements to reduce traffic collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities
- $145 million to connect people safely to transit hubs
- $135 million to build and repair sidewalks
- $114 million for bike lanes and paths
The city council’s review and amendment process is scheduled to continue over the next six weeks. People can give public comment at any of the following meetings:
- June 4, 9:30 AM: Committee Meeting
- June 4, 4:30 PM: Public Hearing
- June 18, 9:30 AM: Committee Meeting
- July 2, 9:30 AM: Committee Meeting
The council is expected to vote on the levy at the July 2 committee meeting. If the council votes to approve it, it will go back to the Mayor’s Office and then would go on the ballot for voters to decide on in November of this year.