Seattle voters face sales‑tax hike to fund major transit expansion

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to place a sales‑tax increase on the November ballot that would raise the city’s dedicated transit tax from 0.15 % to 0.30 %. The proposal, known as the Seattle Transit Measure (STM), is expected to generate about $138 million over ten years. Funding would be used to expand King County Metro bus service by roughly 100,000 trips, add late‑night and weekend routes, support staffing for regional light‑rail projects, and implement safety upgrades on buses.

Mayor Katie Wilson introduced the STM, and council amendments added provisions for night‑time service, transit‑access programs, infrastructure investment, and compliance with the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force’s recommendations. The measure now awaits mayoral signature before appearing on the ballot for voter approval in November.