Seattle City Council considers implementing new public safety sales tax funding plan

A new public safety sales tax proposal is making waves in Seattle, with the potential to generate up to $40 million annually for critical services. The Seattle City Council's Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee discussed this initiative during a meeting on July 10, 2025, emphasizing its importance amid a looming $240 million operating deficit.

The proposed tax, set at one-tenth of one percent, was authorized by the Washington State Legislature earlier this year. While Mayor Bruce Harrell has shown interest in implementing it, the council is cautious, recognizing the city's financial challenges. Council President expressed that now may not seem like the ideal time for new investments, but the urgency of addressing homelessness and untreated mental health issues cannot be ignored.

"This is not just fiscally responsible; it is the moral thing to do," the Council President stated, highlighting the need for investments that could help individuals transition from the streets into treatment programs. The resolution discussed outlines potential uses for the tax revenue, which could fund not only police services but also a range of behavioral health initiatives, domestic violence services, and community outreach programs.

The committee's discussions also noted that the tax could be implemented alongside existing county measures, potentially leading to a combined sales tax increase of 0.2%. The resolution does not commit to adopting the tax but encourages the council to consider it as part of the broader budget strategy.

As the city grapples with its financial future, the proposed sales tax could play a pivotal role in addressing public safety and health challenges, making it a topic of significant interest for Seattle residents and leaders alike. The council is expected to further deliberate on this proposal in the coming months, with a decision anticipated before the budget discussions in September.