Council adopts resolution setting priorities if state-authorized public-safety sales tax is pursued

The Seattle City Council on July 29 adopted resolution 32174, a legislative statement that sets public-safety-related funding priorities should the city pursue an additional 0.1% local-option sales tax authorized by the 2025 state legislature. The resolution passed 8-0.

Council president Sarah Nelson, chairing the governance committee and presenting the committee report, said the resolution does not itself increase taxes but outlines how the city should allocate revenue if the mayor later proposes the sales-tax increase.

The council noted an estimated revenue figure of about $40 million for a 0.1% increase; the resolution highlights that up to 25% of that revenue (roughly $10 million on the stated estimate) could be allocated to new and existing recovery-based services, including low-barrier shelter, case management, aftercare, legal coordination for people with severe substance-use disorder, and stabilization of law-enforcement diversion services.

Council member Rink expressed concern about a recently issued federal executive order on drug use and homelessness and noted uncertainty for service providers; Council member Strauss said he would support the resolution's program priorities but not as an endorsement of the funding mechanism over the regular budget process. Several council members emphasized the resolution is a statement of intent to broaden public safety spending to include behavioral health and recovery supports.

The roll-call vote recorded eight yes votes (Saka, Solomon, Strauss, Hollingsworth, Juarez, Kettle, Rink, Nelson) and no opposition. The chair signed the resolution.

Next steps: The resolution provides policy guidance should the mayor propose a sales-tax ordinance during budget deliberations; any actual tax increase, expenditure plan and appropriations would return to council for separate legislation and formal budget decisions.