Seattle committee reviews 2018 FEPP levy investments as renewal process begins

The Seattle City Council's Select Committee on Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy received an overview of the 2018 Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) levy on April 10, 2025, as Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) staff described program results and the timeline toward a proposed renewal for the November ballot.

The presentation matters because the FEPP levy funds a broad set of early childhood and education services — from child care subsidies to preschool, school-based health centers and Seattle Promise college access — and committee members flagged potential state and federal funding changes that could affect local planning. Committee Chair Maritza Rivera said the committee will return to consider a mayoral proposal on April 24 and that the levy is expected to be transmitted around April 23 for placement on the November ballot.

DEEL Director Duane Chappell summarized the levy’s reach and purpose, saying, “Everything we do from early learning to post secondary is designed to support Seattle students’ long term success.” He noted the 2018 levy was approved for seven years and that levy-funded investments continue through the 2025–26 school year.

Key figures and program descriptions delivered to the committee:

- Revenue and reach: The presentation reported roughly $619 million in FEPP revenue since 2019 and said the levy has served nearly 70,000 children and youth since implementation began in 2019.

- Child care assistance (CCAP): DEEL staff…