Committee votes 4-0 to send Seattle democracy voucher levy to the ballot

The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee voted 4-0 on April 10 to recommend passage of Council Bill 120957, an ordinance that would place a 10-year property-tax levy before Seattle voters to continue funding the city’s democracy voucher program.

The bill would authorize a levy of $4.5 million a year, or $45 million over 10 years, to fund program administration and new participation levels; Council Central staff said that represents an increase from the current levy, which raises $3 million a year. Brian Goodnight of Council Central staff told the committee the proposal reflects inflation and higher program use and estimated the levy would add about $13.07 to the annual property-tax bill for the owner of a median-value residential property in 2026 (about $1.09 per month). Goodnight also said the city would exempt qualifying low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities from the increased levy amount as allowed by state law.

The committee’s action follows public comment from advocates and opponents…