Seattle will have additional proposals for this year’s transportation levy thanks to city councilmember Rob Saka.
The levy would reach $1.55 billion with Saka’s amendments. That is $100 million more than Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposal a month ago.
“This investment reflects a smart, balanced approach to meeting the needs where we all can win,” said Saka, adding that his additions are “the first initial step.”
The proposed levy would replace the $930 million levy approved in 2015. The new levy aims to repave busy streets, maintain bridges, building and repairing sidewalks, improving access to transit, and expanding Seattle’s bike network.
The new levy adds $63 million for new sidewalks, $7 million to the Safe Routes to Schools program, and adds another $7 million for transit safety measures. According to Saka that funding would be spent on personnel, from civilian “navigators” to armed officers.
“It is a lot,” Saka said. “Whatever the investment amount, and this has been made loud and clear to me, we need to have tight accountability and controls baked in to assure good governance.”
The levy is funded through property taxes, and according to Saka, would cost the owner about $500 a year, roughly $200 more than the 2015 levy.
Saka is also proposing other changes such as $7 million to the District Project Fund, $10 million for electric vehicle charging stations, and $20 million for a program dedicated to freight.
Saka said spending money on Seattle’s sidewalks is crucial, with over a quarter of the city’s sidewalks missing.
-----------------------------------------
Source: Seattle Times, Hoodline
