What is Seattle Prop. 1? A look at the $1.55 billion levy

SEATTLE – One of the items on this year's exceptionally long ballot for Seattle voters is Proposition 1 – but what exactly is it?

Prop 1 is a property tax levy intended to fund approximately 30% of the Seattle Department of Transportation's budget. The city is currently using the $930 million Levy to Move Seattle, which voters approved back in November 2015.

The current levy is set to expire this year.

Prior to 2015, the $365 million “Bridging the Gap” levy was approved by Seattle voters in 2006.

Prop 1 would raise an impressive $1.55 billion over the next eight years and is seen as a rare consensus between progressive transportation leadership and more conservative business interests in the city. If passed, 30% of the SDOT budget will continue to be funded.

Proponents of Prop 1 argue that it will fund road improvements, new sidewalks, bridge maintenance, city bus infrastructure, bike safety work, etc Aurora Avenue Reconstruction Project and other safety projects in accident-prone areas.

Meanwhile, opponents are extremely critical of the costs, which almost double the real estate tax. For owners of a home with an average value of $804,000, the levy would cost about $44 per month, compared to the current $23 per month for a home of the same value. Critics say the tax is wasteful because Seattle is already behind on road and bridge maintenance under its current transportation levy.

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