Seattle City Council approves mayor’s $620M education levy

Seattle voters will be asked on the November ballot to pay more property taxes for education.

The city council unanimously approved the move to send a $620 million plan to voters this year to pay for education programs. The Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy replaces two expiring levies for preschool and K-12 funding that used to cost the owner of a home with a median value $136 a year.

The new levy, which adds more subsidized preschool, maintains most K-12 funding and will help pay for the mayor’s free community college plan – will cost nearly $250 a year – or an additional $9 a month.

Council members admit Seattle voters already hit with massive property tax hikes may be hesitant to shell out more money, but insist the levy is vital to make sure all students get the same opportunity.