Seattle Mayor Signs $480M Library Levy Proposal, Doubling Taxpayer Contribution
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has approved a proposed library levy that significantly increases the financial contribution required from taxpayers. The proposal, which will be presented to voters in August, seeks to replace an expiring 2019 library levy valued at $219 million with a new seven-year levy totaling $480 million. The Seattle City Council unanimously passed the measure before it was signed by Mayor Wilson. The largest portion of the funding, $229 million, is earmarked for maintaining library hours and access. Additionally, $134 million is allocated for building maintenance, and $38 million is designated for technology and IT infrastructure upgrades. The levy is expected to raise property taxes by approximately 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in its first year, resulting in a total rate of $3 per $1,000 of assessed property value. 
