Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has proposed a new seven-year property levy of $410 million to support the city’s public libraries. The tax measure, which will appear on ballots in August if approved by the City Council, is nearly 50% larger than the previous 2019 levy when adjusted for inflation. Funds would begin flowing in 2027 and would amount to roughly one-third of the library system’s total budget, without replacing the city’s core funding.
More than half of the requested funds would go toward keeping libraries accessible: maintaining current hours, literacy programs and social services, and bolstering safety measures. About $60 million is planned for replenishing collections—both print and digital books, whose prices continue to rise. Another $86 million would go toward maintenance of 27 branches, some more than 100 years old, including seismic upgrades to one of the system’s oldest branches.
The proposal comes as the city approaches the legal limit on property taxes, set at $3.60 per $1,000 of assessed home value. That cap is established by Washington state law as part of statewide constraints designed to control tax burdens on property owners. The city is currently at $3.02, which would rise to $3.21 if the library levy is approved. That leaves very little room to fund other priorities, such as early childhood education, public safety, or city infrastructure development.
The library system faced significant challenges after the pandemic, when branches were forced to close and then slowly recover. The expanded hours promised back in 2019 were not fully realized until 2023. At the same time, safety and visitor well-being issues increased as libraries took on some social-service roles, offering homeless assistance through targeted programs, access to social workers, free computer classes and internet for job searches, educational programs for immigrants, and safe public spaces for vulnerable populations. City Librarian Tom Fay emphasizes that libraries remain an important tool for protecting free access to information and critical thinking.
The mayor’s proposal now goes to the City Council for consideration. Council members may make adjustments before placing it on the citywide ballot. Councilmember Maritza Rivera, who will lead the discussion, said there is unanimous support for libraries among city leaders. The final outcome will depend on Seattle residents’ willingness to approve higher taxes to preserve and expand one of the city’s key public institutions.
Based on: Mayor Katie Wilson proposes new, nearly 50% larger library levy