Seattle Mayor Wilson Unveils Proposals on Transit Funding, Housing Fees, and Retail…

Mayor Katie Wilson has introduced multiple policy proposals concerning various aspects of the city. She proposed a plan to renew the Seattle Transit Measure, which would increase the city’s sales tax from 0.15% to 0.30% to fund transit services, including 100,000 additional annual bus trips. Separately, she announced a legislative proposal aimed at increasing transparency in the housing market by targeting 'hidden junk fees' in rentals. Furthermore, the Mayor launched a program funded by taxpayers to provide one-time security and facility upgrades for supermarkets experiencing high rates of retail theft.

The proposals address major issues ranging from public transit capacity and funding models to the cost of living and small business security. The transit funding proposal is currently under consideration by the City Council. The housing market proposals are based on a citywide survey of over 8,800 local renters who reported paying extra fees on top of base rent.