Mayor Bruce Harrell announces a proposed sales tax increase that would fund public safety priorities at a news conference at Fire Station 10 in Seattle on Thursday. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has introduced a proposal to increase the city’s sales tax by 0.1 percent to support public safety programs. The authority to raise local sales taxes for this purpose was granted by the state earlier this year.
If approved by the City Council, the measure is expected to generate nearly $40 million annually. Funds would be used to expand nonpolice emergency response through the city’s CARE department, add 911 dispatchers, support the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, expand treatment and recovery beds, and recruit new firefighters.
The CARE department, which currently has 24 responders, would double in size under the plan. CARE teams handle calls such as welfare checks and overdose incidents that may not require police response. According to city officials, these teams have successfully responded to thousands of calls without incident.
Council President Sara Nelson has voiced interest in ensuring a portion of funding goes specifically toward treatment programs, and the council will review Harrell’s proposal in the upcoming budget process.
The proposal comes as Seattle works to balance its 2026 budget while addressing projected deficits and voter decisions on additional tax measures this fall.
