The Brief
Seattle City Council approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax increase, projected to generate nearly $40M in 2026 for public safety costs, including substance abuse treatment and homelessness.
Seattle's sales tax will rise to 10.35%, higher than major cities like New York City (8.88%) and Boston (6.25%), raising concerns about its impact on low-income residents.
Council President Sara Nelson acknowledges the tax's regressive nature but emphasizes its necessity to address public safety issues, with spending decisions to be made during budget deliberations.
SEATTLE - Buying anything next year will cost you more in Seattle. The Seattle City Council approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax on Tuesday.
The bill passed with all councilmembers voting in favor of it, but one. The