SEATTLE — Sound Transit’s board of directors on Thursday approved a 1% property tax increase for 2026 to help fund light rail expansion projects authorized under the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 measure.
Fifteen board members voted to raise the agency’s 2026 property tax levy to $183 million, up from $176 million in 2025. The increase includes $5 million in new construction and improvements to assessed property values.
During the meeting, CEO Dow Constantine provided updates on several major projects, including the Link light rail extension to Federal Way, which is tentatively scheduled to open Dec. 6. He also discussed the East Link project that crosses the Interstate 90 bridge over Lake Washington, which remains slightly delayed but is currently undergoing nightly testing. That segment is now targeting an opening date of April 26…