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 sales tax increase stems from a new state law that was passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson told FOX 13 Seattle that the intention is to use it for costs associated with public safety, which could include treatment of substance abuse disorders, homelessness, and staffing first responders.…