By Jared Brey
Governing
(TNS)

Quick Highlights:

• Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has put forward a plan to double the sales tax to fund expanded bus services and increase free passes for those in need.
• The city council sanctioned the measure in July, which aims to generate approximately $138 million annually.
• Other cities on the West Coast are also exploring similar tax initiatives this year.

Come November, Seattle voters will face a pivotal decision: should they support doubling the city’s sales tax to enhance public transportation? Given their historical backing for transit initiatives, it's likely they'll favor the proposal.

The initiative championed by Mayor Katie Wilson aims to take the transit-dedicated sales tax from 0.15% to 0.3%, maintaining this for a decade. The influx of funds would allow the city to procure additional bus services from King County Metro, the regional authority, and allocate more free passes to low-income demographics. This measure is projected to yield an extra 100,000 bus trips and provide 12,000 additional free passes a year, in addition to the current service levels that include 180,000 trips and 10,000 free passes annually from the existing measure, which was validated by voters in 2020. If the current tax rate persists, the city risks cutting back services due to escalating operational costs.

The proposal to raise the sales tax is the maximum allowed by Washington state legislation.

“Without this tax increase, we would need to ask the public for more just to maintain present services,” remarks Alex Hudson, a senior policy advisor for transportation and livability in the mayor's office. “We chose to pursue the entire investment over its full duration.”

When the last transit measure was up for a vote in 2020, over 80% of Seattle voters approved it. This marked the highest approval margin for a transit tax measure in U.S. history. Since that time, Seattle's transit network has only improved. While ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, it has notably increased each year since 2020, especially during off-peak hours. The local transit authorities have made strides towards providing more comprehensive service, including 24/7 operations. Recently, one of Seattle's new light rail connections reported the highest ridership in the nation. Meanwhile, Sound Transit is executing an expansive light rail expansion project that will further enhance regional connectivity.

Mayor Katie Wilson, who garnered her position in 2026, is an advocate for transit reform and housing initiatives aimed at tackling the affordability crisis. Early in her mayoralty, she signed executive orders to boost emergency shelter options and establish dedicated bus lanes on busy corridors like Denny Way. Her vision includes plans dubbed “Taller Denser Faster,” aimed at expediting housing development processes throughout Seattle.

Before the citizens can vote on the transit measure, it had to navigate city council scrutiny. Some council members expressed reluctance regarding tax increases amidst widespread affordability concerns. One member even suggested limiting the hike to 0.2% or reducing its duration to six years. Nonetheless, the council approved the measure nearly as originally proposed while instituting additional reporting obligations for the Seattle Department of Transportation. Wilson's team contends that, despite the tax increase, the measure is an affordability initiative, highlighting the high costs associated with car ownership in the area.

“We believe this is fundamentally an affordability initiative,” Hudson states. “This measure can significantly reduce personal expenses by providing alternatives that lessen the frequency and distance of driving, or even eliminating the need to drive entirely.”

Similar tax proposals are under consideration across various cities this year, with mixed outcomes expected. Earlier this year, three cities in Texas weighed ballot measures that would discontinue their participation in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system; two opted to remain while one chose to withdraw. In contrast, Pima County, Arizona, successfully voted to renew a sales tax measure for transportation improvements. The San Francisco Bay Area has two significant transit-funding initiatives on the ballot this fall, one aimed at generating $160 million annually for Muni, while another, under the title Connect Bay Area, seeks to raise $1 billion yearly to support BART and other regional systems that have faced severe financial strain post-COVID.

Just weeks ago, Spokane, Washington, narrowly passed a measure to maintain a 0.2% sales tax for transit support for another 20 years. As November approaches, Pierce County will determine if it will adopt a 0.3% sales tax to enhance local bus services. Nevertheless, these campaigns are anticipated to be more grueling than Seattle's, according to Kirk Hovenkotter, executive director of the Transportation Choices Coalition, a Seattle-based advocacy organization. Despite challenges, Pierce County has substantial transit needs, but their sporadic services have yet to be recognized as a practical alternative to driving, a contrast to Seattle’s more established transit systems.

“Transit is essential to Seattle; it's not perceived as optional,” emphasizes Hovenkotter. “The Seattle Transit Measure reflects this reality.”

Photo credit: Roberto Nickson/Unsplash

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© 2026 Governing. Visit www.governing.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

A Legislative Setback for Missouri's Tax Reform Efforts

The recent defeat of a proposal to phase out Missouri’s income tax stands as a significant moment in the state's fiscal landscape. Voters decisively rejected the plan led by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe, aiming to replace the individual income tax with an expanded sales and use tax. This outcome raises important questions about the direction of tax policy in Missouri and its potential implications for residents and businesses alike. The proposal, labeled Amendment 5, found itself at the center of a heated debate during the recent election cycle. Supporters argued that phasing out the income tax could enhance the state’s appeal for businesses and stimulate growth—citing success stories from states that operate without income taxes. However, the electorate seemed unconvinced. What is noteworthy here is not just the defeat but the larger trend it represents: a reluctance among voters to embrace significant changes to the tax structure without more detailed assurances on the economic benefits. If you're navigating this space, take note of the implications. This rejection signals a potential stagnation in tax reform, suggesting residents prioritize stability and predictability over experimental fiscal strategies. Governor Kehoe’s agenda, focused on mirroring states without income tax, will need recalibration. The lack of clarity on the specifics of how sales tax might increase, along with general voter skepticism about the proposed benefits, played a considerable role in swaying public opinion. This pushback against the proposed changes is a critical reminder of the complexities involved in tax reform. Transitioning to a new tax structure isn't just a matter of policy—it requires persuading the public that those changes will yield tangible benefits without disproportionate burdens. For policymakers, this moment calls for introspection and perhaps a shift towards more transparent dialogue with constituents about the potential impacts of such sweeping changes. The road ahead for tax reform in Missouri may be longer and more convoluted than initially expected.