This week, Seattle voters approved the $1.3 billion Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. Passage means the for owners of a median-valued Seattle home (assessed at approximately $1.1 million), the annual cost will be about $656 per year. This equates to a tax rate of approximately $0.61 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The Seattle City Council voted to place the FEPP on the general election ballot back in June.
The $1.3 billion property tax request will help fund early childhood education, K-12 student services, post-secondary tuition and career support, and more than double the availability of subsidized child care in the city. It will also ensure that Seattle residents continue to have universal access to a 2-year degree and add certificate programs in the trades through the Seattle Promise program.
“These investments will provide concrete, long-lasting, positive outcomes in the lives of kids,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, chair of the council’s FEPP Levy committee, said before the vote. “It benefits kids and directly supports kids’ educational achievement. Now more than ever, given the federal government’s attack on our children and working families, these investments are essential.”
The two SPS passed in February are specific to the district: the Seattle Public Schools Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) funds programs, services, staff, and day-to-day operations that are not fully covered by the state. The Seattle Public Schools Building Excellence Levy, also passed in February, funds school buildings and student technology.
The current FEPP renewal focuses on early childhood education for children before they enter the K-12 system, and college access after they graduate. It will also make it easier for parents to find quality childcare.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said of the Council’s decision to float the levy renewal: “This levy is a powerful investment in Seattle’s future – giving every child in our city the strong start they deserve and setting them up for long-term success in school and life.”
Here’s where the money would go, according to the Seattle City Council FEPP page:
- $658.2 million for the city’s early learning programs would double affordable childcare slots around town from 600 to 1,400 and add 600 more slots to the nationally recognized Seattle Preschool Program, bringing the total seats to 3,100 annually.
- $235 million earmarked for K-12 health and safety efforts would build five more School-based Health Centers, providing students with greater access to physical and mental health care in person and via telehealth. It would also fund violence prevention efforts and school safety services.
- $82.5 million would fund universal access to a free two-year college degree and expand pathways to the trades through the Seattle Promise scholarship program.
Learn more about the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy on the Seattle City County webpage.
