Select Committee on Seattle Transportation Benefit District – June 4, 2026

The Select Committee held its first meeting to review Mayor Wilson's proposed renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure (STM), a 0.3% sales tax increase (double the current 0.15%) over 10 years, expected to raise approximately $138 million annually. The meeting included a briefing from SDOT and the Mayor's Office, followed by a presentation from the Transit Advisory Board (TAB). Extensive public testimony was heard, largely in support of the measure with calls to address regressive taxation and transit safety.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Neal (ATU 587 Financial Secretary): Expressed full support for the measure, noting it increases transit service capacity for a growing population and provides leverage with King County Metro.
• Patrick Brady (ATU driver, District 6 resident): Supported the measure, emphasizing the need for pinch-point improvements and ORCA card subsidies to enhance rider confidence and operator safety.
• Noah Williams (Transit Riders Union): Supported the measure as a $58/year cost for the average Seattleite, saving $12,000/year in car costs, and urged that funds be directed to service hours, speed/reliability, and passes for vulnerable residents.
• David Hill (Transit Riders Union Treasurer): Supported outcomes but criticized reliance on regressive sales tax, calling for progressive revenue like employer taxes.
• Katie Rickyuto (Transportation Choices Coalition): Supported the measure's duration and amount, stating it restores 2019 service levels and makes transit more affordable than car ownership.
• Jonathan Gonzalez (Ballard Fremont Green Streets): Supported the measure, highlighting 100,000 more bus trips per year and urging quick passage.
• David Haynes: Called for transit signal priority technology and better coordination among transit agencies, critical of current bus route delays.
• Nick Satelli (Fix the Late / Central Seattle Streets for All): Supported the measure, noting $29/year cost for median household vs. high car costs, and urged expanded night/weekend service.
• Jason Lee (Fix the Late): Supported the measure, warning that without it, single-occupancy vehicle growth will worsen traffic and safety.
• Jack Wisner (District 6): Urged two changes: delete the South Lake Union Streetcar (redundant and costly) and include a vehicle license fee (VLF) for pavement management.
• Jason Weill (Ballard Fremont Green Streets): Supported the measure as an affordability tool and urged increased transit frequency.
• Alberto Alvarez (remote): Regretted supporting Mayor Wilson, stated the sales tax increase hits working families hardest; preferred VLF or progressive taxes.
• Brandon Durbladder (remote): Supported the measure, noted regressive nature of car ownership costs, and compared favorably to county sales tax for roads.
• Carlo Alcantera (remote, D5): Supported the measure, emphasized need for more frequent buses and accountability for service standards.
• Wes Stewart (Sierra Club WA Chapter): Supported the measure for climate benefits and affordability, especially for working-class families in D2.
• Greg Woodfill (ATU 587 President, remote): Expressed full support, called transit a public utility, and acknowledged regressive tax but said it funds needed services.
• Lam Ho (Transit Riders Union GM): Supported the measure, highlighting expansion of free ORCA passes from 10,000 to 22,000 low-income residents.
• Harper Nally (Transit Riders Union): Supported the measure, stated it would save her $5,000/year in non-rent expenses through reduced Uber/Lime bike costs.

Discussion Items

1. Executive’s Proposed 2026 Seattle Transit Measure Angela Brady (Acting Director SDOT), Francisca Stefan, Jen Malley-Crawford (SDOT), and Alex Hudson (Mayor's Office) presented the proposal. Key points:

• Current STM (0.15% sales tax) funds 180,000 bus service hours, 10,000 free ORCA cards, streetcar service, and transit capital.
• Proposed renewal: 0.3% sales tax for 10 years, raising $138M/year. 86.5% ($119M) for transit service (including streetcars), 7.6% ($10.5M) for transit access programs (expanding ORCA passes to 22,000 residents), 1.4% ($1.9M) for Sound Transit 3 staffing, and 2.5% ($3.5M) for capital projects.
• Would add 100,000 additional bus service hours (total 280,000), restoring 2019 service levels.
• Justification: costs have risen 26% since 2020; 0.223% would maintain current service but no expansion. A $50 VLF was rejected as more regressive and opposed by community stakeholders.
• Councilmembers questioned the lack of dedicated funding for transit safety (beyond Metro's baseline) and the reduction in capital investment relative to previous measure (authorized $12.7M, proposed $3.5M). Councilmember Strauss expressed concern that Ballard lacks direct service despite regional center designation. Councilmember Rivera questioned the regressive impact of doubling sales tax.

2. Seattle Transit Advisory Board (TAB) Consultation Co-chairs Ashwin Bhumbla and Zach Burton presented the TAB's unanimous endorsement of the mayor's proposal. They highlighted alignment with the TAB's priorities: at least 60% of funds for transit service, expansion of ORCA passes, and maintaining streetcar service. They noted the TAB has overseen STM spending and found it accountable. They encouraged council to avoid amendments that reduce service.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; the items were information briefings.
• The committee will continue discussion at the next meeting on June 18, 2026 at 9:30 AM.
• Chair Saka indicated the need for additional dedicated transit safety funding and a careful review of capital investment levels.
• Council staff will provide analysis for the next meeting.