Tuesday is Special Election Day with Seattle votes on Social Housing and school funding

Seattle's special election on February 10, 2025, presents voters with critical decisions regarding social housing and school funding amidst a low turnout of just over 15%. Propositions 1A and 1B will determine whether to implement a new payroll tax to support social housing initiatives, with advocates proposing a 5% tax on salaries exceeding $1 million. This tax could generate around $50 million annually to fund the city's new Social Housing Developer, which aims to create 2,000 affordable housing units over the next decade. In addition, voters will weigh two separate levies for Seattle Public Schools, with a proposed operations levy of $747 million and a capital levy of approximately $1. 8 billion for new facilities.

The backdrop of recent tensions around school closures adds complexity to the school funding proposals, raising questions about the district's management and priorities. Local budgets are also strained due to a state-imposed 1% cap on levy revenues, complicating the financial landscape for the city. As the election approaches, the outcomes of these propositions could significantly influence Seattle's approach to affordable housing and educational funding. The decisions made on Tuesday are likely to resonate throughout the community for years to come.