Seattle City Council members express concern but still vote to increase sales tax Noel Gasca October 15, 2025 / 3:02 pm

The Seattle City Council has approved a proposal from Mayor Bruce Harrell to increase Seattle’s sales tax to fund public safety programs in the city.

Tuesday's 8-1 vote now provides a funding framework for the mayor's public safety priorities, like hiring additional staffing for the city's CARE Department. CARE, which stands for Community Assisted Response and Engagement, screens 911 calls and dispatches emergency services.

The 0.1 % increase is expected to raise $39 million in its first year, and comes as the city grapples with funding essential services in the midst of a $143 million budget shortfall.

Council President Sara Nelson voted in favor of the

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