Record No: CB 121181    Version: 1 Council Bill No: CB 121181
Type: Council Bill (CB) Status: In Committee
Current Controlling Legislative Body Select Committee on the Library Levy
On agenda: 4/2/2026
Ordinance No:
Title: AN ORDINANCE relating to regular property taxes; providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City at an election to be held on August 4, 2026, of a proposition authorizing the City to levy regular property taxes for up to seven years in excess of the limitation on levies in chapter 84.55 RCW for the purpose of sustaining investments in Library operating hours, collections, technology, programming, and maintenance while expanding access to opportunity through Library materials, technology, and undertaking a seismic retrofit of one Library facility; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
Sponsors: Maritza Rivera
Supporting documents: 1. Summary and Fiscal Note, 2. Summary Att 1 – 2026 Library Levy Projected Expenditures and Revenues, 3. Summary Att 2 - Levy Rate and Annual Cost to Homeowner, 4. Executive Presentation, 5. Central Staff Presentation, 6. Central Staff Memo, 7. Proposed Amendment Packet, 8. Updated Proposed Amendments Packet (added; 3/31/26)
CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to regular property taxes; providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City at an election to be held on August 4, 2026, of a proposition authorizing the City to levy regular property taxes for up to seven years in excess of the limitation on levies in chapter 84.55 RCW for the purpose of sustaining investments in Library operating hours, collections, technology, programming, and maintenance while expanding access to opportunity through Library materials, technology, and undertaking a seismic retrofit of one Library facility; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
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WHEREAS, The Seattle Public Library (Library) was established in 1890 and, since that time, has served as a free and trusted source of information and a community gathering place for residents of Seattle and the region; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved the Libraries for All bond measure, which made Library services more accessible by supporting the construction of four branch libraries in communities without library service, the replacement or renovation of 22 existing branches, and the development of a new downtown Central Library; and
WHEREAS, the Library provides residents, including children and seniors, with access to an array of free services and programming, including access to physical and digital books and other materials for all ages and viewpoints, computer and job search classes, adult tutoring, English language learning resources, tax preparation help, and readings by world-renowned authors; and
WHEREAS, the Library provides important educational support to Seattle's youth through literacy programs, including story times for children and families, homework help for students, summer learning activities, teen spaces and activities, partnerships with teachers and schools, and other important educational resources and services; a...

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