Seattle mayor unveils nearly $1 billion transportation plan, largest tax hike in city's history

SEATTLE -- Mayor Ed Murray proposed a $900 million package Wednesday to improve roads, bridges, and sidewalks throughout the city.  It would be, by far, the largest tax increase in city history.

Murray argued the money is necessary to keep up with the explosive growth that will come over the next decade.



The ambitious plan would include several transportation improvements that go beyond helping just drivers.

“We’re going to get 60,000 more residents,” Murray said.  “If we don’t give them the option to ride buses that can move through the city efficiently, to walk, to bike, those folks will be in cars and those of you who have no other choice but to be in a car will be in a far worse situation.”

Here are the main details of the proposal:


    Here are the main projects the money would go toward:


      This measure would replace the city’s current transportation levy that is set to expire at the end of this year.  The mayor expects voters to weigh in on this on the November election ballot.