Select Committee on the Library Levy

The Seattle City Council's Select Committee on the Library Levy convened to hear presentations on Mayor Wilson's $410 million library levy proposal, which would appear on the August 4, 2026 ballot. The proposal represents an 87% increase over the expiring $219 million 2019 levy, reflecting both inflation adjustments and expanded services. During nearly three hours of testimony and deliberation, committee members heard from eleven public commenters who unanimously supported the library system while some urged higher investment levels. Chair Maritza Rivera opened by acknowledging Seattle's affordability challenges and the city's approaching property tax capacity limits, stating the committee must balance strong library support with fiscal responsibility. The mayor's presentation emphasized that 90% of surveyed residents value the library system, while Central Staff warned that Seattle is approaching critical levy capacity constraints that could limit future tax ability. The proposal allocates $218.4 million for hours and access, $58.5 million for collections, $85.9 million for building maintenance, $38.2 million for technology, and $9 million for administration. Key expansions include $12.6 million for additional programming, $7.7 million for enhanced security, $10 million for deferred maintenance, and $4.6 million for expanded collections.