Council begins debate over Wilson Seattle Transit Measure proposal including bid to slice tax

Seattle City Council is debating Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposal to increase the Seattle sales tax by 0.15% to fund expanded bus service and transit programs, generating an estimated $138 million annually. Council members Bob Kettle and Rob Saka are proposing amendments to reduce the tax increase and modify funding priorities, with a public hearing set for July 13th and a council vote required by August 4th to place the measure on the November ballot. While this is regional news affecting the broader South King County area, it does not directly impact Burien governance or local services.