Levy will generate $1.3 billion over six years, representing the largest City investment in youth, education, and families to date
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Councilmember Maritza Rivera, leadership from the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), and education partners celebrated voters’ approval of City of Seattle Proposition No. 1, the renewal of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy. The levy is currently passing with over 76% of the vote, according to King County Elections.
In April, Mayor Harrell announced his Every Child Ready initiative, which included the renewal of the FEPP levy. The 6-year, $1.3 billion levy will double access to affordable childcare, expand mental health and student safety services in schools, provide up to two years of free tuition at Seattle Colleges for all graduating seniors at public high schools, and expand career pathways to help more students enter the skilled trades.
“Seattle voters have once again stepped up to boldly invest in our children, families, and shared future,” said Mayor Harrell. “By renewing the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise levy, our city is ensuring that every child – regardless of their zip code, income, or background – can reach their full potential and thrive in school and beyond. These investments will support working families with affordable childcare, improve academic outcomes and the wellbeing of students in schools, and open doors to higher education and careers. I want to thank Seattle voters, educators, community partners, and the City Council for supporting this historic, transformative investment in our young people and families. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders and building a stronger, brighter future for our entire city.”
“Seattle voters have supported this levy since 1990 because it has positive, meaningful outcomes. And they have supported our kids and working families again last night. I want to thank them for that,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, Chair of the Council’s FEPP levy committee. “This levy will fund critical investments in childcare and preschool, school-based health centers, mental health care, and universal access to Seattle Promise – including expanded pathways to the skilled trades. We are living in challenging and uncertain times, and this levy will help provide support and stability for our kids.”
Highlights of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy include:
$658.2 million for high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities for Seattle’s youngest learners and families, including:
- Childcare Expansion: More than doubling access to affordable childcare slots to 1,400 a year and providing direct payments to support the retention of 5,000 childcare workers citywide.
- Nationally Acclaimed Preschool Program: Expanding the award-winning Seattle Preschool Program to 3,100 seats, improving access for families across the city and ensuring Seattle’s youngest learners are ready to enter kindergarten.
$510.7 million for K-12 academic and enrichment supports with a focus on student wellness and safety, including:
- Youth Mental Health Services: Bolstering youth mental health services for Seattle students by establishing 5 new school-based health centers, expanded staffing, and telehealth support.
- School Safety: Expanding school safety investments in and around schools in partnership with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and community-based organizations.
$82.4 million for post-secondary education and skill-building opportunities to prepare recent graduates for successful careers, including:
- Seattle Promise: Free tuition and expenses for up to two years at Seattle Colleges, available to all Seattle public school graduates. The program is estimated to serve 1,475 scholars annually.
- Apprenticeships and Workforce Development: Expanding Promise’s Path to Trades program to help SPS graduates enter careers in skilled trades.
The Mayor’s Office and DEEL will now begin working on the Levy Implementation and Evaluation Plan, which will be submitted to the City Council in early 2026.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director Department of Education and Early Learning
“The FEPP levy is an amazing resource to our community. We are incredibly grateful to the public for believing in this work and the promise of a bright future for all Seattle scholars.”
Fred Podesta, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools
“Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is thrilled that the FEPP Levy has passed. We are deeply grateful for our longstanding partnership with the City of Seattle, which has always been more than a working relationship—it is a shared commitment to the success and well-being of every student in our city. Together, we are building the foundation for a stronger, more equitable Seattle, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead for our students and community.”
Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, Seattle Colleges Chancellor
“This is a victory for all Seattle families.”
Roxanne Christian, Alliance for Education President
“This decision affirms that Seattle is a city that votes according to its values. With a 76% majority Tuesday evening, we heard loud and clear that our community values a strong public education system, values opportunities for young people, and values the future of our city. As the district’s education fund, we remain committed partners in advancing educational justice and removing barriers to learning so that every Seattle student can reach their fullest potential.”
Erin Okuno, FEPP Levy Oversight Committee Member and Seattle Public Schools Parent
“I’m very excited to see the Every Child Ready initiative continue. This will guarantee there is a better woven safety net for the kids in our community and schools. Especially today we see how we have to come together to surround our students and families with community care–this will help.”
Lincoln West, 7th grader at Aki Kurose Middle School and Community Learning Center
“My afterschool program is so important to be because it offers homework help. It also gives me exposure to mentors and positive role models that helps me build confidence and self-esteem. Super excited to hear the city will keep funding programs like this.”
Shelzy Juta, Seattle Promise Alumna from South Seattle College and Chief Sealth High School
“I’m so insanely proud. Now, younger students will have the same opportunity I did. Seattle Promise helped me find myself and my purpose. I gained an education and a direction for my career. Our city will continue to change for the better because youth have access to this program.
Isabella Caldejon, Seattle Promise Alumna from Seattle Central College and Cleveland High School
“Knowing that students like me will have the resources they need to further their education with ease and confidence to work towards their futures means a lot.”