Get the Facts on How Seattle Invests in its Future

The Index is a twice-yearly survey of voters in Seattle. The latest installment shows voters are optimistic: the percentage of people who feel like things in the City of Seattle are generally on the right track is up 12 points, and 77% of voters say they are proud to call themselves a Seattleite.

Voters also shared their opinions about important priorities like homelessness, affordable housing and public safety.

76% of Seattle voters believe Seattle has enough money to address its most pressing priorities, it just needs to spend it more effectively.

And the City of Seattle’s General Fund revenues have grown every year*:

68% of Seattle voters think the city should work to offset the deficit by prioritizing government basics, supporting our city’s most vulnerable residents, and reducing non-critical spending before considering tax increases.

And the existing payroll expense tax, passed in 2020, is bringing in more than $400 million in revenue in 2024, and forecasted to bring in even more in 2025 and 2026:

Seattle voters’ concerns about homelessness have dropped 14 points since fall of 2023.

And in 2024, the city invested more than $339 million in housing through the Seattle Housing Levy, the payroll expense tax and the Mandatory Housing Affordability policy:

73% of Seattle voters believe shutting down open-air drug markets would improve our quality of life.

And in 2024, the city invested more than $796 million in public safety.

To stay informed about how Seattle funds its future, click the button below.

* Except during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020