NEWS GLEAMS | Mayor's Transportation Levy Proposal; IRS Offers Free Tax Filing Service
A roundup of news and announcements we don't want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle.
by Vee Hua 華婷婷
Mayor's Proposed $1.35B Transportation Levy Supports Street Maintenance and Safety
Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed a $1.35 billion transportation levy to be split over the next eight years. It would replace the current one, which passed in 2015, will expire in 2024, and has been valued at $930 million. Thirty percent of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) budget comes from the current levy.
If passed as is, the largest portion of the proposed levy — $423 million — would be focused on street maintenance projects, such as fixing potholes and improving sidewalks and curbs. Other funds would be split among projects related to bridge maintenance, bike lanes, safety improvements near schools, and upgrades to public spaces or pedestrian experiences. It would also give a 150% increase in funding for Vision Zero, a City program designed to improve transportation infrastructure in order to minimize traffic fatalities.
Funds for the $1.35 billion levy would come from an increase in the tax paid annually by Seattle homeowners through the existing levy. The amount of tax increase would be scaled in relation to the cost of each homeowner's residence.
As summarized by KING 5, "The median homeowner in Seattle currently pays $24 per month for the levy and the proposed levy would increase the monthly payment to $36. For those who own a home under $500,000, the monthly payment will increase by $7, and for those who own a home over $1 million, that payment will increase by $14." A median-priced property is valued at $866,000.
The City is accepting public feedback from the proposed levy through April 26. Full details about the levy are available on the City's website, and feedback can be made there, as well as by emailing MoveSeattle@Seattle.gov or calling 206-319-5892.
Direct File Helps Washingtonians Submit Taxes for Free
A new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program called Direct File is now available to help residents of 12 states — including Washington — file their taxes for free. Developed by the federal government following the passage of the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act, Direct File is similar to paid tax filing software, such as TurboTax and H&R Block.
Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal recently hosted a webinar, with the Washington State Taxpayer Advocate Service and IRS Direct File team, to help Washingtonians better understand the program. The recording can be viewed on YouTube.
Direct File should be used before the tax filing deadline, April 15. Eligibility can be seen on the IRS website.
Park CommUNITY Fund Accepts Proposals to Expand Inclusion in Parks
Seattle Parks and Recreation is accepting ideas and offering a number of community grants through its Park CommUNITY Fund, which aims to expand inclusion in parks, close access gaps to park facilities for "frontline communities," and center efforts to build ongoing relationships and transparency with diverse community members. A total of $14.8 million has been allocated for the Park CommUNITY Fund between 2023 and 2028.
Proposals will be accepted through April 30 via the Seattle Parks and Recreation website. To submit, you will be required to create a login.
After the initial phase, submitted ideas will be developed into proposals from May through July, then reviewed for priority and narrowed down into a list of finalists. Those finalists will undergo a three-part selection process from August to October, where final approval of projects will be determined.
Community members can sign up and receive assistance via a number of upcoming office hours. A list of communities the grant aims to support can also be found on the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.
Vee Hua 華婷婷 (they/them) is a writer, filmmaker, and organizer with semi-nomadic tendencies. Much of their work unifies their metaphysical interests with their belief that art can positively transform the self and society. They are the editor-in-chief of REDEFINE, a long-time member of the Seattle Arts Commission, and a film educator at the interdisciplinary community hub, Northwest Film Forum, where they previously served as executive director and played a key role in making the space more welcoming and accessible for diverse audiences. After a recent stint as the interim managing editor at South Seattle Emerald, they are moving into production on their feature film, Reckless Spirits, which is a metaphysical, multilingual POC buddy comedy. They have a master's in Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship under the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
📸 Featured Image: A view of a bike lane adjacent to a downtown Seattle Street in 2019. Photo via The Image Party/Shutterstock.com
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Before you move on to the next story …
The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.
If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.
We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!
