Levy proposal expands childcare and preschool, increases K-12 School-Based Health Centers, and broadens access to the trades

Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) joined Mayor Bruce Harrell, the Department of Education and Early Learning, students, families, and leaders in education to celebrate the release of the “Every Child Ready” proposal to renew the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy (FEPP).

“This proposal builds upon Seattle’s decades-long legacy of investing in our children’s academic futures,” said Councilmember Rivera. “We are setting kids up for a lifetime of success by expanding high-quality early learning programs to get them kindergarten ready, helping K-12 students thrive with academic and health supports, and paving the way to a bright future with universal access to a two-year college degree or a path to the trades.”

Councilmember Rivera will lead the Council review process as Chair of the Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy. The Committee will decide what levy renewal package to put before voters in November 2025. The first meeting, which included an overview of the previous FEPP levy, was held on April 10.

The Mayor’s $1.3 billion levy renewal proposal stays true to the goal of the original 1990 Families and Education Levy by providing services focused on making children ready to learn, healthy and safe. More families than ever before will have access to childcare and preschool, with 800 more childcare slots, and 600 more preschool seats available.

“This has truly been a joint effort,” Councilmember Rivera said about working with the Mayor’s Office to craft the proposal. “I want to thank the Mayor for including my priorities, and those of my colleagues, in the package – especially the early learning expansions, direct support for our valuable childcare providers, and increasing the pathways to the trades.”

“We know that these investments are even more important today in light of the federal administration’s unconscionable attacks on our working families and children,” added Councilmember Rivera.

This levy renewal proposal continues K-12 academic and other support services, centered on students with the highest need, and expands the highly utilized School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) to five more schools. These health centers, which serve more than 27,000 students each year, allow any SPS student access to medical and mental health care, including access to telehealth therapists.

The popular Seattle Promise program will continue its universal access to a two-year college degree or trade certificate for any SPS graduating senior, as well as academic support and coaching for enrolled students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

“This proposal is even more important in I look forward to working with my colleagues to putting this meaningful levy renewal on November’s ballot and giving voters the opportunity to decide,” said Councilmember Rivera.

What’s next

The proposed FEPP levy will be reviewed by the select committee, beginning on May 1, 2025. Once approved by the committee, it will go to the Council for a final vote. If approved, the levy will be on the ballot this November.

What people are saying

“Councilmember Rivera is not just talk. She is making early education a platform for our community. I am very supportive of this proposal which would expand childcare and preschool for Seattle working families.” – Angel Lewis, Education Director, Denise Louie Education Center

“I want to commend Councilmember Rivera on her leadership in expanding access to the trades in this levy renewal. The training pathways included in this proposal will help build the next generation of construction workers, opening and widening doors for those who need it the most. This package increases equity and economic opportunity for workers to build better lives in construction jobs and careers.” – Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council

“I want to thank Councilmember Rivera for all her community engagement. I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience as a preschool provider. Expanding early learning opportunities will help so many families in this time of uncertainty.” – Amruta Mane, Executive Director, Sound Child Care Solutions

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