Levy expands investments in early education, continues K-12 academic and health supports, and universal access to a two-year college degree
Today the City Council unanimously voted to send the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy renewal to the November 2025 ballot for voters to consider. The review process was led by Select Committee Chair Maritza Rivera (District 4).
“These investments will provide concrete, long-lasting, positive outcomes in the lives of kids,” said Rivera. “That is why Seattle voters have come to value and trust this levy – it benefits kids and directly supports kids’ educational achievement. Now more than ever, given the federal government’s attack on our children and working families, these investments are essential.
“This FEPP levy will provide critical investments in subsidized childcare and preschool, provide deeply needed K-12 academic, physical and mental health supports, and continues universal access to a two-year degree and adds more certificate programs in the trades through the Seattle Promise program,” Rivera added.
Key aspects of the levy proposal include:
- $658.2 Million for Early Learning, providing:
- A more than doubling of affordable childcare slots, from 600 to 1400, to benefit even more kids and their working families
- An addition of 600 more slots – across the city – for the nationally recognized Seattle Preschool Program
- $235 million for K-12 Health and Safety, including:
- Five more of the highly utilized School Based Health Centers, to provide physical health care as well as mental health care, both in person and via telehealth; violence prevention efforts, and school safety services
- $82.5 million for post-secondary education and career support:
- Universal access to a free two-year college degree
- Expanded pathways to the trades through Seattle Promise
“This levy is a bold investment in the health, safety, and success of Seattle’s youth, helping them get off on the right foot in school and life and providing critical support for working families by doubling affordable childcare options,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “I’m grateful for the partnership with Committee Chair Maritza Rivera and the thoughtful process from the City Council to build a strong package that will help every child reach their full potential. I look forward to sending this proposal to voters, affirming our strong commitment to a safe, equitable, and thriving future for all kids and families in our city.”
What people are saying
“Supporting educational programs for children and students is now more critical than ever and I thank Councilmember Rivera for her leadership on getting this critical ballot measure to the voters. It reflects our shared values that in Seattle, we start upstream to help our children learn and grow — not just from kindergarten through 12th grade, but through a cradle to college pipeline.”
– Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9)
“The Families, Education, Preschool and Promise investments give our youth the guidance, support, and opportunity to succeed. The Seattle Promise program is at the end of a pathway we’ve carefully designed and nurtured. Seattle Promise has surpassed all expectations. It is ‘taking’ the baton from our preschool and K-12 partners and providing students with the skills and education needed to change lives.”
– Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges
“This levy not only invests in stable, high-quality childcare and supports our working families — it also strengthens our community by investing in the essential childcare providers — primarily staff of color—who nurture and care for our children every day.”
– Angel Lewis, Education Director at Denise Louie Child Education Center
“I want to commend Councilmember Rivera on her leadership, guiding this FEPP Levy renewal through the Seattle City Council. The investments in this Levy will help build the next generation of construction workers, allowing students to find well-paying, fulfilling, skilled careers. It will open doors for the students who need it the most.”
– Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council.
“The Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy has been a critical source of funding for early learning, K-12 supports, and college access in Seattle. It has helped expand access to high-quality preschool, strengthen school-based partnerships focused on student academic achievement and well-being, and provided thousands of students with tuition-free college through Seattle Promise. The FEPP levy has played a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunity for Seattle’s youth. Seattle’s children deserve a strong start, a supportive learning environment, and a clear path to a successful life.”
– Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning
Background
In April, Mayor Harrell, joined by Councilmember Rivera, students, families, and education leaders, unveiled the FEPP Levy renewal proposal. The Council then reviewed the substance of the new proposal over the course of five meetings and a public hearing held on May 12.
Seattle residents have passed six education levies since 1990. Earlier that year, then-Mayor Norm Rice convened an education summit and planning effort to recognize the City’s role in supporting students. Participants recommended services focusing on making children safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Voters passed the Families and Education Levies in 1990, 1997, 2004 and 2011. In 2014, a separate levy for preschool programs was passed. In 2018, the Families and Education and Seattle Preschool levies were combined, the Seattle Promise program was added and the result was the current Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy – otherwise known as FEPP.
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