Today Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), joined by key Seattle-area providers, announced her resolution to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase for a progressive public safety initiative that will shore up “pathways to recovery” through investment in critical addiction treatment services.

The Washington State Legislature authorized local jurisdictions to increase the local sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) for public safety programs. The goal of Nelson’s initiative is to center treatment on the city’s agenda by filling gaps in existing services to support Seattle’s public safety progress and get people struggling with substance use disorder on a pathway to recovery – however that may be defined.   

“Our Council has acted decisively on public safety and as a result, Seattle is a safer city than it was four years ago,” said Council President Nelson. “But the reality of what we see on our streets is far from perfect. Addiction is inextricably linked to our public safety and chronic homelessness challenges, and this proposal builds on existing services to provide a ‘pathway to recovery’ for our most vulnerable. I urge my colleagues to join me in adopting a comprehensive approach to advancing our public safety goals and supporting our constituents who are struggling with addiction.” 

If implemented, the public safety sales tax increase would generate over $35 million annually. Council President Nelson’s initiative would provide up to twenty-five percent of that revenue to support a variety of critical initiatives including:

• Expanding access to on-demand residential and intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment and maintaining the funding model of the existing pilot project. 
• Enhancing access to recovery housing and recovery-based services within existing low-barrier permanent supportive housing. 
• Innovative approaches to addressing stimulant use disorder and expanding the provision of long-lasting buprenorphine injections, a clinically proven approach to managing opioid dependence. 
• Stabilizing diversion services such as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) long-term case management and capacity for low-barrier shelter, case management, aftercare, and legal coordination for people living unsheltered with severe substance use disorder such as CoLEAD. 
• Funding capital investments to support the facilities where treatment services are provided, including physical improvements to existing clinics.   
• Coordination with King County to increase the number of Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs) operating within Seattle to facilitate referrals to Secure Withdrawal Management and Stabilization (SWMS) facilities, such as the one operated by Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care.  

Background  

In 2024 alone, 568 overdose deaths occurred in the city. At the same time, rising service costs and declining federal support due to the Trump Administration are putting core programs at risk. 

Next steps  

While no specific proposal to raise the sales tax has been introduced, one is likely in the near future. Council President’s Nelson is expected to formally introduce her legislation next week.   

Additional quotes 

“At Hope and Chance Integrated Health, we believe that truly addressing homelessness, addiction, and mental health requires a deep commitment to comprehensive resources and sustained funding. When we remove barriers like lack of housing, transportation, and job placement, individuals are empowered to fully engage in treatment and build independent, fulfilling lives after completing the program. Seattle now has an opportunity to restore dignity, hope, and resilience to those most in need through our program and other vital community efforts. With the right investment, we can build real pathways to recovery and long-term stability, transforming lives and strengthening our community for generations to come.”  
– Dr. Mercy Waingina, CEO & Founder, Hope and Chance Integrated Healt 

“A robust response to people living in public and dealing with complex behavioral health issues must be an essential component of the City’s public safety strategy. The combined efforts of several initiatives over the last few years have led to reduced public order issues, lower crime rates, and reduced overdose deaths, but most of these initiatives lack stable funding. Low barrier engagement is the essential front door for most people with severe substance use disorder, and when this is done well, many people move on to the next step on the recovery pathway, using a variety of recovery services including in-patient treatment, medication assisted treatment, and recovery housing. We deeply appreciate Council President Nelson’s focus on building a smooth pathway so that these recovery stages are linked, not siloed. It is critical that we retain and build on the progress of the last several years in any sales tax funding plan for public safety.”  
– Brandi McNeil, Deputy Director, Purpose Dignity Action 

“Access to treatment for substance use disorder is an essential part of our community’s wellbeing and public safety strategy. Local investment can help sustain and build on recent successes in helping people caught up in chaotic fentanyl use, as well as build new approaches to address the difficult and complicated challenges related to stimulant use.” 
– Daniel Malone, Executive Director, DESC 

“It’s no secret that these are both challenging and uncertain times for those of us in the non-profit behavioral health and social service sectors who serve individuals with severe substance use disorders, especially those living unsheltered. I see the opportunity here to invest this sales tax generated revenue in recovery-oriented services as one step we can take to fund evidence-based efforts at the local level in response to the federal government’s abandonment of the sick and vulnerable. I want to acknowledge and thank Council President Sara Nelson for her leadership and foresight in recognizing that public health and public safety are inextricably linked. Healthy communities are safer communities and given what we’re up against directing public safety funding toward Pathways to Recovery is the right and responsible thing to do.” 
– Steve Woolworth, CEO, Evergreen Treatment Services 

“Small businesses in SODO experience the impacts of untreated addiction every day—from theft and property damage to the heartbreaking human suffering on our streets. We applaud Council President Nelson for leading the charge to address Seattle’s drug crisis with the urgency it demands. Addressing this crisis will require a range of coordinated strategies, and this initiative represents a critical step toward restoring safety and stability in our neighborhoods.” 
– Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SoDo Business Improvement Area 

“At Uplift Northwest (formerly Millionair Club Charity) many of the individuals we serve are battling substance abuse disorder (SUD) and these individuals are desperately fighting for the same things we all want in life – a decent job to take care of themselves and their families. The Pathway to Recovery’s comprehensive approach will provide the supportive services necessary to position our most vulnerable citizens on a pathway to recovery.” 
– Gina Hall, CEO, Uplift Northwest   

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