Seattle Voters Decide November Measure Funding Housing and Mental Health Services

The Community Services Funding Referendum would raise property tax rates by 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to support expanded local programs if approved by Seattle voters on November 3.

City budget documents show social service demands have grown in neighborhoods such as the Central District and Rainier Valley since the 2024 fiscal year, when the measure first appeared on the council agenda for placement on the ballot.

Direct Effects on Resident Services

Approval would add money to existing contracts that pay for shelter beds at facilities operated by the Downtown Emergency Service Center and food distribution through the Seattle Food Bank network. Residents in ZIP codes 98122 and 98118 could see shorter wait times for case management appointments that connect people to rental assistance checks issued by the Human Services Department.

Policy analysts note the added revenue would also cover positions for outreach workers who respond to calls about street encampments in parks managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation. The legislation states these workers would coordinate with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority on placement into permanent housing units already funded under the county's 2025 plan.

Budget Figures and Next Steps

The city's 2026 adopted budget lists $78 million already committed to community-based organizations, and the referendum would add roughly one-sixth more to that line item according to the measure's fiscal note filed with the Seattle City Clerk. City Council records indicate the funds would be distributed through the same competitive grant process used in prior years.

Ballots will be mailed starting October 15, with results certified by King County Elections no later than November 24. If passed, the tax increase would take effect on January 1, 2027, and appear on property tax statements sent to owners in Seattle city limits.