2026 Seattle Transit Measure Renewal

What is the Seattle Transit Measure?  

The Seattle Transit Measure (STM) invests in transit service, infrastructure and capital projects to make our public transportation better, more reliable, and more accessible for everyone. The current ballot measure was passed by Seattle voters in 2020 and expires in April 2027.  

The City Council Select Committee on Seattle Transportation Benefit District, chaired by Councilmember Rob Saka(District 1), began meeting in June to discuss and vote on the 2026 Seattle Transit Measure. The goal is to place it on the November 2026 General Election ballot for voter consideration.   

The City Council is currently reviewing the proposed renewal package announced by Mayor Wilson on June 2, 2026. The mayor’s version doubles the sales tax to 0.3% and is expected to raise an average of $138 million annually over 10 years. The majority of funding would pay for extra bus trips. The proposal also doubles the number of free ORCA cards given to people who need them most, among other investments. 

Missed a meeting? Check out Seattle Channel to watch the Select Committee on Seattle Transportation Benefit District meeting recordings.

Meeting dates: Select Committee on Seattle Transportation Benefit District 

• Thursday, June 4 – 9:30 a.m. 
• Thursday, June 18 – 9:30 a.m. 
• Monday, July 6 – 2 p.m. 
• Monday, July 13 (Public Hearing)  
  • Remote – 9:30 a.m. 
  • In-person – 5 p.m. 
• Thursday, July 16 – 9:30 a.m. 

Schedule is subject to change. The Select Committee will meet at City Hall, Council Chamber, unless noted otherwise.  

How to make your voice heard  

The Select Committee on Seattle Transportation Benefit District will host a public hearing on Monday, July 13, at City Hall.  

• You can submit comments and questions to Councilmembers via email to: council@seattle.gov , which will reach all nine council offices.  
• You can give public comment at any of the Select Committee meetings. Learn more about public comment and how to sign up. 

Current STM (2020) at a glance: 

• Invests in more transit service, focused on equity-priority areas 
• Provides ORCA cards to low-income residents 
• Leads transit education programs for youth and older adults 
• Funds transit capital projects focused on efficient operations and safe access to transit 
• Responds to emerging transit needs, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of the West Seattle bridge 
• Supports Seattle Streetcar service 

See the spending breakdown in the 2024 STM Annual Report.