Seattle's streets and bridges may soon get a much-needed facelift if the City Council can push through the renewal of the 2024 Transportation Levy. Kicking off the first meeting of the Council's Select Committee on Monday, Councilmember Rob Saka, who chairs the committee, laid out a packed schedule meant to thoroughly vet Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposed levy before it hits the polls this fall.

The select committee plans to quickly, but meticulously, work through the levy details with a series of five committee meetings and two public hearings, set to span over the next couple of months. This intensive review process, according to the Seattle City Council, aims to forge a path for Seattle's transportation infrastructure and ensure that the final package meets the city's needs before voters have their say.

Saka, representing District 1, emphasized the critical nature of this task, acknowledging the foundation laid by the Mayor's Office and the Seattle Department of Transportation. Yet, it's the prospect of a transparent, democratic process that has Saka most enthused. "We have an opportunity to showcase our transparent process, passionate and collaborative discussions about this levy right here in plain sight, in this chamber," Saka stated at the meeting, as per the Seattle City Council.

Over 27 percent of Seattle is missing sidewalks, a shortcoming that hits districts 2 and 7 the hardest. The city's bridges aren't faring much better, with infrastructures like the West Seattle and Magnolia Bridges in dire need of repairs. Safety is also top of mind; recent updates on the Vision Zero initiative revealed a concerning number of fatal and serious injuries caused by crashes, particularly in districts 1 and 2. It's these pressing issues that the Transportation Levy renewal seeks to address. "Most of all, this Transportation Levy is about keeping our communities safe," Saka said, per the Seattle City Council.

With public hearings slated for May 21 and June 4, Seattleites are encouraged to join the discussion and contribute to a plan that will shape the city's transportation future. If successful, the Transportation Levy renewal could signify a safer, more connected, and more prosperous Seattle for the coming decade.