Voter's Guide

Proposition 1 authorizes new construction bonds, increasing long-term property tax obligations. Washington already spends over $20,000 per student—11th highest nationally—while academic outcomes lag with math standards at 39%. Districts must prioritize academic achievement and resource allocation before asking taxpayers to approve additional bond debt.

Proposition 1 transfers Bothell's emergency services, equipment, and operating control to Shoreline Fire Department. Relinquishing local control reduces direct accountability to taxpayers.

Proposition 1 enacts a levy lid lift imposing compounding 3% annual property tax increases for local code improvements. Continuous property tax increases directly drive up housing costs for both homeowners and renters.

Proposition 1 authorizes new bonds for parks and open spaces, which are repaid through increased property taxes. Voters are encouraged to reject new tax-funded debt in favor of funding primary municipal responsibilities.

This levy increases property taxes to fund local climate and human services programs. Taxpayers should oppose expanding property tax levies for programs outside core municipal functions.

Proposition 1 is a levy lid lift that increases local property taxes to cover public safety spending shortfalls. Essential services should be funded by auditing current expenditures and eliminating government waste rather than increasing tax rates.

Proposition 1 imposes an additional sales and use tax for police services while requiring a portion of the tax revenue be sent to the county. Municipalities should maintain direct local fiscal accountability before introducing broad sales tax hikes.

This proposition implements a sales and use tax that bundles fire and police funding with spending on unrelated projects like open spaces, an international plaza, and culture. Essential public safety services should be funded directly through existing revenue without being tied to non-essential civic expenditures.

Proposition 1 requests additional tax funding to expand support for the municipal transit system. Regional transit agencies continue to face low ridership and a lack of operational accountability. Taxpayers should insist on demonstrated fiscal transparency and performance efficiency before approving further funding extensions.

Proposition 1 creates a Metropolitan Park District, establishing a separate, new taxing authority with independent levying power. Adding extra layers of government increases overhead costs and leads to compounding property tax hikes.

Proposition 1 seeks $595.4 million in general obligation bonds to rebuild and modernize school facilities. Approval of new capital bond debt should be contingent on strict audits of administrative spending, given that administrative budgets have grown while teaching roles face cuts.

Proposition 2 increases local property taxes to fund educational technology and capital upgrades. Raising taxes for technology infrastructure should be secondary to improving core educational standards.

Proposition 1 renews an expiring operational levy that impacts local property taxes. School districts should demonstrate curriculum transparency, improved academic performance, and spending controls before extending tax levies.