Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) joined Mayor Bruce Harrell, education leaders, families, and students in announcing the “Every Child Ready” proposal, aimed at renewing the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy (FEPP).
“This proposal continues Seattle’s long history of investing in our children’s education,” Councilmember Rivera said. “By expanding early learning programs, supporting K-12 students, and offering pathways to higher education or trade careers, we are setting kids up for a lifetime of success.”
As Chair of the Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy, Councilmember Rivera will oversee the review of the proposal. The committee will determine what levy renewal package will be presented to voters in November 2025. The first meeting, held on April 10, provided an overview of the previous FEPP levy.
The Mayor’s $1.3 billion proposal honors the original 1990 Families and Education Levy’s goal of preparing children for success by focusing on their learning, health, and safety. The proposal increases access to childcare and preschool, adding 800 new childcare slots and 600 additional preschool seats.
“This has been a collaborative effort,” Councilmember Rivera remarked. “I’m grateful to the Mayor for incorporating my priorities and those of my colleagues, especially expanding early learning, supporting childcare providers, and creating more pathways to trades.”
Rivera emphasized that these investments are critical, especially in light of federal policies that have negatively impacted working families and children.
The renewal proposal will continue to provide academic support services for K-12 students, particularly those with the greatest need. It will also expand the School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) to five more schools. These centers, which already serve more than 27,000 students annually, offer medical and mental health care, including telehealth therapy for Seattle Public Schools (SPS) students.
Additionally, the Seattle Promise program will continue to provide graduating seniors with access to a two-year college degree or trade certificate, along with academic support and coaching for many first-generation college students.
“This proposal is crucial, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this important levy renewal to voters in November,” said Councilmember Rivera.
