2025 Levy Renewal Information

At the June 10 meeting, the Bothell City Council adopted an ordinance presenting voters the option for a nine-year Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy renewal on the November 2025 ballot. Voters will decide on the renewal at that election.  

The existing Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy, approved by voters in 2016, provides funding to maintain and improve safe streets and school walk routes. The existing levy is set to expire at the end of 2025. 

Renewal of the levy would continue to fund pedestrian and traffic infrastructure improvements, including street maintenance, repairs, safety programs, and future projects. 

Current Levy

The existing levy was approved by voters in 2016 at the rates of $0.50/$1,000 assessed property value. The total revenue collected in 2024 was $5,775,382.02. The current levy expires at the end of 2025. 

Major Accomplishments Provided by the Current Levy (2017 – 2025)

The Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy funded the following infrastructure improvements over the last nine years: 

• Repaired 98,000 square feet of roadway (goal to increase annual repairs by 60% in 2025 with new equipment)
• Filled more than 15,000 potholes
• Replaced approximately 15,000 linear feet of sidewalk on school walk routes
• Implemented School Zone Signage Project: Installed 140 new high-intensity signs and 37 reflective post covers to enhance visibility and safety
• Provided $8.7 million in matching funds to secure $13 million in state and federal grants (a 1.5 multiplier effect)
• Constructed four high priority school walk routes and 11 flashing crosswalks
• Maintained a Pavement Condition Index rating of 71 for arterials, placing them in the “Very Good” Condition Category Continued Funding Needs

Renewal Measure

If the 2025 Safe Streets and Sidewalks ballot measure is approved, it would raise an estimated $9.9 million annually (based on current projections for assessed valuation), which combined with other grant and local funding, would permit the City to fund delivery of pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic infrastructure needs, including street safety programs, maintenance, repairs, and future projects: 

• Street Maintenance and Operations (38% of Levy) – Maintain and operate Bothell’s streets, sidewalks, trails, and traffic system.
• Pavement Repairs and Upgrades (19% of Levy) – Fix and preserve streets with resurfacing, patching, and sealing, preventing potholes and extending street life.
• Safe Walking and Biking Routes (17% of Levy) – Invest in sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths, and safety improvements.
• Future Transportation Projects (27% of Levy) – Plan and secure funding for multimodal streets, pedestrian upgrades, and user-friendly infrastructure outlined in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.