What to know about Seattle's $1.55 billion tax measure

• It would cost the owner of a median-value Seattle home — $866,000, by one city estimate — $44 per month, an increase of about $21 per month compared with the current levy, according to the city's Department of Transportation (SDOT).

State of play: In July, the Seattle City Council unanimously backed the levy, which would replace the expiring $930 million "Move Seattle" levy.

• Supporters include Mayor Bruce Harrell and a coalition of labor, business and advocacy groups.

By the numbers: According to SDOT, the proposal allocates approximately $403 million for street maintenance and repaving, $221 million for bridge repairs, and $193 million for pedestrian safety enhancements, including 350 new blocks of sidewalks and 34,000 repairs.

• $133.5 million is earmarked for bicycle safety, including new protected bike lanes and bike lane barriers.
• The proposal also includes $100 million to install and maintain traffic signals and improve accessibility.

What they're saying: "It absolutely will make the streets safer," Tom Fucoloro of Seattle Bike Blog told the Seattle Times.

The other side: Alex Pedersen, a former council member who chaired the city's transportation committee, argued in a statement of opposition that the levy would be financially burdensome, unfair and ineffective.

• It "costs too much and uses Seattle's middle class like an ATM machine," the statement said.

What's next: If approved, the eight-year tax increase would begin next year.