During a special meeting on October 5, 2020, the Snoqualmie City Council adopted Resolution 1557, implementing an additional sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent, which equals one cent on every ten dollars of taxable retail sales within Snoqualmie, including online sales.
The tax increase is designated for current or future affordable housing or mental or behavioral health initiatives. “Snoqualmie 2032,” the city’s comprehensive plan, sets targets for affordable housing but anticipates an unmet need of 1,497 affordable housing units by 2032.
The King County Council will soon vote on the same sales and use tax for affordable housing. Because the Snoqualmie City Council passed this measure first, prior to any King County Council action, the county must provide a credit to Snoqualmie residents for the full amount of the city tax. This provides the Snoqualmie City Council control over where and how the money will be spent: on projects located in Snoqualmie, or through partnering with other cities and/or housing providers in the upper Snoqualmie Valley.
“I am very pleased the City Council acted quickly to assure the revenue from this new tax would stay in Snoqualmie to provide more affordable housing options for our residents and the workers in our community,” stated Mayor Matt Larson.
The tax is forecast to generate approximately $250,000 annually.
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Media Contact:
Joan Pliego
Communications Manager/PIO
City of Snoqualmie
jpliego@snoqualmiewa.gov
425-281-3371