Spokane Valley Residents Vote to Increase Sales Tax to Fund Police

Strategic Insights -

Despite the city's long-standing fiscal conservatism, residents have voted to increase sales taxes by 0.1% to boost the police force. The measure, known as Proposition 1, was approved with 59% of voters in favor, with the city estimating that the new tax will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026. The increased revenue will be used to fund additional law enforcement equipment and deputies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The city of Spokane Valley has a history of fiscal conservatism, with a City Council that has gone years without approving property tax increases.
  • Despite this, residents voted to increase sales taxes by 0.1% to fund the police force, with 59% of voters in favor.
  • The city estimates that the new tax will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026, which will be used to fund additional law enforcement equipment and deputies.
  • The police department currently has 118 officers, but the city aims to add at least 10 more officers over the next two years with the new revenue.
  • The city contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office to provide its police department, and police services make up around 63% of the city's recurring costs.
  • Councilwoman Laura Padden stated that the city still believes in lower taxes, which is why they let the people decide on the tax increase.

Statistics:

  • 59% of voters approved Proposition 1, which will increase sales taxes by 0.1% to fund the police force.
  • The average yearly cost of the tax increase will be $12.43 per shopper and $28.48 per household.
  • Around 48% of sales tax is paid by people visiting the city, not residents.
  • The city estimates that the new tax will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026.
  • As of 2025, the police department has 118 officers, which fills the need identified by a 2023 report recommending the city add 25 deputies.

Sources:

  • The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.). Visit www.spokesman.com.
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (2025).