New Spokane public safety tax expected to generate more than $7 million annually

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(The Center Square) - The city of Spokane’s new 0.1% sales tax for public safety passed last week is expected to generate more than $7 million annually, with revenue helping fund a brand new community safety campus, plus behavioral health response and emergency preparedness.

The Spokane City Council voted 6-1 last week to approve the tax which is set to take effect in the New Year, on Jan. 1, 2027. Spokane City Councilmember Michael Cathcart was the lone "no" vote.

"Obviously we are pursuing this tax to pay for the new building and a few other things, but my concern and frustration is that we have not sold this to the voters," Cathcart said during last week's meeting. 

The increase will cost an additional 10 cents on every $100 in taxable purchases made within city limits, or $1 for every $1,000 spent.

Councilman Zack Zappone acknowledged the added cost to consumers, but said the revenue would support public safety investments.

“Raising taxes sucks, but knowing what your taxes go towards makes it better,” Zappone told The Center Square. 

Zappone cited a 20% reduction in property crime and about a 12% reduction in violent crime, along with the return of neighborhood resource officers and traffic patrols. He did not specify the period covered by those crime statistics.

The new revenue will primarily support the Community Safety Campus at Rock Pointe East, a planned hub intended to consolidate municipal court, police administration and other services while integrating behavioral health into the city’s public safety system.

“This will save taxpayers money instead of renting from the county,” Zappone said, arguing that consolidating services in a city-owned facility could reduce lease costs.

Cathcart said he supports public safety spending, but objected to approving the increase without a public vote and a clearer plan for how the money would be spent and for how long.

“I support more public safety spending and revenues, and if it was on a ballot with a good plan and the right sunset, I’d consider voting for it, but as this stands with what’s being asked of us to consider, I cannot vote yes," Cathcart said at the meeting. 

The tax was authorized under state law allowing qualifying local governments to impose a 0.1% sales and use tax for public safety without another public vote.

The city pointed out that the new Community Safety Campus will help improve coordination among public safety agencies and behavioral health services. Revenue will also support the Spokane United 911 System, which is intended to improve responses to calls involving behavioral health needs.

In an email to The Center Square on Tuesday, Lisa Gardner, a spokesperson for the City Council, confirmed the tax rate was 0.1%, correcting a typo in the city’s initial announcement.

Gardner said the tax is primarily intended to establish the Community Safety Campus, further integrate behavioral health into public safety systems and improve emergency preparedness.

“Administration will handle the specifics and execution of the public safety programs,” Gardner said. “Council’s role was to simply approve the tax to move forward.”

Other council members spoke in favor of the new tax in the city's release.

“This will create a safer Spokane for all,” said Councilmember Paul Dillon. “With the passage of this ordinance, we will have historic capacity for mental health- related calls and the right response for the right call. While we are fully aware of the challenges with a sales tax, this will ultimately result in cost savings for residents.”

Councilmembers Kitty Klitzke and Kate Telis also added their support.

Klitzke said, “Whether it is improving the safety and efficiency of our court system or ensuring the right responder arrives at the right time, this funding will help us shape a healthier, safer future for Spokane.”

Telis added, “I’ve heard our community’s concerns, and I know we must better integrate behavioral health and addiction treatment into our criminal justice system. Funding a Public Safety Campus is a critical step toward building a safer, healthier Spokane.”

In earlier comments to The Center Square, Cathcart argued the city should consider spending the money on more police officers, public defenders and specific behavioral health services instead. 

The new tax is separate from a 0.1% public safety sales tax that Spokane voters did approve back in 2024.