HB 2015: Public Safety 0.1% Sales Tax Increase Passed

At the October 6 Renton City Council meeting, all councilmembers voted in favor of adopting Ordinance No. 6167: Amending RMC 5-10-1 & 5-10-2 (Criminal Justice Purposes Sales Tax of use of funds for House Bill (HB) 2015).

This ordinance was brought to council following the Washington State legislature passed HB 2015 in the 2024-25 legislative session. HB 2015 enables cities in Washington to consider a sales tax increase to address public safety.

Washington state has ranked 51st in the nation in officers per resident ratios for the past 14 years, with Renton's resident per ratio lower than the state average. This funding brings Renton up to the state average with the addition of five new officers. Additional staffing in the courts for public defense and prosecution would also be addressed under this 0.1% increase in sales tax.

Public safety has been the top priority of the Mayor and Council, along with the number one concern heard from Renton residents. The funding mechanism provided by the state legislature allows Renton to accurately respond to resident sentiment, and provide the levels of service necessary to best achieve public safety goals in the City of Renton.


Facts

  • The current tax rate is 10.3% for Renton within RTA zones.
  • The rate is 8.9% for Renton’s non-RTA zone.
  • This proposal would raise the tax rate to 10.4% in RTA zones, and 9% in non-RTA zones. (See map here: https://rtamaps2.soundtransit.org/st_determineaddress.html).
  • At the register, this would look like a difference of ten cents on a $100 purchase.
  • Current sales tax rates as of Q4 2025 are as follows: Renton =10.3% Seattle = 10.35%, Auburn = 10.3%, Kent = 10.2%, Federal Way = 10.2%. Lynnwood, Mill Creek, and Mukilteo are at 10.6%. (Source: WA Dept of Revenue - https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/Q425_Alpha_LSU_flyer.pdf)
  • Estimated revenue from the 0.1% tax would equal between $3 million and $3.5 million per annum.

Timeline

  • April 27: HB 2015 was passed into law in the 2025 Legislative Session.
  • August 4: Committee of the Whole presentation.
  • September 22: First reading during city council meeting.
  • October 6: Second and final reading during city council meeting.
  • January 1, 2026: Tax adjustment goes into effect.


Recent Press

Share HB 2015: Public Safety 0.1% Sales Tax Increase Passed on Facebook Share HB 2015: Public Safety 0.1% Sales Tax Increase Passed on Twitter Share HB 2015: Public Safety 0.1% Sales Tax Increase Passed on Linkedin Email HB 2015: Public Safety 0.1% Sales Tax Increase Passed link