2025 Public Safety Sales Tax Ballot Measure

Sales tax ballot measure to fund public safety in Spokane Valley 

During the August 5, 2025, primary election, Spokane Valley voters approved a public safety ballot measure by 58% to raise sales tax by one-tenth of one percent (0.1%). The City of Spokane Valley will use the funding to hire at least 10 more police officers and towards public safety — leading to faster emergency response times, more neighborhood patrols, enhanced drug and property crime investigative capabilities, safer roads, comprehensive homelessness response and enhanced school safety for our children.

How much revenue would a sales tax increase generate, and what will it be used for?

The sales tax increase of one-tenth of one percent would generate $2.6 million annually for public safety.$2.6 million annually for public safety

If the ballot passes, the funding would be dedicated to public safety only and would fund at least 10 additional police officers.

What would the increase in sales tax cost a Spokane Valley shopper?

A recent economic study determined that 48% of all sales tax collected in Spokane Valley is paid by non-residents. 

One-tenth of one percent sales tax increase equates to ten cents on a one-hundred dollar purchase.

Why do we need new revenues to fund increased public safety?

Since incorporation 22 years ago, the City of Spokane Valley’s population has grown much faster than SVPD staffing levels — stretching public safety resources thin. 

SVPD responds to 50,000 calls annually with an increase in population, police calls, and response.

Our current police force is overburdened and stretched too thin. There are several factors overburdening the Spokane Valley Police Department, including: Higher population, more calls for service, rising drug and mental health crisis, and increased costs

When compared to similar-sized cities throughout Washington state and our neighboring cities, the Spokane Valley Police Department has the:

A graphic of lowest police budget per capita and amount of patrol officers per 1,000 population.

The community has called for stronger public safety.

This ballot initiative arose out of input from Spokane Valley residents about prioritizing public safety, as the community has repeatedly told us greater investments in public safety is one of their top priorities. We are accountable to our citizens, so the City Council is asking the community to decide if they would like to increase sales tax to fund more police officers.

Responsible financial stewardship 

Since incorporation 22 years ago, the City of Spokane Valley has never raised the general sales tax, and the City Council has not taken the state-allowed one-percent annual property tax increase in 16 years. We’ve cut as much as we can out of the city budget, increasing efficiencies and making reductions – most recently in 2025 to fund 10 additional officers.

Public safety accounts for 64% of the city general fund budget.

The City currently receives less than one percent (0.85%) of the 8.9% sales tax paid on purchases in Spokane Valley. If the ballot measure passes, the City will receive 0.95% of the new 9% sales tax. This new rate will bring us more in line with neighboring cities. 

Neighboring cities: Airway Heights 9.2%, City of Spokane 9.1%, Liberty Lake 9%, Unincorporated 8.9%

The City followed a thorough, data-informed process leading up to the public safety ballot measure:

  1. In 2023, the City of Spokane Valley contracted with Matrix Consulting Group to conduct an extensive review of the Spokane Valley Police Department. 
  2. Based on Matrix’s recommendation, the City Council approved Phase I of a new Police Staffing Plan in 2024, leading to 12 positions including 10 officers. 
  3. Phase I was fully funded in 2025 without any additional taxes by reprioritizing existing resources and making reductions of $1.3 million.
  4. Phase II will require additional revenues to fund the necessary positions — funds the City does not currently have.
    An infographic depicting a 2023 Matrix Study identifying the need for 31 new police officers.

Mark your calendar and vote!

The City of Spokane Valley and Spokane Valley Police Department have been innovative in utilizing the staffing resources available, but police staffing levels can no longer keep pace with this growth. While we have been exceptional stewards of taxpayer dollars, hiring additional officers will require more revenues to fund the necessary positions — funds the city does not currently have. 

Take action and make your voice heard by voting in the primary election on August 5, 2025.

If voters DO APPROVE the ballot measure, the new revenue will be used to hire at least 10 more officers and fund public safety expenses, resulting in:

  • Faster emergency response times
  • More neighborhood patrols
  • Enhanced drug and property crime investigative capabilities
  • Safer roads
  • Increased homeless response
  • Enhanced school safety for our children

If voters DO NOT APPROVE the ballot measure, SVPD will continue to serve our community with the current numbers of officers, which could lead to:

  • Burnout among our police force
  • Slower response times
  • Decreased proactive policing
  • Health and safety risk to our citizens

Join the Team!

To learn more about becoming a Spokane Valley Police Department police officer, email recruiting@SpokaneSheriff.org or visit SpokaneSheriff.info.

Resources

View display boards from the April 15, Community Conversations, a monthly open house hosted by Spokane Valley City Councilmembers. 

Visit the 2024 Right-Sizing Police Services webpage.