The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee voted Oct. 30 to endorse Snohomish County Proposition 1 to fund public safety, which will appear on the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election ballot.

Proposition 1 would establish a public safety sales tax. If passed by voters, two-tenths of one percent (about 2 cents for every $10 spent on retail sales) would go to new and expanded public safety programs in Snohomish County.

The tax is forecasted to collect $39.6 million in its first year.

The programs would focus on reducing violent crime and the impacts of the drug epidemic. The money would be split between the county and cities, with 60% going to the county and the remaining 40% divided among the cities. More than half of the county’s portion would be committed specifically to law and justice purposes.

Uses of the proposed funding include:

  • Hiring additional law enforcement officers
  • Providing resources to the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Office of Public Defense and the courts
  • Establishing and operating a secure withdrawal management facility
  • Expanding access to substance use treatment in jail
  • Creating and expanding programs that reduce the visible impacts of crime, such as graffiti
  • Adding additional support for the county’s EMS office, which helps ensure quality pre-hospital medical service
  • Developing and expanding programs that focus on preventing youth violence

The measure was proposed by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and the county council voted unanimously on July 10 to put the measure on the ballot.

Snohomish County leaders said they are seeking a public safety sales tax because the county’s population is large and growing quickly, and violent crime is having a negative impact on residents, businesses and communities.

According to the county, the tax can directly support proven tactics that reduce crime and target offenders and fund programs that prevent crime and substance abuse.

Since 2011, Washington counties have placed a public safety sales tax on the ballot 26 times, and 20 of those measures passed.

For more information, email larse@www.seattlechamber.com.