Kent, WA | NorthwestNews — September 20, 2025
The Kent City Council has taken decisive action to address the city’s longstanding public safety funding shortfalls, unanimously passing Ordinance No. 4522 following the earlier adoption of Resolution No. 2092
Background: Lost Revenue and Rising Costs
Since 2008, when Washington State shifted from an origin-based to a destination-based sales tax model, Kent has lost more than $18 million annually—the steepest revenue loss of any city in the state. The Kent Valley, home to 106 million square feet of industrial and warehousing facilities, generates high truck traffic, pollution, and infrastructure wear, yet the city does not retain proportional tax benefits.
This financial shortfall has left Kent with just 1.20 police officers per 1,000 residents, well below the state average (1.36) and national average (2.31). At the same time, state law now requires expanded de-escalation training, meaning existing officers are stretched thinner
On June 17, 2025, the Council approved Resolution No. 2092, authorizing Mayor Dana Ralph to prepare an ordinance leveraging a new state law (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2015). This law allows cities to impose a 0.1% sales tax for criminal justice purposes if they meet eligibility criteria set by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
RESOLUTION RE TAX ON KENT CITY
After meeting all requirements and submitting documentation in July, the Council passed Ordinance No. 4522 on September 16, 2025, formally enacting the tax.
What the Tax Means
The 0.1% sales tax amounts to just 10 cents on a $100 purchase.
It will take effect on January 1, 2026, with the first revenues distributed by March 31, 2026.
Funds will be dedicated to:
Hiring additional police, corrections, prosecution, and court staff.
Expanding Kent’s public defense program.
Enhancing co-response models for mental health and domestic violence calls
Public Safety Investments Already in Place
Kent has already pioneered innovative programs, including:
Partnerships with FD Cares to deploy mental health professionals on 911 calls.
The Project Be Free initiative for domestic violence response.
A Community Immersion Law Enforcement Program, requiring new officers to perform 320 hours of community service before academy training.
Expanded body-worn and in-car camera programs.
Despite these successes, leaders emphasized that additional resources are critical to meet rising safety demands
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Dana Ralph praised the Council’s action, stating that the ordinance is a “necessary step to ensure Kent can keep pace with public safety needs, rebuild its police staffing, and continue protecting residents in a growing and diverse community.”
📌 Next Steps: The tax will appear in retail transactions beginning January 1, 2026. NorthwestNews will continue to follow how the City allocates new funds and the measurable impact on community safety.