(The Center Square) – King County has approved a new sales tax that will dedicate revenue towards cultural programs and organizations.
On Tuesday, the council passed Ordinance 2023-0343, which imposes an additional 0.1% sales tax, or one cent for every $10 spent. Funds go to the newly-created “King County Doors Open” program to enhance the quality of life throughout the region by benefitting local arts, culture, heritage and science organizations.
The county estimates the tax would generate $71.8 million from April through December in 2024. In 2025, it will boost up to nearly $100 million. By 2030, the sales tax is anticipated to generate $126.2 million annually. The total revenue for all seven years is set at $776.9 million.
The sales tax boosts revenue for cultural activities, while King County is tasked with a $100 million gap in 2025. Constantine previously warned that the budget gap could lead to drastic cuts within county government if Washington state doesn’t allow counties to increase taxes more than the current law allows.
Out of the $71.8 million expected to be collected in 2024, 2% would go to the county’s cultural funding agency, 4Culture, and start-up costs. Approximately $48 million, or 67%, would go toward capital and operating grant pools.
Another 3% goes toward administration costs and the remaining funds would be reserved for the “Doors Open” program.
Grants from the sales tax will be awarded to local organizations that focus on heritage, arts, science and historic preservation. Capital spending will be based on project size. There are over 600 cultural organizations in King County, according to 4Culture Executive Director Brian Carter.
King County Executive Dow Constantine previously penned a letter outlining the “Doors Open” program funding. The program includes funding for a public school cultural access program, new or emerging cultural organizations with a focus on ensuring that all geographic areas of the county have access to cultural experiences, and countywide initiatives and projects including public programs.
