King County Council approves sales tax increase without seeking voter approval
Oct 6, 2026, 4:39 PM | Updated: 4:46 pm
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The King County Council approved a sales tax increase Tuesday to support children and families.
Starting Jan. 1, the tax will add 1 cent to a $100 purchase.
The council approved the increase 6 to 3. King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain voted yes.
“We need to find all sources of revenue to support these emergency shelters and services,” she said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn voted no, noting the council passed the increase without requesting approval from voters.
“Historically, the traditional ways to raise taxes were to send it to a vote of the people,” he said.
The tax could raise about $10.3 million in 2027 for services including child care, youth mental health programs and rental assistance.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
