Affordable housing took center stage at the Anacortes City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, as community members voiced their concerns over rising property taxes and their impact on housing affordability. The discussion highlighted the pressing issue of how excessive taxation is hindering residents' ability to purchase homes in the city.

During the meeting, one resident passionately urged council members to reject Resolution 3184, arguing that it would further exacerbate the affordability crisis. "You have the opportunity to decline to proceed for the resolution," the speaker emphasized, calling on the council to take meaningful action to make housing more accessible for all residents.

Concerns about property taxes were echoed by other attendees, including Steve Anderson, who expressed frustration over additional fees for community amenities like the local pool, which he felt were unfair given the taxes already paid. "Anything that's gonna raise my property taxes, I'm gonna say no," he stated firmly.

Malcolm McCutcheon also raised alarms about the potential for a "never-ending taxing authority," questioning the accountability of such measures and the lack of voter input on future tax increases. "If it passes, do I get the opportunity to come to you and say, I wanna vote on the next thing to repeal this?" he asked, highlighting the community's desire for transparency and control over local taxation.

The discussions reflect a growing concern among Anacortes residents about the intersection of taxation and housing affordability, signaling a critical moment for the City Council as they navigate these complex issues. As the council considers the implications of their decisions, the community remains watchful, advocating for solutions that prioritize affordable housing and fiscal responsibility.