Edmonds council delays vote on cultural access sales-tax measure until Nov. 12

Edmonds City Council voted to postpone final consideration of an ordinance creating a cultural access sales tax, sending the measure back for additional review and scheduling it to return to the docket on Nov. 12.

What happened: Acting City Administrator Todd Tatum presented the proposed Cultural Access Program, describing it as a three-stage approach: adopt an ordinance, implement the tax, then direct staff to work with the Edmonds Arts Commission and community stakeholders to build a grant program. Tatum said arts, culture, heritage and science nonprofits draw more than 420,000 visitors annually and that the program would help sustain an arts staff position and support local economic development.

Why council postponed: Council members who supported the delay cited near-term budget uncertainty and a city goal to identify $5 million in non-property-tax revenue. "The burden of these expenses on our residents and visitors and businesses are on top of the increased costs of fire and EMS and the property-tax levy if it passes," Council Member Olson said during debate. Several councilors said they wanted a date-certain return so the council could act promptly if other revenue outcomes (such as the upcoming levy) change.

Vote and next steps: Following debate, the council voted to postpone consideration until the Nov. 12 council meeting. Staff recommended developing the program with the Arts Commission and returning by June 30, 2026 with a recommended grant program and the implementing code and policy changes; staff indicated grant awards would begin in 2027 if the ordinance moves forward.

Context: Supporters say the measure provides a modest new ongoing administrative revenue stream to coordinate grants and marketing that help draw out-of-town visitors and support downtown businesses. Opponents argued current revenue pressures and competing priorities make the timing inappropriate and urged evaluating alternative funding such as transportation-related levies or redirected budget items.

Ending: The council directed staff to continue outreach and to bring a program recommendation through the Arts Commission and back to council as directed. The item will return to the council agenda on Nov. 12 for further deliberation.