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Edmonds holds public hearing on cultural access sales tax; supporters and business owners weigh costs and benefits
Summary
Edmonds city staff presented a proposed local cultural access sales tax at a public hearing Aug. 19, describing a state‑authorized 0.1% tax estimated to generate about $1.3 million a year for nonprofit cultural programming and school access; supporters urged adoption for arts education and tourism benefits, while some business owners warned higher sales taxes could drive customers to lower‑tax jurisdictions.
Todd Tatum, Edmonds community, culture and economic development director, and staff presented the state‑authorized Cultural Access Program at a public hearing Aug. 19 and recommended the council approve an ordinance that would authorize a local 0.1% sales tax for cultural access and direct the Edmonds Arts Commission to return with an implementation plan by June 30, 2026.
Why it matters: Tatum said the tax is intended to expand access to nonprofit arts, heritage, science and cultural programming and create a mandated school access program for pre‑K–12 students. He…
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