City staff presented a proposal on Aug. 4 to enact the state's Cultural Access Sales Tax, a councilmanic 0.1 percent local-option sales tax that would fund programs run by qualifying nonprofit arts, heritage and science organizations. Staff said the tax could generate about $1.3 million annually for Edmonds and would authorize grants for program, operational and capital support with a statutory requirement to fund pre-K through 12 school access.

Todd Tatum and Lori Rose briefed council on the statute, earlier municipal examples (Tacoma, Olympia) and a survey of local nonprofit needs. Staff reported outreach to 25 qualifying local nonprofit organizations; 17 responded to a city survey showing most organizations prioritize program support, followed by operational overhead and capital needs. Staff recommended the council adopt an ordinance to implement the tax and direct staff and the Edmonds Arts Commission to develop a program and policy framework for council review no later than June 30, 2026. If the council approved an ordinance this fall, collections could begin Jan. 1.

During council discussion, members proposed and the council adopted by unanimous voice vote (on a motion) a direction to include geographic-distribution guidance in the program: one motion requested that at least 50 percent of grant disbursements year-to-year be distributed across geographic areas of the city. Councilmembers said geographic distribution would help ensure the program supports neighborhood access rather than concentrating funding only downtown.

Several councilmembers also asked the administration to broaden stakeholder engagement beyond the Arts Commission to include environmental groups, youth services and other program partners. Councilmember Chen moved that the administration include an audit/review process to ensure grantees meet performance and use requirements; staff and the mayor's office indicated that grant contracting would include performance reporting and that the Arts Commission's recommendations and staff protocols would define compliance and monitoring.

Councilmember Dasch moved and the council agreed to schedule a public hearing on the tax; councilmembers said additional public input and testimony from nonprofit providers would be helpful prior to final action. Staff said state notification deadlines require a city ordinance to be submitted to the Department of Revenue by Oct. 18 for a Jan. 1 start date. Staff indicated they would return with a draft ordinance incorporating council direction for potential action on Aug. 19; staff also planned outreach and incorporation of council guidance into the Arts Commission's program recommendations by mid-2026.

Councilmembers and staff said the tax would provide predictable, local funding for community arts and cultural programs and help the city's identity as an arts destination, while council discussion focused on equitable distribution and oversight.

No ordinance vote took place on Aug. 4; council directed staff to return with refined ordinance language, program details and an implementation plan for future council action.