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Bill would extend community-center property-tax exemption to surplus university property; Parkland cited as example
Summary
Senate Bill 5516 would expand a community-center property-tax exemption to include surplus buildings acquired from nonprofit universities when repurposed as community centers. Testimony highlighted the Parkland Community Center project and estimated multi-million-dollar renovation work and community services.
Senate Bill 5516 would expand Washington's property-tax exemption for community centers to include surplus property and buildings acquired from nonprofit universities when the acquiring nonprofit converts the property for use as a community center.
Committee staff explained the existing exemption applies to surplus property and buildings of a school district acquired by a nonprofit and used as a community center; SB 5516 would add surplus property of nonprofit colleges and universities when the purchaser is a nonprofit organization that will convert the property to nonresidential community facilities. Staff described the fiscal impact as a minimal indeterminate shift with no loss to the state levy in the department's view and estimated one-time administrative costs around $4,000.
Senator Conway described the Parkland Community Center project as the motivating local example. Parkland Community Association purchased the historic Parkland School from Pacific Lutheran University on 05/10/2024 and is repurposing the building to host multiple nonprofit tenants and services. Speakers said the building has not been on the tax roll (witness testimony referenced 1908 as the last time) and that the center will serve Spanaway, Parkland and surrounding unincorporated Pierce County areas.
Laurie Curtis, president of the Parkland Community Association, said the group purchased the schoolhouse and that their tax-exemption filing had been declined because the building was not surplus from a school district. She said SB 5516 would correct that gap so the community center can qualify. Project consultants and volunteers estimated more than $2,500,000 in renovations planned over multiple years and listed current nonprofit tenants including Family Promise, DADS Move, Concordia Christian Academy, Kiwanis of Parkland-Spanaway and Sons and Daughters of Italy.
Public testimony concluded at the hearing; the transcript does not record a committee vote during the session.
