SPOKANE, Wash. —Spokane voters will decide on the city’s first parks tax increase in more than a decade when they cast ballots in the upcoming election.
The $240 million levy represents part of the Together Spokane Partnership between Spokane Parks and Spokane Public Schools. If approved, it would generate approximately $12 million annually for the Parks Department’s budget.
The Parks Department currently operates on a $25 million budget, with most funding coming from the city’s budget. Parks receive about 2.3% of the city’s budget, but this allocation comes from the city’s general fund, which fluctuates based on a variety of sources such as property tax and sales tax revenue.
“We’re seeing those increased expenditures continue to climb, our revenues are decreasing,” said Garrett Jones, Parks Director.
The department says its current funding level allows it to maintain basic operations but provides little room for improvements or new facilities.
“At the same time, the community is asking for a higher level of service,” Jones said.
Jennifer Ogden, Parks Board Director, supports the levy. She highlighted the financial pressures the department is facing.
“As you know, our costs are going up. So minimum wage costs of construction, all those kinds of services. That is all going up. While the general fund allocation has been steadily going down,” Ogden said.
If passed, the levy would account for 25% of the park’s budget. The average Spokane homeowner would pay approximately $90 more per year in property taxes for the levy.
Ogden said the collaboration with schools made supporting the measure an easy decision for her.
“All kinds of folks coming together and saying, ‘hey, let’s think of the use of these buildings and facilities and parks in a new way,'” she said.
The additional funding would provide the parks department with resources to address community concerns and implement desired improvements.
“The levy gives us that opportunity to replace and renovate, but then also have a higher level of service for maintenance,” Jones said.
Starting in 2027, the parks levy can increase by up to 3% annually until 2031. After that period, yearly increases would be limited to 1%.
You can read more about the financials for the levy here.
You can find Spokane Parks recently approved budget for 2026 here.
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