TagProperty Tax Levy(87)

The Port of Seattle is requesting $900,000 to continue its Economic Development Partnership (EDP) program, which provides grants of $5,000–$60,000 to King County cities for local economic development projects such as small business assistance, tourism promotion, and workforce development. In the 2022–2023 cycle, 27 cities participated and collectively leveraged over $1.6 million in matching resources, supporting nearly 700 businesses and generating millions of marketing impressions. For 2024, the program is shifting to one-year contracts to better align with cities' biennial budget timelines.

Washington Senate Bill 5955 would require large port districts operating airports with more than 900 daily flights — such as Sea-Tac — to launch a remedial mitigation program addressing failed soundproofing, air quality, green space, and community facilities in noise-impacted neighborhoods. The bill would fund these programs through a portion of the port's annual property tax levy revenue and establish a state environmental equity fund, managed by the Department of Commerce, to provide grants and loans to qualifying ports. Property owners within ten miles of the airport experiencing 55 decibels or more of aircraft noise would be eligible for free inspections and mitigation equipment, with priority given to homes where previously installed soundproofing has failed.

Washington House Bill 2103 (2024) requires large port districts operating major airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to dedicate a growing portion of their property tax levy revenue toward programs that reduce noise and air pollution impacts on nearby communities. The bill was prompted by health and equity concerns, as studies show that communities of color living close to Sea-Tac face higher rates of asthma, heart disease, premature births, and other health disparities. Mitigation programs funded under the bill may include repairing failed soundproofing equipment, providing air purifiers, creating urban green spaces, and supporting indoor community facilities in affected neighborhoods.

Washington Senate Bill 5955 (2024) requires large port districts operating airports, such as the Port of Seattle which runs Sea-Tac International Airport, to dedicate a growing share of their annual property tax levy revenue toward programs that reduce noise and air pollution impacts on nearby communities. Starting in 2024, at least half of any levy revenue increase must fund mitigation efforts, rising to a minimum of 1% of total levy revenue by 2025 and increasing by 1% each year up to a cap of 10%. The bill was introduced in response to documented health disparities—including higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and premature births—affecting Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents who disproportionately live within 10 miles of Sea-Tac Airport.

The Port of Seattle funds its operations primarily through fees, bond proceeds, and operating revenue, with King County property taxes accounting for just 1.2% of all property taxes collected and roughly $78 per year for the median homeowner. The Port's tax levy has historically been directed away from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport itself, instead funding noise mitigation improvements at Highline School District schools near the airport. In 2023, the Port planned to invest $726.8 million in capital projects and $19.1 million across 18 community programs, while managing operating expenses of $573.5 million.