HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-032 Adopting the City's 2026 State Legislative AgendaResolution 25-032
RESOLUTION NO. 25-032
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
WHEREAS, the actions of the Washington State Legislature in respect to local
government issues, services, and funding have a profound effect on the City's ability to provide
adequate local services to its residents; and
WHEREAS, Port Townsend benefits from nurturing strong relationships with our
legislators and agency partners, who have together provided significant benefits to our residents;
and
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend City Council believes that it is appropriate and important
to communicate its position regarding issues affecting the City and local government that may
come before the State Legislature during the 2026 legislative session; and
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend City Council wishes to exercise its abilities to advocate
for the needs and the future of its current and future residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend, Washington, as follows:
Section 1. The City Council adopts the 2026 Legislative Agenda as set forth at Exhibit A.
Section 2. The City Manager shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to the 24th Legislative
District representatives and to other regional government entities. Additionally, the City
Manager shall continue to work with the other regional government entities to advocate for
regional needs as well as City priorities.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special once ij fl, Nof,
held this 81h day of December 2025.
Mayor
Attest.
Aly'sa c
"i�er•k
Townsend
PROPOSED City of Port Townsend 2026 State Legislative Agenda
1. Housing
Main Request:
Allow an additional real estate excise tax of up to 1.0% for conservation areas (per RCW
82.46.070) either for Jefferson County or specifically for the City of Port Townsend, with a
subsequent 0.5% additional excise tax allowable for affordable housing.
Other Requests:
• Allow local governments to assess affordable housing impact fees.
• Invest $800,000 in Evans Vista phase 1 infrastructure.
• Encourage existing programs and agencies like the Public Works Board to focus funding on
state housing goals.
• Fund intervention and direct service provision to lift the escalating pressures on local
governments in dealing humanely and effectively with homelessness.
• Allocate and expand CHIP grants to include eligibility for transportation mitigation.
• Expand the definition of affordable housing to allow public subsidy for middle -income housing.
2. Transportation
Main Request:
Provide $800,000 for preliminary design to help facilitate construction funding in a future state
revenue package for the Regional SR19/20 Mill Road Roundabout and Jacob Miller Safety and
Economic Development Project.
3. Climate Action
Main Request:
Authorize Climate Commitment Act funds to plug funding gaps for housing affordability, turning the
tide on greenhouse gas emissions generated from additional fuel consumption, vehicle miles
traveled, and workforce displacement.
Other Requests:
• Reexamine the state energy code within the context of impacts to housing affordability and
make grant funding available for residential solar.
Additional Priority
• Support HB 1805, creating a 0.1% local authority sales and use tax to fund behavioral health
services for children and families.
The City of Port Townsend actively supports the legislative agendas of our key partners, including Jefferson County, the
Port of Port Townsend, Jefferson County Public Utility District #1, the North Olympic Legislative Alliance (NOLA), the
Association of Washington Cities (AWC), and Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO).
Contact: City Manager John Mauro, ,l;,Mytoo@q i r',, rC;.; is 360.531.2916
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250 Madison Street • Suite 2 • Port Townsend • WA 98368 1 www.cityofpt.us