Mayor Wright and City Administrator Combs Join Governor for Signing of Landmark House Bill 1791

Mayor Ronnie Wright and City Administrator Sabrina Combs participated in the signing of House Bill 1791 in Olympia, marking a significant legislative change for cities in Washington. This bill, supported by the Association of Washington Cities, broadens the use of Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds, allowing local governments to allocate these resources for public safety, maintenance, and affordable housing projects. By removing bureaucratic barriers, the law aligns the uses of REET 1 and REET 2, which had previously been restricted. The new flexibility means cities can double their funding for essential projects without raising taxes, enhancing their responsiveness to resident needs. Additionally, it facilitates access to grants by using REET funds as local match requirements.

The City’s annual REET revenue depends on real property sales, which fluctuate yearly. As such, the new law is expected to significantly impact local infrastructure and community services. For further details, a video of the signing can be viewed online.