News

Spokane, WA – The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Board of Directors passed a resolution on Wednesday at a special board meeting to place a ballot measure on the August 4, 2026, primary election for residents within the Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) to renew the 0.2% sales and use tax currently set to expire on December 31, 2028, for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing public transportation. The resolution includes a 20-year sunset clause to have the sales and use tax expire at the end of 2048, unless otherwise reauthorized by voters. The 0.2% sales and use tax, which equates to two cents for every $10 spent on retail purchases, was first approved by voters in 2016, bringing STA’s total voter-approved taxing authority to 0.8%.

A renewal of the existing sales tax would allow STA to maintain current service levels, including improved night and weekend service implemented under its prior strategic plan, STA Moving Forward, which comes to a close next month. It would also support continued implementation of projects in STA’s current 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035, adopted in December 2024.

“In 2016 the voters approved the funding mechanism behind STA Moving Forward, our original 10-year strategic plan to improve transit service in the region,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “It included a sunset clause to ensure accountability. STA has advanced the purposes and projects in the original plan, increasing bus service by over 35%. Subject to voter approval, a renewal of the 0.2% sales and use tax will ensure we can maintain the expanded service and system, while strategically investing one-time funds into capital improvements.”