Affordable Housing Tax

Background

On March 21, 2023, the Pierce County Council passed ordinance 2022-81s, also known as the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, implementing a one-tenth of 1% sales tax for housing and related services. The Housing and Related Services sale tax ordinance is dedicated to Maureen Howard, who dedicated her life to fighting for housing, shelter and dignity for people experiencing homelessness.

  Contact Us


Bryan Schmid 

Social Services Supervisor
253-798-6909

About the Funding

The impact to taxpayers in Pierce County will be ten cents for every $100 spent, with groceries, medicine, certain medical supplies and hygiene products exempt from the tax. This tax is expected to generate approximately $20 million in revenue each year. State law requires income generated from this tax supports programs and projects for individuals at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI) and have behavioral health conditions, are veterans or senior citizens, people who are currently, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness, unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults, families with children, people with disabilities and/or domestic violence survivors.

  1. Next Steps
  2. Timeline
  3. Resources

Next Steps

Human Services will develop a six-year advisory expenditure and implementation plan based on the allowed uses of the fund, Council’s identified priorities, and the goals and strategies contained in the 2022 Pierce County Housing Action Strategy.