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Bill

SB 5679

Expanding eligibility to utilize the multifamily tax exemption program to all counties required or choosing to plan under RCW 36.70A.040.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 3 co-sponsors

Expands multifamily housing tax exemptions statewide to boost rental supply but reduces local government property tax revenue across participating counties.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5679

Legislative bill overview

SB 5679 expands Washington's multifamily tax exemption program to counties statewide that are either required or voluntarily choose to plan under the state's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.040). Currently, the program has more limited geographic applicability. This change would broaden eligibility for developers to claim property tax exemptions when building multifamily housing in a wider range of jurisdictions.

Why is this important

The multifamily tax exemption is a key financial incentive to encourage rental housing development. Expanding it statewide could increase affordable housing supply in regions currently outside the program's scope, while also potentially reducing property tax revenues for local governments. Washington faces significant housing shortages, making supply-side incentives like this politically relevant across multiple policy debates.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control concerns: Counties and cities may object to state-mandated expansion, arguing it limits their ability to control local tax policy and property tax bases
  • Revenue impact: Municipal and county governments could lose significant property tax revenue from expanded exemptions, affecting funding for schools, services, and infrastructure
  • Geographic equity: The change may disproportionately benefit certain regions over others depending on how "choosing to plan" under RCW 36.70A.040 is interpreted and implemented

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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