Resident tells Spokane County commissioners to adopt $15.90 tax, cites $13M in city HART fund awards

Becky Decker of Spokane told the Spokane County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 24 that the county should implement the $15.90 tax program, citing more than $13,000,000 the city has distributed through the state-run fund.

"The city has distributed over 13,000,000 through the 15 90 fund, now known as the Hart Housing Equity and Attainable Residences Trust Fund to advance local affordable housing projects," Decker said during the meeting's public comment period.

Decker listed projects she said were supported by the fund and the amounts she attributed to them: as of late 2024 the fund had committed $5,800,000 to a $9,000,000 initiative aimed at creating or rehabilitating 67 housing units; Threshold Project received approximately $1,600,000 in 2025 for new construction; Proclaim Liberty Bethany received $885,000 for units targeting vulnerable populations; Volunteers of America Eastern Washington was awarded $2,000,000 for a project serving roughly 86 eligible households; South Crystal Ridge was recommended for $1,309,172 in the 2024 funding cycle; Habitat for Humanity was allocated $336,432 in early 2026 for permanently affordable home ownership; Chalice Place (led by the Spokane Housing Authority) recently secured nearly $1,000,000 and is expected to begin construction in fall 2026; rehabilitations noted include the Collins Building ($892,506), Cornerstone Courtyard ($400,000) and a youth behavioral health facility at 1907 West Maxwell (15,000 square feet); Thrive International Apartments received $289,000 in early 2026; and a senior affordable housing project on West Ninth received $945,446.

Decker told the board that county participation in the $15.90 program could increase the fund's impact on local affordable housing and behavioral health projects. The board did not take action on the comment itself; public comment was closed after Decker's remarks.