Governor Bob Ferguson claimed that Washington’s new $100 million police-hiring grant program was going to rebuild law-enforcement agencies in the state, which has the dubious honor of having the fewest police officers per capita in the US. But almost a year later, not a single officer has been hired. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Washington ranks 51st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for officers per capita.
According to the Washington State Standard, only six police departments have applied, but none have gotten the grants yet. The outlet reported that local municipalities warned the temporary funds could help hire officers, but salaries and benefits would become a long-term expense once the grants expire.
State lawmakers tried to solve the problem by requiring that jurisdictions impose a 0.1 percent sales tax for public safety or have an equivalent tax already in place. However, critics warned that the tax wouldn’t raise enough to sustain the new hires. Additionally, some officials were reluctant to impose new taxes as affordability continues to be a challenge in the Evergreen State.
Democratic lawmakers also expanded how grant dollars can be used, allowing spending in categories other than officers.
The Seattle City Council approved the tax and expects it to generate about $39 million this year. Only seven of Washington’s 39 counties and approximately 2 dozen of its 280 cities have even begun to adopt the new tax.
Agencies must spend the funds by mid-2028, and jurisdictions that pass it but fail to meet requirements within 180 days could see the state withhold $100,000 per month from tax proceeds.
