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Dem sweep is reshaping Newcastle’s council; GOP faults low conservative turnout

(The Center Square) – In the small suburban city of Newcastle, a Democratic wave has reshaped the seven-member city council ahead of looming 2027 budget shortfalls that could force cuts, a shift local Republican leaders attribute to conservative complacency and national anti-President Donald Trump sentiment. Starting in 2026, Newcastle – located in eastern King County – will be governed by a Democratic majority for the first time since its incorporation in 1994. Voters elected Democrats

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Pasco may put sales tax hike on February ballot to fund transportation spending

(The Center Square) – Faced with two options — fund transportation spending by implementing a $20 car tab fee or raising taxes — the Pasco City Council signaled a desire Monday to let voters decide next year. While the topic only came up as a public hearing without a formal vote, officials have discussed implementing a transportation benefit district for months. State law allows municipalities to establish a TBD to raise revenue for transportation infrastructure

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WATCH: Auburn hikes sales tax without public vote to fund criminal justice

(The Center Square) – Auburn is the latest Washington state city to take advantage of a new state law allowing cities and counties to implement a 0.1% sales and use tax for criminal justice purposes without a voter-approved referendum. During a Monday night meeting, members of the Auburn City Council unanimously approved the tax hike as an additional source of funding to address public safety needs. During the 2025 legislative session, majority party Democrats expanded

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Spokane defers vote on 12% parking tax after pushing effective date to April

(The Center Square) – Facing backlash from local businesses, the Spokane City Council deferred a vote on Monday over a 12% parking tax proposal after amending it to delay the effective date until April 2026. The officials planned to vote on Monday, but because of the timing of the amendment, the council had to delay final consideration to next week. They considered suspending the rules to still allow a vote on Monday, but opted to

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