Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine's statement on the Council-approved lodging tax package

Story

“I appreciate the public engagement and careful deliberations of the King County Council on future uses of the hotel-motel tax.

The legislation approved today balances competing needs, with a minimum of half for affordable housing, more than a third for countywide access to arts and heritage, and reinvestment in the attractions that bring visitors and their tourist dollars to King County, including our publicly-owned ballpark. I commit to working with the King County Council on future tourism investments.

We are already taking steps to provide more affordable housing as quickly as possible, and we continue to create efficiencies and partnerships as we make the most of lodging tax revenues and open new homes near transit and jobs.

The Public Facilities District and the Seattle Mariners must now complete their work and negotiate a lease which protects the public and secures the ballpark as one of the nation’s best sports and entertainment venues.”