Proposition 5: Police Services Levy

To address the growing demand for police services in Vancouver, the City Council unanimously approved resolution 164-25, which refers a property tax levy lid lift, Proposition 5: Police Services Levy to the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.

Demand for police services in Vancouver continues to grow 

Vancouver’s population continues to grow, and with that growth comes an increased demand for police services. Since 2017, call volume has increased by 24%, contributing to longer response times, greater reliance on overtime to maintain coverage, and reduced capacity for investigations, leaving approximately 3,200 cases uninvestigated each year. Compounding the issue, the increasing complexity of calls frequently requires multiple officers for extended periods of time, resulting in the diversion of resources from other parts of the City.

Vancouver operates the second lowest-staffed police department among Washington cities with over 100,000 people, and Washington state ranks the lowest in the US for police officer staffing per 1000 residents. With 1.21 officers per thousand residents, officers are required to work longer shifts, which increases the cost of police services due to overtime and puts stress on officers.

Proposition 5: Police Services Levy is part of a multi-source investment in police services that includes a council-initiated sales tax and the state’s new public safety grant program to support the hiring and retention of police officers. When combined with Proposition 5, these three funding sources will enable the City to reach a staffing level more appropriate for Vancouver’s continued growth, officer wellness and community expectations.

What will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy pay for?

When the City hires officers, we need to provide them with gear, vehicles, training, and the staff to support them. The Police Services Levy includes only the cost of hiring police officers and what it takes to support them across the justice system.

• Add up to 13 full-time equivalent sworn police officers in a range of ranks and assignments

• The equipment and vehicles for new staff consistent with current and future policing standards

• Administrative and staffing costs to support the investments in officers and equipment

• Additional prosecution and criminal justice costs

How much will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy raise?

The levy is anticipated to raise approximately $6 million in 2026 and will annually grow at the same rate as the City’s base levy thereafter. Under the proposed increase, owners of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $75.00 per year.

How much will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy cost?

The levy will increase Vancouver’s regular property tax by $0.15 per $1,000 assessed value, for a rate not to exceed $2.47 per $1,000 assessed value. 

How was Proposition 5: Police Services Levy developed? 

The tools available to local governments to help fund police services have changed since the City asked voters to consider police funding last year.  

Earlier this year, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2015, creating two new public safety funding options for cities: a $100 million grant program and a council-approved safety sales tax.  

To help the City determine its next steps after Proposition 4 failed in 2024, the City reconvened the Police Advisory Committee. This 13-member committee, made up of Vancouver residents, met three times from April to June with the City Manager and Police Department staff to discuss police priorities and potential funding solutions.  

The committee recommended a multi-source investment strategy that includes the voter-approved Proposition 5, the Council-approved public safety sales tax, and applying for the state grant. Together, these three sources of revenue could fund up to 25 sworn staff and up to 10 non-sworn staff. Proposition 5’s property tax increase alone would enable the City to hire 13 full-time equivalent officers in a range of ranks and positions, as well as the positions and resources needed to support the officers. 

What will I see on the ballot? 

In Washington, ballot titles are limited to 75 words to ensure clarity, neutrality, and accessibility for voters. This word limit is outlined in RCW 29A.72.050. 

PROPOSITION NO. 5
CITY OF VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON
POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
LEVY LID LIFT

The Vancouver City Council adopted Resolution M-164-25 concerning a levy lid lift to fund police and public safety.

If approved, this proposition would fund police and public safety services, including additional police officers, equipment, and criminal justice system costs by increasing Vancouver’s regular property tax by approximately $0.15/$1,000 assessed valuation, for a maximum regular property tax levy rate not to exceed $2.47/$1,000 for collection in 2026. The 2026 levy amount will be the basis to calculate subsequent levies, per RCW 84.55. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and others would be exempt, per RCW 84.36.

Should this proposition be approved?

YES	. . . . . . . . .	□ 
NO 	. . . . . . . . .	□ 

What is a levy lid lift?

In Washington, a levy lid lift is a voter-approved measure that allows a taxing district—like a city, county, or special district—to increase its regular property tax levy beyond the standard 1% annual limit set by state law. A levy limit may be exceeded when authorized by a majority of the voters voting on a proposition to “lift the lid” of the levy limit as described in RCW 84.55.050.  For more information, view Section 458-19-045 of the Washington Administrative Code.

Property tax exemption program

Per the Revised Code of Washington, RCW 84.36.383, qualifying seniors, veterans, and others would be exempt, which provides limited property tax relief to specific classes of individuals. Learn more about this exemption on the Clark County website.