Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on March 25 signed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, a measure that will direct existing tax revenue to support Historic South Downtown (HSD) for the next 10 years.
The funding supports Community Preservation and Development Authorities, which work to revitalize neighborhoods like Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID) and Pioneer Square.
Under the law, 30% of sales tax revenue from large venues such as Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park will go into a dedicated account through 2037, with no new taxes. Supporters say the money will help preserve historic buildings, strengthen small businesses and improve safety in areas impacted by major development projects.
The signing ceremony included Rep. Sharon Tomiko-Santos, HSD Executive Director Kathleen Barry Johnson, CID advocate Betty Lau, members of the Bricklayers Union and other supporters of the initiative.
Front row, from left: Ashley-Nichol Holland, state Rep. Sharon Tomiko-Santos, Ellen Ta, Gov. Ferguson, HSD Executive Dir.ector Kathleen Barry Johnson, Betty Lau, and Amy Chen Lozano. (Photo provided by Betty Lau)
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