The City of Kent has become the first city in Washington state to receive formal approval under House Bill 2015, allowing it to move forward with a 0.1 percent local sales tax to fund additional police officers.
The approval from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission enables Kent to implement the voter authorized sales tax under ESHB 2015, legislation enacted in 2025 to strengthen public safety funding and accountability statewide. The city plans to use the revenue primarily to hire, retain and deploy more officers.
HB 2015 creates a new local funding tool and establishes a $100 million state Local Law Enforcement Grant Program aimed at addressing officer shortages and rebuilding staffing levels across Washington. Kent is the first jurisdiction to meet the policy, training and compliance standards required to access both the local sales tax option and the state grant funding.
“This is about putting more officers on the street and improving response times,” Mayor Dana Ralph said. “Our community expects visible patrols, quick 911 response, and proactive policing. This funding allows us to strengthen our police force and deliver the level of service our residents deserve.”
To qualify, jurisdictions must meet standards set by the Criminal Justice Training Commission, including updated use of force policies, training compliance, reporting requirements and accountability benchmarks. Kent completed the verification process within statutory timelines.
“Our priority is staffing,” Police Chief Rafael Padilla said. “Kent needs more officers to respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, and maintain a visible presence in our neighborhoods. HB 2015 gives us the ability to rebuild and strengthen our department in a responsible, sustainable way.”
Padilla also recognized City Attorney Tammy White, Deputy Chief Stansfield, Assistant Chief Grove, Assistant Chief Hemmen and Assistant Chief Kasner for their work meeting state requirements.
Under HB 2015, revenue from the 0.1 percent sales tax must be dedicated to criminal justice purposes. Kent officials said priorities include hiring and retaining officers, reducing 911 response times and strengthening patrol and investigative capacity.
The state grant program may cover up to 75 percent of entry level officer salaries and benefits for up to 36 months, which city leaders say will accelerate recruitment and deployment.
“This approval means real, tangible improvements in public safety,” Ralph said. “This is a significant step towards having more officers who not only respond when residents call 911, but who will now have more capacity to be a visible presence to help prevent crime from occurring in the first place. Kent is taking action.”
Kent will report annually on its use of HB 2015 revenues in accordance with statutory requirements and legislative oversight.
