Saldaña bill expanding use of short-term rental tax for community projects passes Senate   

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at addressing displacement, particularly in historically marginalized communities, passed the Senate Wednesday.    Senate Bill 5138, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), allows counties with convention and trade centers and populations of 1.5 million or more — like in King County — to allocate a portion of short-term rental tax revenue not just for affordable housing but community-initiated equitable development projects.    “Equitable development is about more than just creating housing — it’s about building spaces that are alive with the culture and needs of the people who call them home,” Saldaña said. “This bill makes sure short-term rental tax revenue goes toward community-driven projects that include not just affordable, ...

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