KENMORE, Wash. - On Monday, February 13, the Kenmore City Council approved a plan for funding the first phase of implementation for its Climate Action Plan and growing Housing and Human Services needs. The plan includes increases in three revenue sources: 1) vehicle license fees, 2) garbage utility tax, and 3) natural gas utility tax. When combined, they will cost a typical Kenmore household an additional $11.53 per month (approximately). 

The Kenmore City Council’s top two priorities for 2023 and 2024 are 1) Climate Action Plan Implementation and Environmental Stewardship and 2) Affordable Housing, both of which are urgent issues that demand immediate action. Human services is closely related to affordable housing and is also in need of additional resources. Meaningful implementation of these top two priorities requires funding and staffing beyond what is currently budgeted in the City’s General Fund for 2023-2024. 

"Climate change is the biggest collective challenge of our time. Inaction is not an option - everyone must step up and do their part, and I am proud that Kenmore will be doing our part to lower emissions of greenhouse gasses," said Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. 

The plan includes three new positions to support the Climate Action Plan and Housing & Human Services work: a Climate Action Plan Manager to immediately begin implementing key portions of the CAP and explore resources and grant funding opportunities to meet Kenmore’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030; a Housing & Human Services Manager to help Kenmore residents in need, develop and grow key community partnerships, conduct a needs assessment, and apply for grant funding for housing and human services needs; and one additional staff member to provide administrative support on the City’s finance team. 

"We are thankful the City of Kenmore is hiring a Housing and Human Services manager. This is the right thing to do and a bold commitment to the people of Kenmore," said Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain.

The funding plan includes a new 10% solid waste utility tax that would be added to Republic Services garbage and recycling bills (averaging $5.19 per month, depending on services), a 2% increase to the current Natural Gas Utility Tax included on Puget Sound Energy bills (an average of $3 additional per month), and an increase of Kenmore’s local vehicle license fee from $20 per year per vehicle to $40 per year per vehicle. Assuming a household with two cars, the cost increase will be $40 per year. The average combined cost to a Kenmore household will be about $138 per year. 

For additional information on the Climate Action Plan and Housing & Human Services funding plan, visit www.kenmorewa.gov/capandhousing. 

Watch the February 13, 2023 Kenmore City Council Meeting here.