In a move to strengthen law enforcement resources, the city council unanimously supported (save for one recusal) Proposition 4, which will face voters in the upcoming General Election on Nov. 5. According to the City of Vancouver, the proposition is a property tax levy lid lift that aims to fund a significant increase in police force and resources, as detailed in a resolution passed on Monday.
The tax increase, approximately $0.41 per $1,000 of assessed property value, seeks to finance the addition of 80 full-time sworn officers and 36 non-sworn police positions. With technology that enhances efficiency, this proposed lift will also support jail, corrections, prosecution, and public defense resources, including the necessary facilities and equipment to accommodate said staffing boost.
According to the official city resolution, if the electorate gives the green light to Proposition 4, Vancouver could see its regular property tax levy rise to a maximum of $2.63 per $1,000 assessed value by 2025. The city’s total regular property tax levy for 2026-2030 would also be allowed to increase annually by 5%, establishing a financial baseline for future levies. The move is expected to raise roughly $15.5 million in its first year.
The Vancouver Police Advisory Committee recommended this taxation strategy as part of a broader three-step plan to meet the climbing demand for police services within the city. After Proposition 4's potential approval, further steps include a facilities bond in 2026, followed by the implementation of a public safety sales tax by 2028, fleshing out a long-term plan for increasing the city’s investment in its police services.
