Show All Answers

1. Why is traffic so challenging?

There are many factors that contribute to Issaquah’s traffic: 

• Local neighbors – Many neighboring communities travel through Issaquah to reach I-90 or other regional destinations. For example, backups on Issaquah Hobart Road are a regional issue. 
• Location/topography – Our beautiful mountains and lake also make it challenging to build efficient transportation networks. We also have man-made challenges, like a freeway dividing town. 
• Past community decisions – Two alternatives have been proposed for another north-south route through Issaquah — a route across Tiger Mountain and another through Olde Town, via Third Avenue. Both proposals divided the community, and it was ultimately decided not to proceed with either. 
• Region’s desirability – The Pacific Northwest is an attractive place to live. And more growth is coming. The Puget Sound Regional Council predicts 5.8 million people will live in the region by 2050. That’s why Issaquah is working to keep our community desirable by planning for transportation improvements.

2. Besides the proposed sales tax to fund a few projects, what else is Issaquah doing to tackle traffic?

• Making capital investments through grants and funding partnerships. Thanks to a development agreement with Costco, $50 million was invested into road improvements in north Issaquah, including the intersection and road improvements currently underway at State Route 900 and 12th Avenue Northwest.  
• In partnership with King County Metro, Issaquah is launching a new on-demand transit service to better connect Issaquah neighborhoods to services. More information here.
• Working with our neighbors like Sammamish and King County on congestion that starts beyond Issaquah’s borders. 
• Reallocating existing city resources to focus on improving transportation. 
• Planning for the future by studying an additional crossing of I-90 and preparing for light rail as we draft our first Transit Plan.  

3. How will the proposed sales tax impact local businesses?

Historically, small sales tax increases like the one proposed have not demonstrated impacts to overall spending or customer demand. 

Issaquah’s businesses may be concerned their customers would shop in a city with lower taxes, but the sales tax under this proposal would put Issaquah in line with other cities like Kirkland and Auburn. Issaquah and Bellevue currently have the same sales tax rate of 10.1%, but Bellevue is also considering a sales tax which would raise their rate to match or even exceed the Issaquah proposal.  

4. How long would the tax be in effect?

By state law, the sales tax automatically expires after 10 years, and would require City Council to approve another tax for it to remain in effect. By state law, the sales tax automatically expires after 10 years, and would require City Council to approve another tax for it to remain in effect.

5. What else, other than transportation, can the tax be spent on?

By state law, the tax can only be spent on transportation. 

6. How much does the City of Issaquah currently collect in sales tax?

Like property taxes, the City receives a small portion of what Issaquah customers pay. For every $1 in tax paid, the City only collects about 10 cents. The proposed tax would entirely go towards transportation improvements in Issaquah.