This historic Washington city’s mayor says his struggling town may have to turn to drastic measures to offset a $13M deficit — including collecting an extra $720/year from local homeowners

Now, Edmonds is considering selling off prized assets, including City Hall and the historic Frances Anderson Center, as well as asking homeowners to pay an extra $720 per year in property taxes to help balance the budget.

Edmonds’ financial crisis

Edmonds’ severe budget crunch is pushing the city toward a tipping point.

“We had cuts in the police, our public records requests, which we are required to do. We had to let go of staff in our traffic and parking enforcement, animal control, so it affects the entire city,” Mayor Mike Rosen told KOMO News.

For years, the city has spent more than it brought in. In 2025, the city expects to collect about $16 million in general property tax revenue, yet the approved budget for the police department alone is around $19 million.

“We never took care of the backlog," said City Councilmember Vivian Olson. "I think that, coupled with inflation, and rising costs of everything.”

And now it’s time to clean up that deficit. Beyond the budget cuts, the city is considering selling off assets, like City Hall, public parks and the historic Frances Anderson Center. Additionally, the mayor has backed a plan that allows for the city to increase its property tax revenue.

But many residents are skeptical, especially when it comes to selling off public landmarks.

“Those are the things that make this city identifiable,” said Adel Sefrioui, a resident on the Edmonds Chamber Board of Directors, “You sell those assets, they’re gone forever and the money will eventually dry up and then you still have a structural mess on your hands.”