A pivotal moment unfolded at the Shelton City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, as council members rallied behind Ordinance 2027-1024, which proposes a new sales and use tax of 0.1% aimed at addressing housing and related services. This ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards tackling the city's housing shortage and homelessness crisis.

Council members expressed strong support for the measure, emphasizing its potential to generate significant revenue that would directly benefit the community. One council member passionately stated, “This is the only start... we’re gonna unblock the housing shortage in this town if we start doing this.” The sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, highlighting the urgency of the housing issue in Shelton.

The proposed tax increase would raise the total sales tax in Shelton to 9%, still lower than neighboring Tumwater's rate of 9.7%. Supporters argued that this slight increase would not deter shoppers from the city, as it would also collect contributions from visitors across Mason County. “We’re collecting it, not just from citizens of Shelton, but everyone in the whole county,” one member noted, framing the tax as a shared responsibility.

The council's discussion also touched on the broader implications of the ordinance, with members stressing that failing to act could result in the county reallocating funds away from Shelton. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as council members recognized the need to take proactive measures to improve housing availability and support services.

As the council moved to approve the ordinance, the decision marked a significant commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the community. The anticipated outcomes of this measure could reshape the landscape of housing in Shelton, providing a much-needed lifeline for residents and businesses alike.