Council Discusses Adjustments to Multifamily Tax Exemption Code for Edmonds

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Edmonds, Washington, focused on discussions surrounding the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program and its implications for local housing policy.

The meeting began with a review of the current MFTE code, where council members expressed the need for consistency in terminology, particularly regarding the designation of the NCH as "Westgate." This change aims to clarify the application of the code.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the calculation of Average Median Income (AMI) for the MFTE program. It was noted that the current AMI figure used is based on Snohomish County, which may not accurately reflect the economic conditions in Edmonds. Council members suggested that adjusting the AMI to a more localized figure could better serve the community's needs. The conversation highlighted the complexities involved in calculating AMI, which requires annual updates based on census data and other economic indicators.

Council members acknowledged that while the current process is manageable, it could benefit from simplification to reduce the administrative burden. They discussed the possibility of using a more straightforward metric that would eliminate the need for extensive calculations each year.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of revisiting the MFTE code to ensure it aligns with the city's housing goals and provides clarity for future projects. Further discussions on this topic are expected as the council continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the MFTE program in supporting affordable housing initiatives in Edmonds.