Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption Program

The Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program began in 1995, codified as RCW 84.14, to incentivize residential development in urban centers, designated as “residential targeted areas,” for Washington’s largest cities. The program authorizes 8, 12 and 20-year property tax exemptions to encourage the development of multifamily housing. 

In 2021, significant changes were made to the program, find a summary at this link. All cities and Clark, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties may now offer an MFTE program.

2021-2023 MFTE Program Work Plan

The Washington Department of Commerce was charged by the Washington State Legislature (through SB 5287 and a budget proviso) to develop guidance, complete a study, evaluate the impact of MFTE programs on cities and develop an MFTE auditing program.

As part of this process, information and updates are being shared on this page as progress is made on the required elements. Commerce will use this work to answer frequently asked questions, support community planning, and support implementation and operating of MFTE programs throughout the state. 

The most recent work product developed by Commerce is an informational webinar created for elected officials, appointed officials and other stakeholders at jurisdictions considering adoption of MTFE. To access the information, click on the link to the recording.

This page will have continuous updates on the program so check back often.

2022 MFTE Reporting Forms

The reporting deadline is April 1, 2023. 

Resources

Local Implementation

MFTE Administrator Contacts (PDF)

Bremerton (external link)
Everett (external link)
Lakewood (external link)
Lakewood video (external link)
Seattle (external link)
Shoreline (external link)
Spokane (external link)
Tacoma (external link)
Vancouver (external link)
Wenatchee (external link)

Bellingham-BMC 17.82 (external link)
Burien-BMC 19.45 (external link)
Camas-CMC 3.86 (external link)
Edmonds-EMC 3.38 (external link)
Kenmore-KMC 3.65 (external link)
Kirkland-KM 5.88 (external link)
Lake Stevens-LSMC 3.27 (external link)
Lakewood-LMC 3.64 (external link)
Lynnwood-LMC 3.82 (external link)
Olympia-OMC 5.86 (external link)
Port Orchard-POMC 3.48 (external link)
Seattle-SMC 5.72 (external link)
Shoreline-SMC 3.27 (external link)
Snohomish-SMC 3.50 (external link)
Snoqualmie-SMC 3.10 (external link)
Spokane-SMC 8.15 (external link)
Tacoma-TMC 6A.110 (external link)
Vancouver-VMC 3.22 (external link)
Walla Walla-WMC 2.28 (external link)
Wenatchee-WMC 5.88 (external link)
Woodinville-WMC 3.43 (external link)