Who decides on the transit funding measure mentioned in the resolution?

Voters within the Pierce Transit service area will decide on the transit funding measure.

Which governing body adopted Resolution 2026-006?

The Pierce Transit Board adopted Resolution 2026-006.

What role does the Pierce County Auditor play in this process?

The Pierce County Auditor is responsible for placing the transit funding measure on the November ballot for voter consideration.

What is at stake with this transit funding measure?

The funding measure could lead to an expansion of local transit services in the Pierce Transit agency's service area if approved by voters.

Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot

With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.

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July 14, 2026

Pierce Transit Measure Heads to November Ballot — If approved by voters, the measure would change Pierce Transit’s local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9% — an increase of 0.3%, or 3 cents on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases in the Pierce Transit service area.
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The Pierce Transit Board adopted Resolution 2026-006, advancing a transit funding measure to the November ballot.
Voters in Pierce Transit service area will decide on the expansion of local transit services.
The measure is now forwarded to the Pierce County Auditor for inclusion in the ballot.

*Summarized by AI

Lakewood, Washington’s Pierce Transit board voted to place a measure to maintain and expand transit on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

Pierce Transit’s Proposal

The proposed measure reflects years of community input, ridership data, and long-range service planning.

If approved by local voters, it would fund a package of service improvements that includes:

New bus routes and special event service.
More frequent service and shorter wait times.
Later evening and weekend service.
Easier transfers and more direct trips.
Fare-free bus and paratransit service for seniors.
Expanded paratransit service for people with disabilities.

"Pierce Transit is at a critical moment. Due largely to inflation, our expenses are expected to outpace revenue as early as 2027. Without additional funding, we would continue providing today's level of service for as long as possible, but rising costs would eventually require service reductions,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “This proposal is the result of extensive community input and thoughtful planning to not only preserve today's service but provide more transit, to more people and places, more often. If approved by voters, the measure would fund a 47% increase in transit service across our service area.”

More About the Measure

If approved by voters, the measure would change Pierce Transit’s local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9% — an increase of 0.3%, or 3 cents on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases in the Pierce Transit service area.

"The last time Pierce Transit received a sales tax increase was in 2002,” said Pierce Transit Board Vice Chair Rosie Ayala. “To put that into perspective, YouTube and Google Maps didn't exist. Since then, Pierce County has grown 30%, and the need for reliable transit has continued to expand. Providing seniors, young people, and those who rely on transit every day with an affordable and more convenient option to more places more often is at the hands of voters.”

Quick Answers

Resolution 2026-006 aims to present a measure to voters in the Pierce Transit service area regarding additional funding for the expansion of local transit services.