The City of Lynden is asking voters to approve a levy lid lift on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The measure, which has been posted on the city's official website by the Administration Department, gives Lynden residents a chance to weigh in on whether the city should be authorized to collect property taxes above the current statutory limit.
Levy lid lifts are a common tool in Washington State municipal finance, used by cities and counties when existing tax collection authority is no longer sufficient to fund the services residents expect. Understanding what a levy lid lift is, why Lynden is pursuing one, and what it could mean for property owners in the city is important context for anyone who will have a vote in November.
What Is a Levy Lid Lift
In Washington State, local governments face a statutory limit on how much they can increase property tax collections each year. Under current law, jurisdictions generally cannot increase their regular levy by more than 1% per year without voter approval. Over time, as the cost of city services rises with inflation and as the city grows and takes on new obligations, that 1% cap can leave a growing gap between what the city collects and what it costs to maintain roads, parks, public safety, and administrative functions.
A levy lid lift is a ballot measure that asks voters to allow the city to collect taxes above that cap, either permanently or for a specified number of years, and either at a fixed dollar amount or at a rate expressed per thousand dollars of assessed property value. Voters in Lynden will be asked to decide whether to grant that additional authority, and if so, for how long and at what level.
The City of Lynden has noted that the measure will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot, giving residents time between now and the fall to review the city's case for the increase and to ask questions of city officials before casting a vote.
Lynden's Fiscal Context
Lynden is one of Whatcom County's largest cities outside Bellingham, with a population approaching 15,000 residents. Located in the fertile agricultural flatlands north of Bellingham near the Canadian border, the city serves as a commercial and civic hub for the northern county. It has a strong agricultural and Dutch heritage community and has experienced steady residential growth in recent years as housing demand in Whatcom County has pushed development northward from Bellingham.
Like many Washington cities, Lynden has seen the cost of providing services rise significantly in recent years. Personnel costs for public safety, infrastructure maintenance for aging utilities and roads, and the administrative burden of compliance with state and federal requirements all contribute to budget pressure. The 1% levy cap has made it increasingly difficult for cities to keep pace with those costs through regular tax collections alone.
The City of Lynden manages its own police department, public works infrastructure, parks system, and administrative services. City Hall is located at 300 4th Street in Lynden, and residents can reach the city at 360-354-1170 with questions about the levy measure or other city business.
What Happens Next
The levy lid lift will appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot, which will be mailed to registered voters in Whatcom County ahead of that date. Between now and November, the City of Lynden is expected to publish more detailed information about the measure, including the specific tax rate being requested, the projected impact on individual property owners, and the services or projects the additional revenue would fund.
Residents who want to follow the city's communications on the levy should monitor the City of Lynden official website, where the Administration Department has been posting updates about the measure. City council meetings, which are generally open to public comment, are also a forum where residents can ask questions and hear from city officials about the rationale behind the request.
For context on other tax and levy measures affecting Whatcom County residents this election season, the August 4 primary ballot also includes levy measures for several fire districts, and the Whatcom County Council has been navigating its own fiscal pressures related to ferry district funding and road maintenance. Voters across the county face a full slate of tax-related decisions in 2026, making it a particularly important year to stay engaged with local government finance. The Whatcom County Auditor's Office maintains current election information, including ballot measures, at its elections webpage. Voters can also track ballot status and registration through VoteWA.gov.
