← Back to feedThe Brief
King County Council Approves $20 Billion Budget Amid Federal Funding Concerns
The King County Council has unanimously approved a $20.16 billion biennial budget, focusing on public safety, housing, and health, while addressing potential federal funding cuts.
In a decisive move to safeguard essential services and prepare for anticipated federal funding reductions, the King County Council unanimously approved a $20.16 billion biennial budget on November 18, 2025. This comprehensive spending plan emphasizes public safety, housing stability, food security, and enhanced government accountability.
Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who chaired the budget committee, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the budget's passage. He highlighted the Council's commitment to protecting vital public safety investments, combating hunger, and increasing transparency in public spending.
A significant portion of the budget is allocated to public safety initiatives, ensuring that law enforcement and emergency services continue to operate effectively without cuts. Additionally, the budget addresses the pressing issue of housing instability by bolstering funding for affordable housing projects and homelessness response programs. This is particularly crucial in light of expected federal reductions in housing and health funding.
Food security is another focal point, with increased investments aimed at combating hunger across the county. These measures are designed to support residents facing economic hardships and to strengthen community resilience.
The budget also introduces a property tax levy increase from 10 cents to 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. For homeowners, this translates to an annual increase of approximately $42.50 on a median $850,000 home, raising the total annual property tax to about $127.50.
Councilmember Claudia Balducci praised the budget's focus on transit safety and ethics investments. She noted the inclusion of $26.1 million for Metro Transit safety, which will enhance the number of Transit Police and Security Officers and install stronger operator safety partitions on all Metro buses. This initiative aims to create a safer transit environment for both riders and Metro workers.
The budget also allocates funds for environmental preservation, including the conservation of up to 3,600 acres of open space and efforts to restore fish passage and salmon habitats. Additionally, $455 million is designated to reduce climate emissions and increase the county's resilience to climate change, supporting projects like building Metro's first fully electric base and 120 new zero-emission buses.
As King County faces potential federal funding cuts, this budget serves as a proactive measure to maintain and enhance essential services. The Council's unanimous approval reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of all residents and the sustainable growth of the community.ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.
Sources
- Council approves $20 billion budget focused on public safety, shoring up basic needs - King County, Washington — kingcounty.gov
- King County's New Budget: Focus on Housing, Safety, Food - Seattle Metro News — seattlemetronews.com
- King County passes $20 billion budget with housing protections, property-tax increase – KIRO 7 News Seattle — kiro7.com
- King County Council approves mid-year budget — Balducci praises transit safety and ethics investments; flags fiscal concerns - King County, Washington — kingcounty.gov
- Council Approves $10.2 Billion Budget for 2025 with Massive Investments in Public Safety, Health, Housing, and Transit - King County, Washington — kingcounty.gov
- "King County passes $20 billion budget with housing protections, property-tax increase" — KIRO 7 News Seattle
- "Council Approves $10.2 Billion Budget for 2025 with Massive Investments in Public Safety, Health, Housing, and Transit" — King County, Washington
