2009 King County Budget

I recently sent out a newsletter (PDF, 380KB), regarding the 2009 King County budget.  In addition to the information provided in the newsletter, you may be interested in the answers to frequently asked questions.

On October 13, the executive transmitted his proposed budget and addressed the council. 

Recently, myself and other budget leaders for the council presented a budget proposal that successfully fulfills the council’s avowed goal of protecting the public’s highest priorities of public safety, health and quality of life.  You can read a PDF of the 111-page "budget striker."  This proposal will be up for final adoption by the full King County Council on Monday afternoon, November 24.  You may continue to submit testimony online.

King County Veterans Levy Update

In observance of Veterans Day on November 11, I sent out a special Veterans Day newsletter (PDF, 165KB) with updates on how the Veterans and Human Services Levy, which King County voters approved in 2005, is being used to help local area veterans.  Serving King County's 150,000 veterans, these tax dollars have increased access to post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, employment opportunities, and benefits, while reducing homelessness and recidivism rates among veterans.  More information about the levy and how its funds are being used is available here.

The levy funds allow us to assist the veterans in our community overcome challenges they might face transitioning back to civilian life.  When drafting the ballot measure, I worked to ensure that your tax dollars reach the intended recipients by creating a citizen oversight board to oversee expenditures and make sure the funds are supporting those who need services most.

Dedicated Funds Released for Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan

The council recently released an estimated $50 million a year for mental health and chemical dependency services.  The council approved the two final elements of a three-phase action plan, culminating two years of planning, analysis, and community involvement to ensure the sound investment of public sales tax dollars for mental health and chemical dependency.  Learn More...

I have been proud to sponsor the effort to implement a comprehensive plan for addressing mental illness and drug dependency in King County, thus protecting the public and helping reduce the number of people cycling through the county’s jails and hospitals.  For a good summary of how these funds will improve the lives of individuals throughout King County, check out Jerry Large’s article in the Seattle Times and Carol Smith’s article in the Seattle P-I.

Funding for Cities to Address Localized Flooding Problems

In 2007, the King County Flood Control Zone District was created with the responsibility to fix the county’s failing flood protection facilities in order to reduce the likelihood of future flood disasters.  The district levies a property tax of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to fund overdue maintenance and repairs to King County's flood control system.  I sponsored an amendment to make 10 percent of the proceeds from the levy available in an “opportunity fund” to address local neighborhood flooding problems.  A resolution that recently passed ensures that all cities will have access to the funds, which will be distributed to jurisdictions in proportion to levy contributions.  Learn More...

Improving Historic Preservation

Historic preservation enhances the quality of life for King County residents.  Historic buildings embody our collective history and influence our community identity.  When properly cared for, our historic resources can be an engine for economic development and a source of civic pride.  On October 13, the council passed four ordinances improving historic preservation practices in King County.  The council approved action plans outlining proper stewardship of county-owned historic resources and streamlining the permitting process for privately owned historically significant properties.  The council also increased funding sources for historic preservation and continued its effort to restore the King County Courthouse.  Learn More...

There is a detailed history of the King County Courthouse available, and I also have a podcast regarding the restoration of the courthouse's south entrance.  In 1967, the original south entrance was closed to the public and the courthouse's elegant Alaskan marble lobby was converted into a loading dock.  Neil Modie's article in the Seattle P-I points out that the King County Courthouse may be America's only public building with a trash-filled loading dock made of elegant, irreplaceable Alaskan white marble.