Politics & Government
Here's What's In The $15.8B King County Budget Proposal
It's budget season, and the latest plans for King County include big investments in public safety, housing, and more.
KING COUNTY, WA — King County Executive Dow Constantine on Tuesday unveiled a $15.8 billion biennial budget proposal, including hundreds of millions in funding to electrify bus fleets, build more affordable housing, prevent gun violence and improve mental health services across the region.
The 2023-24 spending plan includes $96 million to support the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, more than $28 million to restore more fish passages, $9 million to support community-led gun violence prevention efforts and $5 million to equip all deputies with body-worn cameras.
As previewed last week, other proposed public safety investments include $21 million for Metro transit security officers, $2.3 million to add major crime detectives and create a new gun violence reduction unit, and $2.1 million to stand up a new co-responder unit utilizing behavioral health professionals.
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Constantine's budget package includes a newly-proposed levy seeking $1.25 billion over nine years to create five new crisis centers, preserve and restore existing treatment beds, and recruit a strong mental health workforce. Pending final approval from the Metropolitan King County Council, voters would have the final say on the levy next spring.
Building on this year's first round of participatory budgeting, where residents helped select dozens of community projects to receive funding, the new budget also includes $10 million for a second round next year.
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"This budget is a down payment on the future we deserve; an investment in all the possibilities we want for one another and for our beautiful region," Constantine said Tuesday. "Together, we can take on the extraordinary challenges of this time, and build the home we all want — that welcoming community — with the unity, focus and fortitude to overcome the momentary hudles, and unlock tomorrow's promise."
The council is scheduled to host budget hearings starting in October and pass a final version sometime in November.
Learn more about the budget proposal below:
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