News about Councilmember Claudia Balducci

2024 News

December 18, 2024
Balducci issues statement on tragic killing of Metro bus driver
“I am deeply saddened and horrified by the news that a Metro operator was killed while working on one of our buses. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the whole Metro family as they deal with this devastating loss. Our transit should be safe and welcoming for both riders and operators and today we failed at that, with terrible consequences. I am committed to doing everything in my power to support the Metro team through this traumatic experience and to restore a sense of safety for transit riders and operators.”

December 10, 2024
Balducci issues statement on tax vote for Harborview Medical Center
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County leadership group that led to the creation of the Harborview funding proposal, released a statement following Tuesday's vote on funding for Harborview Medical Center.

December 4, 2024
Bomb cyclone recovery, assessment proposal clears key committee, heads to full council for final vote
“Many King County residents woke up to extensive damage to their homes, faced days of power outages, and dramatic damages to property and disruption to daily life. We have the power to play a part in helping our friends and neighbors get their lives back together after this unprecedented storm, and this proposal is one way we can exercise that power. I thank my colleagues for supporting it at committee and look forward to its speedy passage at full council next week.” 

December 1, 2024
Housing Leaders Convene to Discuss a Proposed Research Center at UW
“We know there is a tremendous housing shortage in our region, affecting far too many people – and that government and private partners have been working diligently to try to address the need. But too often what we don’t know is how well specific housing solutions match up to localized causes of the housing shortages. The new Washington State Center for Housing Research will help provide the timely analysis and data-driven research needed to once and for all provide the homes our region needs to create inclusive and sustainable communities.”

November 26, 2024
Balducci amendment fast-tracks $17.5 million for 2024 as Council passes Doors Open plan to guide over $700 million to cultural organizations
“Arts and culture aren’t a ‘nice-to-have,’ they are an essential part of healthy individuals and healthy communities. Here in King County, we are blessed to have a vibrant science, heritage, and arts sector, full of talented and passionate individuals, innovative and enthusiastic nonprofits, and world-class cultural institutions. This levy is the key that will open the doors to renewed vibrancy in our centers and communities, welcome audiences of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds, and bring joy, connection, and self-discovery to the lives of King County residents. Thank you to Executive Constantine, 4Culture, Inspire WA, and many, many sector leaders and advocates who have been unwavering in their support and brought us to this transformative moment.” 

November 19, 2024
Balducci: County Budget Addresses Some of Most Pressing Needs, More Work Needed
"Executive Constantine transmitted a budget that invested strategically in housing, health, and safety. The Council’s adopted budget advances these strategies, supporting investments in community-driven affordable housing, youth detention and probation staffing, and continued responses to gun violence, fentanyl addiction, and safety and security on our transit system. I am particularly proud of the hard work I led, along with my colleagues Councilmembers Barón and Mosqueda, to advance a significant new investment in our critical public health system at Harborview. However, we have much more to do in the coming months as we continue to face a crisis in our criminal justice system with a looming large shortfall in the fund that supports that system."

October 8, 2024
Balducci announces $1.5 million to improve salmon habitat, reduce flood risk in Bellevue
"This $1.5 million investment will help the City of Bellevue combine three current pipes into one fish-passable culvert, improving drainage and reducing flooding. I am excited to be a partner with the city in this project and look forward to benefits to this part of King County and to the day when we will again see fish in swimming in Kelsey Creek."

October 1, 2024
Balducci leads Council in urging #WeekWithoutDriving with proclamation
“Nondrivers make up over 30% of the population in King County and yet most of our current transportation system is built only for people who drive. The Week Without Driving Challenge offers important insights for how our transportation system works — and often doesn’t work — for many young people, seniors, people with disabilities and those who cannot afford a car. Even as someone who typically gets around by bike and transit, I learn something new during this challenge every year. I encourage everyone to step up to the challenge to get a better understanding of how critical it is to invest in transportation options that connect nondrivers to opportunity across King County.”

August 27, 2024
Balducci issues statement on youth detention center motion passage
“I join my colleagues in making a clear statement of our Council’s intent to maintain operations of the youth detention facility for those in need of detention while also restating our commitments to improve the legal system and conditions for young people in detention..."

July 24, 2024
Balducci issues statement after committee vote on future of Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
“From my time as the director of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) and now as a King County Councilmember, I steadfastly believe our goals should be to reduce crime, protect the public and support our young people in achieving successful lives...In short, we need a ‘yes AND’ approach – we need to support King County’s youth with robust programs and services to improve outcomes and we also need secure detention for youth in crisis or who have harmed others and pose a threat to public safety..."

July 16, 2024
Balducci applauds key investments to benefit Eastside residents in supplemental budget, including housing, meal services, sexual assault survivor resources, gun violence prevention and response, and more
“I’m pleased that this budget includes critical investments in the everyday services that people depend on — providing nutrition and community for seniors in need, sheltering and building independence for homeless families, and supporting survivors of sexual assault. By supporting trusted organizations like Catholic Community Services, Acres of Diamonds, and King County Sexual Assault Resource Center we shore up the basics in a time of high need, focusing our resources on supporting our most vulnerable residents with reliable services.”

July 1, 2024
New King County Parks bridge connects Eastrail to Sound Transit’s Wilburton Station, offering safe, convenient access to trail and rail in Bellevue
“These art installations bring to light important local history that has been overlooked for too long. They help tell the story of Japanese Americans in Bellevue, from hard work, prosperity, and community to discrimination, incarceration, and resilience. It’s been an honor to help guide this project from its inception to fruition and I am deeply grateful to Isan Bellevue and the Japanese community, as well as our partners at King County Parks, for leading this powerful effort to uplift the stories of the Japanese American community that helped shape the City of Bellevue.”

June 25, 2024
Balducci would aim to end traffic deaths with ‘Safe System’ policy in King County
“The cost of doing nothing in the face of skyrocketing traffic death and serious injuries is more suffering, more grief, more loss of human life. This is unacceptable, especially when we have the tools to make our streets safer even when human error occurs. King County has an important role to play in making our transportation system safer and I am proud to introduce this motion to ensure we are doing our part to eradicate serious injury and deaths in King County."

June 24, 2024
‘A victory for regional trails, climate, mobility, and opportunity’: Executive Constantine thanks Sen. Murray, Sen. Cantwell for securing funds to help close a key gap for Eastrail
“With the help of our federal partners, we’re making yet another stride in creating a region-wide, climate-friendly transportation network. And the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous as we have just opened light rail on the Eastside and the Eastrail NE 8th Street Bridge, recently broken ground on the Wilburton Trestle and will now be able to start work to safely cross I-90, bringing our longtime vision for this 42-mile trail from Woodinville to Renton close to completion. Deepest thanks to the US Department of Transportation for seeing how valuable this trail is to our region and to Eastrail Partners for their help in securing this funding.”

April 27, 2024
Light rail opens on the Eastside - Sound Transit
“This light rail line is going to change lives. It will connect people to education, jobs, recreation, and each other, helping expand access to opportunity across our region. For me, this is the culmination of years and years of work by many people and a realization of the promise we made to voters in 2008. For the Eastside, it’s the beginning of an incredible transformation that will benefit the community for decades to come.”

March 27, 2024
Terri Mestas joins Sound Transit as Deputy CEO for Megaproject Delivery
“Since before ST3’s approval in 2016, it’s been clear that voters want Sound Transit to build capital projects faster. Hiring a deputy CEO of megaproject delivery represents a critical next step in delivering transformative transit for our region. By implementing a key recommendation of the Technical Advisory Group, today’s announcement is a huge step forward to accelerate project delivery. We’re fortunate that Ms. Mestas is willing to bring her incredible experience to take on this challenge. I look forward to collaborating with her and her team to execute on that commitment to build fast, frequent, reliable transit for the people of Central Puget Sound.”

February 15, 2024
Link 2 Line service between South Bellevue Station and Redmond Technology Station begins April 27
“The opening of the 2 Line on the Eastside took the vision, creativity and tireless work of many people to make good on the promise we made to voters in 2008. I pushed to open this 6.5- mile, 8-station starter line to connect some of the region’s largest employers, growing neighborhoods, and incredible destinations. Today we’re setting the stage for the Eastside’s continued transformation and connecting people to opportunity now. I can’t wait to ride it!”

January 9, 2024
Balducci to chair two key committees in 2024
“2024 brings a fresh opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges our region faces and to live up to our values as the county named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Committee of the Whole, where we will take up many of these challenges, and committed to working with my colleagues and the community to craft solutions that will serve all King County residents.”