Summary

The budget allocates $100 million to help build and preserve workforce housing throughout the region, including an immediate investment of $40 million on specific shovel-ready projects.

Story

The $11.7 billion King County Budget unanimously adopted Tuesday in a bipartisan vote by the Metropolitan King County Council makes targeted investments in regional services and maintains the County’s strong financial standing.

“We’re becoming smarter and leaner, and I’m proud of our ability to deliver effective local services in an efficient manner,” said Budget Committee Chair Dave Upthegrove. “The additions in this budget are in line with the values of this county and this Council.”

The budget allocates $100 million to help build and preserve workforce housing throughout the region, including an immediate investment of $40 million on specific shovel-ready projects. Demand for transit in the region is also growing, and the budget addresses this by including over 200,000 new service hours for King County Metro buses with a focus on geographic equity. 

The budget maintains a robust 8 percent ending fund balance and a strong emergency reserve. It leaves the county in a sound fiscal position that will maintain the county’s AAA credit rating. This rating saves the taxpayer money by allowing the County to borrow at low interest rates.