Summary

King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove on Tuesday announced the passage of additional County funding to support residents’ immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for a better economic future for all.

Story

King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove on Tuesday announced the passage of additional County funding to support residents’ immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for a better economic future for all.

The latest – and seventh – round of emergency funding in response to COVID-19 uses a large portion of the County’s allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund community needs, public health measures, and economic recovery efforts.

“Throughout the last year and a half, I have spoken to hundreds of community members about the challenges they have faced and the concerns they have for themselves and their families,” Upthegrove said. “I have heard about the fear of losing one’s home, the stress that comes from losing a job and the strain our youth have been under as they navigate remote learning and a changed home environment. This budget seeks to address those concerns while providing hope for a brighter future.”

Highlights of the funding include:

• Over $255 million in community supports including food assistance and $100 million in rental assistance to prevent eviction and keep people in their homes
• Over $114 million to continue the County’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• $67 million to support economic recovery and jobs programs, including new apprenticeship pathways into behavioral health career and construction apprenticeship and job training program
• Over $50 million for the County’s emergency homelessness response and for supportive services for those experiencing homelessness
• $7 million in childcare subsidies for low-income families and essential workers
• $6 million to address behavioral health issues in seniors and youths and to provide culturally appropriate services
• $3 million for senior centers to respond to the increase in demand for services
• $2 million for anti-hate and bias efforts throughout the County
• $800,000 to expand current County programming that addresses small business displacement such as that experienced in SeaTac’s Bakaro Mall

“For almost 18 months our community has battled a pandemic and the County responded to keep people fed, housed and healthy – that work continues,” Upthegrove said. “But, with this infusion of federal funds, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild our community and strengthen our economy in a way that ensures everyone has a better future.”

The budget comprises a mix of funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, FEMA, the state and county. The Council anticipates additional COVID-related budgets over the remainder of 2021.