Voters renew Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy—continuing nearly two decades of successes

August 17, 2023

Summary

King County voters approved the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy for the fourth time, ensuring that veterans, seniors, and resilient communities can continue to access a broad range of programs and services in King County.

Story

With a decisive victory in the Primary election, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) is renewed for a fourth time, continuing the investments of the six-year levy first approved in 2005. Over 71% of King County voters approved the VSHSL, the highest approval rating in the levy’s history, solidifying that the community understands the importance of the programs and services that support our region’s veterans, seniors, and resilient communities. The initiative helps people and families transition to affordable housing, get job training, find employment, access emergency financial assistance, obtain domestic violence advocacy, receive behavioral health treatment, and provides other resources and services.

“The voters' approval of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy builds on nearly two decades of work and progress and will ensure sustained programming, vital investments, and greater coordination among nation-leading service providers,” said Executive Constantine. “The levy plays a critical role in supporting the people and programs that help our communities thrive, and together we will improve the quality of life for so many across King County."

"I'm thrilled to see the results of the VSHSL vote,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay. “This sends a resounding message that King County supports our veterans and seniors, and that we will continue to support them--with our votes, our funds, and our programs. Thank you to everyone who made this possible."

The levy will generate more than $540 million over six years and will cost the average King County property owner an estimated $83 per year.

Now approved, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy will:

• Build the nation’s strongest local veterans’ program: The levy sustains and expands innovative partnerships and programming, comprehensive case management, and behavioral health counseling for veterans and their families and caregivers. This includes the operation of the two King County Veterans Program sites at Northgate and Tukwila and providing mental health counseling to veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
• Keep reducing veteran homelessness: Over the next six years, the VSHSL strives to further reduce veteran homelessness by creating dedicated affordable housing units for veterans, making the Collaborative Case Management program permanent, and funding housing navigators to assist people in their affordable housing search.
• Double funding for senior centers: The levy will reinforce senior services that made a difference in the pandemic, such as support with technology to connect virtually and meal delivery, and will strengthen and sustain senior center programming to provide social connection. It will also invest in green energy improvements like heat pumps, solar panels, and air filtration that help senior centers reduce their carbon footprint, cut utility bills, and provide refuge in extreme weather.
• Deepen investments in critical workforce: The region’s vibrancy requires an effective and sustainable human services workforce that can prevent crises and help solve them in real-time. The levy plays a critical role in investing in the people who support those in need, making our communities a place where people can thrive, and ensuring human services are accessible, effective, and equitable.

King County will develop the implementation plan to include further details around priorities, strategies, and investments for permanent supportive housing, community-centered programming for survivors of gender-based violence, and strengthened resident and resource connections. The implementation plan will be proposed by Executive Constantine no later than October 31, 2023, for review and approval by the King County Council.

Relevant links

• Veterans, Seniors & Human Services Levy | Department of Community & Human Services

Quotes

The voters' approval of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy builds on nearly two decades of work and progress and will ensure sustained programming, vital investments, and greater coordination among nation-leading service providers. The levy plays a critical role in supporting the people and programs that help our communities thrive, and together we will improve the quality of life for so many across King County.

I'm thrilled to see the results of the VSHSL vote. This sends a resounding message that King County supports our veterans and seniors, and that we will continue to support them--with our votes, our funds, and our programs. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

For more information, contact:

Katie Rogers, Department of Community and Human Services, 206-758-8287

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