Revised King County parks levy proposal cuts cost for median homeowners

King County, Washington – The King County Regional Policy Committee recently adopted a modified parks levy pending one last approval, expected to appear on the upcoming August primary ballot. This is a major step toward changing King County’s approach to financing parks and recreation. Aiming to strike economic control with the continuous need to support and improve local parks and community services, this new plan reduces the levy rate and total financing from its original shape.

This Wednesday, the committee unanimously approved an amendment to the suggested six-year levy. From the suggested 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, former King County Executive Dow Constantine to 23.29 cents, it reduces the levy rate. Roughly $23.5 million is lost in predicted levy income from this change, which brings the total to around $1.45 billion over six years, a little drop from the $1.5 billion first forecast.

Courtesy of King County

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For a median King County homeowner, this translates to an annual levy cost of around $198, which is approximately $4 less than the suggested in the first draft. Reflecting an intentional attempt to sustainably finance major parks and recreation initiatives, this tax is among the largest in county history.

Although lower, the suggested tax indicates a significant regional parks and recreational infrastructure expenditure. Even though at a lower level—down to $20 million from the $30 million suggested by Constantine—it funds the Healthy Communities and Parks Grants program. This program is vital since it gives towns, cities, and nonprofit organizations money for initiatives improving equity and emphasis on traditionally underinvested areas.

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Local politicians have argued over the grants program’s decline. King County Councilman Rod Dembowski expressed concerns that the reductions could conflict with the county’s dedication to assist underfunded areas. On the other hand, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph underlined that the updated levy would still double the current grant amount, raising it from $10 million to $20 million.

The change in the levy also has an impact on various other sectors. Now at $90 million, the King County Open Space Acquisitions program will see its funding drop by $6 million. Other scaled-back commitments include money for a feasibility study on dog parks, which has been slashed from $2.5 million to $2 million, and general infrastructure and regional trails restoration budget cuts.

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The revised proposal also adds an additional mechanism for distributing city-level parks funds, which will provide fixed annual sums depending on each city’s population size. This change is intended to distribute funds more equitably and predictably across the county.

The outcome will determine whether it gets a place on the August ballot as the whole King County Council gets ready to vote on this revised levy plan on April 15. The timing of the vote is critical and could significantly impact the probability of the tax passing as the primary election usually attracts less voter turnout.