Your Weekly Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As Chair of the King County Flood Control District (The District), I was pleased this week to pass the 2026 budget, reaffirming our commitment to building a future that can withstand flood risks, while supporting thriving communities and healthy ecosystems. With a total budget of $114.1 million, the plan balances the need for strong capital investment with strategic long-term planning.

I am extremely proud that our 2026 budget accomplishes all of this while maintaining the same levy rate as 2025. Maintaining an unchanged levy rate while advancing vital flood protection projects demonstrates our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. This stable rate ensures residents and businesses can rely on consistent funding for critical flood risk reduction projects without an increase in the tax burden.

I want to thank our Advisory Committee for their thoughtful recommendations and our staff for their effective and efficient implementation of the Flood Control District’s projects and programs that help protect communities and restore ecosystems countywide.

The District’s 2026 work program emphasizes reprioritizing the capital project list using a new risk, severity, consequence-based framework and updating the District’s Strategic Plan to ensure future flood investments reflect community priorities, climate resilience, and equitable solutions.

The 2026 Work Program outlines major priorities, including:

• Launching the District’s new strategic planning process.
• Implementing projects from the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) while developing a new prioritization framework for future projects to ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• Advancing flood hazard studies and climate change evaluations.
• Continuing maintenance of more than 500 flood protection facilities across 119 miles of levees and revetments.
• Administering existing grant programs in accordance with best practices and seeking grant funding for District projects.
• Enhancing community outreach and flood preparedness initiatives.

For more information about the King County Flood Control District and its projects, visit kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.

The adopted budget reflects our continued focus on fiscal discipline, strategic investment, and collaborative regional planning.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Holding King County Government Accountable

Councilmember Reagan Dunn address the King County Council regarding grant reform legislation.

Recently, I was proud to call for greater accountability from County leadership following an email from King County Auditor Kymber Waltmunson, which raised red flags over the lack of progress in investigating potential fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds within the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS).

The initial audit—which I requested—found widespread financial mismanagement within DCHS, including improper payments, potential fraud, and serious gaps in oversight of more than $1.8 billion in contracts. Following the report, I introduced legislation, which was passed unanimously by the King County Council, to overhaul oversight of taxpayer-funded grants within DCHS.

In a letter to King County Executive Shannon Braddock, I called for all investigations stemming from the previously released DCHS audit to be transferred to the independent Office of the Ombuds. This came after the King County Auditor expressed significant concerns regarding the timely comprehensive completion of investigations of potential improper acts and payments we identified during the audit of DCHS contracts.

Specifically, Auditor Waltmunson recommended that responsibility for the investigations be moved to the Office of the Ombuds, writing that the Ombuds is “skilled, competent, experienced, and unbiased” and that “everyone involved deserves a timely, complete, and independent investigation into the issues.”

In my letter, I stated: “I share the concerns of the King County Auditor that specific cases are not being pursued in a timely manner and join her in calling for this investigation to be managed within the Office of the King County Ombuds. I continue to be concerned that the stories of waste and potential fraud are not being addressed, including reports of possible whistleblower retaliation.”

King County is one of the least affordable places to live in America. At a time when residents are struggling to pay for groceries and rent, it is simply unreasonable to ask taxpayers to accept a meandering ‘we’ll get to it when we get to it’ approach to investigating the waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars.

Renton Student Health Hub Celebrates Milestone

My office joined with the City of Renton, Renton School District, HCP OneHealthPort, and nonprofit and healthcare partners to celebrate the success and continued growth of the Renton Student Health Hub, a collaborative initiative aimed at improving student access to behavioral health and housing services.

Leaders from across our community came together to recognize the shared investment and impact of the Health Hub, which now serves all 26 schools in the Renton School District and has connected more than 100 students to direct care to date. 

Community Leaders celebrate Renton Student Health Hub nilestone.

HCP OneHealthPort works in conjunction with community providers including Akin, ACRS, Atlantic Street Center, Consejo, Kent Youth and Family Services, KSARC, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Neighborhood House, Safe Crossings Foundation, Seneca, Sound, Valley Cities, and YMCA; financial sponsors including the City of Renton, King County Best Starts for Kids, Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cambia Health Foundation, and research centers including Seattle Children’s and Oregon Health Sciences University.

Together, these partners ensure students can access critical behavioral health and housing services directly within their school environment. This approach reduces barriers to care and supports long-term community resilience.

The celebration marked a significant milestone in the program’s development, highlighting the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing community needs. While the work continues, today’s event underscores the progress made and the commitment of all partners to building a stronger, healthier Renton.

Update from King County Elections

King County Elections will receive final certification on November 25. You can view King County Election results here.

If your ballot has received a signature challenge, you still have time to make sure your voice is heard. Track your ballot to make sure it is counted.

You can sign up for ballot alerts here, and make sure to contact King County Elections at elections@kingcounty.gov if you have any questions or concerns.