• Council oversight: Program rules and a standard city agreement require Council approval before any agreements are signed. 

• Protections for cities: Cities must receive written notice and at least 60 days to resolve problems before funds are withheld. 

• Financial transparency: Administrative expenses must be tracked separately, with annual reports showing how much cities receive, how funds are spent, and the progress of local projects. 

The first program rules and standard agreement are due to the Council by March 3, 2027. 

Regardless of my vote on the tax itself, I want to make sure these funds are managed responsibly, cities receive their intended share, and residents can see what their tax dollars are paying for. 

If you'd like additional background on the King County Transportation District, and how this tax evolved over the past several months, please see my previous newsletters here and here.

I recognize that even a small tax increase adds to the pressure facing households already struggling with affordability. That's why I'm focused on enforceable reporting requirements and a plan for how services will continue when the tax expires.   

Before the vote, I secured commitments from colleagues to pursue a spending plan, public reporting on administrative costs, measurable outcomes and information on who is served and where.  I also shared details about the proposed tax in my September District 5 newsletter and invited residents to provide feedback before the Council's vote. 

The next step is putting those commitments into enforceable budget requirements. When residents are asked to pay more, they should be able to see where the money goes and whether it helps families find shelter.

King County's First Inspector General

On October 6, the Council appointed Stuart Robinson as King County's first Inspector General and he will start in early December.  I co-sponsored the legislation creating an independent office to investigate fraud, waste and misuse of public funds.  One of the first steps will be an implementation plan I required so the office has the staffing, authority and tools to do the job.

King County’s 2026-2027 Supplemental Budget 

On September 24, Executive Zahilay submitted his proposed $746 million supplemental budget to the County Council, beginning our review of proposed changes to the County's existing two-year budget.   

I’m one of three members of the Council’s budget workgroup. I’m asking three questions about every proposal: What does it buy? How will we know it worked? What will it cost in 2028 and beyond? 

The County projects a $120 million shortfall in 2028–2029 in its General Fund, which pays for the Sheriff, courts, jails, elections and other core services.  Expenses are growing faster than revenue, and some ongoing programs are running on one-time money.  If we add costs now, we either cut something later or ask more of residents who are already stretched.  I’m looking for spending that keeps people safe, protects the services residents rely on, and doesn’t add to the cost of living.  

Decision Date: 

The Council is scheduled to vote on the 2027 Supplemental Budget on Tuesday, November 24.  Upcoming meetings include: 

• Monday, November 16: Special Budget & Fiscal Management Committee Meeting, 1:30 p.m.   

• Tuesday, November 24:  Full Council Meeting, 1:30 p.m.   

Public Input Welcome:  

• Email me directly at steffanie.fain@kingcounty.gov. 

• Provide public comment in person at the King County Courthouse (516 Third Ave., Seattle), remotely via Zoom, or by emailing Committees@kingcounty.gov by 8 a.m. on Monday, November 16.  Include "Budget and Fiscal Management" in the subject line so your comments reach all committee members and appropriate staff. 

Review the Executive’s proposed budget here. 

King County Flood Control District’s 2027 Budget 

As the King County Flood Control District reviews its 2027 budget, I’m focused on maintaining existing levees, protecting homes and businesses, addressing known vulnerabilities, and making sure we learn from last winter's flooding.   

What I'm watching for South King County: 

• Property taxes and affordability. The proposed budget maintains the current tax rate of about 9.3 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $47 annually on a $500,000 home. 

• Financial sustainability.  Spending is projected to outpace revenue, with no dedicated emergency reserve.  Last winter's repairs forced delays to other projects.  Before considering higher taxes or borrowing, we need clear spending priorities and an honest assessment of the tradeoffs. 

• South King County flood protection.  The six-year plan includes funding for Renton's Black River Pump Station and permanent repairs to Tukwila's Desimone levee.  Yet two Tukwila projects and three Kent repairs remain delayed. I want to understand what risks remain and how communities will be protected in the meantime. 

• Local funding.  District 5 cities would share approximately $858,000 for local flood and water management projects. 

Decision Date: 

The King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the 2027 budget on Tuesday, November 10. Find upcoming meetings here.  

Share Your Feedback: 

• Email me directly. 

• Provide public comment in person at the King County Courthouse (516 Third Ave., Seattle), remotely via Zoom, or by emailing kcc.flood@kingcounty.gov. Submit written comments by 10 a.m. for distribution to Supervisors before the meeting. 

Review the proposed Flood Control Budget here. 

Sound Transit's 2027 Budget 

As a Sound Transit Board member, I'm reviewing the agency's proposed $3.9 billion 2027 budget, which funds transit operations and construction.  The agency projects $3.3 billion in revenue, with the difference being made up from existing cash balances.

This is the first budget since the Board revised its ST3 plan in May to address a $34.5 billion funding gap.  The updated plan fits within projected resources but leaves little room for rising costs. Some projects, including the Boeing Access Road Station, are funded only through design. 

What I'm watching for South King County: 

• Property taxes and affordability.  On October 22, the Sound Transit Board approved the annual 1% increase in the agency's total property tax levy authorized by voters.  This doesn’t mean every homeowner's tax bill will increase by 1%.  Individual bills depend on assessed property values and the tax rate, which can change from year to year.  The estimated 2027 rate is 16.8 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or approximately $84 annually on a $500,000 home, compared with $80 last year.  I was unable to attend the October 22 meeting, but affordability remains a priority as I review this proposed budget. 

• South King County projects.  I'm watching progress on the fully funded Renton Transit Center parking garage, Stride S1 bus rapid transit, and Operations and Maintenance Facility South, along with Boeing Access Road Station design, additional Sounder South service, and $10 million for North Tukwila mobility improvements.  Opportunities for housing and businesses near transit stations also remain a priority. 

• More frequent bus service.  Under Sound Transit’s proposed 2027 service plan, Route 560 will run every 20 minutes during weekday daytime hours and every 30 minutes on weekends between Burien and Bellevue via SeaTac and Renton.  Service to West Seattle will end at Burien, where riders can connect to Metro's RapidRide H Line. 

Decision Date: 

The Sound Transit Board is scheduled to vote on the 2027 budget on Thursday, November 19. Find upcoming meetings here.  

Public Input Welcome:  

• Email me directly. 

• Provide public comment in person at Union Station (401 S. Jackson St., Seattle), remotely through Zoom, or by emailing meetingcomments@soundtransit.org.  Written comments received at least one hour before a meeting will be shared with Board members in advance. Virtual commenters must register through the meeting calendar. 

Review the proposed Sound Transit Budget here.