King County files lawsuit against Trump administration over unlawful conditions to congressionally approved funding
Dear fellow King County employee,
Today, King County joined a coalition of eight other local governments – including Pierce and Snohomish Counties, New York City, Boston, Columbus, San Francisco and Santa Clara County – to file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s addition of unlawful grant requirements for federal funding of public transit and homelessness assistance, putting at risk critical services for residents.
The lawsuit alleges that newly added grant stipulations are unconstitutional and an overreach by the executive branch, which does not have the authority to change federal grant conditions without Congress's explicit approval. The two grant programs – the HUD Continuum of Care grant and the FTA’s Master Agreement – were awarded to King County in 2024 to provide housing support and transit operations for our residents.
King County is committed to creating a welcoming community where every person can thrive. It’s our True North and at the heart of everything we do.
So many residents rely on these critical services that are delivered each day by King County employees and our partners. As County Executive, I have a duty to fully enforce the law and protect these important services for our residents.
That’s why we are filing this lawsuit today and a temporary restraining order on Monday that would block HUD and the FTA from imposing or enforcing the illegal grant conditions. We anticipate a court ruling by the end of next week.
I know you may have additional questions. Once the Court provides more clarity, we will share more information with you.
Thank you for everything you do for our residents and the county.
Sincerely,
 Shannon Braddock
King County Executive
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