The King County Council has decisively approved a new "Safe and Stable Communities Sales Tax" with an 8-1 vote, a critical measure intended to protect public safety, preserve essential services, and stabilize King County’s budget. This new legislation establishes a one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales and use tax, which translates to 10 cents on a $100 purchase. All revenue generated from this tax will be dedicated exclusively to maintaining and strengthening King County’s criminal justice, behavioral health, and public safety systems.

The council's action comes as King County faces a projected $160 million deficit, which threatened severe and immediate consequences for public services. Council Chair Girmay Zahilay underscored the urgency, stating, "Today, we took decisive action to avoid a public safety crisis". Zahilay warned that without this funding, residents could expect:

• Reduced or delayed police services in unincorporated King County.

• More individuals in crisis remaining on the streets or ending up in jail without access to crucial mental health and addiction care.

• Longer waits for crime victims to have their day in court.

• Increased, "crushing caseloads" for public defenders and prosecutors, potentially hindering timely and fair justice.

While acknowledging that a sales tax "is not our ideal tool," Zahilay emphasized that "the cost of inaction is far too high".

Key Investments and Prevented Cuts

The newly approved tax is designed to provide staffing stability and necessary resources for key departments and programs. Specifically, the revenue will allow King County to:

• Prevent layoffs in the Sheriff’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Department of Public Defense.

• Sustain critical court operations and victim advocacy programs.

• Support vital behavioral health services, including both mental health and substance use treatment.

• Invest in crucial diversion programs, gun violence prevention initiatives, and domestic violence response efforts.

King County Council Budget Chair Rod Dembowski expressed gratitude for the decisive action, noting that the revenue will "avoid devastating cuts" and preserve investments in public health and human services that "keep people safe and supported". Councilmember Sarah Perry highlighted that the investment ensures the county's "ability to provide critical public safety services essential to the health and safety of our communities". Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer added that it is "crucial to ensure our systems are adequately funded and equipped to deliver the services that the community both expects and deserves".

Path to Implementation and Accountability

The council's vote follows the passage of House Bill 2015, state legislation that granted local governments the authority to adopt such a public safety sales tax. King County became eligible to implement this new financial tool after meeting all required public safety and accountability standards. These standards include:

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation training.

• Transparent use-of-force reporting.

• Other reform benchmarks designed to enhance public trust in law enforcement.

The new sales tax is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, with revenue collection beginning in January 2026. To ensure transparency and public oversight, the County Executive will publish an annual public report detailing how the funds are allocated to strengthen safety and justice for all King County residents.

This investment in King County's public safety systems can be compared to shoring up a foundation of a house when cracks appear. While it requires a new financial contribution (the sales tax), it's a necessary investment to prevent the entire structure from collapsing (a public safety crisis) and ensures the long-term stability and safety of those living within its walls.