King County proposes $1.5 billion renewal levy for parks and improvements

During the recent City of Auburn Council meeting, significant discussions centered around a proposed renewal levy from King County that could have substantial financial implications for local residents and the broader community. The current levy, which has been in place since 2020, has generated over $85 million for various projects and services across the county. However, the new proposal nearly doubles the levy rate to $24.43 per $1,000 of assessed value, aiming to raise a total of $1.5 billion over the next six years.

Concerns were raised regarding how much of this funding would be allocated to Auburn and other cities. Currently, Auburn receives approximately $60 million from the existing levy, which is shared among all 39 cities in King County. Under the new proposal, Auburn could expect to receive around $3.59 million over the six-year period, with the potential for this amount to increase if grant applications are successful.

The allocation formula for the new levy has also changed, with a minimum annual distribution of $100,000 per city, plus additional funds for cities with populations over 4,000. This shift aims to ensure that funding is distributed more equitably among cities and non-city park districts.

The timeline for the levy’s approval is moving quickly, with discussions scheduled for the King County Budget and Finance Committee on March 26, followed by a special regional policy committee meeting on April 3. The final decision is expected to be made by the full council on April 15, with the possibility of the measure appearing on the August ballot.

Auburn's new Parks Director, Julie Krueger, provided insights into the potential impact of the levy on the city, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these funds will benefit local residents. As the council continues to evaluate the proposed levy, community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the discussions that will shape the future of funding for parks and services in Auburn.