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Committee approves authorization to accept King County parks levy funds expected to total about $6 million

Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Public Safety Committee · January 14, 2026

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Summary

The committee authorized the mayor to execute the 2026–2031 King County parks levy agreement, which staff said is expected to provide about $6 million to Federal Way over five years; councilors asked staff to follow up with King County about the city’s net return and distribution mechanics.

Committee members voted to forward authorization for the mayor to execute the King County parks property tax levy agreement (2026–2031) to the Jan. 20 consent agenda after staff described the likely revenue and allowable uses.

Parks staff told the committee that the renewed county levy is estimated to yield approximately $6 million to the city over the five-year term, distributed in installments. Staff said the funds are flexible for parks and recreation purposes within levy guidelines and have been used historically for playground replacements, equipment, master-plan work and capital maintenance.

Council members asked a series of follow-up questions about how much Federal Way taxpayers contribute to the levy versus what the city receives back. Staff said distributions are population-based and historical receipts varied by installment (commonly between $200,000 and $500,000 per payment), and committed to follow up with King County for a percentage breakdown of contributions and returns.

Staff also informed the committee that the city submitted a letter of intent for a King County decarbonization grant (deadline tight) and that formal authorization to apply will be brought to the council in February. The levy authorization was forwarded to the consent agenda by unanimous voice vote.