South King County officials join statewide call for new revenue to avoid cuts to critical services - The B-Town (Burien) Blog

Elected officials from South King County have come together to sign an open letter directed at Washington state lawmakers and Governor Bob Ferguson, advocating for expanded local revenue options. The letter warns that without legislative action, cities and counties could face severe cuts to essential services, impacting local residents significantly. Key among the demands is the lifting of the 1% cap on property tax increases, which local leaders argue restricts their ability to fund critical public safety and infrastructure projects. The officials contend that Washington's tax code has not seen significant updates in nearly a century and is ill-equipped to meet the needs of a growing population. They stress that the lack of sufficient revenue directly undermines investments in housing, human services, and public health.

Notable signers include Burien Deputy Mayor Sarah Moore and SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal, who represent a diverse coalition of local government voices. This initiative highlights the urgent need for reform in local revenue mechanisms to ensure sustainable community services. The call to action reflects a growing consensus that immediate legislative changes are essential for maintaining the quality of life in South King County.