Barón Issues Statement Regarding Passage of Safe and Stable Communities Sales Tax Measure

July 22, 2025

King County Councilmember Jorge L. Barón is releasing the following statement following the King County Council’s passage of the Safe and Stable Communities Sales Tax, a 0.1% sales tax intended to support a broad range of public safety initiatives including the courts, public defense, prosecution, diversion programs, survivor support services, gun violence prevention, and more. Without new revenue, King County faces a substantial general fund shortfall in the upcoming biennium.  

“This new revenue tool will allow us to avoid drastic cuts to important county-funded services and provide us with an opportunity to think holistically about the safety of our region, which is why I voted to support it today. I am grateful that the state legislature provided us with an opportunity to protect investments in the core services that make our neighbors safer including behavioral and public health services, housing, and community-based supports.  

“At the same time, looming federal cuts threaten much of the social safety net that so many of our neighbors rely on. I look forward to working closely with community as we consider how we can best deploy these resources during budget deliberations this fall. During that process, I will work to ensure that we prioritize the stability and safety of all communities in King County.”