About Councilmember Claudia Balducci

In Brief

Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember for District 6, leads on transportation, affordable housing, public safety, and a healthy environment. She champions education, the arts, and equity, collaborating with communities to enrich lives. She works to build sustainable and thriving communities, benefiting residents across King County.

More about Claudia

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci is a mom, a leader in transportation and affordable housing, and a former public safety official. Representing Council District 6 in East King County, she drives innovative solutions to address the region's most pressing challenges, delivering results that improve the lives of all King County residents. Her work ensures that King County is a place where all individuals have mobility, safe housing, access to career and educational opportunities, quality physical and mental health care, and a sustainable environment.

Driving Safer, Accessible Transportation

Claudia’s leadership in transportation has transformed regional connectivity and safety. She championed Vision Zero policies to reduce traffic fatalities, led efforts for the early opening of the Eastside Starter light rail line, and accelerated project delivery for Sound Transit’s multibillion-dollar portfolio. By expanding the Eastrail regional trail and prioritizing federal transportation funding under a Safe System Approach, Claudia’s work has improved safety for all, expanded mobility options, and created accessible transportation infrastructure across King County.

Delivering Affordable Housing and Combatting Homelessness

Recognizing the urgent need for affordable housing, Claudia established and co-led the Regional Affordable Housing Taskforce and chairs the King County Affordable Housing Committee, which set countywide affordable housing targets that are being adopted into comprehensive plans. Her advocacy and leadership helped open the Eastside’s first permanent men’s shelter, multiple permanent supportive housing projects, and new emergency shelters for youth, women, and families, moving hundreds of individuals into stable housing and reducing regional homelessness.

Protecting Clean Water and the Environment

As Chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee, Claudia has advanced long-term wastewater planning and joined efforts to eliminate toxic “forever chemicals” from King County waterways. These initiatives safeguard public health, preserve ecosystems, and protect endangered species like salmon and Southern Resident Orcas.

Strengthening Public Safety

Claudia's work has modernized and humanized public safety services. She has fought for community supports that prevent criminal activity in the first place, implemented programs supporting youth in juvenile detention, advocated for gun violence prevention through regional collaboration, and ensured that criminal justice systems emphasize transparency, accountability, and rehabilitation, fostering safer communities.

Expanding Access to Arts and Education

Through the “Doors Open” legislation, Claudia secured nearly $800 million for equitable access to arts, science, and heritage programs, including robust investments in underserved communities and public school programming. She has also supported early learning and youth services by funding transformative projects, such as Together Center’s comprehensive campus for human services and affordable housing. She led on the implementation of the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA), which will invest approximately $318 million over 15 years to improve educational outcomes for King County students.

Recognized Results and Community Impact

Claudia’s initiatives have earned her numerous accolades, including the Housing Development Consortium’s Public Sector Champion Award, induction into the Transportation Choices Transportation Heroes Hall of Fame, recognition as Transportation Executive of the Year by WTS Puget Sound, the Puget Sound Business Journal Transportation Executive of the Year in 2019, and was recognized as “Elected Official of the Year” by the Alliance of Eastside Agencies (Human Services) and the Washington State Democratic Party.Her policies have expanded affordable housing, bolstered public safety, enhanced transportation systems, and increased access to critical resources for families and underserved communities. 

A Community-Centered Advocate

Claudia’s commitment to equity and community well-being is unwavering. She champions women’s rights, secures vital funding for domestic violence survivors, supports immigrant families on the path to citizenship, and invests in youth-focused programs. Through these efforts, she has helped countless residents achieve stability and opportunity.

Building a Better Future for All

With a law degree from Columbia University and roots in civic engagement in Bellevue, Claudia continues to advance bold, collaborative strategies to create a thriving, equitable King County for future generations. She lives in Bellevue with her husband, Jim, teenager, Victor, and adopted shelter dog, Angel.