Statements Issued on Proposed $19.7 Billion Biennial Budget

September 23, 2025

Today, King County Executive Shannon Braddock transmitted her proposed $19.7 billion biennial budget to the Council, avoiding deep cuts while protecting core county services and making major investments in public safety, housing, homelessness response, behavioral health, transit, and more.

Over the next two months, the Council will work to ensure the final budget reflects community values and priorities. Members of the Council’s four-person Budget Leadership Team are issuing the following individual statements on the proposal.

Councilmember Sarah Perry:

“Executive Braddock has shared a strong budget proposal to the legislative branch for consideration,” said Councilmember Sarah Perry. “I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to ensure the budget is as responsive as possible to the residents in the districts we represent and to the County as a whole. As a member of the Budget Leadership Team, I will prioritize maintaining the public safety resources that ensure the health and safety of our communities, investing in vital infrastructure, and preserving access to the critical services our residents rely on – enabling all of King County to thrive.”

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Budget Chair Rod Dembowski:

"I thank Executive Shannon Braddock for putting forward a thoughtful and balanced budget proposal," said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Chair of the Council's Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. "I am especially pleased to see full funding restored for public safety priorities that had previously faced significant cuts. Preventing these cuts was why I co-sponsored the public safety sales tax earlier this year. Finally, I’m proud to have partnered with Executive Braddock to support significant new funding to combat hunger in King County. This work is more important than ever as federal government cuts and rising prices have sent more of our residents to food banks. No one in King County should go hungry and I am grateful for Executive Braddock’s commitment to this work. We will carefully review this budget, work to ensure transparency and accountability for all spending, and pass this budget on time to ensure stability and continuity of King County programs and services.”

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Budget Vice Chair Jorge L. Barón:

“The way our public resources are invested should be guided by residents, reflecting the priorities of our community. I invite county residents to work with us as we create a plan for the next two years that considers everything from strategies to protect our environment, ensuring the availability of critical human services, strengthening our transit system, and building resilience against disruptive federal funding policies,” said Budget Vice Chair Jorge L. Barón.

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Councilmember De’Sean Quinn:

"This budget is more than a financial document — it’s a statement of our values and priorities as a county. For me, that means making sure underrepresented communities see themselves reflected in these important investments. I will fight to ensure this budget reflects the voices, hopes, and needs of District 5,” said Councilmember De’Sean Quinn. "The Council’s work over the next several months is how we will decide what kind of future we want for our kids and grandkids. In a district as diverse as mine, that future must include real investments in diverse talents and skill development, support, and collaboration. I will push to ensure this budget opens doors, creates opportunity, and builds a more just King County."