Parks Levy Proposed for August Ballot
February 27, 2025
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proposed a $1.5 billion levy to renew the county’s parks levy. It contains funding to maintain, enhance and expand parks and trails
The measure, which is subject to approval by the King County Council, is likely to be considered by that nine-member governing body in the next few months. If approved, it would appear on the August ballot.
According to a new release announcing the proposal, it is a 6-year property tax “that funds one of the nation’s largest metropolitan park agencies, stewarding more than 250 parks, more than 185 miles of regional trails, more than 215 miles of backcountry trails, and more than 32,000 acres of open space.”
If renewed, the King County Parks Levy would cost a homeowner whose property is assessed at the county’s median value of $844,000 about $3.44 per household more per month (about 11 cents more per day) starting in January compared to the 2020-2025 measure. The current levy that expires on December 31 funds about 85% of the county’s parks budget.
Constantine’s proposal is the county’s largest levy ever proposed based on annual revenue collection, according to Constantine’s press secretary in remarks to The Center Square, a platform for state- and local-level news.
Among provisions of the anticipated measure are more funding for maintenance and safety of parks and trails, accelerated expansion of regional trails that connect to public transit, the creation of a climate response fund, and enhancements to ballfields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers.
“This is our opportunity to maintain, enhance, and expand the parks and trails that bring us closer to the outdoors and to each other,” Constantine said in a statement, adding “We will uphold the trust that the people of King County place in us as stewards of our beloved green spaces, keeping this legacy clean, safe, and open for everyone to enjoy.”
The county’s news release also contained statements of support from Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, council member Claudia Balducci, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Kitty Craig, Strategic Initiatives Director of The Wilderness Society, Warren Jimenez, director of King County Parks, and others.
