Executive Constantine’s 2025 budget approved by King County Council

On Tuesday, the King County Council approved the 2025 budget proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

During transmittal, the Executive noted investments in expanding transit across King County and connecting people to opportunity via fast, safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable service.

Specific transit highlights of the approved budget include the following.

• Increasing transit services: $33 million to add 168,500 hours of bus service, including investments for Sound Transit and Seattle Transit Measure supported service, along with investments in mobility services like Access Paratransit, Metro Flex, Community Van and DART.
• Expanding RapidRide bus service: $58 million to improve the RapidRide H line, to continue planning and design for the RapidRide R, J, and K lines, and to conduct studies on further network expansion.
• Operating new Link light rail service: $22 million for Metro to add staffing and resources to operate and maintain increased service for Sound Transit Link light rail expansions on the Eastside and in Federal Way.
• Supporting a safe and secure experience on transit: $23 million to expand cleaning practices for Metro’s passenger facilities and buses, to increase investments through Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative pilots to reimagine safety and security functions to ensure equitable and safe services for customers and employees, and to continue providing an increased level of Transit Security Officers in our system.

“This budget reflects King County’s values by directing investments toward our environment, shared prosperity, and support for those furthest from opportunity, access, and justice — building a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” said Executive Constantine. “I want to extend my gratitude to the King County Council for their dedication in passing this budget for 2025, with special thanks to Budget Chair Girmay Zahilay for his thoughtful leadership. I also want to thank the residents of King County who participated in the budget deliberation process.”

“We look forward to inviting even more people to ride transit, and expanding and improving our network,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Also, in light of a projected financial shortfall by the 2028-2029 biennium, we’ll be working closely with elected officials and other partners next year to inform our pathway moving forward to deliver reliable and growing transit to the region consistent with our policy commitments and values.”

Resources on budget as approved:

• “Executive Constantine on adoption of $10.2 billion 2025 King County budget – Investing in our values,” Nov. 19, 2024
• “Council Approves $10.2 Billion Budget for 2025 with Massive Investments in Public Safety, Health, Housing, and Transit, King County Council,” November 20, 2024.

Resources on budget as proposed:

• “2025 Proposed Budget” webpage.
• “Executive Constantine announces his 2025 budget proposal, highlighting key investments in housing, health, safety, transportation, climate, and the environment,” Sept. 23, 2024.