King County parks levy passes big; Seattle’s democracy vouchers get 55% of vote

(The Center Square) – Both the King County Parks Levy and the Seattle Democracy Voucher Program have over 50% of counted votes in favor of passage, based on initial results of Tuesday's primary election.

The King County Parks Levy can be called, with 70.1% of voters approving it. The levy renews the existing property tax levy that funds King County Parks, replacing the levy that expires at the end of 2025. The new levy would last for six years, from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2031.

The parks levy rate is set at 23.29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is expected to generate about $1.45 billion over six years. A median King County homeowner would pay about $198 per year toward the Parks Levy, which is roughly $4 less than in the original proposal.

About 22% of generated revenue will be allocated to cover wages and benefits within King County Parks operations. Other levy dollars are expected to go toward establishing a climate response fund and increase the county park agency’s capacity to provide upkeep of its park and trail system.

“The King County Parks Levy renewal is our opportunity to continue delivering on our shared commitment to maintaining, enhancing, and expanding the parks, trails, and open spaces that keep us healthy and connected," King County Executive Shannon Braddock said in a statement.

The levy was not unanimously supported by King County leaders. During a Regional Policy Committee meeting on March 12, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph argued that south King County cities have been shortchanged by the levy’s funding formula, raising concerns with the levy’s rate increase to the current 23.29 cents per $1,000.

Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program appears headed for a renewal with 55.6% of votes in favor of continuing it. This renewal, funded by a property tax levy, would extend the program's operations for another decade, with collection starting in 2026 and serving as the base for levies through 2035. The previous levy that funded the program was set to expire.

The program gives eligible residents $25 democracy vouchers during local election cycles. These residents can then donate their vouchers to qualifying campaigns.

​The new tax proposal sets a levy rate of 14 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. The owner of a median value residential property, which is estimated at $920,000 in 2026, would pay approximately $13.07 a year toward the levy.

The renewal proposal totals $45 million over 10 years, an increase of $15 million over the $30 million expected to be raised by the current 10-year levy.

Critics like KVI radio talk show host Host Ari Hoffman call the program a costly flop, citing participation rates of under 5% in 2023. All the while, administrative costs from 2016 to 2023 hit $6.4 million to distribute $9.4 million.

After the original voucher program was passed by voters in 2015, the Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit with the King County Superior Court against Seattle two years later over claims that the ballot measure violated the right to free speech under the First Amendment. However, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that the voucher system was constitutional in 2019.

Tuesday’s initial results suggest King County and Seattle voters remain willing to increase their taxes to fund public services and unique programs, despite ongoing debates over spending and effectiveness.