As provided in Ordinance 18555, this proposition would authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax for six years beginning with a 2017 rate of ten cents ($0.10) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation for collection in 2018. The dollar amount of the levy collected in 2018 would be the base for computing annual increases of up to 3.5% in 2019 through 2023.

The levy would fund regional health and human services and capital facilities for veterans and military servicemembers and their families, seniors and their caregivers, and vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations are defined in the ordinance as persons or communities that are susceptible to reduced health, housing, financial or social stability outcomes because of current experience or historical exposure to trauma, violence, poverty, isolation, bias, racism, stigma, discrimination, disability or chronic illness. Examples of vulnerable populations are listed in the ordinance.

Funded services would promote outcomes related to healthy living, housing stability, financial stability, social engagement, service system improvement and access, criminal justice system diversion, education and work force development, and civil legal aid to vulnerable populations. Proceeds would also be used to provide small organizations that offer such services with technical assistance and capacity building, such as legal, accounting, human resources, and leadership development and services support.

Proceeds may be used to mitigate the levy’s impact on metropolitan park districts and fire districts if their levies are reduced through prorationing under RCW 84.52.010. Any levy proceeds received by these districts must be used to provide the same types of services funded by the levy.