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King County

Proposition No. 1

Harborview Medical Center Health and Safety Improvement Bonds

 

The King County Council passed Ordinance 19117 concerning this proposition to issue Harborview Medical Center improvement bonds. This proposition would authorize King County to make public health, safety and seismic improvements to Harborview Medical Center facilities, including construction of new buildings, renovation and upgrading of existing facilities and demolition of existing buildings, and to issue $1,740,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum of 20 years to pay for such improvements and to levy property taxes annually in excess of regular property tax levies to repay such bonds, all as provided in Ordinance 19117. Should this proposition be:

 

Approved

Rejected


If approved by voters, Proposition 1 would authorize King County to issue up to $1,740,000,000 of general obligation bonds to provide funds for public health, safety and seismic improvements to Harborview Medical Center facilities.

The improvements would include new construction and renovation of existing buildings to provide increased critical health care capacity, updated and expanded infection control capability, and increased capacity for behavioral health services including facilities for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The improvements would also include seismic upgrades, upgrades to physical and plant systems, and any required mitigation such as street improvements and landscaping.

Each series of bonds, which would be required to mature within 20 years of their issuance, would be paid for, unless paid from other sources, through annual property tax levies to be made upon all taxable property within the county. The tax levies would be in excess of the regular non-voted property tax levy and would be set at the rate required to meet bond payments. The annual property taxes per household necessary to repay the bonds will depend upon interest rates, the timing of the issues and amount of the bonds issued, and changes in property values.
 

It’s rare to meet someone who has not had a family member, friend or their own life touched by the caregivers at Harborview Medical Center. Owned by the people of King County and operated by UW Medicine, Harborview is our hospital. Whether serving its mission to care for the most vulnerable, or as the teaching hospital for future doctors, or as the state’s only Level 1 trauma and burn center – Harborview serves us all. 

This bond improves patient and caregiver safety, expands behavioral health programs, funds critical seismic upgrades, and reflects Harborview’s commitment to provide care for vulnerable populations.  

Responding to Public Health Emergencies: Harborview is at the center of medical crises, whether a global pandemic, mass casualty event, or natural disaster. As we learn and prepare for the future, it’s essential we increase flexible bed capacity, modernize infection control, expand emergency services, and stabilize existing buildings.

Expanding Behavioral Health Services: The bond expands behavioral health services in a new facility, building on existing expertise and addressing ongoing homelessness and mental health crises. The bond funds respite beds providing a lower cost, effective alternative recovery to hospital stays. These investments will not only serve already vulnerable populations, but help all individuals receive treatment to prevent a crisis.

Creating Jobs When We Need Them Most: This bond creates over 7,700 family wage jobs during construction and supports thousands of frontline caregiver positions in a safe, modern environment tailored to patient care.

Broad Community Support: This bond is endorsed by nurses and care providers, MLK Labor Council, County Building and Construction Trades, Executive Constantine and unanimous bi-partisan King County Council support, civic and business organizations, and more!

Ana Mari Cauce, Dow Constantine, Katy Brehe, HarborviewProp1.com
 

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

60% approval and turnout equal to at least 258,231 voters (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Kelli Carroll, Director of Special Projects, (206) 477-0876,
kelli.carroll@kingcounty.gov

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