By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
In December 2025, King County experienced one of the most significant flood events in its history. Five of our six major river systems reached the most severe Flood Phase 4 levels, and communities across the region felt the impacts of record-setting water levels that persisted for more than three weeks.
The King County Flood Control District’s (KCFCD) 2026 Budget Book, adopted in November 2025 and amended in February 2026, reflects both recovery and resolve.
“This was a defining moment for King County,” said King County Flood Control District Chair Reagan Dunn. “The December 2025 flood tested our infrastructure, our preparedness, and our partnerships. The 2026 budget reflects the real impacts of that event. We’re funding urgent repairs, strengthening our flood protection systems, and ensuring we are better prepared for the next major storm.”
At the same time, KCFCD leaders are looking ahead.
“While the December flood reshaped our immediate priorities, it has also sharpened our focus,” said King County Flood Control District Vice Chair Sarah Perry. “The 2026 budget positions us to not only recover, but to accelerate critical investments that ensure the health and safety of our communities, restore habitat, and build long-term resilience for our neighborhoods and our environment across King County. I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together in 2026.”
The full 2026 Budget Book is available on the KCFCD’s website under the Transparency page, and we encourage every resident to take a closer look.
A Budget Shaped by a Historic Flood
The 2026 budget was originally passed on November 12, 2025. Less than a month later, two atmospheric rivers brought historic flooding to King County, requiring immediate emergency response and infrastructure stabilization.
In response, the KCFCD amended the 2026 budget on February 10, 2026, increasing total appropriations by $10.2 million to address urgent repairs and recovery needs.
As amended, the 2026 budget now includes:
- $127.61 million in total appropriations
- $107.59 million for construction and capital improvements
- $17.54 million for maintenance and operations
- $2.49 million for administration
More than 84% of the total budget is dedicated to construction and capital improvements, underscoring the KCFCD’s focus on repairing damaged infrastructure and strengthening flood protection systems countywide.
Protecting Communities and Restoring Infrastructure
Emergency repairs began during the flood and continued into early 2026. The February amendment includes funding for levee repairs, revetment stabilization, emergency barrier installations, property acquisitions, and other critical flood mitigation measures.
Key priorities for 2026 include:
- Emergency infrastructure repairs
- Capital project acceleration
- Flood risk reduction property acquisitions and home elevations
- Flood protection system evaluations
- A comprehensive study of water releases from the Howard Hanson Dam during the flood
- Targeted flood reduction grants to support local jurisdictions
These investments are not only about recovery. They are about building stronger, more resilient systems that can better withstand future extreme weather events.
Long-Term Commitment: Advancing Capital Projects
Beyond 2026, the KCFCD’s Six-Year Capital Improvement Program outlines more than $2 billion in planned investments between 2026 and 2031.
These projects span all major river basins and include:
- Levee rehabilitation and improvements
- Floodplain restoration
- Salmon habitat and ecosystem enhancements
- Property acquisitions in high-risk areas
- Infrastructure resilience upgrades
- Technical studies and basin planning
This long-term planning ensures that King County is proactively preparing for future flood risks while advancing environmental stewardship and equity.
Responsible Stewardship of Public Funds
The KCFCD’s primary revenue source is property tax, accounting for more than 97% of projected 2026 revenue. Additional revenue comes from interest earnings and miscellaneous sources.
The KCFCD currently has no outstanding bonded debt, though bonding is being evaluated as a potential financing tool for future large-scale projects.
The financial structure of the 2026 budget provides flexibility to respond to emergencies while maintaining long-term fiscal discipline.
A Living Budget in a Changing Climate
The December 2025 flood marked a turning point. It demonstrated both the strength of past investments and the scale of the challenges ahead.
The 2026 budget is not static. It is a living framework. As engineering assessments continue and additional recovery needs are identified, the budget may be further amended throughout the year.
Executive Director Michelle Clark emphasized the KCFCD’s long-term commitment:
“Our mission is clear, protect life and property while advancing equity, habitat protection, salmon recovery, and resilient communities,” Clark said. “The 2026 budget demonstrates that commitment in action. Even in the face of historic flooding, we remain focused on our vision of thriving communities and healthy ecosystems coexisting in harmony with our rivers.”
Through strategic investments, responsible financial stewardship, and strong partnerships, the KCFCD will continue building a safer, more resilient future for all who live, work, and thrive along King County’s rivers.
Read the Full 2026 Budget Book
The 2026 Budget Book provides detailed financial tables, project descriptions, capital improvement plans, and policy initiatives that shape flood risk reduction across King County.
We invite residents, partners, and stakeholders to review the complete document on the Transparency page of the KCFCD’s website.
Transparency matters. Accountability matters. And building a safer, more resilient King County takes all of us.
Together, we are investing in stronger rivers, safer communities, and a more resilient future.