By: Michelle Clark, Executive Director
On November 19, 2024, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board of Supervisors passed the 2025 budget, which is designed to address ever-evolving flood risk challenges. The KCFCD’s 2025 budget reflects a steadfast dedication to reducing flood risks, safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure across the county, while promoting equity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
This robust budget is explained in the KCFCD’s 2025 Budget Book – a new communications tool we are proud to unveil today, which is available on the Transparency page along with other budget related information. At the KCFCD, we are always seeking to increase transparency, and the intent of the new budget book is to ensure our accountability to the residents we serve.
Building on 2024 Accomplishments
Before looking ahead to 2025, it is essential to reflect on the achievements of 2024, a year marked by significant progress in flood risk reduction and community engagement. In 2024, the KCFCD achieved significant milestones, earning five prestigious awards, including honors for innovative projects, effective communication, and historic preservation. These recognitions underscore the KCFCD’s commitment to excellence in flood risk management, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Beyond accolades, the KCFCD made impactful strides last year, such as awarding over $31 million in grants for flood reduction, habitat restoration, and local flooding issues, completing critical infrastructure projects like the Circle River Ranch Revetment repair, and launching new initiatives like this weekly blog and an updated Flood Warning App. These accomplishments, supported by clean state audits for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, demonstrate how innovation and collaboration lay the groundwork for continued progress in 2025 and beyond.
A Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Since its inception in 2007, the KCFCD has implemented projects countywide guided by a “worst-first” prioritization, addressing the most critical flood risks first. This “worst-first” approach is primarily focused on improving King County’s existing aging and inadequate flood protection facilities on the county’s six major river systems (South Fork Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Sammamish, Cedar, Green, and White rivers) and their tributaries (Tolt, Raging, Miller, and Greenwater rivers).
The KCFCD’s 2025 budget continues this approach, while also addressing urban flooding concerns and emphasizing integrated floodplain management to balance flood safety, habitat protection, salmon recovery, and social equity.
Key Investments in 2025
The 2025 budget outlines strategic investments aimed at creating resilient communities and ecosystems. Key initiatives include:
- Capital Improvement Projects: Refining and prioritizing the Six-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to address urgent flood risks and enhance long-term resilience.
- Home Elevation Expansion: Continuing and expanding home elevation initiatives for residents along the Duwamish River, focusing on properties at highest risk.
- Sammamish River Strategy: Receiving quarterly updates from our service provider, King County, to ensure transparency and collaboration with our Board and all interested parties.
- Lower Green River Corridor Plan: Advancing a comprehensive strategy informed by environmental impact studies and community input.
- Isolated Neighborhood Access: Updating studies to improve access during flood events, incorporating climate change projections into planning.
Advancing Equity, Collaboration, and Accountability
The KCFCD remains dedicated to promoting equity and social justice through its projects and policies. In 2025, we will expand the award-winning Community Navigators program, incorporating their input into initiatives such as redesigning the annual Be Flood Ready brochure to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility, and extending their role in distributing flood preparedness materials. Building on 2024 successes, the KCFCD will also send a Be Flood Ready postcard to Duwamish River residents to raise awareness about the 2025-2026 King Tides and integrate the Duwamish River into its near real-time flood warning app. Strategic investments like expanding the home elevation program and fostering partnerships with King County, cities, and community organizations will amplify benefits for underserved communities. The KCFCD will continue prioritizing financial stewardship by exploring bonding options, refining its Six-Year CIP, and implementing enhanced oversight measures, including monthly project updates from our service providers, to ensure transparency and accountability.
A Vision for Resilient Communities
The 2025 budget exemplifies the KCFCD’s vision of thriving communities coexisting with healthy ecosystems. By investing in innovative, equitable, and sustainable projects, the KCFCD is helping to reduce flood risks and build a more resilient King County.
We extend our gratitude to our partners, community members, and interested parties for their ongoing support. Together, we are transforming flood risk challenges into opportunities, creating a future where King County communities and ecosystems thrive in harmony.