By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) has adopted its 2026 budget, reaffirming its commitment to its vision of building a future to withstand flood risks where thriving King County communities and healthy ecosystems coexist in harmony with area rivers. With a total budget of $114.1 million, the plan balances the need for strong capital investment with strategic long-term planning, all while maintaining the same levy rate as 2025.
Continuing a Strong Record of Fiscal Responsibility
The 2026 budget reflects both fiscal discipline and community responsiveness. The levy rate remains unchanged, continuing at $0.11 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This stable rate ensures residents and businesses can rely on consistent funding for critical flood risk reduction projects without an increase in the tax burden.
“Maintaining an unchanged levy rate while advancing vital flood protection projects demonstrates our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “I want to thank our Advisory Committee for their thoughtful recommendations and our staff for their effective and efficient implementation of the Flood Control District’s projects and programs that help protect communities and restore ecosystems countywide.”
Aligning Priorities for the Future
The Advisory Committee, made up of elected officials from throughout King County, met seven times throughout 2025 to help shape the 2026 budget and six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Their recommendations guided a comprehensive work plan that aligns near-term flood reduction priorities with a forward-looking vision for climate resilience, equity, and community engagement.
Among the Advisory Committee’s top recommendations was to reprioritize the KCFCD’s capital project list using a new risk-severity-consequence-based framework and to update the KCFCD’s Strategic Plan. This planning effort will guide the KCFCD’s flood risk reduction and community protection work for years to come.
“Updating our strategic plan and reprioritizing our capital projects based on flood severity – while keeping the levy rate the same – ensures resources go toward areas of greatest impact while maintaining strong fiscal standards.” said Sarah Perry, Vice Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “This prioritizes the health and safety of our communities and businesses and maintains environmental goals for the good of all King County residents.”
Highlights of the 2026 Work Program
The 2026 Work Program outlines a comprehensive agenda focused on policy development, operations, and capital improvements. Key priorities include:
- Strategic Planning and Policy Development: Launching the KCFCD’s Strategic Plan, incorporating principles of equity, climate resilience, and community collaboration.
- Capital Project Implementation and Reprioritization: Implementing projects from the CIP list, including the Stossel Revetment Major Repair Project and Cedar River Trail 5 Revetment 2020 Repair Project which are expected to go into construction in 2026, and developing a new prioritization framework based on flood risk, severity, and consequence to ensure efficient allocation of resources.
- Operations and Maintenance: Continuing inspections, maintenance, and rehabilitation of more than 500 flood protection facilities that safeguard 119 miles of levees and revetments.
- Grants and Partnerships: Administering existing grant programs (Subregional Opportunity Grant, Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant, Cooperative Watershed Grant, and Lake Sammamish Dock and Shoreline Grant) in accordance with industry best practices and seeking grant funding for Lower Frew Levee Setback Project.
- Public Outreach and Preparedness: Enhancing flood awareness and preparedness through updated Be Flood Ready materials, community partnerships, and flood safety campaigns.
- Climate and Technical Studies: Advancing research on flood hazards, climate change impacts, and levee breach scenarios to inform future floodplain management and infrastructure resilience.
Building Resilience, Together
The KCFCD’s 2026 budget represents more than a financial plan, it’s a roadmap for resilience. Through strategic planning, strong partnerships, and sustained investment, the KCFCD continues its mission to implement flood risk reduction policies and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, recreation, and resilient communities.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the KCFCDs ongoing projects and preparedness resources at kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.