Drafter
Clerk 07/01/2026
Title
AN ORDINANCE renaming and revising the mental illness and drug dependency fund and the mental illness and drug dependency advisory committee; amending Ordinance 16077, Section 4, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.130.010, Ordinance 18217, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 2A.300.510, Ordinance 15955, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.200.430, and Ordinance 16693, Section 3, as amended, and K.C.C 24.22.020, adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 4A.200, and recodifying K.C.C. 4A.200.430.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax supporting behavioral health programs and services and therapeutic court programs and services authorized by RCW 82.14.460 and K.C.C. 4A.500.315, which has been known in King County as the mental illness and drug dependency ("MIDD") sales and use tax, generates significant local revenue each year to support behavioral health care in the county.
2. For more than eighteen years, this tax has helped make behavioral health treatment and related services more available, accessible, and effective for King County residents.
3. While the tax remains a critical source of funding for the region's behavioral health services, the "mental illness and drug dependency" name no longer reflects the values and priorities that guide behavioral health work today. Behavioral health providers, partners, and community members have shared that the "mental illness and drug dependency" name contributes to stigma around behavioral health.
4. The programs and services supported by the tax bridge critical gaps in behavioral health funding left by insufficient federal and state resources, and help create a bridge between people experiencing mental health or substance use disorder-related needs, community behavioral health treatment services, other systems people interact with including the criminal legal system, and pathways to recovery. As a result, it is appropriate to rename the tax, fund, advisory committee, and associated plans, programs, and services that have used the "MIDD" and "mental illness and drug dependency” name since 2007 to recognize their collective role as the King County “behavioral health bridge."
5. The proposed purpose, role, and activities of the behavioral health bridge advisory committee remain consistent with the established purpose, role, and activities of the committee.
6. The proposed King County behavioral health bridge implementation plan includes a financial plan that no longer contains a new strategy reserve, but instead includes a sustainability reserve to ensure program stability despite volatile revenue.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Ordinance 16077, Section 4, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.130.010 are hereby amended to read as follows:
A. There is hereby established a King County ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge advisory committee.
B.1. The advisory committee shall act as an advisory body to the county executive and council. The advisory committee shall conduct reviews, provide comment on and make recommendations on the ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge tax-funded initiatives, services, and programs ((and policy goals outlined in Ordinance 15949, Section 3, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.500.340 and consistent with the mental illness and drug dependency service improvement plan that is approved in accordance with Ordinance 17998)). The advisory committee shall provide ongoing review, comments and recommendations on ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge tax-funded programs until all sales tax revenues have been expended and the final evaluation of the ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge programs and services has been submitted to the council.
2. The advisory committee shall:
a. review and provide written recommendations to the executive and the council on the implementation and effectiveness of the county's sales tax funded programs in meeting the ((goals)) purpose established in ((Ordinance 15949, Section 3, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.500.300 through 4A.500.340)) K.C.C. 4A.500.315 and the goals described in implementation plans that guide the uses of the behavioral health bridge fund;
b. review and ((report to the executive and the council)) provide guidance on behavioral health bridge annual ((evaluation)) reports ((as required by Ordinance 15949, Section 3, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.500.300 through 4A.500.340));
c. review and make comment on emerging and evolving priorities for the use of the ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge sales tax revenue;
d. serve as a forum to promote coordination and collaboration between entities involved with sales tax programs;
e. educate the public, policymakers and stakeholders on ((mental illness and drug dependency)) the behavioral health bridge sales tax funded programs; and
f. coordinate and share information with other related efforts and groups.
C. The advisory committee shall be composed of one representative from each of the following:
1. The council;
2. The executive;
3. The superior court;
4. The district court;
5. The prosecuting attorney's office;
6. The sheriff's office;
7. The department of public health;
8. The department of judicial administration;
9. The department of adult and juvenile detention;
10. The department of community and human services;
11. A provider of both mental health and chemical dependency services in King County;
12. A provider of culturally specific mental health services in King County;
13. A provider of culturally specific chemical dependency services in King County;
14. A representative of an organization with expertise in helping individuals with behavioral health needs in King County get jobs and live independent lives;
15. A provider of domestic violence prevention services in King County;
16. A provider of sexual assault victim services in King County;
17. An agency providing mental health and chemical dependency services to youth;
18. Harborview Medical Center;
19. ((All Home)) An entity serving individuals experiencing homelessness in King County;
20. King County systems integration initiative, which is an ongoing work group established by the executive for addressing juvenile justice matters;
21. The Community Health Council;
22. The Washington State Hospital Association, representing King County hospitals;
23. The Sound Cities Association;
24. The city of Seattle;
25. The city of Bellevue;
26. Labor representing a bona fide labor organization;
27. The office of the public defender;
28. The National Alliance on Mental Illness;
29. Puget Sound educational services district;
30. A representative of a philanthropic organization;
31. The King County behavioral health advisory board;
32. A representative of an organization with expertise in recovery;
33. A representative of the five managed care organizations operating in King County;
34. ((An)) Two individuals representing behavioral health consumer interests ((from the mental illness and drug dependency advisory committee’s consumers and communities ad hoc work group;
35. An individual representing community interests from the mental illness and drug dependency advisory committee's consumers and communities ad hoc work group)) who have lived experience with behavioral health conditions;
((36.)) 35. A representative of a grassroots organization serving a cultural population or cultural populations; and
((37.)) 36. A representative of unincorporated King County.
D.1. Separately elected officials and King County agency directors or their designees are not required to be appointed or confirmed.
2. A member of the advisory committee who has been confirmed to serve on another county board or commission is not required to be confirmed to serve on the advisory committee.
3. All other members of the advisory committee are subject to appointment by the county executive and confirmation by the county council.
4. The executive shall appoint advisory committee members to staggered terms in accordance with K.C.C. 2.28.010.C.
E.1. The advisory committee shall adopt rules governing its operations at its first meeting.
2. The committee shall elect a chair or cochairs.
3. Subcommittees and workgroups may be formed at the discretion of the advisory committee.
4. At each meeting of the advisory committee, the advisory committee shall provide an open comment period.
F. The advisory committee shall coordinate with other county groups including, but not limited to, ((the All Home coordinating board, the regional human services levy citizen oversight board,)) the veterans, seniors, and human services levy citizen ((oversight)) board, the children and youth advisory board, the behavioral health advisory ((and recovery)) board, and the board of health ((and the adult and juvenile justice operational master plan advisory groups)), or their successors, to ensure that information is shared and, when appropriate, efforts are coordinated and not duplicated.
G. The behavioral health and recovery division of the department of community and human services shall provide staffing of the advisory committee.
H. Members of the advisory committee who are not full-time county employees may be reimbursed for parking expenses in the King County parking garage when attending meetings of the committee.
SECTION 2. Ordinance 18217, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 2A.300.510 is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Best Starts for Kids children and youth strategies" means those strategies that are eligible expenditures as defined in Ordinance 19267, Section 4.C.1. and 2., Section 4.D. and Section 4.E.;
2. "Collective impact" means a process for achieving meaningful and sustainable progress on complex social issues that involves convening stakeholders across sectors and communities, who share a common vision and a shared agenda for assuring accountability and measuring results; and
3. "Youth Action Plan" means the Youth Action Plan approved under Motion 14378.
B. As recommended in the Youth Action Plan and as required by Ordinance 18088 and 19267, the King County children and youth advisory board is created to act in an advisory capacity to the executive and council to:
1. Assist King County policy makers as they consider outcomes, policies and investments for children and families and youth and young adults; and
2. Serve as the Best Starts for Kids children and youth strategies oversight and advisory body, including making recommendations on and monitoring the distributions of levy proceeds described in Ordinance 19267, Section 4.C.1. and 2., Section 4.D. and Section 4.E
C. The goal of the board is to improve the health and well-being of children and youth by utilizing a collective impact model to implement strategies that focus on prevention and early intervention.
D.1. The board shall make recommendations to the executive and county council regarding children and youth services, consistent with the recommendations in the Youth Action Plan.
2. The board shall receive and review King County outcomes and data, recommending improvements and modifications to achieve outcomes and support strong data collection and indicator protocols.
3. The board shall assist the executive and the council with the comprehensive review and analysis of King County government's programs, services and outcomes for children, families, youth and young adults for alignment with other initiatives and coalitions that have outcomes identified for children, families, youth and young adults.
4. The board shall recommend policy, budget, and other findings to the executive and the council, ensuring alignment with other initiatives and coalitions that have outcomes identified for children, families, youth and young adults.
5. The board shall participate with, track and report on efforts of partnerships, coalitions and networks throughout the region to inform the development of an aligned, region wide response that leads to improved outcomes.
6. The board shall be a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas in response to emergent needs, promising practices, and continuous improvement.
E. The board shall provide oversight for the Best Starts for Kids children and youth strategies outlined in the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan. The board shall:
1. Advise on development of indicators and targets for Best Starts for Kids children and youth strategies;
2. Monitor the distribution of best starts for kids levy proceeds;
3. Work in collaboration with executive staff on any recommended changes to the children and youth strategies in the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan; and
4. Consult on and review annual reports to the council and community that demonstrate transparency regarding the expenditure of levy proceeds and the effectiveness of the best starts for kids children and youth strategies in meeting the goals and outcomes established in Ordinance 19267.
F. The board may establish standing and ad hoc work groups focusing on specific components of children and youth services and Best Starts for Kids strategies. Individuals or representative from entities whose work is closely related to children and youth prevention and early intervention strategies may be invited to participate in work groups as nonvoting members.
G. Consistent with a collective impact model, the board shall:
1. Review and advise the executive and council on emerging and evolving best and promising practices to improve the health and well-being of children and youth;
2. Coordinate with other county boards and groups including, but not limited to, the steering committee to address juvenile justice disproportionality, the ((mental illness and drug dependency oversight board)) behavioral health bridge advisory committee, ((the regional human services levy citizen oversight board,)) and the veterans, seniors, and human services levy advisory ((citizen oversight)) board, to maximize the impact of the county's children and youth services;
3. Serve as a forum to promote coordination and collaboration between entities involved in improving the health and well-being of children and youth; and
4. Coordinate and share information with other related external efforts and groups.
H. The board shall adopt rules governing its operations at its first meeting, which may be revised in subsequent meetings.
I.1. The board shall be composed of not more than forty members, at least five of whom shall be youth age twenty-four or under.
2. As required by Ordinance 18088, the board shall be comprised of a wide array of King County residents and stakeholders with geographically and culturally diverse perspectives.
3. Members of the advisory board shall be appointed by the executive and confirmed by the council.
J. Terms for members of the board shall be for three years.
K. In accordance with K.C.C. 2.28.006, youth members aged twenty-four years old and younger of the board who are neither employees of King County nor employees
of other municipal governments shall receive compensation. The initial compensation shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars per meeting and shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars per month before December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the compensation amount per meeting and the maximum compensation amount per month shall be automatically adjusted annually, and every year thereafter, at the rate equivalent to the twelve-month change in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Statistical Metropolitan Area, which is known as "the CPI-U." However, if the twelve-month change in the CPI-U is negative, there shall not be an adjustment.
L. The board shall provide support to enable youth board members aged twenty-four years old and younger to earn service-learning hours and community service hours for their participation on the board, where participation so qualifies.
SECTION 3. K.C.C. 4A.200.430, as amended by this ordinance, is recodified as a new section in K.C.C. chapter 4A.200.
SECTION 4. Ordinance 15955, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.200.430 is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. There is hereby created the ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge fund.
B. The fund shall be a first tier fund. It is a special revenue fund.
C. The director of the department of community and human services shall be the manager of the fund.
D. The fund shall account for the proceeds of an additional one-tenth of one percent sales tax imposed by the county as authorized in RCW 82.14.460.
E.((1. In accordance with K.C.C. chapter 4.33, t))The proceeds of the sales tax shall be used solely for the purpose of providing new or expanded chemical dependency or mental health treatment services and for the operation of new or expanded therapeutic court programs and shall not be used to supplant existing funding for these purposes, except as authorized in RCW 82.14.460(4).
((2.a. In order to reserve funds for new strategies not currently specified in the implementation plan, a new strategy reserve is hereby created in the mental illness and drug dependency fund. The purpose of the reserve is to fund new strategies and programs that meet the county's policy goals established in K.C.C. 4.33.010.
b. Mental illness and drug dependency programs or strategies that are financed from the new strategy reserve shall receive financing from the reserve. A project or strategy funded from the new strategy reserve shall not utilize more than twenty percent of the total annual new strategy reserve amount. The annual new strategy reserve amount is based on the later of either the annual mental illness and drug dependency fund financial plan as transmitted by the executive with the proposed annual county budget or as amended by ordinance. Funding new strategies from the new strategy reserve shall commence when the ordinance approving the new strategy is enacted. These programs and strategies shall be reviewed as part of the annual mental illness and drug dependency evaluation cycles.
c. The new strategy reserve shall be limited to five million dollars.
d. All unencumbered funds in the new strategy reserve shall be transferred to the undesignated fund balance.
e. In 2011 and thereafter, the new strategy reserve shall be replenished each year by allocating up to one half of the mental illness and drug dependency fund's previous ending year's undesignated fund balance less the target fund balance to the reserve until the five-million-dollar limit is reached.))
SECTION 5. Ordinance 16693, Section 3, as amended, and K.C.C. 24.22.020 is hereby amended to read as follows:
The interim loan program will add to the stock of housing for low-income and special needs residents of King County by facilitating acquisition of low-income housing using homeless housing and services program moneys and ((mental illness and drug dependency)) behavioral health bridge housing services moneys in the housing and community development fund. These funding sources are collected and awarded to projects annually but are spent down in a manner that creates a fund balance that is carried over from year to year. The interim loan program will allow the county to loan moneys from these low-cost fund balances to experienced housing developers on a short-term, interim basis to acquire property for affordable and homeless housing for households at or below fifty percent of area median income for King County. Interim loans will be awarded only when the project sponsor can provide satisfactory assurances of project feasibility such that permanent funding for the project is highly likely to be secured and the interim loan amount will be repaid within a reasonable ((period of)) time,
not to exceed five years. No more than fifteen million dollars shall be made available for interim loans at any time.