Drafter
Clerk 11/18/2020
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AN ORDINANCE that adopts the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget and makes appropriations for the operation of county agencies and departments and capital improvements for the fiscal biennium beginning January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2022.
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PREAMBLE:
King County has an established record of fiscal responsibility, and this budget upholds that policy while also advancing the principles that define us, which are equity and social justice, housing those in need and increasing the availability of affordable housing, investing in mental and behavioral health, protecting our environment and ensuring the safety and health of all of the public. This budget continues the strong fiscal management that has led to the county's AAA credit rating while facing the financial crisis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 that is expected to last for most if not all of the coming biennium.
King County is not immune to suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The county's revenues have in many cases decreased at a time when the service needs of the community are increasing dramatically, particularly in mental and behavioral health. Despite the inability of the elected officials in the "other" Washington to negotiate an additional aid package to state and local governments through the country, King County continues to lead by placing the needs of the community at the top of our budgeting priorities.
We applaud the executive and the executive's team for transmitting a budget that advances the county's mission in the face of coronavirus disease 2019. The executive's divest, invest and reimagine plan will transform the criminal legal system, taking a strong antiracism stance and funding cutting-edge programs to take this work into the future. The executive prioritizes combatting climate change and addresses infrastructure needs.
Black lives matter to King County, and this budget invests a significant amount of criti...

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