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AN ORDINANCE adopting the Best Starts for Kids Governance Update Report required by Ordinance 19267, Section 6, to describe and explain necessary and recommended changes to sections of the King County Code and applicable ordinances that describe the composition and duties of the King County children and youth advisory board and the communities of opportunity - best starts for kids levy advisory board.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. In April 2015, the metropolitan King County council passed Motion 14378, adopting the Youth Action Plan. The Youth Action Plan recommended that King County create an advisory board to support the county's system-wide accountability for serving children and families and youth and young adults. The task force recommended the advisory board be "an inclusive body comprised of a wide array of citizens, stakeholders, and entities that can draw upon experience, knowledge and information to assist King County policymakers as they consider outcomes, policies, and investments for children and families and youth and young adults."
2. In July 2015, Ordinance 18088 submitted to the voters of King County a proposition known as "best starts for kids levy," authorizing a regular property tax levy in excess of the levy limitation for six consecutive years, commencing in 2016, for the purpose of funding prevention and early intervention strategies to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and their communities. The youth action plan task force members helped shape the first best starts for kids levy proposition.
3. Ordinance 18088 also directed the executive to transmit to the council a plan relating to an oversight and advisory board for the portion of the best starts for kids levy proceeds related to children and youth strategies and a proposed ordinance identifying the duties and composition of the oversight and advisory board. Ordinance 18088 required that the oversight and advisory plan be consistent with the recommendations in the county's youth action plan.
4. In January 2016, the county enacted Ordinance 18217 establishing the King County children and youth advisory board and adding a new chapter to K.C.C. Title 2A.
5. In September 2020, council adopted Motion 15673 accepting the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account ("PSTAA") implementation plan. PSTAA directs transit-related revenue to educational services to improve outcomes in early learning, K-12 and post-secondary education. The PSTAA implementation plan designated the children and youth advisory board to establish and maintain the PSTAA advisory committee.
6. In April 2021, Ordinance 19267 submitted to the voters of King County a proposition to renew the best starts for kids levy, providing for resident oversight and authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the levy limitation contained in chapter 84.55 RCW for a six-year consecutive period, commencing in 2022, at a rate of not more than $0.19 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation in the first year, and limiting annual levy increases to three percent in the five succeeding years, all for the purpose of funding prevention and early intervention strategies and a capital grants program to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and their communities.
7. In July 2021, as directed by Ordinance 19267, the executive developed and transmitted the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan for 2022-2027 in consultation with the King County children and youth advisory board.
8. Ordinance 19267 also directs the executive, by October 1, 2021, to transmit to the council for consideration and adoption by ordinance a best starts for kids governance update report that describes and explains necessary and recommended changes to sections of the King County Code and applicable ordinances that describe the composition and duties of the King County children and youth advisory board.
9. Research shows inclusion of lived experience perspectives on boards increases the efficacy of policy development, strategic planning, implementation of programs, evaluation and the development of innovative approaches that reach communities and effectively meet their needs.
10. Stipends serve to provide incentive for youth participation on boards, while recognizing their expertise, and helping with living expenses as they engage in board activities.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. The Best Starts for Kids Governance Update Report, dated October 1, 2021, Attachment A to this ordinance, is hereby adopted.