News about Councilmember Claudia Balducci

2024 News

November 19, 2024
Balducci: County Budget Addresses Some of Most Pressing Needs, More Work Needed
"Executive Constantine transmitted a budget that invested strategically in housing, health, and safety. The Council’s adopted budget advances these strategies, supporting investments in community-driven affordable housing, youth detention and probation staffing, and continued responses to gun violence, fentanyl addiction, and safety and security on our transit system. I am particularly proud of the hard work I led, along with my colleagues Councilmembers Barón and Mosqueda, to advance a significant new investment in our critical public health system at Harborview. However, we have much more to do in the coming months as we continue to face a crisis in our criminal justice system with a looming large shortfall in the fund that supports that system."

October 8, 2024
Balducci announces $1.5 million to improve salmon habitat, reduce flood risk in Bellevue
"This $1.5 million investment will help the City of Bellevue combine three current pipes into one fish-passable culvert, improving drainage and reducing flooding. I am excited to be a partner with the city in this project and look forward to benefits to this part of King County and to the day when we will again see fish in swimming in Kelsey Creek."

October 1, 2024
Balducci leads Council in urging #WeekWithoutDriving with proclamation
“Nondrivers make up over 30% of the population in King County and yet most of our current transportation system is built only for people who drive. The Week Without Driving Challenge offers important insights for how our transportation system works — and often doesn’t work — for many young people, seniors, people with disabilities and those who cannot afford a car. Even as someone who typically gets around by bike and transit, I learn something new during this challenge every year. I encourage everyone to step up to the challenge to get a better understanding of how critical it is to invest in transportation options that connect nondrivers to opportunity across King County.”

August 27, 2024
Balducci issues statement on youth detention center motion passage
“I join my colleagues in making a clear statement of our Council’s intent to maintain operations of the youth detention facility for those in need of detention while also restating our commitments to improve the legal system and conditions for young people in detention..."

July 24, 2024
Balducci issues statement after committee vote on future of Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
“From my time as the director of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) and now as a King County Councilmember, I steadfastly believe our goals should be to reduce crime, protect the public and support our young people in achieving successful lives...In short, we need a ‘yes AND’ approach – we need to support King County’s youth with robust programs and services to improve outcomes and we also need secure detention for youth in crisis or who have harmed others and pose a threat to public safety..."

July 16, 2024
Balducci applauds key investments to benefit Eastside residents in supplemental budget, including housing, meal services, sexual assault survivor resources, gun violence prevention and response, and more
“I’m pleased that this budget includes critical investments in the everyday services that people depend on — providing nutrition and community for seniors in need, sheltering and building independence for homeless families, and supporting survivors of sexual assault. By supporting trusted organizations like Catholic Community Services, Acres of Diamonds, and King County Sexual Assault Resource Center we shore up the basics in a time of high need, focusing our resources on supporting our most vulnerable residents with reliable services.”

June 25, 2024
Balducci would aim to end traffic deaths with ‘Safe System’ policy in King County
“The cost of doing nothing in the face of skyrocketing traffic death and serious injuries is more suffering, more grief, more loss of human life. This is unacceptable, especially when we have the tools to make our streets safer even when human error occurs. King County has an important role to play in making our transportation system safer and I am proud to introduce this motion to ensure we are doing our part to eradicate serious injury and deaths in King County."

January 9, 2024
Balducci to chair two key committees in 2024
“2024 brings a fresh opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges our region faces and to live up to our values as the county named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Committee of the Whole, where we will take up many of these challenges, and committed to working with my colleagues and the community to craft solutions that will serve all King County residents.”