Balducci amendment fast-tracks $17.5 million for 2024 as Council passes Doors Open plan to guide over $700 million to cultural organizations

November 26, 2024

The King County Council on Tuesday approved the implementation plan for the Doors Open science, heritage, and arts levy, an historic initiative that will raise over $700 million for cultural organizations in King County through 2031. Working closely with stakeholders, 4Culture, and the King County Executive, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci not only sponsored the legislation to put the Doors Open levy into action through a plan that lays out how to spend funding through 2031, but, seeing urgent needs in the cultural sector, she also negotiated an amendment that makes $17.5 million in additional resources available right away. This amount is more than the original legislation had planned to make available in 2024, the first year of the spending plan. 

“Arts and culture aren’t a ‘nice-to-have,’ they are an essential part of healthy individuals and healthy communities,” said Balducci, who led the effort to put Doors Open into action. “Here in King County, we are blessed to have a vibrant science, heritage, and arts sector, full of talented and passionate individuals, innovative and enthusiastic nonprofits, and world-class cultural institutions. This levy is the key that will open the doors to renewed vibrancy in our centers and communities, welcome audiences of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds, and bring joy, connection, and self-discovery to the lives of King County residents. Thank you to Executive Constantine, 4Culture, Inspire WA, and many, many sector leaders and advocates who have been unwavering in their support and brought us to this transformative moment.” 

The multi-year implementation plan details the Doors Open program, priorities, and processes for administering funding. It provides an assessment framework for how the program will measurably increase access to cultural offerings for King County residents and visitors, especially those living in underserved areas. 

Councilmember Balducci is proud to have sponsored the implementation plan legislation that includes the following amendments:  

• Increasing the allocation to 2024 grant programs by $17.5 million to distribute funding to cultural organizations sooner than planned; 

• Adding language establishing the intended impacts of the Doors Open program and an evaluation framework for measuring those impacts;  

• Adding "economic impact" as a criterion for determining which projects and organizations will receive funding; 

• Indexing operating grants to inflation;  

• Establishing policies for improving cultural experiences for people with disabilities;  

• Providing reimbursement for capital costs incurred up to 2 years prior to the application deadline;  

• Extending Sustained Support grants from their current 2-year cycle to a new 3-year cycle moving forward;  

• Simplifying the grant application process and reducing barriers for accessing Doors Open programs;  

• Setting clearer target dates for upcoming funding cycles;  

• Highlighting the economic impact of culture organizations and their role in revitalizing downtowns;  

• Establishing clearer direction on technical assistance on outreach;  

• Clarifying reporting metrics.  

The implementation plan and related legislation pave the way for the increased availability of 2024 funding from $48.2 million to $65.7 million. Additionally, today’s action will guide the next six years of the levy’s expenditures, estimated at $100 million annually between 2025 and 2031. To put the scale of funding in perspective, in 2023 4Culture distributed approximately $12.86 million.  

“After almost two decades of work by so many, the dream of a cultural access fund is now a reality,” Balducci said. 

What cultural leaders are saying –  

Dow Constantine, King County Executive: “With the Doors Open Initiative underway, we’re creating new opportunities for everyone to connect with the rich cultural life of our region. No matter your means or where you live, this investment ensures everyone can take part in the arts and heritage that make our communities vibrant. I want to thank the Council for their work to pass this implementation plan, and I look forward to seeing the creativity and lasting impact this initiative will inspire.”  

Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember and Regional Policy Committee Chair: “Studies have shown that our arts, heritage and science organizations create improved learning outcomes across the spectrum,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who chairs the Regional Policy Committee. “With its first of its kind focus on geographic equity, the Doors Open Implementation Plan is a gamechanger for organizations outside of Seattle, especially those in South King County, and I am proud to have worked with our regional partners to ensure its passage.”  

Jeanne Kohl-Welles, former King County Councilmember and Doors Open Levy sponsor: “At last – the time is here for ‘Doors Open’ to open! With today’s vote by the King County Council to greenlight the critical plan for implementing King County’s transformational funding for arts, science and heritage programming, the entire county will benefit. Having been the lead sponsor of the long-awaited passage of the Doors Open enabling legislation last December prior to my retirement, I am deeply moved by today’s action. It had taken years for the Legislature to grant authority to the Council to act, thanks especially that it finally happened to legislative advocates, including prime sponsor Rep. Julia Reed, and to Inspire Washington and other advocacy and community organizations. A very long haul but so sweet in its having become a reality, and now ready to be implemented! I am especially grateful to the lead sponsor and Committee of the Whole Chair, Councilmember Claudia Balducci, for her outstanding leadership in refining and enhancing the legislation sent to the Council by County Executive Dow Constantine. And now, we all soon can start appreciating all that will be coming to school kids, families, underserved populations, really all of King County. I couldn’t be happier!” 

Brian J. Carter, Executive Director, 4Culture: “Cultural organizations in our community are still feeling major impacts from the pandemic. The first round of Doors Open funding will provide them with much-needed relief, providing crucial support as they continue to engage and delight the public with their programs. We are deeply grateful to Councilmember Balducci for guiding the Doors Open Implementation Plan through the legislative process.”   

Manny Cawaling, Executive Director, Inspire Washington: “Doors Open demonstrates our county’s commitment to a high quality of life for every resident and ensuring that equitable opportunities in science, heritage, and arts programing drive community cohesion and growth.” 

Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director and Founder of Key to Change: “The Doors Open levy is an example of King County’s leadership in equitable public investment in the arts-and-culture sector. These resources will help Key to Change expand access to world-class music instruction in South King County by lowering the economic and transportation barriers that so many students and families face. Thank you to the voters and King County Council for their commitment to creating cultural opportunities for all."  

Nancy Salguero McKay, Executive Director, Highline Heritage Museum: “As a museum serving 17,000 children of low-income families in 104 languages in Highline, we can't sustain ourselves and serve our community without support. The Doors Open Levy will enforce our commitment to these families in Highline and around the county. We are committed to preserving our local history, hosting exhibits and programs, promoting the creative economy, and providing educational opportunities. We are creating a place where our vibrant and diverse community can connect with the stories and each other. We need all of us to come together to make it happen.” 

Will Daugherty, President and CEO of Pacific Science Center: “I want to thank County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and the King County Council for making changes to the Doors Open implementation plan legislation that will accelerate and increase the amount of Doors Open funding awarded this year. This action will immediately expand public benefits and access, while providing urgently needed support to the sector. These resources will also aid the Pacific Science Center’s mission to serve families, youth, and educators in every part of King County.” 

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