Summary

Federal Way Benefits; Public Health Saved with $9.1 million in funding

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved the county’s 2015-2016 Biennial Budget today. This budget includes over $10 million directed towards public health, community services, and employment and education resources in Federal Way and South King County.

“I am happy that South King County will benefit from the 2015-2016 budget,” said King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who represents South King County. “Federal Way is experiencing robust growth and these funds will continue to help our community and provide job training and educational services for our most vulnerable citizens.”

“Our youth will benefit with the funds allocated for the Boys & Girls Club and funds for our local schools. Contracts with great local programs like FUSION, which provides transitional housing services to homeless families; Reach Out, which provides winter shelters and job training to those in need ; and Valley Cities, which provides outpatient services to help residents with mental health issues and chemical dependency recover to their optimal health,” said von Reichbauer. “These funds will help empower those working to affect positive change in our community.”

In addition to the funds allocated for community services and education resources, the Federal Way Public Health Clinic stands to receive $9.1 million over the biennium to continue its services.

“By working together as partners with the City of Federal Way, we were able to preserve the clinic, which will continue to provide important services that will improve the health of those who need it most in Federal Way,” explained von Reichbauer. 

The Metropolitan King County Council serves as a regional government for more than 2 million residents, and also provides “local” government services for those who live in unincorporated communities. The approved 2015-2016 Budget will now be sent to King County Executive Dow Constantine for his signature.