Councilmember Jorge L. Barón Secures Key Investments in County Budget to Meet Community Needs and Offset Federal Cuts
July 15, 2025
At a time when King County is already feeling the effects of proposed federal budget cuts, Councilmember Jorge L. Barón has successfully championed a slate of amendments to the county’s omnibus supplemental budget that both protect essential services and invest in the well-being of vulnerable residents across District 4 and King County. The budget was passed at a meeting of the King County Council earlier today.
“This budget reflects our commitment to improve essential county services and support of communities who are bearing the brunt of attacks from the federal administration,” said Councilmember Barón. “I thank my Council colleagues for their leadership. I’m proud of the collaborative work we’ve done with community to advance public health, civil rights, and local resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.”
Among the notable additions drafted and championed by Councilmember Barón:
- $282,000 for Cedar River Clinic, a vital nonprofit abortion provider that also delivers essential reproductive and gender-affirming care. This investment offsets a cut in state funding and ensures the clinic can continue operating in King County amid growing attacks on reproductive rights.
- $100,000 for a new Trans Resource & Referral Guide, which will be developed by the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence in response to community demand. The updated guide—last revised in 2017—will help connect trans and gender-diverse residents with health care, housing, behavioral health, youth services, and more.
- $175,000 to support asylum seekers, including civil legal aid and application fee assistance. With new federal policies imposing costly application fees on asylum seekers applying for work permits, this funding will help the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project ensure that more people can access stability, employment, and legal protections in our region.
- $409,000 for the LEAD (Let Everyone Advance with Dignity) diversion program, which connects eligible individuals with behavioral health treatment and community-based support as an alternative to incarceration. This investment supports public safety and public health while advancing alternatives to the traditional criminal legal system.
District 4 Grants: Supporting Community, Health, and Resilience
The budget also includes targeted investments in 23 local organizations serving District 4, which were selected by Councilmember Barón. The full list of District 4 grant recipients is below, but the investments are grouped into three areas:
- Meeting basic needs and addressing hunger: Local partners will provide housing support, nutritious food, and essential health services to residents facing high costs and economic instability.
- Enriching local communities: Grants will support organizations that contribute to neighborhood vibrancy and cultural life, including arts nonprofits, community festivals, and advocacy organizations.<
- Promoting wellness and active living at any age: Investments in sports, recreation, and senior services will help residents of all backgrounds stay connected and healthy.
“These investments are rooted in the voices and priorities of District 4,” said Barón. “Even in tough budget years, we must be proactive in helping people meet basic needs, protect their rights, and thrive.”
The budget passed with strong support and reflects King County’s continued commitment to meeting urgent local needs even as federal support is rolled back.
Quotes:
”The Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence is thrilled to be able to bring back the ever-popular Trans Resource & Referral Guide to our beloved trans community here in King County! Whether trans folks are new to the area, seeking refuge here from other states, newly out, or just want to explore what resources are available to them in their local community, we hope this by and for guide can be a helpful starting place and we can’t wait to get to work updating it and sharing it far and wide.” – Amarinthia Torres, Co-Executive Director at Coalition Ending Gender Based Violence
”With ongoing inflation, job losses, and devastating cuts to federal programs, the need for essential human services continues to grow. Our community is relying on us to come together to fund food banks, housing, healthcare, and more to make it through these times. Councilmember Barón's work in this budget process acknowledges that growing need. I look forward to continuing to work together to support and uphold the basic human rights of all our neighbors.” – Jen Muzia, Executive Director at Ballard Food Bank
”Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is proud to partner with King County in its efforts to provide immigrant communities support with the costs of pursuing immigration protections. In its newly passed reconciliation bill, the federal administration imposed new filing fees that went into effect immediately, which include exorbitant fees for seeking humanitarian protections, like applying for asylum or a first-time work authorization, or navigating the immigration court system. We are thankful to King County for its strong commitment to supporting its immigrant communities, many of whom would otherwise be unable to attain these necessary protections.” – Malou Chávez, Executive Director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
”We extend our heartfelt thanks to the King County Council for their efforts to bridge the funding gap for abortion care and maintain access to these vital services. Protecting abortion access in Washington State will require a collective effort from all of us. The importance of funding cannot be overstated. With state and federal budget cuts, essential clinics, like Cedar River Clinics, will increasingly depend on community support to maintain our services. We are committed to keeping our doors open for every patient seeking compassionate abortion and reproductive health care. Once again, thank you to the council for advancing this vote and reaffirming their commitment to align with Washington State’s values of providing a safe haven for reproductive health care and rights—not just in rhetoric, but in meaningful access for everyone.” – Mercedes Sanchez, Executive Director at Cedar River Clinics
”Solid Ground’s JourneyHome Rapid Re-Housing program helps families living homeless enter permanent housing swiftly and safely, by providing rental assistance that decreases gradually as households increase their financial stability. The flexible support we can provide people – from helping pay for security deposits or move in costs, to paying down rental arrears, are crucial in helping folks get into housing quickly. And as housing costs in our region have risen, so has the amount of rental assistance needed to house people. That’s why we are so grateful for additional, flexible funds from Councilmember Barón’s office to support people with their whole range of needs in their journey to housing stability. Our partnership with the D4 office has helped so many families in our region land on solid ground, and it allows JourneyHome to continue providing the deep levels of support that help people achieve and sustain their housing goals.” – Shalimar Gonzales, CEO at Solid Ground
Recipients of the District 4 grants for the 2025 Omnibus Budget include:
- Aurora Commons
- Ballard Food Bank
- Ballard Football Club Foundation (DBA Bridges United Foundation)
- Ballard Northwest Senior Center
- City Fruit
- Family Works
- Friends of Troll’s Knoll
- Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council
- Iranian Women’s Institute for Life and Liberty
- Latino Community Fund of Washington State
- Mary’s Place
- Meals Partnership Coalition
- Nomad Boxing Club
- Partners in Print
- Path with Art
- Phinney Neighborhood Association
- Queen Anne Farmers Market
- Queen Anne Helpline
- Skate Like a Girl
- Solid Ground
- Sound Generations
- United Indians for All Tribes Foundation
- Washington Health Outreach