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Fain secures $12.5 million in city transportation funding, votes no on sales tax measure

June 12, 2026

The Board of Supervisors for the King County Transportation District on Friday voted 5-4 to establish a 0.1% countywide sales tax to fund transportation infrastructure in unincorporated King County.

While Supervisor Steffanie Fain - who represents Kent, Renton, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Normandy Park on the King County Council - voted against the tax because of affordability concerns, the final package included her City Transportation Improvement Program (CTIP), which will provide approximately $12.5 million annually to King County’s 39 cities for local transportation investments.

The CTIP reflects months of collaboration with the King County Department of Local Services, the King County Executive's Office, the Sound Cities Association, and fellow Supervisors. The program will distribute funding proportionate to population and may be used for transportation infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, crossings, transit stops, bike facilities, road improvements, accessibility upgrades, and other transportation-related projects.

Collection of the new tax will begin January 1, 2027.

Following approval of the legislation, Supervisor Fain released the following statement:

"Throughout this process, I heard two consistent messages from residents in my district. They understand that our transportation infrastructure needs investment, and they are deeply concerned about affordability and the cumulative impact of taxes on working families.

"This was not an easy vote. I recognize that the Roads Division faces significant funding challenges and that additional investment is needed. But after weighing those needs against the affordability concerns raised by residents, local businesses, and local governments throughout District 5, I was not prepared to support another countywide sales tax.

"At the same time, I believed that if a new countywide tax was going to move forward, cities should be recognized as transportation partners and residents should see tangible benefits in their own communities. That’s why I introduced the City Transportation Improvement Program."

"CTIP will return more than $2 million annually to District 5 cities and approximately $12.5 million annually to cities across King County for investments in sidewalks, crossings, accessibility improvements, transit access, and other transportation projects that residents can see and use every day.

"While I voted no on the underlying tax, I am proud that this legislation ensures local communities will receive resources to address their own transportation needs and see a meaningful return on the dollars they contribute."

Renton Mayor and Sound Cities Association President, Armondo Pavone, acknowledged ongoing affordability concerns while expressing appreciation for the inclusion of funding for cities in the final package.

"While we remain concerned about the affordability impacts of additional taxes on our residents, we appreciate Supervisor Fain's work to ensure that cities receive a share of the revenue generated within their communities while continuing to support the county's broader transportation network,” Pavone said. “The City Transportation Improvement Program will help Renton invest in needed transportation infrastructure and ensure that local taxpayers can see tangible benefits from the dollars they are contributing."