Municipal League Releases Ballot Recommendations for Feb. 9 Election

SUPPORTS the Seattle School District No. 1 Proposition No. 1 Capital Levy

SUPPORTS the Seattle School District No. 1 Proposition No. 2 Operations Levy

Click here to read the report

Municipal League Releases Report on Land-Use Regulation

The Municipal League of King County's new report, "Rights, Wrongs and Reforms: Selected Issues on Land-Use Regulation within King County," is the result of a two-year study originating from a review of the 2006 Property Rights Initiative, I-933. 

The report, compiled by volunteers interested in land use, made findings and recommendations in the following main areas:

1. Citizens throughout King County lack consensus on the location of future growth despite long-adopted growth management policies. The report suggests some practical tools to address this intractable problem.
2. Revenue inadequacy is a major theme for local governments, especially for chronically strapped King County. The state should help identify long term structural solutions for urban counties and consider enabling new revenue sources.
3. Representation.  King County provides zoning and permitting to unincorporated citizens as their local government, yet more than 80% of council members’ constituents live in cities. This pattern weakens representation for unincorporated residents and suggests the need for structural reforms granting them greater influence over decisions which directly affect them.
4. King County has had serious problems in its permitting practices, often related to permit fees. Both adequate revenues and careful monitoring are required to ensure better performance.

Click here to read "Rights, Wrongs and Reforms: Selected Issues on Land-Use Regulation within King County"

Read the Seattle Times article about the report

Municipal League Releases Ballot Issue Recommendations for Nov. 3 Election

The Municipal League:

OPPOSES Initiative 1033, Limiting Growth of State, County and City Revenues

SUPPORTS the King County Open Space Charter Amendment No. 4, Adding New Section 897 – High Conservation Value Properties

SUPPORTS the City of Seattle Proposition No. 1, Low-Income Housing Levy

OPPOSES the incorporation of a new City of Fairwood

SUPPORTS the annexation of Panther Lake to the City of Kent
 
SUPPORTS the annexation of Finn Hill, Kingsgate and North Juanita to the City of Kirkland

Municipal League Issues Report on Policies and Practices of the Port of Seattle

The Municipal League of King County’s new study, “The Port of Seattle: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going with the Public’s Money,” finds room for improvement on fundamental issues such as the scope of the Port’s mission, transparency, and management of resources.

The review made findings and recommendations in four areas:

1. The Port’s overly broad mission should be revised to focus energies on commerce in freight, passengers and the maritime industry.
2. Use of public resources is a prime concern, especially the under-utilization of the Port’s prime real estate while increasingly relying on tax levies.
3. Presenting costs and benefits of all viable options for major investments would improve accountability and transparency in Port decision-making processes.
4. The Port Commission should reaffirm its emphasis on the public interest by making ethical culture and best practices an explicit Commission oversight function.

Click here to read “The Port of Seattle: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going with the Public’s Money”

Click here to read the response to this report by the Port of Seattle

Metro Transit Review and Follow-Up

In November 2008, the Municipal League published a report on Metro Transit, finding room for improvement in Metro's performance measurement, service allocation policy, strategic planning, and transparency.  The report was followed by roundtable discussions with transportation professionals and civic leaders.  The original report and results of follow-up activity are available online.

Click here to read the November 2008 Review of Metro Transit report

Click here for a summary of the follow-up in the June 2009 MuniNews

Click here to read the League's May 2009 letter to the Regional Transit Committee

The Municipal League of King County reviews issues important to our community to offer researched opinions and foster discussion.

Policy Issues

In concert with its sister organization, the Municipal League Foundation, the League monitors a range of issues at the local level. In 2008 the Foundation is conducting long-range studies on the Port of Seattle, land use challenges facing King County and several transportation issues.

To see past issues and reports, click here.

Ballot Issues

The Municipal League also reviews ballot issues that come before the people of King County. From statewide initiatives and referenda to local levies, we attempt to review all sides of the ballot question and provide guidance through the lens of 'better government'.

To see current recommendations , click here.