King County officials are raising alarms over the growing threat of federal funding reductions that could deeply impact public health efforts and emergency preparedness across the region.
During a recent briefing to the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee, Chief Operating Officer Dwight Dively outlined a trio of financial risks tied to shifts in federal policy and budget decisions. In fiscal year 2025, King County expects to receive around $200 million in direct federal support, excluding federal dollars funneled through the state, such as Medicaid funding.
Dively explained that one of the most pressing concerns is the possibility of federal funds—already allocated and contractually committed—being withheld unexpectedly. This type of disruption is already being felt, as previously agreed-upon grants and contracts are being paused or pulled back at the national level.
A second looming challenge involves routine grant renewals now coming with new stipulations that conflict with local or state laws. For instance, one federal requirement would mandate King County to adhere to all executive orders from former President Donald Trump in order to qualify for continued funding—an expectation county leaders say they legally cannot meet.
“If these funds don’t come through on time, we’re looking at cutting essential services and potentially laying off public employees,” Dively warned the committee.
The third threat stems from proposed cuts outlined in the U.S. House budget resolution. These cuts would affect core domestic programs—including Medicaid—on which King County relies heavily for its health and human services.
Also Read – Tacoma Man Sentenced After Raping Woman, Evading Police
Some damage has already been done. Two COVID-19-related grants for Seattle-King County Public Health were canceled last month, resulting in a $2 million shortfall that would have supported nearly 40 community-based organizations. Originally projected to be a $20 million loss, the revised impact still leaves critical gaps in public health programming.
If Congress passes the 12 federal appropriations bills currently under consideration, deeper cuts to discretionary spending—Medicaid included—could hit as early as October 1. These cuts would immediately affect the county’s current budget cycle.
While Seattle-King County Public Health has an emergency reserve to absorb short-term funding disruptions, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is more vulnerable. Unlike Public Health, DCHS does not have flexible reserves and relies almost entirely on dedicated funding sources, including voter-approved levies and state and federal grants. Without new funding streams, DCHS may struggle to maintain existing programs.
Healthcare providers are also bracing for the fallout. Lisa Yohalem, CEO of HealthPoint, a major community health center network in the region, told the committee that 77% of HealthPoint’s revenue comes from Medicaid. She warned that cuts to the program would result in more uninsured individuals and increased strain on clinics already operating near capacity. Currently, 62,000 of HealthPoint’s patients are Medicaid recipients.
Further compounding the situation is uncertainty around the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently indicated support for eliminating FEMA altogether—a move that could cripple King County’s ability to respond to natural disasters.
Federal grants currently cover roughly 40% of the salaries within King County Emergency Management. In the event of a major disaster, FEMA typically covers three-quarters of the costs, with the state covering another 12.5%. Without FEMA, the entire burden could fall on local resources.
“If we’re expected to cover 100% of those costs during an emergency, I honestly don’t know how we’d manage,” Dively admitted.
County leaders are urging the community and lawmakers to recognize the far-reaching implications of these proposed federal changes, warning that local services—from disaster response to vital health care—hang in the balance .
