Voters ought to once again approve a property tax renewal to pay for highly effective emergency medical services.
King County Proposition 1 would reauthorize a levy at $0.25 for $1,000 assessed value, or about $211 annually for the median King County homeowner. This is slightly lower than the expiring rate of $0.265 per $1,000, which voters approved in 2019.
Raising $1.45 billion over six years, Proposition 1 continues 27 advanced life support paramedic units along with local firefighter and emergency medical technicians and training. The levy would expand services across King County and modernize tools for 911 dispatchers and responders.
Medic One-Emergency Medical Services serves more than 2.3 million people in Seattle and King County and provides lifesaving services every two minutes on average.
The system is managed by Public Health — Seattle & King County, which partners with fire departments, paramedic agencies, EMS dispatch centers and hospitals.
King County EMS personnel responded to more than 1,568 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests last year. Compared to other communities, cardiac arrest victims are two to three times more likely to survive in Seattle and King County, according to the levy’s annual report. In 2024, the survival rate for cardiac arrest was 46% throughout the region.
King County voters have passed Medic One-EMS levies for over 45 years. There is no organized opposition to the current measure.
Medic One-EMS is a local success story, vital resource and worthy investment. It deserves continued support.
Approve King County Proposition 1.
