Investing in Kids: A winning proposition

King County generates $65 million a year for comprehensive childhood development programming 

Experts say that by preventing or mitigating adverse childhood experiences, early childhood interventions can have a profound impact on later life outcomes, including reductions in violence and increased adult earnings. These investments have also documented strong return on investment

King County, Wash. Executive Dow Constantine set out to tackle this challenge by championing Best Starts for Kids, an initiative to invest in promotion, prevention and early intervention. Although King County is doing well by many measures — health indicators are high, unemployment is among the lowest in the nation — there are some widening and troubling disparities in the county by race and place. Health outcomes vary widely by race and across communities in King County, as does high school graduation and income.

Of the more than 80,000 households added in King County since 2000, almost all of the increase has been split between the top and the bottom of the income spectrum. Moreover, King County historically has spent the majority of its funds on downstream interventions, through the justice, mental health and substance use systems.

Learn More

• King County Best Starts for Kids 
• Getting started in your county  
• What other counties are doing to support early childhood

 

The Best Starts for Kids, funded by a tax levy, aims to change this. It will generate about $65 million per year, at an average cost to property owners of $56 per year, and provide one of the most comprehensive approaches to childhood development in the nation, starting with prenatal support, sustaining the gain through teenage years, and investing in safe, healthy communities that reinforce progress.

“This is a victory for children, youth and families across King County, and our opportunity to transition to upstream solutions,” Constantine said.

But King County is not alone; others are seeking innovative ways to increase viability and reduce inequity in their counties. For years, communities have relied on federal and state dollars to meet their children’s learning and development needs, but unfortunately those resources aren’t enough. Local investments are needed to scale proven programs, and some counties are on the cutting edge of this path.

In addition to King County, more than 20 communities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and 16 counties in Florida and Missouri, have passed new dedicated-revenue tax initiatives for child and youth programs and services. Dedicated-revenue streams can ensure stable sources of funds to support services for children and families. The type of tax varies by county between property, sales, soda and other special taxes. The eight counties in Florida created special taxing districts for children.

These dedicated funding initiatives are winning big; in communities where they have been up for reauthorization, voters supported them at rates between 72 percent and 86 percent. Voters polled on why they support these funds cited the clear and immediate effects in their own community, the local ownership of the solution and the fundamental need to support all kids.

Miami-Dade County, Fla.’s Children’s Trust, a mill property tax passed by voters during the height of the economic recession in 2008 (original ballot initiative was in 2002), has generated at least $100 million annually for programming in the county. The trust emphasizes collaboration and accountability, and encourages providers to take creative approaches in linking and coordinating services across health, safety and early development.

These dedicated funding initiatives give counties the opportunity to safeguard their children’s potential, no matter what lies ahead.

Key steps when undertaking a dedicated funding initiative

• use data to support the needs of children in your community and current funding limits
• partner with a broad base that is willing to focus on the effort
• research what tax decisions are allowable in your county
• develop a funding proposal, and
• communicate with key stakeholders.