Last year, King County in Washington faced a devastating bomb cyclone that caused significant losses, amounting to tens of millions of dollars. The violent storm damaged trees, blocked roads, and left many without power or internet for several days. In response, local paramedics sprang into action, restoring essential services and ensuring vulnerable residents received the help they needed. This situation emphasized the critical role of local government services during disasters.
But the pressing question is—are cities and counties across the U.S. prepared for the inevitable next storm, wildfire, or major earthquake?
The uncertainty is growing, particularly due to the Trump administration’s recent moves to impose stringent political conditions on federal grants. Local governments are essential for providing a range of services—from housing and transportation to healthcare and disaster response—and they depend heavily on federal funding. Approximately one-third of their usual revenue comes from federal sources or funds channeled through the state.
Federal funding is vital for communities. It’s essential to remember that this money comes from local taxpayers and businesses. Even prior to Trump’s unilateral cuts, Washington state was contributing more in taxes to the federal government than it received back. These funds are allocated by Congress for crucial services and intended to support community safety, health, and priorities. However, Trump’s policies jeopardize tens of thousands of crucial federal dollars.
In King County, the largest in Washington, federal grants finance over $700 million in programs, services, and infrastructure. Roads, transportation, and airports are heavily reliant on these funds to keep running and to ensure safety and infrastructure needs are met. Remarkably, around 40% of emergency preparedness staff salaries come from federal grants. The county’s health clinic, which provides critical care to mothers, children, and those experiencing homelessness, also depends on these federal dollars. If this clinic were to close, over 39,000 vulnerable individuals would lose access to necessary care.
The Trump administration has employed various questionable methods to withhold funding. Some tactics are overt, requiring adherence to politically motivated amendments to existing grants approved by Congress. Others are more targeted and aimed at influencing local political landscapes, such as efforts to withhold funds from so-called sanctuary cities, which seem inconsistent even among his allies.
Many of these methods appear to be a collective attempt to undermine public services and push Trump’s far-right policies on communities nationwide.
The threat of losing federal support looms large for local governments—“meteors that have not yet struck,” but the potential damage could be catastrophic. Being forced to choose between essential funding and conforming to an authoritarian political agenda is just a lose-lose situation.
However, local governments aren’t passively waiting for disaster. They’re actively fighting back in court.
Currently, King County is leading multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration in collaboration with public rights organizations and various local governments nationwide. Their aim is to mount a coordinated legal challenge against what they argue is unconstitutional behavior.
The law is in their favor. The Trump administration’s imposition of unauthorized conditions on funding represents overreach of power. Additionally, local governments are invoking the Tenth Amendment while raising concerns about due process and vague regulations that contravene state and federal laws.
The coalition is expanding. In the case of King County vs. Turner, what started as a small lawsuit has evolved into one of the largest local government-led litigation efforts, involving 60 jurisdictions from diverse political backgrounds.
And there have been wins. Lawyers from local governments, in collaboration with the Public Rights Project and Pacifica law firms, secured a preliminary injunction that protects billions in housing, transportation, and public health funds. This allows localities, including King County, to continue providing essential services while the case unfolds.
Moreover, another coalition has achieved an interim injunction against executive orders targeting sanctuary cities. This effort represents 50 local governments, advocating for over 28 million residents across the nation.
Since President Trump seems unwilling to adhere to laws orwork with a Congressional majority focused on their constitutional responsibilities, courts have become vital allies to ensure local governments can serve their communities effectively. These lawsuits are sending a clear message: the federal government cannot use taxpayer dollars as leverage to enforce political compliance. Thanks to these legal initiatives, King County is maintaining its federal funding and continues to provide crucial services.
We encourage other local governments to join us. Unity can strengthen our position in legal battles, protect more communities, and alleviate legal expenses for everyone involved. Most importantly, standing together allows local leaders to uphold democracy, seek justice, and make decisions that genuinely benefit the public.
