October UA News

Unincorporated News Banner

October 2018

King County Local Services Director John Taylor

John Taylor takes helm as inaugural director of new Department of Local Services

One day after being named the first director of King Countys new department to exclusively serve unincorporated areas, John Taylor outlined his vision for delivering outstanding local public services at a retreat for division leaders.

"There is currently no city hall for the residents of unincorporated King County, yet it's in effect a city of 250,000 people," he said. "Our goal is to give them that “city hall”a place they can get permits in a simple way, get their questions answered, and find out what other services are available to them."

King County Executive Dow Constantine appointed Taylor on Oct. 2 to lead the new department. At the retreat, Constantine encouraged department leaders to establish a workplace culture that empowers people to do the work that inspired them to choose the public sector in the first place, because the best, most innovative ideas come from the people who do the work.

Read the full post on the Inside Transportation blog

Grants available for community engagement, arts, etc.

Three weeks left to apply for 2019 Community Service Area grants

Local community organizations with a project that connects residents of unincorporated King County to their communities still have time to apply for funding through the Community Service Area grant program. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26. Download application materials or learn more on the CSA website.

2019 Cultural Facilities (art)

4Culture offers Sustained Support grants for arts, heritage, and historic preservation

4Culture’s Sustained Support grant can help your organization keep the lights on, and so much more! This unrestricted funding is awarded every two years in the discipline of arts, heritage and preservation. Deadline is October 17. Learn more


Come learn about Cedar Hills landfill on Oct. 23

Landfill with Mt. Rainier

Regular meetings provide an ongoing forum for area residents to ask questions and learn about activities at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and at Bio Energy Washington’s landfill gas-to-energy facility. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. at the King County Library Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah. Learn more


Parks news and events

Children planting trees

Come volunteer with King County Parks

Tree planting season is upon us! Sign up for our volunteer email newsletter to stay up-to-date about upcoming volunteer events near you.

Trailhead Direct continues into the fall

Leaves are changing and the days are cooler, but you can still get in some great hiking with Trailhead Direct. Weekend service from convenient locations to popular trailheads in the Issaquah Alps and I-90 corridor continues until Oct. 28. Learn more


Road construction updates

A variety of King County road projects are underway this month. Some are listed below. For schedules and locations, visit the King County Road Services Division My Commute web page.

Anti-skid treatment

Anti-skid treatment to increase traction continues in October. For upcoming locations and schedules, visit the High Friction Surface Treatment web page. The work is weather dependent, so schedules can change.

Tolt Hill Bridge

Repair work continues on the Tolt Hill Bridge near Carnation. A temporary signal is in place 24/7 to alternate the direction of traffic across the bridge. The repair work is expected to wrap up in early November. Learn more

Sinkhole repair near South Park

Sinkhole and drainage repair is taking place near South Park at the S. 96th Street and 8th Avenue S. intersection. The work requires a daily lane closure from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is expected to finish on Oct. 17. Learn more


Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River area news

Hirst decision and legislature’s response

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council convened a Special Event at its Sept. 10 monthly meeting to discuss the State Supreme Court’s Hirst decision and the Legislature’s response on water availability and permit-exempt wells. State and county agencies discussed the formation of watershed-specific water restoration and enhancement committees to develop detailed plans. Here’s a summary of the meeting and discussion.

Train graphic

Model Train Show set for Oct. 20-21

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council will hold its annual Model Train Show Oct. 20-21 at Gracie Hansen Community Center in Ravensdale. Operating model trains, trains, and more trains featuring creative operating layouts in most gauges. learn more


Skyway/West Hill news

Map graphic

King County is hosting its first community forum for the Skyway-West Hill Community Service Area Subarea Plan. This 20-year plan deals with a variety of topics in the Skyway-West Hill area, including zoning, housing, commercial and industrial uses, public space, and more. The forum is on Tuesday, October 30, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Albert Talley High School (7800 S. 132nd Street, Seattle). All residents, business owners, and others interested in how this urban unincorporated area develops into the future are encouraged to attend. The event starts with an open house mingle where you can view maps and displays and speak with County staff. A brief presentation, a live poll, and public comment opportunities will also take place. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more or contact Bradley Clark (phone: 206-477-2449).


Upcoming Community Meetings

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m.
Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 78
20720 SE May Valley Rd, Issaquah
See website for latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

West Hill Community Association

Board meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m.
Skyway Fire District 20
12417 76th Ave S., Seattle
WHCA monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. Email for more information.

Quarterly meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.
Skyway VFW
7421 S 126th Street, Seattle

Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

Monday, Oct. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Ave SE, Renton
See website for latest information and to confirm meetings.

White Center Community Development Association

Thursday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.
1615 SW Cambridge Street, Seattle

Upper Bear Creek Community Council

No meeting scheduled for October.
See website or Facebook page

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, Nov. 5, 7-9:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Fire Station
Southeast corner of Southeast 231st St. and SR-169 intersection
Maple Valley
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

Fall City Community Association (FCCA)

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
Fall City Fire Department
4301 334th Pl SE, Fall City
For more information visit the website.