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Public Health
Stay informed about the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV)
Public Health-Seattle & King County is carefully monitoring the novel coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China in December. Knowledge about this virus is evolving over time.
To stay updated on symptoms and steps you can take to protect yourself, please see the coronavirus section of the Public Health website, which includes answers to questions you may have.
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Road Services
Winter weather kept us busy last month
A downed tree caught on a power line in Skykomish.
The cold snap in January brought Road Services crews out in force to plow snow, clear downed trees, and apply anti-icer to roads across unincorporated King County. Crews worked around the clock in 12-hours shifts for six days in a row to plow and clear all 583 miles of designated snow routes from Skykomish to Renton. New this year, we provided real-time snowplow tracking on our weather response map. Learn more about our snow and ice response and see more photos on Twitter.
Helping hand in Skykomish
Dozens of downed trees landed on power lines, closing roads, knocking out electricity throughout Skykomish and Baring, and preventing us from plowing the roads until the lines were removed. While waiting, our crews lent a hand by plowing the Baring fire station parking lots so the station could serve as an emergency shelter during the power outage. They also plowed the roads to the local K-12 school so a generator could be delivered to the school.
Employees from our bridge maintenance team worked continuously to clear ice and snow by hand from the Baring Bridge, a historic one-lane wooden suspension bridge that provides sole access to some 40 people who live on NE Index Creek Road.
Feb. 27 open house for Ames Lake Trestle Bridge replacement
King County is replacing the Ames Lake Trestle Bridge, located on Ames Lake Carnation Road NE, near Carnation. The public is invited to an open house on Feb. 27 to view the design alternatives and provide comments. We look forward to seeing you there!
Open house
Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m.
Redmond Fire Station 14
5021 264th Avenue NE, Redmond
See a map showing the bridge location.
Speed limit change proposed for Issaquah Hobart Road SE
King County is proposing to reduce the speed limit on a 3.2-mile stretch of Issaquah Hobart Road SE from 45 to 40 mph. We’ll be asking for public input starting the week of Feb. 10.
Residents and businesses in the area will be notified via mailed postcards, newspaper notices, electronic media, and signs.
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Follow King County Road Services on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kcroads
Permitting
King County's Adult Beverage Ordinance 19030, updating development regulations for all adult beverage facilities in unincorporated King County, became effective Jan. 3.
The Permitting Division, in coordination with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Public Health-Seattle & King County, has developed a plan for implementing the new law for both existing and new businesses. We'll begin notifying individuals and businesses of the changes this month. Details are available on the King County website.
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Stay in the know…
…about legislation that affects permitting in unincorporated King County
King County’s Permitting Division regularly updates, modifies, and distributes public rules, legislation, and policies that affect permitting, land use, and development in unincorporated King County. To get emails about what’s open for public review and comments, visit the division’s website and subscribe.
Local Services
Our readership survey results are in!
When we closed our readership survey after the Jan. 15 deadline, 174 readers had taken the time to tell us about themselves and why—and how—they read this newsletter. They gave us a lot of food for thought, including how much of each issue they actually read and topics they'd like to see us cover in the future.
Instead of trying to summarize the results, we've published a report on our website that includes all of the responses (look for the Reader Survey Results button near the top of the page).
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Local Services field office hours
Every week, King County Local Services community liaisons hold office hours in unincorporated communities. Check our website to find out when you can get information, technical assistance, notary services, and more near you. To comfirm a specific day or time, please email us or call 206-477-3800.
Above: Local Services Community Liaison Marissa Alegria was joined at the Fairwood Library by Barbara McMichael from SoCoCulture (the South King County Cultural Coalition) on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Natural Resources & Parks
Conservation funding available—apply by March 4
King County is seeking applications for funding from the King County Conservation Futures tax levy. Applications are due on Wednesday, March 4.
- These grants can be used to buy or conserve parks and open spaces used for low-impact passive recreation, such as urban green spaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails. A new policy change this year allows small playgrounds on funded sites.
- The grants can be awarded to cities, the county, park districts, and eligible nonprofit nature conservancies and historic preservation associations.
- Typically a dollar-for-dollar match is required, but acquisitions in historically underserved opportunity areas may qualify for a match waiver (meaning the grant can pay 100% of the acquisition cost).
Visit the application webpage for application, schedule, policy guidance, and contact information.
Weigh in on King County’s 30-Year Forest Plan
The 30-Year Forest Plan will outline priorities, goals, and strategies for urban and rural forests.
Our forests store carbon, cool streams, and provide recreational opportunities. King County is working with communities to develop a 30-year plan to expand forest cover and improve forest health, and we’d like your input.
What's most important to you? What are the most important actions King County can take with our partners over the next 30 years?
We invite you to take our survey to share your ideas for how to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from healthy, vibrant forests!
Join us at a meeting about proposed flood risk reduction projects along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Rescheduled community meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (presentation at 7 p.m.)
Mt. Si Senior Center
411 Main Avenue S, North Bend
After meeting with the community in October 2018, King County has been working to incorporate public feedback into a draft suite of projects to address the most critical flood and channel migration risks along the lower four miles of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River.
At this meeting, which had to be rescheduled from Jan. 14 due to snow, we'll share this draft Capital Investment Strategy and get feedback on potential solutions and priorities.
Learn more on our website
Questions? Contact Chase Barton at 206-477-4854 or by email.
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Metro Transit
Infrastructure improvements proposed for White Center
Metro is proposing to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on SW 100th Street between 10th Avenue SW and 16th Avenue SW in White Center. The proposal includes adding missing sidewalk sections, building curb extensions and safer pedestrian crossings, adding flashing beacons, and installing climbing lanes for bikes.
Part of the new sidewalk along SW 100th Street at the White Center Natural Area would slightly extend into a wetland buffer. To offset this, Metro is proposing to install habitat structures and plantings, among other measures. Construction is planned for the second half of 2021.
As the lead agency under Washington's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Metro has determined that this project is not likely to significantly harm the environment. A Determination of Nonsignificance will be published in the Seattle Times and Department of Ecology Register, with a comment period of Feb. 3 through Feb. 17, 2020.
The adopted National Environmental Policy Act Categorical Exclusion and SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance for this project are available during normal business hours at the White Center Library (1409 SW 107th Street, Seattle). Electronic copies are available on request. Metro will not act on this proposal until the close of the comment period. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 17.
How to comment
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Email comments (with "SW 100th Project" in the subject line) to transitproperty@kingcounty.gov
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Mail written comments to Jessica Conquest, King County Metro Transit, KSC-TR-0431, 201 S Jackson Street, Seattle WA 98104
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Phone: leave a voicemail at 206-263-3721
Emergency Management
Free disaster skills training workshop
King County is prone to many hazards. When disaster strikes, services we rely on may be overwhelmed. Critical infrastructure, such as transportation, utility, and communication systems may be damaged—so we all should be prepared to be self-sufficient for days or even weeks at a time.
This workshop addresses local hazards, utility control, water storage/purification, emergency sanitation, and creating emergency plans. The classes are open to the public, free of charge, but please note that registration is required.
SeaTac
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
Valley View Library
17850 Military Road S, SeaTac
White Center
Thursday, Feb. 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
YWCA Greenbridge Learning Center
9720 8th Avenue SW, Seattle
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For more information, visit the county's website, email, or call 206-205-6545.
4Culture has project grant funds
Need funds for a creative project in arts, heritage, or historic preservation?
Apply for a 4Culture projects grant. They encourage new applicants and want to work with everyone producing arts and culture in Unincorporated King County.
Attend a free workshop. The deadline is March 4. For more information, visit the 4Culture website.
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Community and Human Services
New funding opportunity for senior village programs
King County is now accepting applications to fund geographically-based or culturally-affiliated groups with current or emerging volunteer networks to strengthen or develop senior village programs. Funding and guidance will be provided by the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy and the levy Implementation Plan.
Successful applicants will work to support low-income seniors, immigrant and refugee seniors, rural seniors, and/or seniors of color to remain in their communities of choice and stay connected within those communities in a way that promotes resiliency.
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Total available funding: up to $2,623,350 in funds
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Investment period: May 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2023 (subject to change)
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Questions: Contact Traci Adair at tadair@kingcounty.gov. All questions will be compiled and answered during a bidders conference on January 24, 2019 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm at the King County Chinook Building, Room 115, 401 5th Ave Seattle, WA 98104
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Application deadline: Feb. 24, 2020 by 11:59 p.m.
For more information and to apply.
Upcoming funding opportunities with the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy will soon announce two new funding opportunities, Senior Health Promotion and Pathfinding for Native American Veterans.
The Senior Health Promotion opportunity will fund organizations to provide evidence-based healthy aging programs for seniors (55 or older) in King County. Pathfinding for Native American Veterans will fund a community-based organization to identify Native American and indigenous veterans and their families in King County and connect them to county, state, federal, and nonprofit resources and services that improve health, social connection, housing and financial stability, and access to services.
Learn more and sign up for funding opportunity announcements at
www.kingcounty.gov/vshsl-funding.
Rural Area news
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
2020 officers
At its first monthly meeting of the year on January 6 the GMVUAC elected its Officers for 2020: Chair: Steve Hiester
Vice-Chair: Andy McDonald
Recording Secretary: Luke Hansen
Corresponding Secretary: Peter Rimbos
Treasurer: Sue Neuner
Officer duties by position are: Chair: Maintain council operations and interfaces and preside at all meetings. Vice-Chair: Serve in the absence of the Chair and Chair the Public Relations Committee which manages council member elections. Recording Secretary: Prepare and distribute council meeting minutes. Corresponding Secretary: Prepare and transmit all council correspondence and control web site content. Treasurer: Receive and be accountable for all council funds, maintain accounts, and pay all obligations.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary
Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m.
Headsworks Brewing
1110 Marshall Avenue, Enumclaw
Newly formed community association. Monthly meetings are open to the public, and may feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information contact Nancy Merrill.
Fall City Community Association
Tuesday, Feb., 4 7-9 p.m.
Fall City Fire Station
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email Angela Donaldson.
Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 78
20720 SE May Valley Road, Issaquah
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, Feb. 3, 7-9:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Fire Station
Southeast corner of SE 231st Street and SR-169 intersection
Guest Speakers: Tim O’Connor and Alan Noell of the Washington State Department of Ecology will provide an update on the Reserve Silica Mine Site Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fire District 44,, Station 95
32316 148th Avenue SE, Auburn
Regular meeting agenda items include committee updates on transportation, environment, and safety. Questions, concerns, or comments are always welcome and can be submitted to gvlhassn@gmail.com. For association updates and information, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Skyway Solutions Community Development Association
Monday, Feb. 10, 6:30-8 p.m.
Ukrainian Community Center
13470 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle
Open to the public. Skyway Solutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in unincorporated Skyway. For more information email Gloria Briggs or call 206-706-6400.
Skywest Tool Library
Thursday, Feb. 27, 7-8 p.m.
Skyway Water and Sewer office
6723 S 124th Street, Seattle
Join the SkyWest Tool Library Monthly Meeting to learn more about helping to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn and borrow tools and more. Contact the library on Facebook.
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Thursday, Feb. 6, 7-9 p.m.
North Highline Fire District
1243 SW 112th Street
White Center
(Parking and entrance are in the back of the station)
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
Upper Bear Creek Community Council
No meeting scheduled for February.
Visit the website or Facebook page for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
Vashon Chamber of Commerce First Tuesday Networking
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 8-9 a.m.
Vashon chamber of Commerce
17141 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon
Stop by the Chamber Office on the First Tuesday of 2020! This informal networking coffee is a great way to make connections that can build your business or just be plain fun. Contact: Jim Marsh at 206-463-6217 or discover@vashonchamber.com.
West Hill Community Association
Board meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m.
Skyway Fire District 20
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers as well as community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, visit the website or send email.
Community Coffee Hour
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Skyway Library
12601 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Stop by the Skyway Library for a great start to the weekend. The West Hill Community Association will bring coffee, treats, and key members of the community to answer questions and chat about what's important to you. Drop in for a free cup of coffee and some community building!
If you saw the recaps in our last issue and blog, you know 2019 was a busy year for King County’s new Department of Local Services. I believe we’re going to do even more in 2020.
We’re working to consolidate the gains we made last year by refining and building on outreach strategies that were successful. This year, we’re forming a new Local Services Advisory Committee to help King County decide where to invest resources. Our Community Service Area liaisons will continue holding office hours at King County Libraries and other locations across the county, and we’ll pilot some “pop-up” services from other county agencies in our service areas.
We’ll enhance our economic development work, and work to revitalize several rural and urban commercial centers—including beginning a subarea planning process in the Snoqualmie Valley. Perhaps most significantly, we’ll continue working with the King County Executive and Council to find new ways to fund our Road Services Division.
As we take on these new challenges, it’s worth pointing out that we at the Department of Local Services can’t succeed without the support of you, the people of unincorporated King County. While we are your local government, it’s the community that sets our agenda and empowers us to do the work we do.
We look forward to working with you in 2020.
Director’s Corner is a new column from John Taylor, the director of King County Local Services.To contact John, email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-3800 (Relay 711; language interpreters available).
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2020 Local Services vision, mission, and priorities
A clear vision and values are vital to the success of any organization. They define its culture and identity, guide actions and decisions, and help employees and customers understand what the organization believes in, what it stands for, and how they contribute to its collective success.
Local Services developed its vision and mission statements last fall to represent what we strive to do every day and how we want to be viewed as an organization.
Vision statement
King County Local Services is a valued partner that listens, understands, and provides responsive, effective support to residents and businesses in unincorporated King County.
Mission statement
King County Local Services works to promote the well-being of residents and communities in unincorporated King County by seeking to understand their needs and delivering responsive local government services.
With these values in mind, we've developed this set of priorities for 2020:
- Deliver innovative funding solutions
- Enhance customer experience and service delivery
- Engage and develop a diverse workforce
- Increase transparency and accountability
- Continuous improvement
- Collaborate and partner with our communities
Contact King County Local Services
Unincorporated Area Community News is published monthly by the King County Department of Local Services. Please direct questions or comments to Anna Clemenger, anna.clemenger@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3839.
View online at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKING/bulletins/278b04e
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