COVID-19 Update: Partial re-opening of outdoor recreation

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

We had some good news yesterday. Effective May 5^th, Gov. Inslee has partially re-opened outdoor recreation including Washington state parks, fishing and hunting, and golf courses.

I know that everyone is eager to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. As we venture out, I urge folks to continue practicing social distancing to keep those around you safe and healthy. To support compliance, public gatherings and team sports will remain prohibited, and state campsites remain closed for the time being. Recreational fishing on the Pacific Coast, in Marine Areas 1 through 4, will also remain closed. Read more about it here.

Some of you have reached out to me about when folks can expect King County parks to open. Executive Constantine has yet to make a decision to re-open King county parks but is looking at a phased approach. I will continue to keep you informed as I learn more about his timeline.

I’ve included a few other updates for you below. I hope you all stay healthy and enjoy making plans to get out outside next week.

Best regards,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair Metropolitan King County Council

Project CARE: Enumclaw Senior Center’s Meal Delivery Program

The hardworking folks at the Enumclaw Senior Center are providing a vital service to seniors in their area: contact-free delivery of free meals to keep them healthy and away from grocery stores. Thank you to Jobyna Nickum, Manager of the Senior Center, for sharing their important work. To find out more about them, visit the Enumclaw Senior Center website. Contact your local senior center if you need access to services.

Find other ways to help your community during the COVID-19 pandemic at: www.kingcounty.gov/CARE.

Dunn Proposes King County Hiring Freeze

Yesterday I introduced an ordinance that, if approved by the King County Council, would enact a hiring freeze for all nonessential King County personnel until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

King County government is downstream from the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we must start exercising frugality in preparation for the financial shock that will come in our next budget cycle. Many businesses and organizations are having to make similar spending cuts — and King County is no exception. Read more about my legislation here.

Loans Available for Small Businesses

The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications on Monday, so if you’re small business couldn’t apply during the first round, contact an approved lender and start your application today.

Beyond federal assistance, Facebook announced last week that it had set aside $8.5 million in loans for Seattle-area small businesses. Follow this link to learn more.