Application submitted to Washington State Department of Health for a modified Phase 1 variance to partly open business and other activities
Today, in my role as Council Chair I, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Board of Public Health Chair Joe McDermott, signed King County’s application to the State for a modified Phase 1 variance to partly open business and other activities. We will need approval from the State to proceed, which we expect to receive by the end of the week.
Here is a quick summary of what we currently understand the state process for advancing King County forward to be:
- The submitted application will be evaluated by the State Department of Health. The submission is not automatic and the submission of an application does not guarantee that King County will be approved for the modified Phase 1 variance. The Washington State Secretary of Health can approve King County to move into the modified Phase 1 completely or partially.
- Once the application is approved by the State, businesses may reopen provided they are able to meet the State’s guidance outlined for their specific industry or sector.
For more information about the County’s application, and how businesses are expected to be able to reopen under a modified Phase 1, please read more on the Public Health Insider blog.
 Click on the above image to view the Key indicators of COVID-19 Activity in King County
Seattle Times Op-Ed: COVID-driven disaster shows we need bold action to fix housing crisis
The housing crisis is disproportionately affecting people of color. We must do better.
Sunday’s Seattle Times published my op-ed about how the impact of COVID-19 has exposed our continuing long-term housing crisis and created a short-term housing emergency.
I wrote this piece before the events of the last week and the protests for justice we have seen underscore the importance of this work. The housing affordability crisis in both the short and long terms falls disproportionately on people of color. Ensuring that all our neighbors have a safe and affordable place to call home is an essential component of addressing the systemic inequities that have plagued our nation for too long. In the editorial, I outline the challenges we face, as well as several actions we can take to tackle the problem.
We live in one of the wealthiest, most innovative and creative corners of this nation. If anyone can figure this out, it should be us. We can correct the mistakes of the past and boldly prepare this region for a better future. Now is the time.
Spread the word
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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