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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As summer kicks into full gear and we all spend more time outside our homes, I am sad to report that King County’s COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise, approaching the peak levels we saw in late March and early April. Please keep up your efforts to slow the spread of the virus by following social distancing guidelines, including staying six feet apart, wearing masks in public areas, and staying home if you are sick.

At the state level, there is a new mask mandate in effect. Governor Inslee is now requiring businesses to ensure their customers are wearing face coverings. Remember, there’s still an exception for those who are unable to wear a mask due including people with disabilities, people with certain health conditions and children under the age of 2. Find more information at the Washington State coronavirus website.

The fight against COVID-19 is not yet over, and a second wave would have devastating effects on our region’s health and livelihoods. I hope you will keep this in mind as you enjoy the warm summer days with your friends and family in the coming weeks. We must all do our part. 

Sincerely,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair Metropolitan King County Council

Dunn’s Legislation Tasks King County with Creating New Pandemic Response Plans

This week, the Council unanimously approved legislation I sponsored that directs King County to create a new county-wide pandemic response plan to guide the County’s response to any future viral outbreaks.

I hope King County will never see another pandemic, but we should absolutely be prepared for one. By working now to preserve the lessons of our COVID-19 response, we’re ensuring that we are poised to fight any viral outbreaks in the future and get our County back on its feet as soon as possible.

$53k Awarded to the City of Newcastle for Stormwater Conveyance System Repairs

Newcastle Mayor Linda Newig accepts a check from Councilmember Dunn

I recently advocated for $53,000 in Flood Control District funding to be awarded to the City of Newcastle to support their Stormwater Conveyance Rehabilitation Program.  This funding will go toward important repairs to pipes that have poor structural rating scores. Without restoration, Newcastle’s aging stormwater infrastructure could cause flooding, impact water quality and affect our streets. I’m glad to be able to help provide this critical funding!

Deadline Extended! Grants Available for Unincorporated Area Small Businesses

King County is extending the deadline to apply for unincorporated area small business grants! Businesses that receive awards will be reimbursed for up to $5,000 in expenses such as rent, utility payments, or payroll.

To apply or learn more, visit the Department of Local Services Website.

COVID-19 Relief Grants
Help for Science, Arts and Culture Organizations, and Independent Music Venues

4Culture has extended its COVID-19 Relief Fund grant deadlines and is offering community Zoom calls every Friday at noon. The agency will share information and resources for King County cultural workers and organizations as we all navigate the impact of the crisis.

In addition, King County is providing grants to support to science organizations, arts and culture organizations, and independent music venues experiencing business interruption due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Last Chance: Please Share How COVID-19 Has Impacted You

If you can take a moment to share how COVID-19 has impacted you, please fill out my brief survey here. I would love to know your thoughts before the survey closes next week.