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King County Local Services
Technical assistance is still available to small businesses in unincorporated King County
If your business is in unincorporated King County, you can get help from a U.S. Treasury-certified community development financial institution in your preferred language. Technical assistance coaches can help you with…
>> Information about the latest (federal, state, and local) funding and loan resources
>> Utility bill assistance
>> Filling out grant or funding application forms
>> Coaching to help your business survive the impacts of COVID-19 closures
>> Other advice and assistance
How to get help
Call 206-331-3275 and leave a voice mail with your contact information, the type of assistance you need, and the language you prefer to speak (if not English). A technical services coach will call you back within two business days.
– or –
Fill out and submit the Technical Assistance/Coaching Request Form under "Coaching" on the King County Small Business Assistance web page.
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King County Permits
More subarea planning coming soon to Skyway-West Hill and North Highline
 Photo: participants provide input on the North Highline subarea plan at a meeting in 2019.
On July 24, the King County Council adopted a large package of updates to the 2016 King County Comprehensive Plan, including changes to the Department of Local Services’ Subarea Planning and Community Service Area programs. The scope of subarea plans, previously limited to land use and zoning, was expanded to include all community-identified topics. There's also a renewed emphasis on equity and social justice, a more direct linkage with the Community Service Area program, and a new community needs list for each subarea to inform county budget decisions.
When these changes took place, planning work was already underway in the urban unincorporated areas of Skyway-West Hill and North Highline. To allow time for this broadened scope of work, the council extended the timeline for both of these subarea plans to allow for additional community engagement and development of the community needs list. Transmittal of both plans to the council is now scheduled for December 2021, with adoption expected the following June.
Public engagement for both plans will begin with a fall planning kickoff call at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18. For more information about the projects and the kickoff call, see the respective project pages for Skyway-West Hill and North Highline or contact planners Kevin LeClair (Skyway-West Hill) or David Goodman (North Highline).
The Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County community service area subarea planning work that was to begin in summer 2020 has been postponed until summer 2021. For information about that upcoming planning process, contact Jacqueline Reid.
Road Services
Crews finish long “to do” list on NE Novelty Hill Road
The long list of road works projects on Redmond Ridge is wrapping up. In June and July, crews repaved NE Novelty Hill Road in both directions in front of The Village at Redmond Ridge and Trilogy, between 234th Place NE and 243rd Avenue NE. Road Services also replaced mobility ramps on the north side of NE Novelty Hill Road and 234th Place NE and all four corners of NE Novelty Hill Road and 238th Place NE, making them wider and with a more gradual slope.
Most importantly, the contractor working for Road Services completed the final slide repair work on NE Novelty Hill Road between 243rd Avenue NE and West Snoqualmie Valley Road. This was a significant infrastructure project packed into a tight three-week work schedule to reduce impact on local commuters. The road reopened July 24 and all weight and speed restrictions are lifted. You can see some of what happened behind the barrier in this twitter thread.
The repaired road will be better able to withstand upcoming rainy seasons. Road Services thanks travelers for their patience during this heavy construction period!
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Update and community meeting on repairs to 356th Drive SE slide damage
King County Road Services will begin slide damage repairs on 356th Drive SE as soon as mid-September 2020. Construction will take about three months. To learn more about the work and what to expect during construction, join an online community meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For meeting links and information, send email to Broch Bender.
24/7 Road Helpline
Call Road Services for help with road maintenance and traffic safety issues in unincorporated King County (like downed stop signs, traffic signals that aren't working, or trees over the roadway) — 24 hours a day: 206-477-8100 or toll-free at 1-800-KC-ROADS, or send email.
You can also visit the King County Road Services website or follow Road Services on Twitter @kcroads.
Emergency Management
Stay cool as summer heats up
It’s finally feeling like summer! But things are different this year with COVID-19. Going to a movie theater, a mall, or the library to cool off after work isn’t possible for most of us in King County in this phase of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan. Remember to let safety be your guide.
Get more tips for staying cool this summer on King County's Emergency News blog.
You can still help and get help through the Donations Connector
Are you making fabric face coverings at home this summer? Do you have some to spare? Or does your organization need face coverings, isolation gowns, or other personal protective equipment? It’s not too late to help or get help through the King County Donations Connector.
Donations are distributed to first responders, health care providers, and not-for-profit organizations serving our community in the pandemic.
Check the Donations Connector for an updated list of current needs.
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Public Health
King County COVID-19 resources
Public Health-Seattle & King County
Website | News and Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Washington State Department of Health
Website | Facebook | Twitter
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website | Twitter
----- COVID-19 Call Centers -----
Medical questions related to COVID-19
206-477-3977 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Non-medical questions about COVID-19, including compliance and business issues
King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information Line
206-296-1608 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
General questions about COVID-19 in Washington State
Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center
800-525-0127
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King County International Airport
Passenger flights resume at King County International Airport
Passenger service is back at King County International Airport after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. JSX now has one flight to Las Vegas each Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Kenmore Air has three daily flights to Friday Harbor.
Learn more: JSX’s COVID-19 protocols | Kenmore Air’s COVID-19 update
Natural Resources & Parks
King County Parks awards $600,000 in grants for youth sports infrastructure and physical activity programs
From a bike park to baseball to being outdoors, the 2020 Youth and Amateur Sports Grants support projects throughout King County that promote physical activity among priority youth and improve our local communities. For a list of grantees and more information about the grant program, see the news release (July 27).
Working to ensure capacity at Cedar Hills Regional Landfill
The County’s Solid Waste Division is working to ensure there is adequate capacity at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill beyond 2028. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates “action” and “no action” alternatives, as well as options for relocating support facilities currently at the landfill, will be coming out for public review in late August/early September 2020. Learn more
Learn about the use of large wood in river and stream projects
There are roughly a dozen projects coming up this summer and next on the Cedar, Green, Duwamish, Snoqualmie, and South Fork Skykomish rivers that use large wood in the design to reduce flood risks and restore habitat.
A virtual open house will be posted Aug. 3-14 on the King County Engagement Hub. An online presentation will be given on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register at Eventbrite to receive a secure link for the online meeting, or contact Saffa Bardaro by email or at 206-477-4610. Learn more about the use of large wood
Photo: Large wood is used in river projects to protect people and property from flooding and create habitat for endangered fish.
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Animal Services
Helping pets and people in the pandemic
For pet owners experiencing economic hardships, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has a community pet food bank outside its Kent main entrance. This humble pantry is stocked with generous in-kind donations received from the community.
RASKC is also working with a number of public and private organizations to provide pet food and supplies to communities. Mobile pet food banks are organized throughout the King County area. These pop-up pet food banks will be announced via the agency's social media channels and events calendar. Learn more on the Tails from RASKC blog.
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4Culture
New fund coming for King County cultural organizations
Unincorporated King County cultural organizations and designated landmarks can apply to the 4Culture Reopen Fund for grants to reopen, restart, or continue programming while adapting to COVID-19 related public health restrictions.
This grant supports training, protective equipment, infrastructure improvements, systems upgrades, additional personnel, and other measures needed to do these activities successfully.
Apply by August 17.
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Rural Area news
Unincorporated Area Councils/Associations & Organizations
2020 KCCP Mid-Point Update —Joint Comments
On July 13, seven Rural Area unincorporated area councils, associations, and organizations* submitted a Joint Revision to Comments to the King County Council concerning the 2020 King County Comprehensive Plan Mid-Point Update. These comments—the third set submitted jointly by these organizations—specifically address the council’s proposed Striker 3 Amendments, as well as the July 6 Updated SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) Addendum.
The comments cite inconsistencies between the proposed amendments and the SEPA review. The following specific subjects affecting the Rural Area were covered in detail: the Four-to-One Program, Non-Resource Industrial Uses, Agricultural Production Districts, Climate Change, Transportation Infrastructure, Pathways/Sidewalks, Wineries/Breweries/Distilleries, and Pacific Raceways Zoning.
This revision followed the second set of joint comments (an addendum to the first set of joint comments submitted on June 8).
* Enumclaw Plateau Community Association, Green Valley/Lake Holm Association, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council, Hollywood Hill Association, Upper Bear Creek Unincorporated Area Council, Friends of Sammamish Valley, and Soos Creek Area Response
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Meeting with State Representative Ramos
At its July monthly meeting the council hosted Representative Bill Ramos. Issues discussed included the state budget, transportation infrastructure, gas tax allocation, climate change, school funding, waste-to-energy plants, Cedar River Canyon issues, and clean soils initiatives. Representative Ramos asked us to provide him a list of priorities for the next legislative session by the end of the year. See an article that summarizes the meeting.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary
Vashon/Maury Island news
Two construction projects at Dockton Park
From July 27 to Sept 30, Dockton Park—including the marina—will be intermittently inaccessible, and at times completely closed to public access as two different projects get underway. The removal of a bulkhead north of the dock and the first phase of the marina renovation will have overlapping timelines and share a website.
NOTE: Although public meetings have been canceled, here's a list of community councils and associations that serve King County's unincorporated Community Service Areas, including their usual (or most recent) meeting sites and contact information where applicable.
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
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
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
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, Aug. 3, 7-9:30 p.m.—Zoom virtual meeting
(When face-to-face meetings resume, they will be at:
Maple Valley Fire Station
Southeast corner of SE 231st Street and SR-169 intersection)
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association Meeting
Mountain View Fire and Rescue, Station 95
32316 148th Avenue SE, Auburn
Stay connected through their Facebook page or by email.
:: Skywest Tool Library
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
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
Woodinville Library
17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville
Visit the website or Facebook page for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce First Tuesday Networking
Vashon Chamber of Commerce
17141 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon
Contact: Jim Marsh at 206-463-6217 or discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Island Community Council
Regular virtual meetings on third Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
Visit the website for info on how to attend, or see the Facebook page.
:: West Hill Community Association
Skyway Fire District 20
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
The organization's website now features a page with information about businesses and restaurants in the community that are still operating during the Governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.
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. Learn more on Facebook.
In the midst of this global pandemic, we at King County Local Services are doing our best to keep engaging the communities we serve—and to make sure that people in unincorporated King County have access to county services. As we begin preparing for our annual Community Service Area public meetings (coming in September and October), I want to make people aware of some significant changes we are making to this year’s meetings to help keep everyone safe.
The single biggest change is that all of this year’s meetings will be held online, via Zoom. The meetings will still be targeted to individual Community Service Areas, and King County leaders and staff members will still be available to talk about major projects and initiatives in each area. And just like in our in-person town hall meetings, attendees will be able to ask questions. You can find the meeting dates and times on our website, listed under each Community Service Area description. We’ll add the Zoom details closer to each meeting date.
The other major change is that the in-person, on-site county services we offered at our meetings last year will not be available. However, King County agencies have been moving many of their services online during this pandemic, and we’ll share information to help meeting participants find those services.
COVID-19 has demanded significant changes in how we all live and work, but at King County Local Services we remain committed to making sure the residents of unincorporated King County have access to their government leaders and the services we provide.
Stay safe and healthy.
Director’s Corner is a 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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