My new initiatives to fight hate crime in King County

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Data shows that both across the nation and here at home, hate crimes are on the rise. In fact, reported hate crimes have almost doubled in King County compared to just two years ago.  

Everyone in King County deserves to feel safe—regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or ability. That’s why I’ve proposed legislation to create a new Hate and Bias Crimes Unit at the King County Sheriff’s Office that would be dedicated to serving victims of crimes motivated by all kinds of hate.

In addition, I’ve put forward a proposal in partnership with King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg to create a Hate Crimes Task Force at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Together, we are seeking funding for four full-time staff who would be dedicated to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes and encouraging the community to report hate crimes they experience.  

Public safety for all remains one of my top priorities. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Council to fight against hate crime in King County.

Best regards,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair Metropolitan King County Council

Join me for the King County Conference on Addiction Disorders

In response to a rapid rise in substance use during the pandemic, I'm hosting the first King County Conference on Addiction Disorders on April 14 from 10 AM – 3 PM.

Anyone is welcome to attend, especially those who struggle with substance use and their friends and family. To join, please register online at my website. 

Attendees will hear from professionals from the Department of Community and Human Services, Public Health, University of Washington, and more about the science of addiction and available resources to support recovery.  

There's still time! Apply today for a Retired Metro Van

Councilmember Reagan Dunn delivers a retired Metro van to Vision House in Renton

Each year, King County Metro donates 7-seater vans to local organizations that can put them to good use by meeting the mobility needs of senior citizens, people with disabilities, youth, and low-income people. These vans are retired from their work with Metro, but have plenty of life in them!

If you work with a non-profit or local government and are interested in applying for a van, please reach out to me at reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov.

Fairwood and East Renton Plateau Residents: Apply for the Community Investment Committee

Residents of Fairwood and the East Renton Plateau are eligible to apply to serve on King County’s new Community Investment Committee, which will help the County decide how to spend money for capital improvements in their communities. The Committee contains 2 seats for Fairwood residents and 2 seats for residents of the East Renton Plateau.

For more information about the Community Investment Committee and information on how to apply, please reach out to my office at reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov.

In the News

• The Gee and Ursula Show: King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on proposal for sheriff's office hate crime unit
• KING 5 News: Spike in hate crimes prompts call for special investigative unit in King County

• Dunn partners with King County Sheriff’s Office on pilot program on mental health and wellness program for deputies