New director appointed for King County’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
The King County Council has appointed Tamer Abouzeid, an attorney, mediator, community organizer and policy professional, to serve as the new director of the county's Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. He will officially join King County on Sept. 20.
Abouzeid is currently an attorney at the Chicago office of a large civil rights organization, focusing on issues of discrimination and policing, and also acts as legal counsel to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. He previously worked at Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigating allegations of misconduct against Chicago police officers.
Learn more on the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight website
Permits
County will require facilities for electric vehicles in new unincorporated-area developments
On July 13, the King County Council approved legislation requiring new development in unincorporated King County to include charging stations and dedicated parking for electric vehicles. The new rule supports one of the key goals of the county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan, and will meet the expected increase in vehicle charging needs in coming years.
The legislation requires that new or substantially remodeled apartment buildings provide electric vehicle charging equipment in 10% of the building’s parking spaces, with sufficient electrical wiring to convert 25% of spaces to provide chargers at some point in the future. The legislation also requires new or substantially remodeled nonresidential buildings to provide charging equipment in 5% of their parking spaces, with 10% of spaces being convertible in the future.
These regulations go into effect in early August. For more information, contact King County Permits at DPERWebinquiries@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-6600.
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Road Services
Road rehabilitation project underway in Stillwater
In northeast King County, the major road connecting the Stillwater neighborhood to SR-203 and Big Rock Road NE is under construction. Crews will dig out 1-1/2 miles of old, cracked, and broken road—down to the subgrade—and rebuild it to last for decades to come. Work on the project is expected to continue through the coming fall. Learn more on the project website
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Culvert replacement in Lake Joy
NE Lake Joy Road is the only road into and out of the Lake Joy community, which sits northeast of Stillwater and Carnation and east of SR-203.
King County Road Services is replacing a four-foot-wide rusted metal culvert under the road with a 14-foot wide concrete box culvert that can handle the increasing fall, winter, and spring rain flows and also provide better habitat for fish. The project, underway now, is expected to wrap up in mid-fall.
Portable traffic signals are in place at each end of the construction zone to regulate traffic through the area. This work will also require up to six temporary full road closures. The first two are currently planned for Aug. 9 and 10, but these dates are subject to change. Check the project website, the MyCommute website, and portable message signs at the project site for the latest information.
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Summer bridge work
S 277th Bridge replacement
Work to replace the 70-year-old, load-restricted S 277th Street Bridge has begun. More than 23,000 vehicles use the bridge, which crosses over Mullen Slough, each day. Work will continue through November. Traffic will be maintained on S 277th Street throughout this work, but there will be around-the-clock lane restrictions in both directions. Please plan ahead and use alternate routes if possible.
The current bridge is decaying and has weight restrictions that prevent its use by certain emergency and delivery vehicles. The new structure have no weight restrictions and will improve local water quality from the removal of the old bridge's creosote-coated wood supports, creating a fish-friendly passage for Mullen Slough. Learn more on the project website
Fish Hatchery Bridge removal
Sometimes a bridge can't be repaired or replaced, and the county has no alternative but to remove it. That was the case with the Fish Hatchery Bridge south of Fall City, much damaged over the years by frequent flooding.
Road Services worked with local residents and emergency services, sharing information about the bridge's condition and the long history behind the decision to remove it. They appreciated the community’s understanding and took down the bridge's deck and superstructure in July. Learn more on the project website
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New paving approach fixes more cracks
Road Services’ new approach to paving is to fix the worst things first. They identified the roads and lanes with the worst cracking, and will repair just those places first. This means repairing only single lanes if the rest of the road is OK—allowing them to tackle more problem areas throughout King County. Check the paving schedule on the county’s website
Heat poses “Catch-22” for roadside mowing
Many folks have asked Road Services to to mow vegetation on county roadsides this summer, both to improve visibility and to reduce the risk of wildfires. County crews are eager to comply, but want people to know that when the weather gets really hot, their mowing equipment itself could pose a fire risk in the dry vegetation. So be assured that they're mowing as fast as they can, whenever it's safe to do so!
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.
Local Services
Subarea planning/community needs list updates
North Highline
North Highline community members have been telling King County about their interests and needs for their community. More than 300 comments have been submitted via the county's online survey for North Highline. The county has also offered a series of workshops on affordable housing and displacement risk in North Highline and Skyway-West Hill.
Local Services is using community input to draft policies that will be shared, as part of the North Highline Subarea Plan review draft, back to the community for feedback later this summer. The county is also working to develop a prioritized Community Needs List that will be used to inform the development of the county's next biennial budget.
Email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov for more information.
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Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County
Subarea planning is underway for the Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Community Service Area. Planners in the Permitting Division are coordinating internally with other King County agencies, reviewing existing planning documents for the area, creating a work plan, and starting to plan a public kickoff meeting for this fall.
Local Services will deliver a draft plan to the King County Council in December 2022 for adoption by June 2023. The plan’s development will be consistent with changes to King County’s Community Service Area subarea planning program that were adopted by the King County Council in July 2020.
The county is developing the plan and a Community Needs List in partnership with the community, using an interactive website to engage and collaborate with residents and businesses in the area. Visitors to the site have submitted more than 500 comments over the past year—many covering several topics. County staffers are now organizing this input and will update the project websites as things progress.
For more information, contact Jesse Reynolds by email or phone (206-477-4237),
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Questions? Comments?
Join King County Local Services for “Local Lunch” on Fridays
King County Local Services is here to help connect people in unincorporated communities with government services.
Join us every Friday* during the noon hour to share questions or comments, ask for help, or just to chat. These informal meetings are virtual for now (see our home page for information on how to join), but we plan to keep them going in person after the pandemic is over.
You can also send us questions, comments, or requests by email or call us at 206‑477‑3800.
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Natural Resources & Parks
CHOMP! returns in-person on Aug. 21
King County’s CHOMP! returns to Marymoor Park on August 21 for a full day of local food, hands-on activities and live music.
Visit the CHOMP! website or follow the event on Facebook for more information on the music lineup, featured activities, and more!
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Volunteer in your local park
Join the King County Parks Volunteer Program for some outdoor fun this summer!
Program staff members lead community volunteers in high-quality service experiences in King County parks and trails, connecting participants with their “Big Backyard.” The program has hundreds of events, year-round, in which volunteers work on restoration, park improvements, building and maintaining trails, and just plain enjoying the outdoors. Environmental education is woven into every event to make for a rewarding and productive day in the park.
Learn more on the King County Parks volunteer page.
 Photo: Volunteers spread wood chip mulch at the West Sammamish River Trail.
Coming soon: a new lookout tower at Pinnacle Peak Park
The Mount Peak Historical Fire Lookout Tower Association, through King County Parks’ Community Partnerships and Grants Program, is building a publicly-accessible lookout tower at the crown of Mount Peak.
Construction is expected to last through September, and will require periodic closure of trails at the top of the mountain. Occasional full closures of the park will be necessary, and since the work is weather-dependent there will be short notice for these closures. They will take place in early morning hours, and the park should be re-opened by afternoon.
Learn more on the Parks blog
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Sign up by Sept. 15 for new Surface Water Management Fee discount for families with low incomes
If you qualify as a low-income household and live on your own property in unincorporated King County, you may be eligible for a 50 percent discount on the annual surface water management fee on your land parcel(s). Learn more on the county website, call 206-477-4800, or send email.
Executive Services
Many King County services remain virtual, for now
Although most COVID-related restrictions have been lifted in Washington State, many King County services that were once provided in-person at the King County Administration Building in downtown Seattle will stay online, by phone, or by mail only. This is because King County is in the midst of a project to close the Administration Building and relocate the agencies affected. This project will continue through the end of 2021.
Visit kingcounty.gov/services or call ahead to check the status of a service.
 How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke has become a common summer hazard in western Washington. It can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. When unhealthy air conditions set in, health experts recommend limiting your time outdoors.
Face coverings protect against COVID-19, but cloth masks don't provide much protection from wildfire smoke. N95 respirators can provide protection if worn properly. KN95 masks also offer good protection and are more available. If you have a pre-existing condition that might make you more sensitive to smoke, consult your medical provider.
Here are some helpful links:
• Check outdoor air quality near you
• Wildfire smoke preparedness during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to keep indoor air clean on smoky days
• Get information on indoor air filtration
• Here’s how to make your own filter fan
Are you disaster ready?
Other natural disasters don’t take a break just because we have a pandemic going on. In the Puget Sound region, we still face wildfire smoke (see above), flooding, windstorms, snowstorms and earthquakes, among other challenges.
King County Emergency Preparedness wants to help you get ready for all emergencies, both large and small. It’s always a good time to take steps to protect yourself and your family. One way to start: take a look at their “Disaster Danny” videos to get some tips!
Another thing you can do is subscribe to ALERT King County if you haven't done so already. ALERT King County is a regional public information and notification service offered by King County Emergency Management. It helps you stay informed about potential hazards and threats affecting your area—and it’s free! Sign up today.
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Skyway, Renton to get new Via to Transit service
Metro Transit
Better connections to frequent transit service and improved mobility for people who live and work in four communities— including Rainier Beach/Skyway and the Renton Highlands—will arrive on Tuesday, Aug. 10 with the expansion of Via to Transit.
This on-demand pilot service connects riders to and from select hubs in their communities. People who live, work, or go to school in the specified service areas can download the Via app or call to request a ride to buses and trains or to get to select community hubs like grocery stores, parks, libraries, health care, and more.
An official launch event for the new expanded service will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the Skyway Library (12601 76th Avenue S) from 10 to 11 a.m. Stop by to help celebrate the launch, learn more, and see vehicles that will be part of the service. You can also visit Metro's website to learn about the service.
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Rural Area news
Unincorporated Area Councils/Associations & Organizations
Rural Area Organizations’ Comments on Determination of Non-Significance for Proposed King County Council Ordinance 2021-0163.2
On July 21 a joint team of seven Rural Area unincorporated area councils and unincorporated area associations and organizations submitted comments on a Determination on Non-Significance issued by King County’s Permitting Division on proposed King County Council Ordinance 2021‑0163.2, which calls for changing King County Code Title 21A Zoning with regard to the location of Search and Rescue facilities in the Rural Area on parcels over 4.5 acres. The joint team will follow up by providing both oral and written testimony to the King County Council at its August 17 public hearing on the proposed ordinance.
Public Health
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
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. 2, 7-9:30 p.m.—Zoom meeting (virtual)
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings. An agenda, including a list of any invited guest speakers as well as Zoom link information, will be posted several days before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association Meeting
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for citizens who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. We engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their website and/or Facebook page.
:: 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
The council is taking the summer off, and will be back via Zoom on Sept. 2 (7-9 p.m.).
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: discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Island Community Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public via Webex, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information send email to David Vogel.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are open to the public via Zoom, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information send email. You can also connect via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or sign up for their email newsletter, or access local stories and an events calendar on their website.
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