Working for public safety in King County

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week the King County Council passed our 8^th supplemental COVID budget. I’m happy to report that I was successful in advocating to provide funding to hire a recruiter at the King County Sheriff’s Office. This new position will work to fill the dozens of vacant deputy positions at the Sheriff’s Office.

Lately, it's been extremely challenging for the Sheriff’s Office to attract qualified candidates—and as a result, many critical positions have been left unfilled. With rising crime rates, it’s important that we work to hire more deputies so that we can keep King County safe.

In addition, my legislation to create compassionate, yet assertive homeless encampment removal guidelines has seen great support from community members across King County. These guidelines would work in tandem with my proposed outreach teams to connect people who are living outside with the services and treatment that they need. Both of these pieces of legislation are expected to be considered at the next Local Services Committee meeting.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments at reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chairman Metropolitan King County Council

Deadline Approaching for Small Business Assistance Program

Businesses in unincorporated King County can apply for grants to help recover from the effects of the pandemic. Applications are due August 4. Find more information online or call 206-477-3800.

Dunn Supports Equine Therapy Program for Veterans and First Responders

Councilmember Reagan Dunn with Hitching Rail volunteers Linda Drost, Angie Peschal, Sue Terry, and Sharon Baker

I had a great time visiting the Hitching Rail Wellness Center and Retreat in Renton and learning about their equine therapy program for veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD. I’m pleased to support their important work with a King County grant. Thank you to the incredible volunteers—Linda, Angie, Sharon, and Sue—for the tour!

Dunn Visits Kentridge Robotics Team

The Kentridge Robotics Team shows Councilmember Reagan Dunn one of their robots.

I was very impressed by my recent visit with the Kentridge Robotics Team, where students shared about the many robots they have designed and built. I’m proud to be supporting this robotics program with a $25,000 King County grant in order to bolster this impactful educational opportunity!

Dunn Delivers Funding to Help Bellevue Businesses

Councilmember Reagan Dunn with his Deputy Chief of Staff Tessa Ester, Bellevue Chamber CEO Joe Fain, and Chamber staff Caitlin Gallagher and Nancy Khoury.

I am excited to deliver a major $25,000 grant to the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, funded through ARPA COVID recovery funds. These dollars will help sustain our local businesses that are struggling during the pandemic.

In the News

• Q13 Fox: Councilmember calls for King County Courthouse to be closed to public after attempted sexual assault
• The Seattle Times: Man arrested by Seattle police for sexual attack on county employee in courthouse restroom
• The Puget Sound Business Journal: King County councilmember seeks 'more assertive, balanced' approach to removing homeless camps
• The Seattle Times: King County Council seeks standards on when and how to clear homeless encampments
• My Northwest: King County councilmembers secure funding to hire more sheriff’s deputies