End of Year Wrap Up
Dear Neighbor,
Although much of our work in 2021 continued to be centered in addressing the challenges of COVID, we also passed major initiatives including:
- A renewed and expanded Best Start for Kids Initiative that builds on the work that has already been done over the last six years to ensure every child in King County can thrive;
- A new housing initiative to provide homeless individuals with a roof over their heads and the services they need to stay housed;
- New guidelines for our King County Metro bus system which prioritizes service in an equitable manner and invests where needs are greatest;
- Tenant protections for renters in unincorporated King County; and,
- Increased support and programming for gun violence prevention.
These initiatives not only address current issues facing our community, but also will set the foundation for a safer, healthier and more equitable future.
Council Funds New Investments and Restores Previous Cuts in 2021-2022 Supplemental Budget
On November 23rd, the King County Council passed its 2021 supplemental budget, funding new investments in climate equity projects, gun violence reduction programs, tiny house villages and economic recovery efforts. In addition, the budget restored funding to programs which were reversed as a result of the pandemic-related economic downturn.
Highlights of the budget include:
- $20 million of Climate Equity Capital bond funds for projects to support frontline communities disproportionately affected by climate change and increase opportunities for those communities to benefit from emissions reductions and energy efficiency;
- $45 million for the preservation of over 1,900 acres of open space throughout King County;
- $3.1 million for expanded regional gun violence and peacekeeping efforts, including additional community outreach, violence interrupters, and life coaches;
- $1.5 million to expand access to dental care for low-income, uninsured adults;
- $1 million to fund the operating costs of three tiny house villages;
This funding is in addition to the millions of federal dollars that we have provided to the community for rental and food assistance, public health efforts, homelessness prevention and other community supports. Although we will have a small amount of COVID federal funding to spend in 2022, we do not anticipate similar levels to be provided in the future.
Improving Water Quality in South King County
I am pleased to announce the funding of four incredible projects that will improve water quality in South King County through King County’s WaterWorks program. The County Council received 99 applications totaling $9 million for $2.4 million of available funding. Of the applications from District 5 entities, we selected projects submitted by World Relief – Seattle, the Environmental Science Center, Valley View Sewer District, and the City of Kent. As a result of this funding,
- World Relief – Seattle will be able to expand rainwater catchment and community education work at their Paradise Parking Plots – a community garden in Kent where 47 families from 25 countries grow fruits and vegetable from their native country;
- The Environmental Science Center will pilot a series of water quality programs to reach all ages within the Renton community – from preschool through seniors – along the Cedar River;
- Valley View Sewer District will implement water quality monitoring within its service area; and,
- The City of Kent will be able to fully treat Lake Fenwick against a growing algae bloom, thus making the lake safer for the humans and pets that currently recreate there.
WaterWorks provides funding for projects that improve water quality in the service area for King County's regional wastewater system. For more information on the program and past recipients, visit King County’s webpage: https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/grants-and-awards/waterworks.aspx
Happy Holidays!
As we say goodbye to 2021 and look forward to a brighter 2022, I want to thank all of you for continuing to follow public health guidelines to keep each other safe from COVID. I wish you all a Happy Holidays and look forward to working with you in 2022.
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