|
Local Services
Is this newsletter working for you?
It's been a while since we checked in with our readers about how we’re doing. Do you smile when you see the latest issue arrive in your inbox? Let us know why—or why not—by taking a few minutes to fill out our survey!
[ Take the survey ]
|
Join King County Local Services for “Local Lunch” on Fridays
King County Local Services is here to help connect people in unincorporated communities with King County government services.
Join us (almost) every Friday during the noon hour to share questions or comments, ask for help, or just to chat. See our home page for information on how to join. You can also send us questions, comments, or requests by email or call us at 206‑477‑3800.
Road Services
Flood fighters are coming to your neighborhood
When they aren't responding to winter weather, you can find Road Services crews working hard to ward off future flooding. They clear drains, repair underground rainwater vaults, and build new pathways to divert water away from the road.
This month, crews will install a new rainwater drainage system at the bottom of a hill in the Gold Beach area on Maury Island. This will significantly reduce the flooding of private property and street corners.
If you have issues with flooding in your neighborhood, call the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100 or email Maint.Roads@kingcounty.gov.
 Large puddles like this one form at the intersection of SW 256th Street and 79th Avenue SW every time it rains. When water doesn’t drain properly, it can cause potholes and cracks in the road. Standing water also can be hazardous to people and vehicles because it makes the road more slippery.
Executive Services
Emergency Management helps unveil upgraded emergency broadcast studio
King County Emergency Management recently joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Bonneville Communications (which owns and operates KIRO Radio) to unveil an all-hazards upgrade of their emergency broadcast studio on Vashon Island. The facility is located at the KIRO-AM transmitter site, which was modernized to increase its resiliency to continue broadcasting under all conditions, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
This facility is one of 77 across the country that serve as National Public Warning System Primary Entry Point stations, participating with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public before, during, and after incidents and disasters. KIRO-AM Seattle is the 14th station in the country to work with FEMA to complete the all-hazards upgrade, which includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events.
Photo: Brendan McCluskey, director of King County Emergency Management, speaks at the unveiling ceremony.
|
Top dog and cat names in unincorporated King County
Love dogs or cats? Regional Animal Services of King County has some fun facts for you about pet ownership in unincorporated King County.
The top dog breed by far is the Labrador Retriever, followed by German Shepherds and Chihuahuas. The top cat breed is Domestic Shorthair, followed by Domestic Medium-hair and Domestic Longhair.
And if you have a dog or cat, chances are high that your pet’s name is Bella, Luna, or Lucy! The top three currently licensed dog names are Bella, Lucy, and Max, followed by Buddy and Daisy. The top three currently licensed cat names are Luna, Bella, and Lucy, followed by Shadow and Max. Learn more on the Tails from RASKC blog post.
|
How to remove unlawful, discriminatory restrictive covenants from your property title
A new state law goes into effect on January 1 that allows a property owner to formally remove racist or other discriminatory language from the property’s chain of title.
These restrictive covenants explicitly barred people of certain races, ethnicities, religions, or national origins from buying or occupying a property. While a series of court rulings starting in 1948 made these covenants unenforceable, the language still exists on some deeds.
The new law funds research for the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University to identify restrictive covenants on private property and inform property owners. To find out if your property includes restrictive covenants, you can look up your land title records, check your title insurance policy, or use this interactive map developed by the University of Washington.
Property owners are not required to remove the discriminatory provisions, since they are illegal to enforce. However, those who do want to remove the restrictive covenants from their deeds can go through King County Superior Court to obtain an order striking the language, then file the court order with the King County Recorder's Office. There is no charge to record the new documents, but the court does charge a small filing fee.
For more information on restrictive covenants and how to remove them, visit kingcounty.gov/covenants.
|
Natural Resources and Parks
Open Space Acquisition Funding available—apply by March 8
King County is seeking applications for grants from the King County Conservation Futures tax levy. Applications are due on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
- These grants can be used to buy parks and open spaces used for low-impact passive recreation, such as urban green spaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails.
- The grants can be awarded to cities, the county, park districts, and eligible nonprofit nature conservancies and historic preservation associations.
- Typically a dollar-for-dollar match is required, but acquisitions in historically underserved opportunity areas may qualify for a match waiver (meaning the grant can pay 100% of the acquisition cost).
See the application web page for application guidance, workshop information, and opportunities for technical assistance.
Volunteer in the new year!
King County Parks and its partners lead hundreds of high-quality service experiences in county parks—restoring and improving the parks, building and maintaining trails, and just plain enjoying the outdoors. It’s more than just service; staff members weave environmental education into every event, to make for a rewarding and productive day in the park. Learn more
For the continued health and safety of our communities, an Executive Order requires all King County volunteers working on-site to be fully vaccinated, so volunteers will need to show proof of vaccination at the start of the event. Learn more
|
Spotlight opportunities
(register at the Parks Volunteer Event Registration Portal)
Sat., Jan. 8, 9 a.m. – noon (North Shorewood Park, White Center)
Help plant trees and shrubs in this lovely neighborhood forest.
Sat., Jan. 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Skyway park, Skyway-West Hill)
Join King County Parks, the West Hill Community Association, and Parkour Visions for a day of environmental service, play, and connecting to this awesome neighborhood park.
Sat., Feb. 5, 9 a.m. – noon (White Center Heights Park, White Center)
Help improve the forested areas in this great neighborhood park, which also offers a community garden, picnic shelter, a pond with a suspension bridge, a Pacific Islander-style roasting pit, bat houses, and wildlife habitat.
New grant opportunities now open
Healthy Communities & Parks Fund
King County Parks will award about $3.8 million for programs that increase access to recreation, parks, and open space through the Healthy Communities & Parks Fund, which prioritizes organizations in King County that are led by and serve communities of color, immigrants and refugees, and people who are LGBTQ+ or have low incomes or disabilities. Non-profit organizations, community groups, tribes, and other public agencies are eligible. Register for a virtual information session to be held on Jan. 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. to learn more. Grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 21.
Open Space – River Corridors Grants
King County Parks will award some $8.6 million for projects in King County that restore river habitat, reduce risks from flooding, and/or enhance recreation opportunities through the Open Space – River Corridors Grants. Nonprofit organizations, community groups, tribes, and other public agencies are eligible. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/parks/levygrants. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan 31.
|
New solid waste disposal rate takes affect Jan. 1
To support vital disposal and recycling programs, expand services, modernize facilities, and advance climate neutrality goals, King County’s Solid Waste Division will increase monthly residential curbside collection bills by an average of 71 cents in 2022. The new rate reflects cost-saving measures to reduce operating expenditures and includes an increase in the discount rate for low-income customers. For more information, read the news release or visit the division's website.
Community and Human Services
New Funding Opportunity from American Rescue Plan Act
The King County Department of Community and Human Services is accepting applications to fund senior centers in King County.
This program aims to stabilize and support senior centers in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and subject to federal restrictions and reporting requirements.
|
Available funding: Up to $2,906,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
Investment period: March 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 (subject to change)
Questions: Contact Emily Mirra at Emirra@kingcounty.gov
Application deadline: February 2, 2022 by 5 p.m. Pacific Time
[ Apply now ]
Virtual bidders conference
A virtual information session to discuss questions related to this funding opportunity will be held on January 4 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.). Register with Zoom | Join by phone: 253-215-8782.
The bidders conference will be recorded and posted at:
https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/ARPA_Senior_Center_Supports_RFP
Metro Transit
Reminder: the Skyway Community Van is at your service
This reservation-based rideshare service is available for preplanned group trips to local destinations during the day, evening, or weekend. Each trip must have at least two passengers in addition to the volunteer driver. Each rider pays a standard Metro fare (the driver doesn’t pay a fare). To find out more, read this blog post or contact Skyway Community Van Coordinator Kahdijah Jackson at 206-477-7660 or by email.
4Culture
Cultural Recovery Fund for individuals will begin accepting applications in January
Applications for 4Culture’s recovery fund for individuals will open January 5 and close Feb. 2. Grants are available to artists and cultural producers who live in unincorporated King County.
Grant guidelines and application will be posted to 4culture.org/covid-19.
|
Rural Area news
Unincorporated Area Councils/Associations & Organizations
A joint team of eight Rural Area unincorporated area councils, unincorporated area associations, and organizations submitted written testimony on the 2021 Countywide Planning Policies Update to the King County Council on Dec. 14 and to the Growth Management Planning Council on Dec. 1. Topics included urban services in the Rural Area, Four-to-One program, growth targets, and transportation. This ends the joint team’s 20 months of work on the 2021 Countywide Planning Policies Update.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
NOTE: Although many 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 email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
Tuesday, Jan. 4 – Virtual meeting (7-8:30 p.m.)
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. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email Angela Donaldson.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Tuesday, Jan. 11 – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, Jan. 10, virtual meeting via Zoom (7-9:30 p.m.)
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
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those 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 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
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
Visit the website or Facebook page for the latest information.
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Contact: discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Island Community Council
Monday, Jan. 17 – Virtual meeting via Zoom (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 a variety of local organizations. For more information visit vmicc.net or email David Vogel.
:: West Hill Community Association
Wednesday Jan. 12 – virtual meeting via Zoom (7-9 p.m.)
Monthly and quarterly meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, visit the website or email contact@mywesthill.org.
Even with a bumpy start due to weather and COVID-19, this new year promises to be better than the last two. At King County Local Services, we have a lot planned for 2022. Here are some highlights.
Community needs lists—We’ve been working with communities for more than two years to create these lists of needed investments. This year, the county will integrate them into its budgeting process for the first time. The lists will guide investments made by King County departments. This doesn’t mean everything on the lists will be funded, but it does mean the departments will respond to the lists in their budget submittals to the King County Council. Keep an eye out for community meetings coming up to prioritize items on the lists.
Participatory budgeting—For the past year, Local Services has been supporting a group of 21 community members as they created and launched a participatory budgeting process. In 2022, this group will allocate $10 million in capital funding to projects in unincorporated King County—a first for King County. Look for updates here in this monthly newsletter, and for announcements about meetings where members of the public can weigh in on how to spend this funding.
Small business grants—Over the past two years, Local Services has distributed more than $6 million in grants to businesses hurt by COVID-19—and we’re planning another round in 2022. The County Council provided additional funding to support another round of assistance, and we’ll announce the next round in a month or two.
Subarea plans—Our planners have been working for two years in White Center and Skyway to craft community-based plans for growth in those communities over the next 20 years. We’ll deliver both plans to the County Council early this year. We’ve also begun preparing for our next subarea planning process, in the Snoqualmie Valley, which we’ll launch early this year, with a final delivery date to the County Council in 2023. This work is guided by what we hear from the affected communities, and it will form the foundation of a 20-year plan to guide development and service delivery in these communities.
COVID 19 Response—With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, it’s worth mentioning that King County Local Services will continue to support the COVID-19 response in the unincorporated parts of the county. We will be in contact with our community partners across our service area, and will work with them and all of you to bring to bear whatever resources the community needs.
It’s been a long two years since this global pandemic started, and it can be hard to contemplate a “normal” year or feel much optimism for the year to come. But I’m bullish on 2022, and believe that King County Local Services, working together with the communities we serve, are going to do great things in the next 12 months.
I look forward to working with all of you, and I wish you a safe and healthy year.
|
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).
|
