Fighting for a pause on new diversion program for juvenile gun crimes

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

In this newsletter, I'll share with you a few things I've been working on recently as well as some community updates.

Last week, I introduced legislation that would pause the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office's (PAO) new juvenile criminal diversion program, Restorative Community Pathways. This pause will allow time for the PAO to engage with several local mayors who are gravely concerned about the program's lax approach to gun crimes. Though criminal diversion programs may be appropriate for some first-time, low-level offenses, I wholeheartedly share these mayors' concerns that failing to prosecute gun crimes, including bringing a firearm to school, will harm the public safety of our neighborhoods. This is especially true as our communities continue to experience the highest levels of gun violence ever recorded. I also believe that the best public policy comes from partnering with local leaders and listening to community needs, and hope that my legislation will allow for that to happen.

I've included more updates from the King County Council below. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the weekend ahead!

All my best,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember District 9

Homeless Encampments in Unincorporated King County

Reagan Dunn discusses homeless encampments on KOMO News

Yesterday, I spoke with KOMO News reporter Jonathan Choe about a homeless encampment on Green River Road between Kent and Auburn that is increasingly burdening nearby communities. Neighbors continue to deal with high crime rates, illegal drug use, and abandoned stolen vehicles along the road.

Situations like this one is why I fought to create standards for when and how King County will remove homeless encampments. Though my legislation was voted down in Committee last session, I have re-introduced it in our current session and will continue to work on policies that help our unincorporated communities who are seeing more crime, trash, and other illegal activity in their neighborhoods.

Dunn Pushes for Refunds for Republic Services Customers

Last week, after hearing from many constituents who hadn't received garbage pickup services for many weeks, I sent a letter to Republic Services asking for refunds for the impacted customers and requesting changes to our garbage collection services here in King County. Read more about this issue here.

Recognizing National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in King County

Apply Today for a Free Metro Van!

Do you know of a non-profit organization that could use a donated van to support their mission? Please share this great opportunity! 

Apply by Monday, February 28th to receive a donated 7-passenger minivan. The vans may only be used to transport seniors, low-income, youth, or people with disabilities. For the duration of the public emergency declared by the executive in response to COVID-19, organizations may also apply to use the van to transport goods or supplies, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, school supplies or medical equipment.

For more information or to apply, reach out to me at reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov.

In the News

• KOMO News: In unincorporated King County, an encampment stirs concern about crime, trash debris