Dunn Proposes New Measures to Combat Skyrocketing Catalytic Converter Thefts in King County
Following a stunning 12,855% spike in catalytic converter thefts, I recently proposed new measures that would make it harder for thieves to profit from stolen catalytic converter sales in King County.
My legislation would create several new requirements for catalytic converter sales, including showing a government-issued photo ID that matches a provided copy of the registration from the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed, as well as a notarized statement confirming that the seller is the legal owner of the vehicle and a minimum of two photos of the catalytic converter.
I also introduced a companion motion that would express the Council’s support for House Bill 1815, the state-level fix that would create a work group to provide recommendations related to reducing catalytic converter theft in Washington and establish a grant training program to assist local law enforcement agencies in the support of special enforcement targeting metal theft.
You can read more about these efforts at KOMO News.
Update on King County Support for Ukraine
 Councilmember Reagan Dunn with Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner and Councilmember Kristina Soltys at the candlelight vigil to support Ukraine
At King County, we are acting quickly to mobilize as many resources as we can to support Ukrainians both here at home and abroad.
Earlier this week, King County opened an employee giving initiative that will allow King County employees to convert accrued vacation leave and/or earned compensatory time into cash donations to The Global Impact Ukraine Response Fund, Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders, or the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington. These organizations also accept donations by e-check or credit card.
Here are additional things that we’ve been working on:
- The Employee Giving Program has been activated, to allow employees to donate to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
- Public Health – Seattle & King County is reviewing their inventory for any surplus medical or other supplies that could be donated.
- The Office of Equity and Social Justice have engaged the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission regarding the situation in Ukraine to discuss how the Commission can engage with community partners.
- King County has reached out to local resettlement agencies and the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington to assess the needs of refugees who may arrive in King County from Ukraine as a result of the conflict and identify opportunities for support.
- The Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget and Finance and Business Operations Division have conducted a review confirming that King County has no direct investments or contracts that benefit the Russian federation and the Republic of Belarus.
If you are looking for ways to help as well, I recommend you check out this Seattle Times article that highlights several organizations that are providing critical humanitarian aid.
Applications Due April 20th for 4Culture Heritage Project Grants
4Culture’s Heritage Projects funding program promotes the identification, documentation, exhibition, and interpretation of historic and cultural materials exploring the heritage and historical record in King County, Washington. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Applications are due April 20th. Find more information and apply at the 4Culture website.
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