District 9 Update: Opposing the Airport, Hate Crimes, and more!

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Thursday, I introduced legislation, with two of my colleagues, that would call on the Washington State Department of Transportation to remove the Enumclaw Plateau from being considered as a location for a future airport. This in response to public outcry from surrounding cities and residents after Enumclaw was suggested for the new greenfield site by an independent State consultant to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission.

I want to thank all the residents of District 9 that have reached out and expressed  concern with this proposal from the State. I too share your concern and am committed to doing all that I can to ensure this airport does not get placed in the Southeast King County. While we at the King County Council cannot officially prevent WSDOT from proposing an airport within County limits, we can send a unified message to WSDOT that this location is off the table.

One direct way you can make your voice heard on this matter is by visiting the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission online comment form. There you will be able to make public comment to the Commission and help them understand how this proposal may affect you and your neighbors. 

As always, know you can reach out with any questions or concerns about things happening around King County or the State by emailing me at Reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov.

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember District 9

Councilmember Dunn presenting a Council Recognition to Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Deputy Mayor Dana Parnello, and City Councilmembers Didem Pierson, Les Burberry, Victoria Schroff, Syd Dawson, and Linda Johnson.

This week's "Dunn in the District" highlight is Maple Valley's 25th Birthday Celebration!

I spent this past Monday alongside City leaders and community members to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the City of Maple Valley. During the festivities, I presented the City with a Recognition honoring the 25th anniversary and the history of the community.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the anniversary. I had a great time talking with folks and answering questions about things that are happening in King County!

County Hate Crime Reporting System Legislation Clears Key Committee Vote 

Councilmember Dunn at the August 30th Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee meeting.

Legislation that I introduced earlier this year in response to the significant rise in reported and unreported crimes of hate and bias in King County passed out of the King County Council's Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee on Tuesday. The legislation now heads to the Full Council for a final vote.

If the proposal is approved, a workgroup in King County would develop a community-based Stop Hate Hotline, which would include a telephone number and a web-based online portal for reporting hate crimes and hate incidents. In addition to incident reporting, the workgroup would establish ways to make the number of hate crimes available and create a public awareness campaign.

For more information in this visit my website HERE. To keep up to date on this legislation, look out for these weekly emails.

Every year, on August 31st, we remember those we have lost to overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day. This day provides a time to mourn those who have passed, while also informing people around the world about drug overdose. In King County, 563 people have died of an overdose this year.

For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day and to find resources for those experiencing substance use disorder, visit: Prevention, Intervention, Treatment, Aftercare (P-I-T-A) - King County.

The Healthy Community and Parks Fund provides grants to projects and programs that provide new, increased, or enhanced access to recreation, parks, and open space in underserved communities, including investing in capacity-building for community groups. Program goals include reducing disparities and improving the health and well-being of King County residents in marginalized communities by increasing access to recreation, parks, and open space.

Applications are due September 18, 2022.

For more information, please visit the grant website here.

In The News:

• Renton Reporter - Hate crimes: King County Council to consider legislation for a reporting system
• Auburn Examiner - Motion to Oppose Proposed Airport in Enumclaw Introduced to King County Council