Public Health updates
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID is still currently classified as low, although there are still over 250 average daily new cases. As summer draws to a close and kids return to school, please continue to exercise caution to care for yourself, your family, and your community.
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard. The links to the data by demographics and geography are on the same page.
View all County COVID-related Data Dashboards here, including vaccination rates and outcomes according to vaccination status.
View the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
Visit this page to access the Say Yes! COVID test portal, which allows for two free orders per household, each month, while supplies last. Input your zip code on the website to see if you are eligible!
Monkeypox resources
Monkeypox in King County continues to increase. As of Thursday, September 8th, there are 393 cases in King County. For the most up-to-date data and advice from Public Health – Seattle and King County, visit this page.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
This week at the King County Council
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
On Tuesday, the Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee was briefed on two important topics, the first being an overview of the One Call Program with Crisis Connections. The second briefing focused on the behavioral health crisis system’s needs and opportunities — including the many challenges that have been facing organizations. Three proposed motions were also passed to the full Council focusing on supporting food banks, creating a behavioral health recovery champion award in King County, and accepting the second of two reports on the future of secure juvenile detention. To watch the video, click here.
King County Council
 Recognizing Behavioral Health Recovery Month
At this week’s Council meeting, we had two recognitions, one as September 2022 as Behavioral Health Recovery Month and one in honor of King County Elections for its outstanding performance in the primary elections. A motion was carried confirming reports on progress addressing the civil and criminal case backlog that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Recognizing King County Elections
The Council took action on a motion extending the waiver of competitive bidding and solicitation requirements for contracts relating to the King County housing crisis emergency. We also accepted several reports and unanimously confirmed Allen Nance as the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. I was very pleased to support Allen Nance’s confirmation as Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Director Nance possesses strong and unique qualities that I know will serve him well as he takes over leadership of a department that has openly been struggling with staffing and operational challenges as a result of the Pandemic. I look forward to working with him as he brings about needed changes in the department! To watch the video of the meeting, click here.
Committee of the Whole
On Wednesday, members of the committee, which I chair, were briefed by King County Budget Director Dwight Dively on the county’s ongoing pandemic response and economic recovery. This was followed by a panel discussion with our Department of Community and Human Services Director Leo Flor and External Relations Director Kelly Rider with members of the Human Services Alliance on the need to consider inflation when contracting for human services in King County. Lastly, members received a briefing from representatives of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board on a slew of issues from pesticides in marijuana to retail store safety to the need for Congress to pass the Safe Banking Act. The Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Mark Ellerbrook also participated in the conversation and provided a status report on creation of a new Cannabis Safety Task Force recommended by the Council to the Executive Branch last Spring. You can view the video of the meeting here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
The Regional Water Quality Committee met on Wednesday and heard a report from Kamuron Gurol, head of the Wastewater Treatment Division. In addition to the regular report from the Wastewater Treatment Division, it also included briefings on the draft template for select issue review, overflows at pump stations and other wastewater facilities, and combined sewer overflows. The video will be available here.
Annual Labor Summit
Today at 10:30 a.m., the King County Council will be holding our annual labor summit to meet with King County labor unions. This will not be a televised meeting, rather it will be taking place downtown in the Chinook Building, room 123. A recording will be available following the meeting on this page. This annual event aims to facilitate strong communication between King County elected officials and the leadership and membership of local labor organizations. Participants will identify issues and problems of mutual concern and work to delineate solutions that foster a spirit of cooperation in working to serve the public. This is a meeting of the King County Council and will be open to the public.
Next week at the King County Council
Government Accountability & Oversight Committee
The Government Accountability & Oversight Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 13th at 9:30 a.m. Following several motions to confirm executive appointments to different boards, the committee will receive two briefings. The first update will be on King County’s Rural Broadband program and will be presented by the County’s Department of Information Technology, along with a representative from Comcast. The second is a general update from the King County Ombuds Office to be presented by Director Amy Calderwood. For more information on the meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m. The Council will consider two ordinances that approve and adopt the collective bargaining agreements with the King County Corrections Guild and Teamsters Local 763. The Council will also look into an ordinance concerning solid waste fees charged at recycling and transfer facilities, as well as the Cedar Hills regional landfill. Special items to be discussed are the Seattle Thunderbolts Minor League Cricket team’s victory at the national Minor League Cricket championship and the proclamation of September 26th to October 2nd as Diaper Need Awareness Week in King County. For more information on the meeting and how to join it, click here.
Budget & Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget & Fiscal Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 14th at 9:30 a.m. The members will first take action on several ordinances authorizing the King County executive to enter into agreements with the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network Operator for leases of county-owned and county-controlled land. Next, they will discuss and likely take action on two ordinances related to a lease with Ardagh Glass. Following discussion and possible action on another ordinance authorizing a lease for the Department of Public Defense, the committee will be briefed on and discuss two transit-related ordinances. Finally, members will take action on a motion acknowledging receipt of the Aurora Isolation and Quarantine Site Alternative Use Plan. For more information on the meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 14th at 3 p.m. and will hear two important briefings, the first on Harborview staffing and bed capacity and the second on behavioral health crisis care in King County. After both of those briefings, the committee will discuss and vote to accept the sixth annual report on the Best Starts for Kids initiative. For more information on how to participate in the meeting and to see the full agenda, click here.
Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
On Thursday, September 15th at 9:30 a.m., members of the TrEE Committee will begin the meeting by taking up some consent items followed by a presentation from the Conservation Futures Tax Advisory Committee. The committee will also take action on adopting the 2022 King County Open Space Plan, as well as an update of the inventory of high conservation value properties to add new properties and expand on existing properties.
Board of Health
Next Thursday, September 15th at 1 p.m., the Board of Health will meet and have a series of informative briefings in addition to the regular Director’s report. The first briefing will be from Dr. Matthew Golden, UW Professor of Medicine and Director of both Public Health – Seattle and King County’s HIV/STD program and the UW Center for AIDS and STD. The second briefing will be on opioid use and harm reduction in King County from Brad Finegood, the Strategic Advisor of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention with Public Health Seattle and King County. Then, we will welcome Esther Lucero, the Board of Health’s new member representing the Seattle Indian Health Board, and discuss the Board of Health’s restructure planning process. For the full agenda and info on how to call in, click here.
News from King County
King County Landmarks Commission Approves Pet Cemetery
On September 1st, the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery, located at the intersection of Military Road South and Kent-Des Moines Highway, received Landmark status from the King County Landmarks Commission. It was determined that the cemetery held mid-20th century historic and cultural character, as well as having unique and distinctive design features. While it continues to be an active site for pet burial and memorialization, it is the oldest active pet cemetery in King County. To commemorate this achievement, a community art mural project will take place soon to unify the community in landmarking the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery.
The White House and community partners support families as children return to school
On Monday, September 12th at 1:00 p.m. ET, the White House will host a virtual workshop that will guide you through two programs designed to support families as children return to school. The Affordable Connectivity Program supports families in accessing high-speed internet, and the Child Tax Credit provides payments to families with children. This workshop is especially recommended for state, local, tribal and territory government leaders and partners, school districts, community-based organizations, however all are welcome. To join the workshop, click here.
On Wednesday night at the Climate Pledge Arena, Sue Bird played the final game of her two-decade-long career
Sue Bird played the final game of her last season for the Seattle Storm against the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday. The game turned out record crowds and applause reigned throughout the arena, despite Seattle’s loss. Not only did Sue Bird led her team to four WNBA national championships, win five Olympic gold medals, be named a 13-time all star and win four FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championships, but she stood as an inspiration, a role model, and a figurehead for loyalty and character to people across the nation. She has left behind an immense legacy and remains an important part of Seattle’s history.
In only six weeks’ time, doors will open to the Seattle/King County Vision Clinic
From October 20th-23rd, the Seattle/King County Vision Clinic will be open at Seattle Center. This clinic will offer eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and is open to all – there are no requirements pertaining to income, insurance, housing, or immigration status, and no identification of documentation is needed. Patients do not need to be King County or Washington residents to receive services. The clinic will open at 6 a.m., and tickets will be dispensed on a first come, first serve basis. Find further information, here.
Rental assistance for Bellevue, Auburn, and City of Seattle residents
 The YMCA of Greater Seattle Social Impact Center is offering rental assistance to residents of Bellevue, Auburn, and City of Seattle. View the flyer below to access requirements and qualifications. View more information here.
Trend of fentanyl-involved overdoses increases among those facing housing instability in King County
The average number of fatal overdoses occurring among those living in unstable housing has increased from 5 per week in January-May 2022, to 8 per week beginning in June 2022. Unfortunately, this drug is involved in most of all overdose deaths this year. Resources for education and prevention can be found here.
Funding opportunities
Grant Opportunity Closing Friday, September 9!
Two Working Washington Grant programs, Round 5 and Convention Center Grants, are still accepting applications until Friday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m. These grants are available for both for-profit and non-profit businesses who have faced hardship due to COVID-19. To view guidelines, resources, and the application, click here.
Funding Opportunity - South King County Homelessness and Housing Partners (SKHPP)
 This capital fund invests local funding from member cities into affordable homes in South King County. Funding guidelines are available here and applications are due September 1. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Opportunities for involvement
Applications are now being accepted for HCHN Governance Council
The Healthcare for the Homeless Network (HCHN) is looking to recruit new members to its Governance Council, who would help to provide community guidance in addressing and combatting the health needs of unhoused people. Members of the Governance Council are dedicated to maintaining an open and ethical community-based governance structure and to securing high quality health and care for those experiencing homelessness. If you are interested in membership, you may view more information and application forms here.
Volunteer needed for Conservation Futures Advisory Committee
King County is seeking a volunteer to serve on its Conservation Futures Advisory Committee from King County Council District 4 which includes northwest Seattle neighborhoods from Belltown to Bitter Lake, and from Interstate 5 west to the Puget Sound shoreline. Applicants should be interested in and knowledgeable about open space acquisition and protection.
Committee membership should reflect the racial diversity of the county. Recruitment is open until Sept. 26.
The Committee helps direct funds from the King County Conservation Futures levy to purchase or preserve open space lands, including natural areas, passive-use parks, urban greenspaces, wildlife habitat, trails, farms and, forests throughout the county. The program also provides a funding opportunity to help provide open spaces in historically underserved areas where residents experience low incomes, poor health outcomes and a lack of open space.
Please see the press release or the Conservation Futures Advisory Committee website. For more information or to apply, send an email to Conservation Futures program coordinator Ingrid Lundin (Ingrid.Lundin@kingcounty.gov) or call 206-477-4578.
In the community
Visit to the CFJC
Last week, Councilmember Zahilay and I visited the Children and Family Justice Center with members of our staff and had the opportunity to meet with some of the young people who are currently being detained there as well as staff who work there. Lately, staffing challenges at the CFJC have led to situations that neither the staff nor the youth are happy about — including fewer people to run programming, more time in living units, and more overworked staff. I was thankful for the opportunity to hear directly from the folks who are experiencing these challenges every day and appreciate the time they took to talk with us. I’m looking forward to working with our fellow Councilmembers and the newly appointed Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Allen Nance, to address some of these poignant concerns.
More helpful and informative links
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And you can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates.
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