Public Health updates
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 280 daily reported cases, according to the most recent reports. As children return to school this month, please continue to exercise caution in your daily activities to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.
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.
COVID-19 Data Dashboards have been updated to provide a more intuitive view of King County Data. For more information on these updates, see this article from the Public Health Insider. 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
New monkeypox cases in King County have begun declining. As of Wednesday, September 14th, there have been a total of 420 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
Should I get the omicron booster now or wait a few weeks? – The Seattle Times
COVID-19 data dashboards updated to provide simpler, more intuitive view of King County data – Public Health Insider
Inside a city’s struggle to vaccinate gay Black men for monkeypox – Washington Post
As demand for the monkeypox vaccine stalls, outreach goes hyperlocal – Politico
Monkeypox continues to spread; state reports more than 500 cases – KIRO 7
Monkeypox cases declining in WA, but outbreak trajectory still unclear – The Seattle Times
Last week at the King County Council
Annual Labor Summit
 From left to right: Suzette Dickerson, Megan Pedersen, CM Joe McDermott, Michael Gonzales, CM Reagan Dunn, CM Claudia Balducci, CM Dave Upthegrove, King County Executive Dow Constantine, CM Rod Dembowski, CM Jeanne Kohl-Welles, CM Girmay Zahilay, CM Sarah Perry, Alex II, Maria Williams, Dustin Fredrick, Katie Garrow.
Due to Covid, the 2022 Labor Summit marked the first time in three years that the Council could hold this important meeting. The summit is intended to increase communication among King County elected officials and the leaders and members of local labor organizations. I listened intently as labor leaders spoke eloquently, outlining issues and problems of mutual concern and delineating solutions that foster a spirit of cooperation in working to serve the public.
After introductions, Director Anita Whitfield and Deputy Director Eci Ameh of the Office of Equity and Social Justice shared information about the important work their department is doing to address racism and other forms of injustice to collectively improve the well-being of the whole community.
Department of Human Resources’ staff then gave an excellent overview of County employee retention and recruitment. With our shift in generational make-up, our workforce is getting younger. Our employees are reflective of the County as a whole, and are increasingly more diverse. Finally, as in so many other sectors, turnover is increasing and applicants are not as numerous. Law enforcement and other jobs are experiencing even higher turnover and reductions in applicants.
The Office of Labor Relations led off a group discussion with an update on negotiations on the Coalition Labor Agreement. Union leaders spoke and shared their vision for a successful outcome. And, significantly, also speaking were Executive Dow Constantine and Council Chair Claudia Balducci and CMs Dave Upthegrove and Girmay Zahilay.
This week at the King County Council
Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee met on Tuesday. Following several motions to confirm executive appointments to different boards, the committee received two briefings. The first update was on King County’s Rural Broadband program which was presented by the County’s Department of Information Technology, along with a representative from Comcast. The second was a general update from the King County Ombuds Office, presented by Director Amy Calderwood. A video recording of the meeting can be found here.
Full Council
 From left to right: Councilmembers Sarah Perry, Dave Upthegrove, Claudia Balducci, Joe McDermott, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Pete von Reichbauer, with members of the Seattle Thunderbolts.
The King County Council met on Tuesday and considered two ordinances that approve and adopt the collective bargaining agreements with the King County Corrections Guild and Teamsters Local 763. The Council also took action on an ordinance concerning solid waste fees charged at recycling and transfer facilities, and deferred action on the proposed creation of a Hate and Bias Hotline. A recognition was presented for the Seattle Thunderbolts Minor League Cricket team’s victory at the national Minor League Cricket championship and September 26th to October 2nd was proclaimed Diaper Need Awareness Week in King County. Among the very full agenda was Council’s consideration of an ordinance relating to the withdrawal of land from the Sammamish Plateau water and sewer district to the city of Issaquah, as well as the confirmation and appointment of Jennifer Teunon to the King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Advisory Committee. When available, the video will be posted here.
 CM Sarah Perry, CM Jeanne Kohl-Welles, CM Dave Upthegrove, Carina Schubert (West Side Baby), CM Joe McDermott, Jack Edgerton (Eastside Baby Corner), CM Claudia Balducci. On Tuesday, Council recognized Diaper Need Awareness Week in King County.
Budget & Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget & Fiscal Management Committee met on Wednesday, where members took action to advance 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. There was a deep and productive discussion around a lease in SODO with Ardagh Glass, and that ordinance ultimately was advanced to Council with a “do pass” recommendation. Following discussion on another ordinance authorizing a lease for the Department of Public Defense, the committee was briefed on two transit-related ordinances. Finally, we acknowledged receipt of the Aurora Isolation and Quarantine Site Alternative Use Plan. I had sponsored a proviso in the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget requesting this report, as I had a keen interest in whether this facility could be used to provide services as a hygiene center when the need for Isolation/Quarantine lessened. Yesterday’s report shared that Executive staff are working with the City of Seattle to create a plan to utilize the site for a 45-unit micro-modular shelter with additional services. I’m pleased that services will be provided in this area, as the surrounding neighborhood does not have a high density of support services available. When available, the video will be accessible here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee met on Wednesday, during which the committee heard 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 discussed and voted 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, members of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee began the meeting by taking up some consent items followed by a presentation from the Conservation Futures Tax Advisory Committee. Each year, the advisory committee prepares recommendations for CFT and Parks Levy open space acquisition project allocations. These recommendations are submitted to the Council, as well as to the Executive, who determines how to incorporate them into the proposed budget for the following year. This is a critical component of the county’s effort to preserve and maintain open space throughout our region. Members also voted to advance the adoption of the 2022 King County Open Space Plan.
Members took action on the West Point legislation, considering the approval of a settlement with the Suquamish tribe over a series of wastewater overflows that occurred at West Point Treatment Plant. West Point is in District 4, and this settlement not only takes accountability for the wastewater spills but outlines a series of upgrades that will set up King County to avoid more spills in the future. Read more about the settlement here.
King County Board of Health
Board of Health members met on Thursday for a series of informative briefings in addition to the regular Director’s report. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this meeting, but Councilmember Dembowski was able to serve in my place as an alternate.
The first briefing was 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 was 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, members welcomed Esther Lucero, the Board of Health’s new member representing the Seattle Indian Health Board, and discussed the Board of Health’s restructure planning process. This included the advancement and agreement on a list of potential new Board member candidates to comply with new state standards for county boards of health that will be implemented beginning in January 2023. I served on the interview subcommittee responsible for selecting this list of potential board members. In total we received over forty applications and recommended ten candidates to serve on the board. For the full agenda and info on how to call in, click here.
Next week at the King County Council
There will be no council or committee meetings next week as most councilmembers will be taking a trip to Washington D.C. to meet with our federal delegation, including U.S. Representatives Jayapal, DelBene, Smith, and Schrier along with U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and the US Department of Transportation. There, we’ll be able to share with them some of our top priorities and discuss the ways in which we can work at the local and federal levels to advance our goals around climate, public health, behavioral health, housing, infrastructure and more. I look forward to reporting back after I return.
Regional Transit Committee
On Wednesday, September 21st at 3:00 P.M., members of the Regional Transit Committee will receive two briefings. The first will cover RapidRide prioritization and the second will address innovative and flexible mobility services in King County
News from King County
Biennial Budget update
In late September, Executive Constantine will transmit to Council his proposed biennial budget for 2023-2024. The biennial budget sets the budget priorities for the next two years, with additional supplemental budgets coming out over that two-year period and making adjustments to that foundational document. Since the biennial budget is a major undertaking, most other council committees will stand down from now until December, and any timely pieces of legislation will be taken up in the Committee of the Whole which I chair. King County TV put together a very informative video that goes over the biennial budget basics that I would recommend checking out here.
King County Executive Dow Constantine updates on success of the Restorative Community Pathways program
Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) is a community-based program aimed at changing youth behavior and reducing youth incarceration and racial disproportionality in the juvenile legal system. Executive Constantine spoke on the program’s commitment to both restorative justice and to connecting youths with services to improve community connection and safety. In testimony of this program’s effectiveness, program providers have reported 86 percent of youth participants are meeting their program goals and 94 percent are increasing connection with adults, family, and the community. This is an incredibly proud achievement not only for the youths and their families, but for the county and council who allocated funds for this program. Read the story here. The Council approved funding for the program in our 2021-2022 biennial budget while I served as Budget Chair.
Also, see the excellent op-ed by my colleague CM Girmay Zahilay in Thursday’s The Seattle Times here.
King County and State acquire behavioral health treatment center in North Seattle
On Wednesday, September 14th, Executive Constantine announced that King County is in the final stages of purchasing Cascade Hall, a north Seattle residential treatment center. This purchase of this 64-bed residential treatment center will allow the continuity of mental health care for dozens of clients. Executive Constantine pointed to this purchase as an important reminder that the behavioral health system remains underfunded, and it is necessary to save, upkeep, and expand facilities like Cascade Hall. Read the full story here.
Senior centers in District 4 receive awards for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Senior Center Supports Request for Proposal (RFP)
 The Department of Community and Human Services’ Adult Services Division awarded more than $2 million in economic impact and program awards to senior centers in the area. These senior centers were awarded for their commitment to stabilizing their operational capacity and offering a path toward recovery from the pandemic. Among the awarded centers were Greenwood Senior Center, Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank (just outside of District 4 now following redistricting), Sound Generations – Ballard NW, and Wallingford Community Senior Center.
King County Metro is revising schedules for Fall 2022 service change
Tomorrow, King County Metro will be revising service schedules for the fall to provide better, more reliable service to Metro customers. These updated schedules will provide more than 11,000 daily trips across King County while prioritizing service where demand is greatest. Notably, with the reopening of the West Seattle bridge, many routes will be returning to the bridge beginning on September 19th, which will cut down on travel time for West Seattle and Downtown Seattle commuters. For more information on route revisions, see the service change webpage. To help plan your trips on and after September 17th, visit Metro’s trip planner page for updates. Passengers may call 206-553-3000 for more information on specific routes and revisions. For a general outline of Metro’s fall service change, click here.
Take a survey to help King County improve equity, affordable housing, and climate resilience
King County is updating its Comprehensive plan that guides land use in unincorporated areas. This update will focus on addressing social equity, affordable housing, and climate change in our region. King County wants to hear input from the public throughout this year-long planning process – take the survey here!
Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) supportive housing development in Interbay
 DESC has been a prominent resource for people living without housing in Seattle. DESC is seeking funding from the City of Seattle Office of Housing to build an affordable housing unit at 2626 15 AVE W in the Interbay community in Seattle. The development is intended to provide 105 studio units and supportive services for single adults with a disability who have been experiencing homelessness. DESC wants to hear from the community and learn more about the neighborhood’s interests. It will be hosting an in-person informational meeting on September 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., location TBD. For additional questions or to RSVP to the meeting, email awilliamson@desc.org.
Coalition Against Hate and Bias is seeking new members
The Coalition Against Hate and Bias is looking for community-based groups and organizations to join them in supporting communities impacted by racism, colonization, and systemic oppression. Organizations that are accepted into the Coalition will help in referring community members to resources in counseling, mental health, legal, spiritual, and community supports. Interested organizations and community groups may submit an application here. More information about the coalition can be found here.
Taking the Week Without Driving Challenge
I have agreed to join more than 200 leaders from across Washington state in taking The Week Without Driving challenge. This challenge will push us to gain a perspective on the travel experience of people with disabilities, young people, seniors, and people who can’t afford cars or gas. This challenge applies to all activities, not just the work commute. Beginning on September 19th and lasting until September 26th, I will not drive myself in any car – I will get around by public transportation, asking someone else to drive me, or using rideshare, keeping in mind how the cost and sense of responsibility might affect my decisions if this were my everyday option. Follow my experience on my social media, where I will be using #WeekWithoutDriving throughout this challenge. To participate, click here to sign up.
Opportunities for involvement
King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program seeks eight new members for Grant Ranking Committee
The King County WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee is a volunteer advisory group which reviews, ranks, and recommends grant proposals for funding. Applicants must be interested in water quality issues and must reside in the King County Wastewater Treatment Division Service Area. Appointed committee members will serve a term of three years, and their duties will include attending meetings during grant review years and reading grant applications. More information on recruitment can be found here. An application is available here, and the completed application should be sent to Elizabeth Loudon, WaterWorks Grant Manager: elizabeth.loudon@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-4297. The deadline for this application is Sunday, September 25th.
“Open Home” event with Sound Foundations NW on October 14
Sound Foundations NW recently built a tiny home named Millie to commemorate their building and donating over $1 million worth in tiny homes. On Friday, October 14, an “Open Home” event, partially funded by King County, will take place at The Hope Factory” from 3-6 p.m. I am excited to attend this event, as it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of the Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and the Tiny Home Village Program!
Funding opportunities
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Grants in King County
King County and the Office of Equity and Social Justice can provide technical assistance and capacity building grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that currently receive federal COVID-19 funding. King County has allocated $400,000 to provide services to potential applicants and grantees, including accounting, grant writing and management, strategic planning, technology solutions, and more. To apply, click here.
Additional helpful and informative links
Vaping prevention & quit resources: Tips for parents & schools – Public Health Insider
WA among worst states for surge in traffic deaths – Seattle Times
Local Indigenous Food Sovereignty Efforts Uplift the Importance of Traditional Foods – South Seattle Emerald
FareStart hits 5-million meals mark since pandemic struck – Kent Reporter
With a promising new plan to pay for pricey cures, two states set out to eliminate hepatitis C. But cost hasn’t been the biggest problem – STAT
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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