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Local Services
Community groups: apply for Alan M. Painter grants by Dec. 2
The Alan M. Painter grants fund community projects that allow residents of unincorporated King County to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities.
Funded projects must show how they are accessible to all residents regardless of race, income, or language spoken. The funds may not be used for political activities.
A total of $90,000 will be reimbursed for projects in 2023, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for projects will begin in March 2023.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 2.
Find details about this year’s program and how to apply on the Local Services website. Information and applications are available in English and Spanish (and in other languages and formats on request).
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Coming soon: survey of businesses in unincorporated King County
If you own a business in unincorporated King County, Local Services wants to know about how that business has recovered after COVID. Did you seek and receive business grants, technical assistance, or support in the past two years? How would you rate the recovery condition of your business now?
Keep an eye out—the county's Small Business Recovery Survey will soon be open for responses, which will be used to develop services and programs to support small businesses in unincorporated King County.
For more information, send email or call 206-477-3800.
Permits
New King County homes to go solar ready
Beginning January 1, 2023, new homes built in unincorporated King County will be required to be designed with features that make future installation of solar panels easier and less costly. This measure is a low-cost way to make sure the new homes are ready for solar installation when their owners choose to take advantage of this renewable energy source. To learn more, visit the King County Energy Codes website or email Kim Barker.
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New commercial energy codes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
New and significantly remodeled commercial and large multifamily buildings will have new energy efficiency standards for construction design in unincorporated King County beginning January 1, 2023. King County Permits is proud to lead the region in energy codes that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy buildings consume, provide more comfortable buildings, and decrease utility bills.
Some key code provisions include requirements for heat pump technology in building space and water heating systems, improved insulation and window thermal efficiency, and installation of onsite solar.
To learn more, visit the King County Energy Codes website or email Kim Barker.
Road Services
Bridge near Enumclaw reopens after emergency closure
The 72-year-old Newaukum Creek Bridge on SE 416th Street is set to reopen during the week of October 3, making travel to and from the Enumclaw area using SE 416th Street much easier.
Crews discovered a rotten timber support beam during a routine bridge inspection on July 28. The bridge was closed for several months while the county acquired a replacement beam and used it to repair the bridge.
County bridge engineers inspect all 185 bridges in unincorporated King County every one to two years.
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Come to an online meeting about the Ames Lake Bridge project - 7 pm on Oct. 12
Road Services will host an online meeting to inform community members about plans to replace the 97-year-old Ames Lake Bridge in mid 2023. Project staff members will be available to answer questions and talk about why the bridge needs to be replaced, what the new bridge will look like, and what to expect during construction.
The bridge crosses Ames Creek on Ames Lake-Carnation Road NE in rural unincorporated King County. It’s an important connector between Redmond and Carnation.
Learn more about the project on the King County website.
Date and time: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/j/85660155967
Meeting ID: 856 6015 5967
Passcode: AmesLake22
You also can join by phone: Call 253-215-8782, then enter the meeting ID.
Stay prepared and informed during wet fall weather
Fall weather may be welcome after our hot, sometimes smoky summer, but cooler, wetter days can also herald road closures and inclement weather events like floods or slides. To get ready, you can sign up for King County's email or text road alerts and visit the county's Roads and Flooding website to learn which roads tend to flood first and pick up safety tips.
Photo: flooding closed NE Tolt Hill Road near State Route 203 on March 1, 2022.
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Executive Services
Property taxes are due Oct. 31
Do you pay your property taxes directly, instead of through a mortgage lender? If you do, the deadline for the second half-payment is Monday, Oct. 31. Late fees will apply after that date. You can review current amounts due using King County's safe and secure online eCommerce System.
Treasury Operations is still closed to in-person payments, but there are several options available to make your payment:
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Pay online using the county's eCommerce system. While there, you can also sign up for text or email reminders about tax due dates.
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Pay by mail at the new address: King County Treasury Operations, 201 S Jackson Street, Suite 710, Seattle WA 98104.
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Pay via secure drop box at the new location - 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104 (see map). Look for a labeled white box on the Second Avenue side, closer to Jackson Street. There is no payment drop-off option at our old location. Remember, never leave cash in the drop box.
October is Flood Awareness Month
With anticipated fall rains come possible flooding. Take steps this fall to ensure you’re ready for heavy rain:
► Check that gutters and storm drains are free of debris.
► Avoid driving on flooded roadways.
► If you live in a floodplain, ensure that you have flood insurance.
► Learn more at: kingcounty.gov/PrepareForFlooding
October is a good time for other preparedness activities, too.
► Protect your online safety by learning about cybersecurity on King County's cyberterrorism website
► Join the world’s largest earthquake drill on Oct 20 at 10:20 a.m. Learn how and register at ShakeOut.org/washington.
Natural Resources and Parks
Puget Sound Starts Here – drive to clean water!
Southern Resident orcas snack on Chinook salmon for about 80% of their diet. That diet is at risk from a new car tire chemical pollutant that kills salmon. Researchers and others are working on solutions, but we can keep our tires inflated and cars maintained. Our small actions make a big difference to local waters.
Find more tips.
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Get ready for wet weather — protect your home with flood insurance
You may be busy preparing your home for winter by cleaning gutters, checking windows and doors for leaks, and putting out a seasonal doormat. Another important way to prepare for wet weather is to learn your flood risk and make sure you have flood insurance.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1 inch of water pooled in a single-story, 1,000 square-foot home can cause close to $11,000 worth of damage. Standard renters and homeowners insurance policies do not cover floods. Renters can buy contents coverage even if the structure is not insured. It’s wise to consider buying flood insurance even if you are not required to do so. Also, flood policy holders in unincorporated King County get a 40% discount on their premiums due to the county’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
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King County staff members can help you understand the flood risk to your property and interpret floodplain maps, and they can provide technical assistance to help protect your property from flood damages.
To better understand how flood insurance can reduce your risk, contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4727 or learn what you can do to prepare for flooding on King County's website. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance and how to find an insurance agent.
Photo by Eli Brownell, King County Parks
County to host online meetings about Flood Management Plan
King County will host two online kick-off meetings about its next Flood Management Plan. At each meeting, guest speakers will talk about local flood hazards and how managing flooding can benefit wildlife, farming, and open space and reduce damage to roads, personal property, and communities. Come learn about this topic and share your experience, ideas, and views about flooding and community priorities.
Tuesday Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom (Register to join)
Thursday Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom (Register to join)
Both meetings will be recorded and made available online.
Learn more on King County's FloodPlan website.
To request language interpretation or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 206‑263‑2677 at least one week before the meeting.
Pestes de Washington State (Seminario web gratuito en Español)
Miercoles, 5 de Octubre, 6-8 p.m., en línea
Descripción: Únase a nosotros después del trabajo para aprender más sobre las plantas invasoras y los pestes que puede encontrar en toda la región. El programa tiene un valor de 2 créditos de recertificación de pesticidas de la WSDA (pendientes) para aquellos que actualmente tienen una licencia de pesticidas en el estado de Washington.
Programar:
6-7 p.m.: Mario Colón (en la foto) – Especialista en malas hierbas nocivas del Programa de Control de Malas Hierbas Nocivas del Condado de King. Discutirá la ley de malas hierbas nocivas y qué hierbas debe tener en cuenta en el campo y cómo controlarlas de manera segura.
7-8 p.m.: Gonzalo Yepes – Propietario de Colombian Gardens LLC. Enseñará sobre los pestes de los árboles de la zona: cómo identificarlas y controlarlas de forma segura.
Regístrese con anticipación para este evento en eventbrite.
¿Preguntas? Enviar el email a spelliccia@kingcounty.gov.
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Pests of Washington State (free webinar in Spanish)
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m., online
Description: Join us after work to learn more about invasive plants and pestes that you can find throughout the region. The workshop is worth 2 WSDA pesticide recertification credits (pending) for those who currently hold a Washington State pesticide License.
Agenda:
6-7 PM: Mario Colón (in photo above) – Noxious Weed Specialist with the King County Noxious Weed Control Program. Discuss the noxious weed law and which weeds to look out for in landscaping and how to control them safely.
7-8 PM: Gonzalo Yepes – Owner of Colombian Gardens LLC. Learn about tree pests of the area: how to identify and control them safely.
Register ahead for this event on Eventbrite.
Questions? Send email to spelliccia@kingcounty.gov.
King County Metro
ORCA LIFT fare reduced to $1
If you’re a rider who uses ORCA LIFT to pay for your trips on King County Metro and other local transit systems, your fare has been reduced to $1.
Metro, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Sound Transit all now offer the $1 fares for riders who qualify based on their income.
Because mobility is a human right, Metro believes the ability to pay should never be a barrier to transit. ORCA LIFT allows those who have lower incomes to ride for a reduced fare.
Learn more about ORCA LIFT | Read the Metro Matters blog post
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Skyway news
Harvest Celebration coming planned for Saturday, Oct. 30
The Skyway Urban Food Systems Pact will host a pop-up bazaar and farmers market on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on S 126th Street between the Skyway Post Office and 76th Avenue S. This Harvest Celebration event will feature local vendors and resources, including a Health and Wellness Hub in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and a "Hood Trunk or Treat" with local low-rider cars.
The Skyway Urban Food Systems Pact will give the first 100 attendees $10 in "market money" to extend their purchase power at the farmers market. The organization will reimburse vendors for the market money they receive from customers.
Business owners and residents of unincorporated King County who would like to get involved or sell goods at the event can fill out this Skyway Farmers Market Vendor Interest Form. There are no vendor fees and organizers hope to attract both food growers and local makers.
And by the way, one of the tables will be staffed by the new Unincorporated King County Economic Alliance, which focuses on COVID-19 economic recovery for residents and businesses outside King County cities. Stop by to learn about economic recovery resources that will be available in 2023! (Or you can reach out to Anjilee Dodge by email.)
Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County news
Snoqualmie Valley/NE King County Subarea Plan update
Final vision, guiding principles, and scope to be released soon
County planners are grateful for all who participated in the survey, focus groups, weekly virtual office hours, and community-wide virtual event in September. Now they're reviewing all the feedback they've received to date, which they will use to create a final vision, guiding principles, and scope for the subarea plan. These will be shared with the public on the plan's public input website.
The vision, guiding principles, and scope will help the planners do policy and land use analysis, which they will use to create a public review draft of the plan. That draft is scheduled for release in early 2023, followed by more public outreach to gather feedback.
Subscribe to receive updates on the project website
Please email any questions or comments to Jesse Reynolds.
Kent West Hill area news
Long-time pet cemetery wins landmark status
On Aug. 25, the King County Landmarks Commission designated the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery (23646 Military Road S, Kent) as a King County Landmark.
The cemetery, which has been in business for more than 70 years, has also been found eligible for listing on the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Cemetery patron Julie Seitz and her dog Ruby walk at the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery. Seitz was one of several community members who worked to win landmark status for the cemetery.
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Vashon-Maury Island news
Affordable housing and zoning updates
King County is working on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, which includes two items related to the Vashon-Maury Island Subarea Plan:
► Review of property-specific development conditions (P‑Suffix)
► Review of the Affordable Housing Special District Overlay
Learn more and share your thoughts on the outreach website
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4Culture
Unrestricted funding is available for cultural organizations
4Culture is now offering two-year Sustained Support grants. These provide unrestricted funding as a dependable building block in the annual budgets of cultural organizations that support arts, heritage, and historic preservation. The deadline to apply is October 12.
Learn more on the 4Culture website
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Rural Area news
Unincorporated Area councils, associations, and organizations
Joint Rural Area Team
The Joint Team of 10 Rural Area Unincorporated Area councils and associations is participating in major aspects of the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Update. On September 3, the Joint Team submitted to Comprehensive Plan Manager Chris Jensen its first set of proposed changes, around Rural Area and Natural Resource Lands. These proposals address rural densities and development—specifically nonresidential uses, rural public facilities and services, and rural commercial centers—specifically non-resource industrial uses and development standards. The Joint Team is continuing to work on the update in several other areas, and will soon propose more changes to King County Code and/or King County Comprehensive Plan Policies.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Virtual meeting (7-8:30 p.m.)
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, Oct. 3, 7-9:30 p.m. — in person or via Zoom
King County Sheriff's Precinct #3
22300 SE 231st Street, Maple Valley (across from the fire station)
The guest speaker will be King County Assessor John Wilson. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings. An agenda and Zoom information will be posted several days before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Skyway Water and Sewer office
6723 S 124th Street, Seattle
Join the SkyWest Tool Library Monthly Meeting to learn more about helping to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. Contact the library on Facebook.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Woodinville Library
17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville
The October meeting will include a forum on Proposition 1, the King County Conservation Futures Levy (Terry Lavender) and an update on the proposed Northeast Recycling Transfer Station (King County Solid Waste Division).
For more information, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the website or Facebook page.
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Contact: discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Island Community Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information visit vmicc.net or email David Vogel.
:: West Hill Community Association
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, visit the website or send email.
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