Quote of the Week
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
– Ella Fitzgerald
Public Health Updates
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 337 daily new cases, according to the most recent reports. Please continue to exercise caution throughout each day 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 seem to have peaked in July and August. As of Thursday, October 6th, there have been a total of 465 cases in King County. For the most up-to-date data and advice from Public Health – Seattle and King County, visit this page.
The King County Department of Health has launched an interactive monkeypox virus (MPV) data dashboard. This new dashboard includes case counts at county and state levels, total weekly case counts, case information by sex at birth, and age groups of people who have MPV. This page will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday. More information is available on the Washington State Department of Health MPV information page. Visit the new dashboard here.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
Half of Adults Have Heard Little or Nothing About New Covid Boosters, Survey Finds – The New York Times
Experts warn of King County COVID surge, say few people have gotten updated booster – KIRO 7
Immune reactions to severe Covid may trigger brain problems, study finds – The Guardian
Flu Shots in King County
No one's getting the updated Covid booster shots — and that has public health officials worried – KUOW
Warning Signs About the First Post-pandemic Winter – The Atlantic
This week at the King County Council
Full Council
 Amanda Dodd was appointed to the Bothell City Council by the King County Council on Tuesday.
The King County Council met on Tuesday at which the Council proclaimed October 2022 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in King County and presented our new 2022 Recovery Champion Award to Brad Finegood, a strategic advisor for Public Health – Seattle & King County and longtime advocate. The Council also took up the interview and appointment process for an open seat on the Bothell City Council, ultimately appointing Amanda Dodd to the position. The Council also acted on an ordinance approving a one-time incentive for staff nurses in the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and in the Department of Public Health, as well as on an ordinance approving an agreement with the Joint Labor Management Insurance Committee of Unions, regarding insured benefits. For more information and the meeting recording, click here.
 The King County Council presented the 2022 Recovery Champion Award to Brad Finegood.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, met on Monday. However, because of my lingering symptoms of COVID, Councilmember Reagan Dunn as Vice Chair chaired the committee in my place (although I participated remotely). The committee took action on the extension of the appointment of David Mendel as acting director of the King County Department of Information Technology as well as on the appointment of Dr. Faisal Khan as the director of the Department of Public Health. For more information and the meeting recording, click here. These will be taken up for final action at next Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee met on Wednesday at the Redmond Community Center for an in-person public hearing. This public hearing was the first of three evening meetings and provided a forum for public comment on the Executive’s proposed 2023-2024 budget. A recording of the hearing was to be available beginning yesterday.
2023-2024 Biennial Budget Panels
As we’ve shared previously, the biennial budget sets the budget for the next two years, with supplemental budgets taken up over that two-year period adjusting that guiding document. Since the biennial budget is our most important work, most other council committees are standing down from now until late November, and any timely pieces of legislation will be taken up in the Committee of the Whole which I chair.
This week was the first week of panel discussions, during which we had the opportunity to dig into the budget in detail. This year, the topics are split into three different panels, which are outlined below. For additional information on the proposed biennial budget, schedules, public meetings, and opportunities for public comment, click here.
Panel 1 - Housing and Homelessness; Behavioral Health; Fill the Gap
On Tuesday, October 4th, Panel 1 met to review budgets related to appropriation units such as Housing and Community Development, Behavioral Health, Mental Illness and Drug Dependency, Public Health, and others. A video of the panel’s discussions as well as its meeting materials are available here.
This panel will reconvene on these topics on Tuesday, October 11th, at 9:30 a.m., with materials available here.
Panel 2 - Climate & Environment; Invest in People
On Wednesday, October 5th, Panel 2 met to review budgets related to appropriation units such as Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, Planning and Permitting, and Metro Transit, and others. A video of the panel’s discussions as well as its meeting materials are available here.
This panel will reconvene on these topics on Wednesday, October 12th, at 9:30 a.m., with materials available here.
Panel 3 - Support a Safe King County for Everyone
On Thursday, October 6th, Panel 3 met to review budgets related to appropriation units such as the Sheriff, Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defense, and others. A videoof the panel’s discussions as well as its meeting materials are available here.
This panel will reconvene on this topic on Thursday, October 13th, at 9:30 a.m., with materials available here.
For more information on these panels and how to join them when they reconvene in the coming weeks, click here. I am serving on all three budget panels.
Budget town hall at the Kent Senior Activity Center
The next chance to weigh in on your King County budget process will be next week in Kent at the Kent Senior Activity Center. As the Councilmembers continue to do the important work of finalizing the next two-year budget, take this opportunity to comment on what matters most to you! More information can be found here.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
Next week at the King County Council
Full Council
The King County Council will meet next Tuesday, October 11th at 1:00 p.m. There will be two special items discussed – the first proclaiming October 10th, 2022, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in King County and the second proclaiming September 15th to October 15th, 2022, as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. The Council will take action on many proposed ordinances, including the Vander Woude Annexation to provide fire suppression and emergency medical services; the pending approval of an agreement between King County and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587, representing benefits for employees in the Metro transit department; and a one-year moratorium prohibiting the opening or expansion of existing wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Lastly, the Council will vote on motions to confirm several of the Executive’s appointments, including Saloni Mavani to the King County Board of Ethics; the reappointment of Frank Finneran to the Washington State Convention Center; the reappointment of both Jeremiah Bainbridge and the Honorable Lynne Robinson to the King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Advisory committee; the appointment of David Mendel as acting director of the King County Department of Information Technology; and the appointment of Dr. Faisal Khan as the director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. For more information on how to join the meeting and to locate meeting materials, click here.
King County Flood Control District
The King County Flood Control District will meet on Tuesday, October 11th, at 1:00 p.m. following the meeting of the Council. Two briefings will be presented, the first on the District’s acquisition policy and the second on the District’s bonding policy. A resolution relating to the operation and finances of the King County Flood Control Zone District will also be discussed. For more meeting details and the meeting agenda, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 12th, at 3:00 p.m. The Committee will receive three briefings. The first will discuss the impact of professional sports in our communities with speakers Ed Goines, Chief Legal Officer for the Seattle Seahawks and Catie Griggs, President of the Seattle Mariners. The committee will also receive briefings on the Tucson Crisis Center and the Redmond Thrive Program. For more information on how to join the meeting and to locate meeting materials, click here. The agenda may be viewed here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 12, at 6:00 p.m. This special meeting will take place at the Kent Senior Center and is the second of three evening community meetings. The committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Executive’s proposed 2023-2024 budget. More information and the meeting agenda is available here.
News from King County
New ballot box in Uptown neighborhood
I am excited to participate in a ribbon cutting at the new Uptown ballot box at 1st Ave. N. and Mercer Street on Friday, October 14th at 2:00 p.m. This is an excellent location for a new box as it is in a busy commercial and residential area. Ballots go out to voters on October 19th, and this is a great time to make sure that you are registered to vote! Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration, and see this list of ballot boxes to find a convenient location near you.
Executive Constantine announces new actions for rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
A new study, the Puget Sound Regional Emissions analysis, has found that greenhouse gas emissions have decreased per-person, as use of energy efficient buildings and vehicles has gone up. However, total emissions have still increased as the population has grown. According to the study, the implementation of local, state, and federal energy policies will reduce emissions over the next few years. In the 2023-2024 biennial budget, presented to King County Council, Executive Constantine has proposed:
- Creating a new programthat will make it possible for additional homeowners to obtain the low-interest loans they need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy for heating, cooling, and cooking
- Investing $180 million to purchase battery-electric buses and $43 million in zero-emissions infrastructure to ensure that Metro’s 1,400-coach bus fleet is zero emissions by 2035
- Supporting community-led responses to climate change with $460,000 for the Climate Equity Task Force
- Establishing a new Climate Office to elevate the county’s commitment, coordination, and ability to deliver on climate actions internally and in partnership with cities and regional partners
These proposed actions align with the necessary local actions to achieve King County’s emissions reduction targets, including reduction of energy and fossil fuel use in buildings; fewer car trips, more transit, and cleaner vehicles; planting and protection of forests and trees; reduction of consumption and wasted food; and reduction of emissions from air travel. For more information on these new countywide actions, click here.
Report on Deaths Among Presumed Homeless Individuals Investigated by the King County Medical Examiner
Over an observed 10-year period, the largest proportion of deaths among presumed unhoused people were classified as accidents. Of these accidental deaths, drug overdoses and poisonings were the most common, followed by traffic deaths and accidental deaths associated with environmental exposures. These environmental exposures (hypothermia or hyperthermia) are especially prevalent as our region has begun to experience more extreme weather patterns. In light of the deadly heatwave last year, King county developed its first-ever Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy, an effort to prepare the county for more intense heat waves caused by climate change. This strategy illustrates improved tactical responses to better prepare for extreme weather, which is especially necessary for people experiencing homelessness. Read the full report from the King County Medical Examiner here.
King County Jail uses bottled water after a week of ‘cloudy’ tap water
While King County officials have tested the water and have found it to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for drinking water, they are continuing to determine the source of the discoloration. To ensure ample access to clean water, the King County Jail staff has distributed water to those incarcerated multiple times per day and upon request since September 29th. For more information, see the full story here.
Opportunities for involvement
Orca Recovery Day 2022
Join the King Conservation District in volunteering at the fourth annual Orca Recovery Day. On October 15thfrom 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Remlinger Farms, engage in a day of care by helping to restore a section of the Langlois Creek by planting native trees and shrubs. Support our Southern Resident Orcas by participating in making a healthy riparian habitat. Learn more about this event here and use this link to sign up!
Environmental Education Programs from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is offering tons of programs and events during the fall season. Learn how to be “rainwise” through webinars and workshops about rain gardens and cisterns, sign up 4th-12th graders for water education trips, volunteer at a local park to improve, build, and maintain trails, or take a tour of the water treatment plant to learn how to protect our water. And don’t forget to sign up to celebrate Duwamish Alive and Orca Recovery Day on October 15th at Cecil Moses Memorial Park to learn more about the river, salmon, and orca recovery work. For more information on these exciting activities and access to even more programs and resources, click here.
The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission is seeking commissioners
There are six seats open on the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission. Commissioners from across King County work together to identify, elevate and develop shared strategies and solutions; streamline and strengthen efforts; and bring more resources to the most pressing issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities. Ideal applicants will be immersed in one or more immigrant/refugee communities; reflect the racial, ethnic, professional, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, age, and geographic diversity of King County communities; and be well-versed on the issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities. The Commission is also hoping to recruit community members from the 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th King County Council Districts. To apply, click here.
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, October 31st.
Funding Opportunities
Shellfish and Stormwater Strategic Initiative Leads (SILs) Request for Proposals
The Shellfish and Stormwater Strategic Initiative Leads have announced two new funding opportunities for programs and activities that work to advance Puget Sound protection. The Shellfish SIL Request for Proposals (RFP), for applicants with the goal of reducing fecal pollution and increasing harvestable shellfish in the Puget Sound, has up to $5.5 million to award. This Shellfish RFP is open now until November 22nd at 11:59 p.m. The Stormwater SIL Request for Proposals (RFP), for applicants with the goal of public road retrofitting around Puget Sound, has up to $2 million to award. This Stormwater RFP is open now until November 9th at 11:59 p.m. For more information, see the Shellfish RFP and the Stormwater RFP webpages.
Application for Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy is still open to families
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy program is now available to help families gain better, more equitable access to childcare. This program is a taxpayer investment, with $20 million each year, for the next six years, allocated to expand childcare accessibility in King County. Interested families may fill out the eligibility form here. Families must reside in King County, have one or more children under the age of twelve, and have a household income that falls below 85% State Median Income. There is no closing date to applications and families can continue applying indefinitely and will be accepted on a rolling basis. The program will reach out directly to families that applied in the next few weeks to inform them if they have been selected to complete a full application. More information can be found here.
Economic Relief for Homeless Service Workers
Homeless service workers in Washington State may be eligible to receive a stipend up to $4,000 from the State Department of Commerce. This program is a short-term and limited financial payment program for homeless service workers with an immediate economic need in Washington State. Applications for the first of two possible stipends (totaling $4,000) are open now, and the program ends on June 30th. Apply now through this link.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) assists with affording internet service
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program aims to help low-income families pay for internet service and connected devices. Eligible households have income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line or receive benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. Eligible households can receive up to $30/month discount on internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Learn more about this opportunity here.
UTOPIA Washington is offering financial relief for immigrant residents in King County
UTOPIA Washington, in partnership with Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) and King County, is offering financial relief for King County immigrant residents. Two funds are available: 1) $1,000 per individual for King County immigrants who were ineligible for federal stimulus money or unemployment benefits and 2) up to $3,000 per individual to help King County immigrant residents apply for documented status and citizenship. You can apply now with this King County Relief Fund Application Form or this King County Immigration Fee Support Application Form.
Other news of interest
Leaves of Remembrance Dedication
I invite you to join me in attending the Leaves of Remembrance Dedication on Wednesday, October 12th at Seattle City Hall. This dedication has been organized by the Homeless Remembrance Project, who takes great care to honor and remember unhoused people who have died in King County. This event will dedicate eleven new Leaves of Remembrance outside Seattle City Hall, honoring community members Antonio Tiongco, Tyler Osburn, Jacob Johnson, Treasa Sides, Anthony Williams, Zachary Morris, Joshua Swann, Kurtis Johnson, Matthew Anahonak, Trenton Harris, and Scott Morrow. For more information, visit their website.
Port of Seattle 2023 Budget Briefings
The Port of Seattle will be holding a virtual community briefing and Q&A session concerning the Port’s proposed 2023 budget and 2023-2027 Capital Investment Plan. The 2023 budget will outline a strategy for economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation.
There will be two opportunities to learn more:
Maritime and Economic Development
Wednesday, October 12th, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Aviation
Thursday, October 13th, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Register here and choose the community briefing(s) you would like to attend, and email your questions and comments to portregistration@portseattle.org.
Job and Resource Fair 2022
Join Uplift Northwest in Belltown on Monday, October 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for their first Job and Resource Fair located at 2515 Western Avenue Seattle, WA 98121. This event will create a space for the community to connect with employers and local resources. Representatives from Amazon, Peer Seattle, UPS, Target, Downtown Seattle Association, Access Wireless, and many more will be in attendance. To learn more about Uplift Northwest, click here.
Seattle/King County Vision Clinic is soon to begin its 7th year of operation
In two weeks, the Seattle/King County Vision Clinic will be open at Seattle Center. This clinic will offer eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and be 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. The number of volunteers registered at the clinic directly relates to how many patients it can serve, and general support volunteer positions are still available. The clinic also still needs help filling positions for Ophthalmic/Optometric Assistants/Techs, Ophthalmologists, Opticians, and Optometrists. If you are interested in filling these positions, sign up soon.
Payments from $500 million plus settlement heads to Washington, $56 million for King County
In December, thanks to our state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s efforts, payments from a $518 million settlement from the three largest opioid distributors in the nation will begin to reach Washington. Officials can use these payments to hire first responders or put it directly toward prevention, treatment, and other necessary services to fight back against the opioid epidemic. A total of 125 cities and counties in Washington approved the settlement and are receiving $215 million over a period of 17 years, with its most populous county, King County, receiving $56 million. Find more information on the settlement and disbursement of its payments here.
After years of leadership, Mary Ellen Stone has announced retirement from the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
After 43 years King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Chief Executive Officer Mary Ellen Stone has informed the Board and staff that she will be retiring, effective in the fall of 2023. Thank you, Mary Ellen Stone, for the many years of dedicated service and advocacy to survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault. A huge loss but a well-deserved retirement for a brilliant and highly effective leader with an enormous legacy!
Washington hospitals continue to face record financial losses
As health care systems continue to recover from the pandemic, financial losses in Washington hospitalscontinue to accrue. With rapidly escalating costs, hospital revenues face the impossible task of making up the difference. A recent study from the Washington State Hospital Association showed that Washington hospitals suffered a net loss of $929 million in the first three months of 2022. The hospitals point to numerous issues leading their financial losses, including workforce shortages and high costs of travel nurses, low insurance reimbursement rates and patients unable to be discharged, and inflation, making medications more expensive. Similarly, Harborview Medical Center has been faced with an overcrowding issue, leading it to declare basic life support NON-TRAUMA diversion.
Harborview’s most recent census showed 536 patients, with an added 20 patients awaiting a bed, for a total of 556 patients. Over 90 of these patients are ICU patients, and over 60 of these ICU patients are on ventilators. Lastly, over 100 patients are “difficult to discharge”— no longer needing hospital-level care but unable to be discharged to post-acute care facilities. Harborview is working with leaders of UW Medicine to transfer patients to other facilities and free up beds for patients seeking critical care. Harborview’s goal remains, however, to return to normal operations as soon as possible and continue to serve the community.
Washington State ferries are now free for people ages 18 and under
Last Saturday, trips on Washington State ferries became free for children and teens 18 and younger. In early September, bus and transit fares were also lifted for youth in Washington. Agencies across the state are beginning to move toward free transit for youths, and beginning in 2023, youths will be directed toward a Free Youth Transit Pass, taking advantage of this free transit with the tap of a card or smartphone. To know more, click here.
Community Survey on Belltown’s Portal Porch
The Seattle Department of Transportation has worked closely with community members, including Belltown United, to design concepts for the Portal Porch in Belltown (at the southwest corner of Battery St and 1st Ave.) The Portal Porch design team has come up with three different solutions, which include multi-purpose seating, well maintained vegetation, and lighting. Share your thoughts through this survey, to ensure the best solution for the Belltown Community. I am pleased to have secured $25,000 from the Youth and Amateur Sports Grants for Belltown United for work on this project.
Aurora Avenue Project survey has been extended
Aurora Avenue has a history of collisions, gaps in pedestrian facilities, inconsistent streetscape design, and accessibility barriers that make travel especially difficult for people with mobility challenges. The Seattle Department of Transportation has received funding from King County Metro and the Washington State Department of Transportation to make improvements to this corridor. The Aurora Ave Project wants to hear from as many community members as possible in order to better improve safety. The survey has been extended until Friday, October 7th. For more information, visit this page, or access the survey directly here.
Four UW students injured in University District Shooting
On Sunday around 1:00 a.m., a shooting occurred near Flowers Bar & Restaurant in the University District. Seattle police said that two men began to fight outside the bar when one pulled a gun, fired three to five rounds, and then fled. The four victims, ages 19 and 20, were taken to Harborview Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The University of Washington is now working with the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department to address gun violence and the root causes behind crime in the University District. Read more information here.
President Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession
Yesterday, President Biden pardoned thousands who were convicted of marijuana possession under federal law, clearing everyone convicted on federal charges since it became a crime in the 1970s. Biden said that his administration will now review marijuana’s drug classification, and whether it should be in the same legal category as some other drugs, like heroin and LSD. This action represents a major change in America’s perception of marijuana, as well taking a step toward progressivism in addressing the disproportionate rates at which black and brown people are arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for crimes relating to this drug. Read more on this story here.
Helpful and informative links
Rate of Fare for the Transit Program 2021 Report, September 2022
Ten-year review of sudden and unexpected deaths among people experiencing homelessness
Food Equity Fund Supports Intergenerational, Multicultural Food and Farm Projects – The South Seattle Emerald
Planned Parenthood to launch its first mobile abortion clinic post-Roe – The Washington Post
Report on the Impact of the 2021 Child Tax Credit and the Social, Economic, and Overall Health impacts of COVID-19
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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