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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, King County launched the “Don’t Count Us Out” public awareness campaign to reduce stigma around substance use disorder. I was inspired to secure funding for this initiative, in collaboration with Councilmember Kohl-Welles and with the support of Executive Constantine, because of my personal recovery journey. Learn more about it by watching my interview with KIRO News.

As some are aware, I am active in recovery from alcohol abuse and have thankfully achieved many years of sobriety. I’ve learned along the way that having the support of my family, friends, and recovery community is what made the real difference in helping me reclaim my life. I know from this experience that in order to empower those who are battling addiction to take that big step and get treatment, we need to give them encouragement and hope—not judgement or scorn. That’s what this campaign is about. I encourage you to visit the Support Addiction Recovery website to learn more about this important work. All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Tracking your ballot is now easier with new email and text alerts

King County Elections now offers a new text and email alert service that makes it easier than ever to make sure your vote is counted. Visit My Voter Info to sign up or to track your ballot online!

Remember, Election Day is November 8th! Your ballot must be postmarked by this day or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 PM. 

Starting December 5, checks no longer accepted at solid waste transfer facilities

King County will soon stop accepting personal checks at all waste disposal transfer stations and drop boxes. The new rule goes into effect on Monday, December 5, when cash, credit card, or debit card will be the only accepted forms of payment.

Find more information at the Solid Waste Division news release.

• Halloween on the Hill – Saturday, October 29 at the South Bellevue Community Center
  Bring the family to the Carnival on the Hill, catch a free Family Magic Show, compete in a Kickball Spooktacular game or The Great SBCC Pumpkin Race, join in on Mystery Theater, and more! Pre-registration is required for some events.
• Trick or Trucks – Monday, October 31, 4 – 5:30PM at the Greater Maple Valley Community Center
  Lots of awesome trucks and big machines to explore with candy at every truck!
• Truck or Treat Halloween Drive-Thru – Friday, October 28, 5 – 8 PM at the Renton Community Center
  Each vehicle will collect plenty of treats and a few tricks along the way! Costumes are welcome. Attendees will remain in their vehicle during the entire event. Pre-registration is required.
• Enumclaw Harvest Market – Saturday, October 29, 10 AM – 2 PM in downtown Enumclaw
  Come to the big white tent at Cole and Myrtle on Saturday, October 29 for your fall harvest goodies!
• Spooktacular Haunted House – Daily through November 1, dusk – 11:30 PM at Crest Air Park in Covington
  Free show for all ages. Sit in the Mystery Machine for a great picture! Bring a canned food donation to benefit the Black Diamond Senior Center and Food Bank.
• Harvest Market Trick or Treat – Saturday, October 29, 9 AM – 2 PM at the Maple Valley Legacy Site
  Kids of all ages are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and trick or treat from more than two dozen vendors!

If you would like to have your event featured in an upcoming newsletter, please contact Jon Cantalini at jon.cantalini@kingcounty.gov.

BSK Child Care Subsidy Program

Best Starts for Kids (BSK) is a King County voter-approved initiative to support every baby born or child raised in King County to reach adulthood happy, healthy, safe and thriving. Starting in 2022, these investments include $20 million per year for a new child care subsidy program.

Families who are interested in the subsidy can fill out a five-minute eligibility form to see if they may qualify for help paying for child care. This is the first step in the application process.

Find more information at the Best Starts for Kids website.

Heritage Professional Development Stipend

The Heritage Professional Development Stipend program provides stipends ranging from $100 to $1,000 for heritage practitioners in King County to participate in a professional development or career maintenance opportunity. Applications are due October 31, 2022. 

Find more information at the 4Culture website.

Alan M. Painter Grant Program

King County’s Alan M. Painter Grant Program funds community projects that allow unincorporated area residents to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities and King County. Applications due December 2, 2022.

Find more information at the Department of Local Services website.

In the News

• KIRO News: King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on county's drug trends