Quote of the Week
“If tolerance, respect and equity permeate family life, they will translate into values that shape societies, nations and the world.”
– Kofi Annan (1938-2018)
 Behavioral health and the social, economic, and overall health impacts of COVID-19
Public Health — Seattle & King County is monitoring changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators resulting from strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. The economic, social, and health impacts data project helps inform strategies and policies to maximize outcomes for all residents of King County. View the entire dashboard here.
COVID resources
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.
If you’ve waited to get your COVID-19 booster, now is the time to get it! COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are FREE. No health insurance or proof of citizenship is needed. Check your local pharmacy or contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the updated booster shots. For more information and locations: kingcounty.gov/vaccine
Free, rapid, at-home COVID tests are still available from Say YES and from the USPS. Please continue to use best practices before gathering without masks and take an at-home test to reduce risk of exposing others to COVID.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in young children. Public Health – Seattle & King County has provided a fact sheet for parents to see assess their child’s symptoms, learn risk factors and treatments, and instructions on how to reduce its spread. For the latest RSV research and surveillance, click here.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
New variant XBB.1.5 is ‘most transmissible’ yet, could fuel covid wave – The Washington Post
Look up immunization rates at your neighborhood school and in King County – Public Health Insider
TikTok and Meta platforms harm kids’ mental health, WA school district says in lawsuit – The State
Seattle Schools sues social media firms over youth mental health crisis – The Seattle Times
332: Public Health Polling, Flu Vaccine Strategies – Public Health Review Morning Edition
Coronavirus FAQ: How do I avoid catching COVID while flying in 2023? – NPR
US Extends Covid Public-Health Emergency, Maintaining Access to Care – Bloomberg
How Washington Plans to Fix the Behavioral Health Crisis – The Stranger
 Full Council
The King County Council met on Tuesday, at which new Council Chair Dave Upthegrove and Executive Dow Constantine presented a proclamation of January 2023 as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Month in King County. The Council voted to approve motions concerning several of the Executive’s reappointments, as well as a motion related to council adoption of the King County Auditor's Office Work Program for 2023-2024. And I introduced legislation that would ban cashless retail business policies in Unincorporated King County only, as cashless businesses most impact communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, undocumented residents, refugee and immigrant and communities and low-income and poor individuals and families. Click here for more information and a recording of this meeting.
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Organizational and leadership changes were adopted at the King County Council in December. Those changes in committee membership for 2023 are reflected in the image below. I’m very pleased to be named as Vice Chair of the Council as well as of the Employment and Administration Committee, and as Chair of the Committee of the Whole.
 Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee met on Wednesday. The Committee selected Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus as Vice Chair and received a briefing on public health from Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The Committee also took action on a proposed ordinance providing for the submission of a tax levy for funding of regional behavioral health services and capital facilities that may be placed on the ballot in April for voter approval. Click here for more information and a recording of this meeting. The proposed ordinance will be taken up by the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on January 25th at 9:30 a.m.
Agriculture Commission
The King County Agriculture Commission is holding a remote meeting tonight, January 12th, at 6:00 p.m. Key agenda items include:
- Permitting and Regulatory Support for Agriculture in King County, both recent accomplishments and projects in the works
- Commission Planning for 2023
- Meeting calendar
- Committees
- And topics and discussion for the focus of Farmland Preservation in 2023
Click here to join via zoom.
 Full Council
There will not be a meeting of the full Council next Tuesday. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 1:00 p.m.
Employment and Administration Committee
The Employment and Administration Committee will meet remotely on Tuesday, January 17th at 1:30 p.m. The Committee will discuss and take possible action on a motion relating to the organization of the council. The Committee will also receive several briefings, including a Chief of Staff update, a Human Resources update, the Legislative Branch Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Hearing Examiner Pro Tem assignments. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, will meet on Wednesday, January 18th at 9:30 a.m. The Committee will take action on a reappointment as well as take possible action on a motion making a recommendation to the full Council on an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in the Shoreline electoral district. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Regional Transit Committee
The Regional Transit Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 18th at 3:00 p.m. The Committee will receive two briefings, including the 2023 Regional Transit Committee Work Plan and the overview of the Committee operations and selection of Vice Chair. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Board of Health
The Board of Health will meet on Thursday, January 19th at 1:00 p.m. During this meeting, the Board will elect a Chair and Vice Chairs, as well as discuss and take possible action on a resolution designating the order in which the vice-chairs of the King County Board of Health may act in the absence of the Chair in 2023. The Board will also receive a briefing from Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County concerning the key issues facing public health in 2023. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
 Virtual event celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King
Earlier today, King County hosted its annual celebration virtually in recognition of the life, legacy, and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. The event was livestreamed at 12:00 p.m. today and is now available for viewing on KCTV Channel 22. Click here to view the event webpage and click here to view the event recording.
Public Art Calls for Artists
4Culture has announced two Public Art Calls for Harborview Medical Center and King County Metro.
One artist will be selected to work in partnership with 4Culture, Harborview Medical Center, and King County staff to develop a unifying artistic design for architectural resin panels as a part of current remodeling underway to expand the number of patient rooms at Harborview Medical Center. This opportunity includes a $20,000 artist design fee and is open to all artists who reside in King County. Click here for more information on this opportunity.
King County Metro will be selecting an artist in residence to act as a creative strategist to expand their collaborative potential and identify opportunities for public art programming that reflect and elevate the future of regional transit. This opportunity includes funding of $85,000/year, an additional $25,000 for art plan design, production, and dissemination, along with $20,000 to facilitate programming and engagement activities. This opportunity is open to professional artists and artist teams who reside in the United States and have demonstrated experience in arts-related strategic planning and community engagement. Click here for more information on this opportunity.
You can earn $100 by participating in a King County Metro study to improve your travel experience
Do you qualify? Take this short survey to find out: https://rebrand.ly/Empower-en
If you complete the survey, you can enter for a chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards. If you are selected to participate in the study, you will receive up to $150.
Women's Advisory Board's Presentation of its recommendations on Gender-Based Violence
On Wednesday evening, I was honored to join Councilmember Girmay Zahilay in welcoming viewers to the King County Women’s Advisory Board’s meeting including a panel discussion and presentation of their recommendations to the King County Council to combat gender-based violence. As you may know, this is an issue that is very close to my heart, and I appreciate the diligent work that the WAB members put into this report. Thank you, Women’s Advisory Board, for inviting me to speak with you.
Connecting local farmers to hunger relief
On Tuesday, Executive Constantine announced that King County will partner with community-based organizations and Food Lifeline to convert its 40,000-square-foot warehouse into a facility that will strengthen connections between local farmers and hunger relief organizations. The warehouse renovation is proposed to begin in spring and will receive $4 million in federal funding along with $1 million from a COVID-19 recovery package which was approved by the King County Council. Click here to read more.
Help shape the future of transit in King County
When Lynwood Link opens in 2024, bus routes in some neighborhoods will look different. Lynnwood Link Connections mobility project will address changing transit needs and improve mobility options for communities in northwest King County and southwest Snohomish County. Metro is collaborating with Sound Transit and Community Transit, among other partners, to coordinate bus routes based on feedback from communities.
Three virtual open houses are also planned; registration links are now live here.
- Tuesday, January 24, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Monday, February 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Review the proposed bus routes here and lend your thoughts; the survey is open now through March 10th.
Some bus trips canceled after vehicle issue identified
Metro recently uncovered a manufacturing issue on a number of its New Flyer models which it expects to continue in in some cancellations. While Metro continues to operate about 94% of its scheduled service, some bus routes and trips remain temporarily suspended due to limited fleet and operator availability at some of its bases. Metro is providing access to online updates and real-time text message and trip planning tools to help riders continue to ride with confidence, and alternatives for temporarily suspended bus routes. More information can be found in the Metro Matters blog here.
Find your new best friend with King County’s pet adoption program
Your new best friend could be waiting at shelter right now! Adoption is a special experience for so many pet owners. Dottie is a two-year-old German shorthaired pointer / Australian cattle dog. She’s considered as a "large breed" dog, is very treat motivated, and enjoys toys! She even knows a few commands like "sit", "stay" and "go potty." Click here to meet Dottie or to search other amazing animals.
Awardees announced for the MIDD Emerging Issues in Behavioral Health RFP
The Department of Community and Human Services’ Behavioral Health and Recovery Division will be awarding $1.3 million to four community agencies. Funding for the awarded contracts will be provided by the MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax, Emerging Issues initiative. The awardees include Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Seattle School District 1 of King County, Tubman Center Health and Wellness, and YMCA of Greater Seattle. Congratulations to these organizations!
 Climate Pledge Arena announces free public transit for all publicly-ticketed events
Music, sports, and entertainment fans will now receive a public transit pass along with their purchased tickets to publicly-ticketed events at the Climate Pledge Arena. Six different forms of transit in the Puget Sound region will be available through this transit benefit, including King County Metro Bus and Water Taxi, Sound Transit Bus and Lightrail, and the Seattle Streetcar and Monorail. Read more information here.
Students encouraged to enter Radon Poster Contest
Students between the ages of 9 and 14 living in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are eligible to participate in a poster contest to raise awareness about radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can buildup in homes both old and new. Long-term radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. Read more information about the 2023 Northwest Radon Poster Contest here. The contest deadline is March 10th, and three winners from each state will be announced by April 17th.
The Northwest African American Museum reopens on Monday
After a nearly three-year closure, the Northwest African American Museum will reopen to the public on Monday, January 16th. There will be food trucks, music, and various events and exhibits for visitors of all ages. Click here for more information on the reopening celebration and what’s new at the museum.
 Washington State Ferries community meetings
Washington State Ferries staff will give a brief presentation on the status of the Service Restoration Plan, ongoing hiring challenges and successes, and updates on new vessels, terminals, and other projects. Participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments during the meetings, one held last night, and the other tonight at Thursday, January 12th at 6:00 p.m.
Members of the public can participate in tonight’s meeting from a laptop, desktop, or mobile device, but advanced registration is required to participate. Click here for more information and registration links.
Talking Circle Series: Supporting Survivors Through Tribal Court Victim Service Programs
On Thursday, January 26th at 12:00 p.m., join the free Talking Circle webinar. Providing victim services within a Tribal court setting offers survivors confidential, victim-centered services, advocacy, and assistance in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. This webinar teaches how to offer court-located victim services in a meaningful way. American Indian and Alaska Native panelists will also share their insights and answer your questions on how to start or expand victim service efforts within a Tribal court. Click here to register for this event.
Healthy Sexuality for Youth in Foster Care: An Online Training for Parents and Caregivers of Youth in Foster Care
On Thursday, January 19th at 11:00 a.m., join a free, online webinar to help parents and caregivers feel more comfortable and prepared to talk with youth in care about relationships and healthy sexuality. The three-hour online training was created to help parents and caregivers of youth in foster care ages 10 and older learn about topics related to adolescent sexual health and strengthen their communication skills. Click here to register for the event.
 Local and Regional Affairs Manager
King County Council is looking for a strategic and analytical communicator to provide critical project management, communications, and policy support for the Legislative Branch. The Local and Regional Affairs Manager works to enhance the values, goals, communications, and policy objectives of the Council with internal and external strategic partners. Click here for more information on the position and how to apply.
Building for Equity Support Specialist
The Building for Equity Support Specialist is an interdisciplinary role that provides programmatic and administrative support for Building for Equity, Preservation, and Heritage programs and initiatives. 4Culture is seeking qualified candidates who are excited to center anti-racism and equity in their work while serving as a collaborative partner within 4Culture and the cultural sector of King County. Apply before February 20th at 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information on the position and how to apply.
 Best Starts for Kids Home-Based Services request for proposals (RFP)
Home-Based Services are a type of relationship-based support provided by trained home visitors to expecting caregivers, and caregivers of children up to age five in the place families feel most comfortable. This RFP is seeking to fund Home-Based Services for families across age groups, geography, diversity of communities, and service intensity. Applications are due on February 21st at 5:00 p.m. For more information on this grant and how to apply, click here.
Conservation Futures funding
CFT grants are used to buy or conserve parks and open spaces. These open spaces are used for passive recreation such as urban greenspaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails. We may be able to partner on green stormwater acquisitions or create parks near affordable housing. CFT funding is provided to governmental agencies and eligible nature conservancy or historic preservation nonprofits. Community groups or individuals can partner on projects with local agencies and eligible nonprofits. Applications are due March 6th, 2023. For more information on this grant and how to apply, click here.
 Partnership Volunteer Event with Mid-Sound Fisheries - MLK Day of Service Salmon Habitat Restoration
On Monday, January 16th, volunteer from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville. Volunteers will work together to remove Himalayan Blackberry and plant along the river. Click here to register and find more information.
Winter restoration and stewardship at Skyway Park
On Saturday, January 18th, volunteer from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Skyway Park to steward and restore Skyway Park. Click here to register and find more information.
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) volunteer positionsRASKC is looking for regular volunteers for several programs. Volunteer to be a shelter helper, outreach events leader, foster volunteer, dog walker, meet and greeter, morning cat crew member, and so much more. Click here to learn more.
A moment of inspiration
From orphans to best friends, Woodland Park Zoo welcomes new bear cubs
Woodland Park Zoo’s first bear cubs in three years, Juniper and Fern, were brought to the zoo because they were orphans and too young to survive on their own. Overnight, they became best friends and sisters, meeting each other’s needs well. You can see them now at Woodland Park Zoo, every day in the Living Northwest Trail exhibit. Read more about the two cubs here.
Helpful and informative links
County Road Administration Board’s (CRAB) 2022 Annual Report – Washington State County Road Administration Board
Parents concerned over Seattle Children's temporary reduction in mental health beds – King 5
Record-breaking year for whale sightings in Salish Sea – The Seattle Times
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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