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Local Services
County seeks public comment on new documents related to Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan
King County Local Services is asking for comments on two new documents related to the Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan. One is a concept document that lays out the project's vision statement, guiding principles, and scope of work. The other is a summary of the potential land use and zoning map amendments that could be included in the final subarea plan.
If you live in the area covered by the plan, your input on these documents will help shape the Public Review Draft of the plan and map amendments that the county plans to publish in June. This is an important opportunity to have a say in how your community will develop in the future. The comment period closes at midnight on Friday, February 24.
Learn more by visiting the plan website—where you can subscribe to receive project updates and view or download the documents—and on the project's public outreach site, where you can take the survey online.
Ways to comment
►Use the survey form on the public outreach site
►Send email to Principal Subarea Planner Jesse Reynolds
►Meet with planners virtually during the project's online office hours, every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. from Feb. 7 through July. Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 889 3254 7542, Passcode: local2022; Phone: 253-205-8782 or find your local number, Phone Passcode: 050024766)
 County seeks applicants for steering committee to guide a new round of participatory budgeting
After a successful first round last year, Local Services is again using this innovative approach to community-driven public funding in the county's urban unincorporated areas.
Community members who live, work, go to school, or worship in the areas listed below are encouraged to apply to serve on the new steering committee, which will meet virtually to help guide the process of nominating and choosing projects for King County to carry out in each area. Applications are open through Tuesday, February 21.
Eligible areas: East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway, White Center/North Highline
Learn more and/or apply on the Your Voice, Your Choice website.
Have a say in King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan update
King County is sharing early concepts for proposed updates to its 2024 Comprehensive Plan. This 20‑year plan guides how people will live, work, and play in unincorporated communities (those that are outside city limits). The planners want to hear from you – via email, a short survey, or at a virtual town hall meeting – on whether these concepts are headed in the right direction. Please share your thoughts by Friday, February 24 so they can be used to help refine the proposals.
Learn more and view the policy proposals on the Comprehensive Plan website.
Virtual town halls
►Thursday, February 9 (6-8:30 p.m.) – Join Zoom meeting
►Thursday, February 16 (6-8:30 p.m.) – Join Zoom meeting
Conservation news
Executive announces $52 million for open space preservation in King County
The King County Council recently approved funding to support 36 projects that will increase access to greenspace and parks in underserved communities, acquire land for habitat restoration, protect tree canopy, and strengthen the local food system. The plan will allocate funding generated in part by the county's Conservation Futures Program. It will maintain the accelerated pace for open space preservation that the county kicked off in 2019 and advance the Land Conservation Initiative, a regional partnership to protect the last, best 65,000 acres of open space within a single generation. Additional funding for the new projects will come from the voter-approved King County Parks Levy.
Thirteen of the projects are led by cities, which will receive a combined $16.7 million in Conservation Futures funding. These projects will increase access to recreation where the need is greatest and support community-based agriculture in areas where access to fresh, local produce is limited.
The other 23 projects will receive $20.1 million in funding from Conservation Futures plus $14.9 million from the King County Parks Levy. They include the following:
- Acquiring the last private inholdings in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, creating 100,000 acres of contiguous public land and protecting high-quality trout habitat.
- Protecting floodplain habitat at North Green River Park, to support salmon health and help close gaps in a forested public land corridor of more than 600 acres in size.
- Conserving tree canopy in a heavily paved part of Skyway-West Hill and providing greenspace for a nearby neighborhood where there is limited access to open space.
- Expanding multiple King County parks, including Three Forks Natural Area and Mitchell Hill Forest near Issaquah, and set the stage to expand backcountry trails that will connect it to 2,000 acres of public lands stewarded by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
To learn more, see the Jan. 25 news release or visit the Conservation Futures website.
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Did you get this post card in the mail?
Speaking of conservation, the King Conservation District is holding its annual Board Supervisor election. This nonregulatory special purpose district, founded in 1949 to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through voluntary stewardship in King County, serves more than two million people in 34 cities and unincorporated King County (except the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish).
The district assists private residents with forestry management, streamside and shoreline enhancement, farm conservation planning, and other environmental efforts. It also works with cities and community organizations to support community gardens, urban forest canopy, and local food systems.
All who are eligible are encouraged to vote on the open position before 8 p.m. on February 14. More details and candidate information are available at kingcd.org/elections.
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Road Services
Bright lights boost safety around downtown Vashon
Vashon community members asked for more lighting in the busy downtown area around the intersection of Vashon Highway SW and SW Bank Road. Road Services partnered with Puget Sound Energy to make lighting upgrades and improve safety in this growing and popular part of the island.
In December 2022 and January 2023, crews upgraded nine lights to shine brighter along Vashon Highway SW, helping to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in the island’s business district.
Photo: Road Services partnered with Puget Sound Energy to bring new lighting to the Vashon business district. This photo, taken Jan. 5, shows SW Bank Road near 100th Avenue SW. (Note: the flying candy cane was not part of this project.)
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Guardrail program to start up in February
Road Services crews will repair 16 damaged sections of guardrail throughout unincorporated King County this spring. These barriers help keep vehicles from going off the roadway, and they can take a beating while doing their job (as shown in this photo of damaged guardrail on Dockton Road).
The work requires some lane closures. If you see a crew at work, please give them plenty of room. You can check the county's Guardrail Program website for up-to-date information on work locations and times.
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Natural Resources and Parks
New trail bridge will cross White River, connect 22 miles of uninterrupted paved trail
 King County Executive Dow Constantine, third from right in the group photo above, and Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, second from right, were joined by partners recently to break ground on a new steel trail bridge that will cross the White River, connecting two segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce county line.
Once completed in 2024, the newly connected trail will offer a 22-mile-long paved, non-motorized path that connects 238,000 residents, schools, business districts, and civic centers. The trail is built along the Carbon River, passing through farmland and forests with scenic views of Mount Rainier.
The $16 million project includes $12.8 million in funding generated by the King County Parks Levy along with contributions from the City of Buckley and Pierce County. Other funding partners include the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition.
To learn more, read the news release or visit the Foothills Trail website.
Recycle plastic bags, wrap, and Styrofoam at the Bow Lake and Shoreline transfer stations
King County’s Solid Waste Division offers free recycling for Styrofoam and plastic film packaging at the Bow Lake and Shoreline recycling and transfer stations. Drop-off areas at these stations allow customers to recycle these items, which cannot go in curbside recycling bins.
Styrofoam—customers can recycle white blocks that are clean and dry. Remove any tape, labels, or other contamination or garbage. Not accepted: soft or flexible foam and packing peanuts
Recyclable plastic film includes grocery or bread bags, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, and other clear plastic wraps that are empty, clean, and dry. Remove any tape, trash, or paper that may be attached. Not accepted: garbage and “zipper” style storage bags
This service is being provided by the King County Solid Waste Division in partnership with Styro Recycle. For questions about how and where to recycle items like packing materials, furniture, electronics, and more, please visit King County’s “What do I do with…?” web page.
There's still time to apply for these grants...
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Conservation Futures grant applications are due Monday, March 6. These grants can help purchase land for passive recreation (urban green spaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails). Potential recipients include cities, King County, park districts, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit nature conservancies and historic preservation associations. Community groups or individuals may partner on projects with local agencies and eligible nonprofits. Land purchased in historically underserved areas may qualify for a match waiver to cover its full purchase price. Learn more on the King County Conservation Futures website or send email to Ingrid Lundin.
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Parks Levy grant applications are due Wednesday, March 15. The voter-approved Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy has $33.6 million available for grants to support parks, recreation, and open space in 2023. Visit the Parks Grants website for details about the following grant programs: Aquatic Facilities, Parks Capital and Open Space, Open Space – River Corridors, and Healthy Communities and Parks Fund. Subscribe to the Parks Grants e-mail list or send email to ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov.
And these paid internships...
- The county’s Waste Treatment Division offers paid teen and college internships, operator-in-training programs, and career events. Learn more on their Internships and Career Exploration web page. Applications start in February.
- King County Parks offers paid summer teen internships through its Youth Conservation Corps. 2023 application will be accepted from February 13 to April 16. Learn more on the program website.
King County Metro
Metro seeks input on proposed bus routes around future light rail stations in North King/South Snohomish counties
 King County Metro is working with Sound Transit, Community Transit, and other partners to develop potential bus route improvements aimed at meeting residents’ priority transportation needs when new light rail stations open in 2024. They invite you to learn more and take a survey about these proposed bus routes. The survey will be open until March 10.
What they've heard so far
When Metro surveyed communities around the coming stations in north King and south Snohomish counties last year, participants said it's difficult to travel east-west in these areas, and improving that is important to them. People also said they value more all-day bus service over peak-hour-only service—and that longer travel time is a barrier to using transit more often.
Other community priorities mentioned:
• Transferring between modes should be convenient, accessible, and reliable
• Night owl service is important for those traveling later in the evening
• There are destinations and neighborhoods in the area that don’t currently have transit service
The proposed route changes incorporate feedback from this first survey, conversations with community-based organizations, and in-depth review and input from Metro's community board and key partners, including other transit agencies.
Learn more | take the survey
New road striping to add Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes in White Center, Burien
Construction teams are scheduled to work on creating new Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes in White Center and Burien this month, weather permitting.
BAT lanes are curbside lanes used only by buses and right-turning vehicles (see photo illustration). They help buses move more efficiently through traffic and provide better access to businesses. BAT lanes will be installed along 16th Ave SW between SW 107th Street and SW 116th Street, and on Ambaum Boulevard SW between SW 128th Street and SW 148th Street. This work will require some lane closures and detours.
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4Culture
Get your dream project underway!
Project grants fuel the experiences that shape the cultural life of King County.
If you are working on a project that has arts, heritage, or preservation at its heart, apply for a 4Culture project grant. They have lots of resources available to help you navigate the process, including virtual workshops happening weekly.
Dig in here: bit.ly/4cprojectgrants
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Is your internet unreliable? Help improve our nation's broadband investments
The Federal Communications Commission recently published a National Broadband Map that shows where internet service is and is not available throughout the country. The map will guide how the Federal government spends $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the nation, so it’s important to get it right.
You can look up your address to make sure the map accurately portrays internet service availability and speed there. If you spot a problem with the map, you can submit a formal challenge through the Washington State Broadband Office.
For more information about how to access the map and file a challenge, visit the Washington State Broadband Office website.
Rural Area news
Joint Team—Unincorporated Area Councils/Associations and Organizations
2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Update
On January 17 the Joint Team submitted to King County Comprehensive Planning Manager Ivan Miller a detailed set of concerns with comments on the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Update. The comments were submitted by the King County component of the Puget Sound School Coalition and the Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association related to the update's Environmental Impact Statement scoping.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Greater Maple Valley news
Letter of support
The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council submitted a letter of support for the City of Maple Valley’s grant application for the Jenkins Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal project. This project will replace multiple culverts that currently prevent fish passage due to their size and deterioration and that also cause flooding of public roads and homes. The proposed project would help to enhance habitat along Jenkins Creek, which courses through the council's area.
—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
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Enumclaw Library
1700 First Street, Enumclaw
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, Feb. 6, 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)
Guest Speakers will be King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Solid Waste Division Director Pat McLaughlin and Recycling and Environmental Services Manager Andy Smith. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings. An Agenda and Zoom information will be posted one week before the meeting.. 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.
:: 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.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working 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. To learn more, email HNA71@msn.com.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page.
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Contact: discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Thursday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Vashon Land Trust
10014 SW Bank Road, Vashon
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 email Diane Emerson.
:: West Hill Community Association
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7-9 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Training Center
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
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 S. Merrill.
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