Quote of the Week
“I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.”
– Alice Walker
 Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee met on Tuesday at which action was taken on two of the Executive’s appointments to the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network and on an ordinance adopting the revision of voting precincts of King County for the year 2023. The Committee also received a briefing on the King County Citizens Elections Oversight Committee Annual Report as well as on an ordinance relating to regional animal care and control services. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council met on Tuesday and took action on a motion to appoint a committee to write the voters' pamphlet statement for the April 25th special election on approval of a property tax levy to fund crisis care centers, as well as on a motion for an appointment to the position of Interim Ombuds. The Council also took action on several of the Executive’s appointments. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Flood Control District Committee
The Flood Control District Executive Committee also met on Tuesday and received a report from the Water and Land Resources Division and took action on a motion authorizing the chair to enter into a contract for website maintenance and hosting services. For more information, click here.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, met on Wednesday, and took action to recommend to the Council confirmation of appointments for the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information Technology and for the Director of the Metro Transit Department. The Committee also received an Executive COVID-19 Recovery briefing by our Budget Director Dwight Dively. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Regional Transit Committee
The Regional Transit Committee met on Wednesday and received briefings on both the Metro Connects funding gap and Metro’s research program. The Committee also took action on a resolution adopting the 2023 work plan for the King County Regional Transit Committee. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Board of Health
The Board of Health met today and received a briefing on infant mortality prevention, which was followed by a state legislative update briefing. The Committee took action on a resolution to adopt the Board of Health’s 2023 work plan. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
 Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
The Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 21st at 9:30 a.m. The Committee will receive briefings on the Equitable Development Initiative and Sound Transit’s system recovery and ridership, as well as a briefing from Metro’s General Manager. The Committee will also take possible action on an ordinance approving the King County Metro Service Recovery Plan, a motion relating to the King County Metro Transit Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, and an ordinance relating to updating the Vashon-Maury Island groundwater protection committee to expand the diversity of the committee members. Click here for more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, February 21st at 1:00 p.m. The Council will take action on several motions concerning the Executive’s reappointments and an ordinance permitting the county to enter into the agreement for public defense services. Lastly, the Council will take possible action on an ordinance authorizing the Executive to execute an amendment to an agreement for loan financing for a wastewater capital project. Click here for more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it.
Employment and Administration Committee
The Employment and Administration Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 21st after the conclusion of the Full Council meeting. The Committee will discuss the vaccine mandate rescission as well as receive briefings from King County Human Resources and our King County Chief of Staff. Click here for more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 22nd at 9:30 a.m. During the meeting, the Committee will take possible action on a motion acknowledging receipt of Superior Court's report in response to 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Ordinance. The Committee will also take possible action on an ordinance authorizing the manager of treasury operations of King County to cancel uncollectible personal property taxes. Click here for more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it.
 COVID-19
People are still getting ill with COVID strains so 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.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
Are there places you should still mask in, forever? Three experts weigh in – NPR
First time state-provided data used to surveil flu vaccinations – KXRO
‘A growing threat to human health’: we are ill-equipped for the dangers of fungal infections – The Guardian
For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over – The New York Times
New UW program aims to expand training for abortion providers – The Seattle Times
What happens to COVID vaccines and drugs authorized for emergency use when health emergency ends? – The Los Angeles Times
WA legislators weigh mandating nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals – KUOW
 Free WiFi now available at select County parks!
Free public WiFi is now available at Steve Cox Memorial Park and South County Ballfields to provide better access to technology in these important communities. To access the free wifi, just find and click the wifi icon on your smartphone or laptop and select the “KCPublic” wifi name on the list and hit the Connect button beside it.
Three King County Parks off the beaten path
Go beyond Seattle city limits to see the most gorgeous natural areas for birdwatching, mountain biking, hiking, and observing unique ecosystems. Read more about Black Diamond Open Space, Tolt-MacDonald Park, and Moss Lake Natural Area in this post from King County Parks.
Pet of the Week
Rufus is a 10-week-old German Shepherd dog. This puppy loves treats and squeaky toys, and already knows how to sit. He’s looking for a family that will give him tons of exercise and play, and to watch him as he grows! Click here to meet him, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
Metro transit service update
King County Metro will operate all weekday bus routes for the next two weeks, February 13th – 17th and February 20th – 24th, however, some individual bus trips will be canceled. All weekend routes and trips are expected to operate as scheduled.
Metro maintenance crews are making steady progress on fleet repairs and are working with vendors to stabilize ongoing supply chain challenges. Across King County, Metro is delivering about 97% of its typical 11,000 weekday trips.
For real-time information on the road:
- Use “Text for Departures” by texting your bus stop number to 62550. You will receive a text with the next departure times and/or canceled trips at that stop;
- Use the Next Departures tool on Metro’s Trip Planner to see what trips are operating at your bus stop;
- On Twitter, follow @kcmetroalerts for route alerts, cancellations and delays. Follow @KingCountyMetro for general information;
- Call Metro’s customer service office, which is open on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 206-553-3000.
2022 Annual Report - King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission
This report lists the efforts of the Commission to focus on understanding and addressing challenges facing immigrants and refugees within King County and concludes by outlining the Commission’s goals for 2023. Click here to view the full report.
 Transportation Choices Coalition Strategic Planning Survey
 The Transportation Choices Coalition wants your input on its Strategic Plan, which will help to shape the future of advocating for a safe, affordable, and reliable transportation system for all Washingtonians. The survey closes tomorrow, February 17th and will take about 20 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey.
What Text-to-911 service means for you
 As of now, King County, along with 32 other state counties have Text-to-911 service. This service is designed to keep callers as safe as possible so that in an emergency, they may call when possible and text when necessary. All 911 centers in Washington are currently working to upgrade their systems in order to accept Text-to-911. The State E911 Coordinator’s Office is working with all counties to eventually provide the service statewide. Click here to learn more.
Overdose deaths in shelters and supportive housing in King County
Last year, 179 people died of overdoses who were presumed to be living in permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and recovery housing. These facilities are intended to help people begin a new life, making these overdoses painfully tragic. Because of the continued overdose-related deaths in King County supportive housing, many are demanding that leaders of King County’s homelessness efforts pledge further action. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times.
Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Selects 2023-2024 Seattle Civic Poet Shin Yu Pai
 Shin Yu Pai is a Seattle-based poet who has received awards from City of Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture, 4Culture (the County’s arts agency), and The Awesome Foundation. Impressively, Shin Yu is also the writer, host, and producer of The Blue Suit podcast on KUOW Public Radio. As Civic Poet, Shin Yu Pai plans to “develop poetry-based public art projects and elevated poetry through curated public programming and outdoor activation of public spaces” and “amplify the work of the many talented poets living and working here.” Click here to learn more.
Pacific Science Center plans to transform its iconic pools
 Although the pavilion of the Pacific Science Center stands as a historical landmark commemorating the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, PacSci has announced a proposal to replace the waterscape with an urban ecosystem of water, plants, and animals. However, because the Pacific Science Center is a City of Seattle landmark, it must make its case to the City’s Landmarks Preservation Board and then receive clearance for any changes to the facility’s exterior. Click here to read the proposed conceptual stages and further renovation plans.
Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams retires
 After 40 years of service with the City of Seattle, Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams retired on Tuesday. To thank Robert for his career of service, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle City Council proclaimed February 14th, 2023, to be Robert Nellams Day. Click here to read more about Robert and his career.
Sound Transit’s strategy for bringing retail into stations
Sound Transit recently completed a retail integration strategy report, which is available here. Sound Transit has highlighted vendors, staffed concessions, brick and mortar shops, and pop-ups as possible retailers for Link and Sounder stations, aiming to enhance the rider experience and upscale the stations themselves. Click here to read more.
Is your part of Seattle a ‘15-minute’ neighborhood? Check out this map
Many neighborhoods in Seattle are organized in agreement with a concept of urban planning known as the “15-minute city,” meaning that everyone can meet basic needs by walking or biking 15 minutes from their homes. This concept helps to promote healthy living and equitable access to resources. If you are curious about where you live, click here to view an interactive map to see how walkable your neighborhood is.
 Weekends in Seattle
Are you looking for activities to do in Seattle this weekend? Browse this list of activities, events, and hidden gems in downtown.
Designing Motherhood: Things That Make and Break Our Births
On Wednesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Center hosted an eghibition opening celebration for Designing Motherhood: Things that Make and Break Our Births, which explores the arc of human reproduction through the lens of art and design. The exhibit will be open for visitors through December 30th, 2023. Click here for more information.
Free Little Art Galleries community project
 On Friday, February 24th at 5:00 p.m., visit Path with Art for a special exhibition that celebrates the power of community arts and connects artists with partners. These micro-galleries were displayed in three outdoor locations and feature abstract paintings. Click here to RSVP for this event at the ArtHOME.
Foster Care Informational Night
On Tuesday, February 28th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., join a virtual informational session on foster care. Learn about the ways that you can support foster children and hear from different foster care agencies and about the many different programs that are offered in Washington State. Click here for more information and for a link to register for the event.
BE LOUD Breakfast
 Join the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center for the 34th annual BE LOUD Breakfast on Wednesday, March 15th at The Westin Seattle or online at 7:30 a.m. Join supporters in raising your voice for survivors and their families. Find more information here and register for free here.
 Heron Habitat Helpers Volunteer Open House
Herons are beginning to return to the colony for nesting season. Join Heron Habitat Helpers to build habitats for urban wildlife and deep green spaces for human rejuvenation, or plant understory plants in a native forest restoration project. Get your hands dirty on February 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Memorial Preserve Park. Click here for more information on this volunteer opportunity. To learn more about what Heron Habitat Helpers does to support Seattle's largest colony of nesting great blue herons, visit the volunteer open house on Sunday, February 26th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Volunteer at the Seattle/King County Clinic
The Seattle/King County Clinic is looking for volunteers in April to help offer free medical, dental, and vision care for those who are medically underserved. There are many necessary positions that need to be filled, including health professionals, social workers, interpreters, general support, and more! Click here to register.
 Art Therapy Behavioral Health Pilot Program
This program aims to fund small organizations to provide community-driven behavioral health services that support the behavioral health needs within their own communities in King County. The RFP will prioritize funding small organizations with close ties to BIPOC communities and deep knowledge of their behavioral health service needs, to support them in designing and/or delivering services and strategies that meet the needs of their community members. Submit an application before 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
Immigrant Safety & Access Network
The City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, in partnership with King County’s Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice, has launched the new 2023 Immigrant Safety Access Network. The program will award approximately $200,000 in grants to community-based organizations providing coordinated responses to youth and families from immigrant and refugee backgrounds that are disproportionally impacted by violence and criminal legal systems. Submit an application before Thursday, March 9th at 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
Rural Behavioral Health Services
 This program aims to increase access and availability of behavioral health care in rural, unincorporated areas of King County through mobile outreach and engagement services with an emphasis on helping individuals enroll or re-engage in Medicaid-funded outpatient behavioral health services and locally funded behavioral health services. Submit an application before Thursday, March 9th at 2:00 p.m. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
Parks Levy Grants
 The 2023 Request for Applications is now open. King County Parks Levy grants are available now for the following programs: Aquatic Facilities; Parks Capital and Open Space; Open Space – River Corridors; and Healthy Communities and Parks Fund. Review the guidelines for each of the grants here. Webinars will be held from January 30th – February 3rd to learn more about specific grants and to have your questions answered. Register for a webinar here. Applications for these grants will be accepted through March 15th, 2023.
The Gathering Collaborative
 The Gathering Collaborative and King County aim to invest in a wide range of services, programs, operations, community advocacy efforts, and physical infrastructure designed and delivered through community-based service providers and businesses that move the needle on the established grantmaking priorities. This program aims to equitably distribute $25 million that starts to undo the harms of racism compounded by the pandemic, influence the County’s budget cycle and process, and establish a longer-term, multi-generational vision for King County to become an anti-racist government. Applications will be accepted through March 28th. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
 Meet Me at Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese American Family
 A new exhibit commemorating the Higo 10 Cents Store, owned by the Murakami family in Seattle’s Japantown, will run through March 26th at the Seattle Public Library. This exhibit will house personal photos, journals, and artifacts that tell the story of this family’s history and explore Japanese American identities. Click here to learn more about the exhibit.
Additional helpful and informative links
Northwest lawmakers, courts weigh new rules on gun sales – KUOW
Year-end drop in King County violent crime spurs hope for calmer 2023 – The Seattle Times
People who face both mental illness, addiction are arrested at higher rates – The Seattle Times
WA considers new way to address legacy of racist property covenants – The Seattle Times
Teen girls ‘engulfed’ in violence and trauma, CDC finds – The Seattle Times
American teens are unwell because society is unwell – The Washington Post
Panel backs moving opioid antidote Narcan over the counter – AP News
Survey: Nearly 3 in 5 teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 – STAT News
Ambitious new plan says King County needs to spend billions a year on homelessness. But is that realistic – or even necessary? – PubliCola
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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