Quote of the Week
"What's the world for if you can't make it up the way you want it?"
– Toni Morrison (1931-2019)
Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
On Tuesday the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee received briefings on the Equitable Development Initiative and Sound Transit’s system recovery and ridership, as well as one from Metro’s new General Manager Michelle Allison. The Committee also took 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 and a recording of the meeting.
Full Council
On Tuesday, February 28th at 1:00 p.m., the King County Council will take possible action on several of the Executive’s appointments and on an ordinance adopting the revision voting precincts of King County for the year 2023. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Employment and Administration Committee
On Tuesday the Employment and Administration Committee discussed the possibility of a vaccine mandate rescission for Council employees and received briefings from both the Council Human Resources director and our King County Chief of Staff. Click here for more information and a recording of the meeting.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
On Wednesday the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee took action on a motion acknowledging receipt of Superior Court's report in response to the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Ordinance and on an ordinance authorizing the manager of treasury operations of King County to cancel uncollectible personal property taxes. Click here for more information and a recording of the meeting.
Local Services and Land Use Committee
On Tuesday, February 28th at 9:30 a.m., the committee will discuss and take possible action on several of the Executive’s appointments, as well as on an ordinance relating to fossil fuel facilities and non‑hydroelectric generation facilities. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
On Tuesday, February 28th at 1:00 p.m., the King County Council will take possible action on several of the Executive’s appointments. The Council will also discuss and take possible action on an ordinance adopting the revision voting precincts of King County for the year 2023. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
On Wednesday, March 1st at 3:00 p.m., the RWQC will receive reports from the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee and the Wastewater Treatment Division during the meeting. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
COVID-19
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Health – Seattle & King County created a COVID-19 race and ethnicity data dashboard highlights differences in health outcomes among racial and ethnic groups, which are rooted in systemic inequalities. Public Health – Seattle & King County has now updated the dashboard to make the data easier to read and understand, and to address important questions around racial and ethnic health disparities associated with COVID-19. Click here to read more.
King County has one of the highest rates nationally of people 65+ who have received the bivalent COVID-19 booster. Older adults reduce risk for hospitalization and death when they get boosted. See more information about drop-in vaccinations here.
People are still getting ill with COVID strains (with two people dying on Vashon in the past month) 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
UW study: Catching COVID gives protection from its worst effects – The Seattle Times
Wastewater testing isn’t just for COVID: WA expands efforts – The Seattle Times
We Still Don’t Know What Works Best to Slow the Spread Of COVID-19 – TIME
Wash Your Hands and Pray You Don’t Get Sick – The Atlantic
King County Solid Waste Division Survey
Over 1/5 of household garbage in King County is food waste. King County’s Solid Waste Division is conducting an online survey to better understand how the public manages their food and yard waste at home. Share your concerns and input on three proposed policies that could help King County divert more organic material from the landfill. Take the survey here.
West Seattle beaches reopen after wastewater spill
Cove Beach, Lincoln Park Beach and Brace Point Public Shore closed last week after a brief wastewater spill from the Barton Pump Station which was caused by lightning strikes. King County Wastewater Treatment Division notified regulatory agencies and proceeded to test water quality over consecutive days. These beaches have now reopened, with the water quality found to be safe. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times.
RapidRide H Line construction update
RapidRide H Line service is scheduled to launch on March 18! King County Metro has been working in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation and the City of Burien to upgrade Metro Bus Route 120, one of Metro’s 10 busiest routes, to the RapidRide H Line. This new service is projected to bring more reliable and more frequent service, along with new stations and amenities to the Seattle, White Center, and Burien communities.
King County Metro begins charting its future beyond the pandemic
On Tuesday, the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee took action to advance a “service recovery plan” for Metro which acknowledges of the COVID-19 emergency order cessation and a step toward charting the future. Although the recovery plan shows initiative toward a change in service plans for Metro, Metro is currently operating 90% of its pre-pandemic bus service and is not yet ready to restore service to pre-pandemic capacities. Click here to read more in this article from The Seattle Times, where my colleagues Councilmember Claudia Balducci and Councilmember Rod Dembowski are quoted.
Best Starts for Kids Communities of Opportunity: Systems and Policy Change Awardees
Awardees have been selected for Best Starts for Kids’ Communities of Opportunity: Systems and Policy Change Strategy. This opportunity focused its resources on helping organizations to grow in building relationships, on-going learning, and capacity building, which are important components of supporting equitable outcomes and institutional change. Congratulations to the awardees, that are listed in the table above.
Veterans, Seniors & Human Services levy renewal
Last week, Executive Constantine announced his proposal to renew the six-year Veterans, Seniors & Human Services levy. This program helps people and families transition to affordable housing, get job training, find employment, access emergency financial assistance, obtain domestic violence advocacy, receive behavioral health treatment, and other resources and services. Click here to learn more.
Pet of the Week
Moderna is a three-year-old Pit Bull / Labrador Retriever mix. She weighs 46 pounds and can be very shy around new people. She is looking for a home that is calm and quiet, and a family who is patient and understands that she likes to take things slow! Click here to meet her, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
Supporting people and communities affected by Türkiye and Syria earthquakes
Earlier this month, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless and without access to basic needs such as shelter, health care, sanitation, food, and water. And further, tens of thousands lost their lives or were injured. If you are looking for ways to help, Médecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders, Empact Northwest, and American Red Cross - Türkiye (Turkey) earthquake response are humanitarian aid organizations are providing rescue, medical, and logistical support to those affected by the disaster.
Briefing on Norfolk Southern Train Derailment
Join the White House Office of Political Strategy & Outreach tomorrow, February 24th at 10:30 a.m. for a briefing with the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the Norfolk Southern Train derailment in East Palestine. Click here to RSVP.
Progress report on the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality
In 2021, president released the National Gender Strategy, which establishes a set of priorities to ensure that all people, in the United States and abroad, have the chance to reach their full potential, and thus strengthening communities, nations, and the global economy. A report has been released which provides an overview of progress made, identifies new challenges, and emphasizes emerging opportunities. Click here to view the report.
Black History Month Webinar
Tomorrow, February 24th at 10:00 a.m., join the Washington State Department of Health for a panel discussion of health and wellness in the Black community. Dr Umair A. Shah, Michelle Y. Merriweather, and Rev. Leslie David Braxton will discuss overcoming health disparities and social justice, and projections for the future. Click here to register.
Lynwood Link Connection information session
Join King County Metro and Sound Transit for a discussion on the upcoming restructure of Metro bus service in northwest King County in preparation for the expansion of Link light rail to Lynnwood Transit Center on Monday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m. Register here for this virtual open house.
The Seattle Chamber Briefing
Join a webinar hosted by The Seattle Chamber on Tuesday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. This free virtual discussion will consider the prominent lack of access to quality childcare and the state of post-pandemic childcare in Washington. Click here for more information and to register for the event.
King County Drug Court Graduation
On Wednesday, March 8th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., visit the King County Courthouse to celebrate the return of in-person Drug Court Graduations. Mark your calendar for speakers, refreshments, and inspiration.
Seattle Symphony Youth Climate Change Performance and Exhibition
The Seattle Symphony will host a multi-day youth art festival on climate change from April 15th – 21st, titled Dear Humanity. You will find youth art, performances, and presentations in several spaces within Benaroya Hall, culminating with a free, Seattle Symphony concert on Friday, April 21st at 7:00 p.m. Click here for more information and a schedule of events for the multi-day exhibition.
West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions
Sound Transit received nearly 5,100 survey responses to its further studies survey. The next opportunity for public comment will be on Thursday, March 23rd from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. The full 18-member Sound Transit Board will meet then to identify the preferred alternative for the Ballard Link Extension. For more information on how to attend or provide public comment, visit the Board of Directors website. If you cannot attend, the meeting will be recorded and uploaded to the WebEx Livestream archive.
Summer internship with the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget
The King County Executive's Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget is hiring interns to work with several different teams within the office. Interns will gain a firsthand understanding of the workings of government, get an overview of how projects, policies, and legislation are created and implemented, understand why civic engagement matters, and build an appreciation for the importance of public service. Depending on the assignment, interns may interact with a wide variety of people including staff, elected officials, community members, or program participants.
View each internship opportunity here:
ARPA Grant Communications Intern
Budget Intern
Communications Intern
Federal Funding Performance Intern
MSI Content Management Intern
Project Management Intern
Regional Planning Intern
Strategic Plan Project Management Intern
District Four Grant Opportunities
Periodically, each Councilmember has opportunities to secure funds for community organizations serving King County. I prioritize directing funding to organizations based in District Four specifically or, at a minimum, to those who serve District 4 as well as others. With the high levels of need, those interested please take a moment to complete the following short application to express interest in receiving these funds. These applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Funding is only available to organizations serving residents of King County, including non-profit organizations, public schools, park districts, public agencies, tribes and tribal organizations. A small or emerging community organization without 501c3 status is eligible through a partnership with a fiscal agent.
Please click here to see the application and what kinds of grants may be available.
Section 4 Grant Reminder
The purpose of this grant funding is to support CDCs and CHDOs with resources to promote organizational stability and increased capacity to carry out community development and affordable housing programs and business operations. Click opportunity for urban communities closes tomorrow, February 24th.
King County Child Care Financial Assistance Program
Last year, the King County Council allocated $7 million to help families impacted by the pandemic with affording child care. Eligible families may receive financial assistance to pay for their child care at eligible providers. If you live or work in King County and your income or access to child care have been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible to apply. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
4Culture upcoming grants
4Culture Art Projects (For artists and arts groups to create new work, pursue opportunities, pay for materials, and more), Heritage Projects (Funds individuals and organizations documenting, sharing, and interpreting King County heritage), and Preservation Special Projects (Supports the people, supplies, studies, plans, programs, and more that protect our historic places) are due on March 23rd. Click here for more information on all opportunities.
Peter Miller Books has been a special spot for arts, design, books, and beauty for nearly 50 years
Peter Miller Books is not just any bookstore. Miller sells cheese graters and pens, radios and retro Swiss pencil sharpeners. His store is known for glorifying design throughout every inch of his store, housing the crossroads between literature and eclectic utilities. Miller finds beauty in Seattle’s “frumpy” exterior, asserting that there is so much beauty in the history, design, architecture, and leadership of the city. According to Miller, “beneath the company town was this enormously hardworking, small, willful group of actors and architects and designers and everything else doing remarkable things. It’s the best town to get your work done and not be famous for it in all of America.” Read more about this Peter Miller’s bookstore and his take on beauty and design in the city here in an article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
How a Texas ruling on abortion pills would affect Washington – Crosscut
When stores go cashless, is it discrimination? – NBC News
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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