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

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I am excited to share that new funding is now available for behavioral health services in rural and unincorporated King County! King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has released their Request for Proposal (RFP) for Rural Behavioral Health Services – Mobile and Outreach/Engagement Services. 

We know that rural populations experience higher rates of alcohol use and drug use comparted to their urban counterparts, while also having less access to healthcare services. During COVID, both substance use disorders and mental health conditions were exacerbated, making the expansion of treatment a critical task.

This is why I sponsored a budget proviso in 2020 to dedicate emergency federal funding for addiction recovery and mental health treatment in rural areas. This funding opportunity is a result of this effort. 

Applications are due on March 9, 2023, by 2:00 pm PST. You can find more information at the DCHS blog. 

Please share this critical funding opportunity with rural behavioral health providers that may be interested in applying!

All my best,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember District 9

Take the 2024 Flood Management Plan Survey

King County is developing a roadmap to manage flood risks and make our community more flood resilient. Your voice makes a difference!

Share your perspective on what services would benefit your community by taking the 2024 King County Flood Management Plan survey.

Metro Flex: New On-Demand Transit Service Coming to Renton Highlands

The new Metro Flex on-demand service is launching on March 6! This new transit service combines three existing services—Community Ride, Ride Pingo to Transit and Via to Transit—into one: Metro Flex.

Riders can download and use the new Metro Flex app to book rides in Juanita, Kent, Othello, Rainier Beach, Renton Highlands, Sammamish, Skyway and Tukwila. Metro Flex allows riders to book rides from a location to a location anywhere in the service area, adding to their ease of travel.

Visit the King County Metro website to learn more and download the Metro Flex app.

Special March Discount: Adopt a Dog from RASKC for only $50!

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has a full house! That means a dog-gone good deal for you. During March, pay just $50 to adopt an adult dog.

Everyone wins when you adopt from RASKC. Your adoption fee includes a King County pet license (if applicable), initial veterinary exam including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, 30 days of opt-in pet insurance through Trupanion, and more.

Find your new furry family member at the RASKC website! 

King County Conservation Futures grants

Conservation Futures grants can help acquire parks and open spaces for passive recreation such as urban greenspaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails.

Grants can be awarded to cities, the 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. 

Applications are due on Monday, March 6, 2023. Visit the Conservation Futures website for more information.

4 Culture Project Grants

4Culture Project grants can help you put your ideas in motion and share them with King County. They award Project grants in three disciplines: arts, heritage, and preservation.

Applications are due March 23, 2023. Visit the 4Culture website for more information.

2023 Parks Levy Grants

King County Parks is accepting applications for the following grant programs:

• Aquatic Facilities
• Parks Capital and Open Space
• Open Space – River Corridors
• Healthy Communities and Parks Fund

Applications are due March 15, 2023. Find more information at the Parks Levy Grants webpage.

King County Child Care Financial Assistance Program

King County has allocated $7 million of its federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to support King County families with the cost of their child care. Eligible families may receive financial assistance to pay for their child care at eligible providers. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please visit the grant website here.