Quote of the Week
“We are stronger, gentler, more resilient, and more beautiful than any of us imagine.”
— Mark Nepo
 Local Services and Land Use Committee
On Tuesday the Committee took 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 and a recording of the meeting, click here.
Full Council
On Tuesday the Council took action on several of the Executive’s appointments, as well as on an ordinance adopting the revision voting precincts of King County for the year 2023. For more information and a recording of the meeting, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
On Wednesday the RWQC received reports from the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee and the Wastewater Treatment Division. For more information and a recording of the meeting, click here.
 Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, will hold a special meeting on Monday, March 6th at 1:30 p.m. for a briefing on the financial situation at Harborview Medical Center and on relevant legislation. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
The Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 7th at 9:30 p.m. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, March 7th at 1:00 p.m. at which County Executive Dow Constantine will deliver his annual State of the County Address. The Council will also present a Proclamation on March as Women’s History Month and March 8th as International Women’s Day. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
 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
CDC issues warning about rise in highly drug-resistant stomach bug – The Washington Post
Birth support for Black and Native families in King County – KUOW
Washington state attorney general says FDA rules on abortion drug are unreasonable – NPR
Seattle hospital puts patients under without overheating the planet – KUOW
 On-demand transit services, now better than ever
 On Monday, March 6th, King County Metro will consolidate existing and future on-demand ride services (Community Ride, Ride Pingo to Transit, and Via) under one service model, app, and brand. In doing so, Metro is prioritizing flexibility for customers to get where they need to go while improving integration with the bus and light rail transit network. The all-new Metro Flex app can be used to book rides to and from anywhere in one of the service areas, which include Juanita, Kent, Othello, Rainier Beach, Renton Highlands, Sammamish, Skyway, and Tukwila. Click here to learn more.
A survey for Ballard voters
As the ballot drop box at the Ballard Library continues to be one of the busiest ballot drop locations during each election, King County Elections wants to add a second location nearby. King County elections wants to hear from you about where to install a new drop box if you live, work, or vote in the area. Click here for the survey.
Pet of the Week
 Patrick is a 7-month-old Pit Bill / Weimaraner who still has a more growing to do! Patrick is both affectionate and independent, and already knows commands like “sit,” “lay down,” and “shake.” Click here to meet him, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
Best Starts for Kids funding awardees
 Best Starts for Kids has announced the awardees for the Sustaining Help Me Grow RFP. This program funds family connection partners who provide pregnant women, parents, and caregivers cultural and/or language matched warm connection to services to serve its ultimate goal – that babies are born healthy and given a foundation for a happy, healthy life. Congratulations to the awardees listed above!
Transit Riders Now Report
In 2022, the King County Council approved an ordinance appropriating $2.47 billion for the public transportation operating fund in the 2023-24 biennium. In keeping with transit service reductions and restorations using emergency powers to respond to the changing operational needs, ridership patterns, and staffing levels that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro is publishing Transit Riders Now reports, which include recommendations for transit service that would be implemented by the accompanying service change ordinance. Click here to view the first Transit Riders Now report for Fall 2023 service changes.
 Weekend Sounder trains are not just for sports fans
 If you have ever wanted to hop on board a Sounder train on a weekend, now is your chance! Sound Transit will have event trains running to games this season on March 4th, March 18th, April 2nd, April 8th and several other dates planned for the future. You don’t need to attend a game to ride the train, you may simply take the transit opportunity to explore Seattle without having to worry about parking. Click here to plan your trip.
Art near construction sites features diverse voices from South King and Pierce Counties
 Local artists have designed printed banners near construction sites in South King County as a part of a program to help build community connections during construction of the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) opening soon. The latest collection was just installed in Federal Way, at locations including 23rd Ave S, S 320th St, and 21st Ave S. Click here to learn more about these special art installations!
Friends of Waterfront 2023 Pulling Together Committee
Friends of Waterfront has extended the application deadline of its 2023 Pulling Together Committee to Monday, March 6th. This committee brings together members of local Tribal leaders, community members, and Urban Natives from the greater Puget Sound region to support the goals and objectives of Friends of Waterfront Seattle through the inclusion of Indigenous voices, values, and interests. Click here to learn more and apply.
We Deliver Care aims to end the Downtown drug market
We Deliver Care is an organization dedicated to building relationships with those involved in the black market centered at Third and Pike, working to understand people’s needs and get them the resources they need. The organization is a coalition of outreach workers who provide various supportive services and are hoping to end the open-air drug and stolen-goods market. Click here to read more about the Third Avenue Project in an article from Crosscut.
Washington State Legislature bill for modernizing recycling
 In Washington, more than 50% of paper and packaging ends up in landfills or incineration each year. The WRAP act has traveled through the Washington State Legislature and has made its way to the governor’s desk. The bill centers on changing the way that Washington recycles by placing costs onto producers of packaging and paper, while increasing Washington’s recycling rate. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times.
Where did King County’s mental health beds go?
 According to estimates compiled by The Seattle Times, 548 people countywide in the 1990s, and only roughly 261 exist today. In April, a measure to build mental health crisis centers will arrive on King County voter’s ballots in an effort to reverse these numbers. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times on the history of the rise and fall of mental health centers in King County, and the efforts to address this crisis moving forward.
 Belltown Wine Share
 The next Belltown Wine Share will be on Friday, March 3rd from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Mosler Lofts (2720 3rdAve). Bring a bottle of wine, a friend, some glasses, wind down from the stress of the week.
Community Concert in Renton
On Friday, March 3rd, the Seattle Symphony will return to the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center for a free community concert featuring new and classic orchestra music While walk-ups are welcome, you may also RSVP here.
2023 Cruise Summer Job Fair
 Join the Port of Seattle on Saturday, March 4th at the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to meet with employers hiring for part-time and full-time positions at Alaska, as well as Pier 66 and Pier 91 cruise terminals. Click here to learn more.
Racism as a Public Health Crisis Webinar
 On Monday, March 6th from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., join the Office of Equity, Race and Social Justice for a small business webinar for Racism as a Public Health Crisis grants. Click here to register for the event and learn about why you should apply, the details of the grants, and meet technical assistance providers who can help you.
International Women's Day: Stories of Redefining Motherhood
On Wednesday, March 8th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., visit the Bill & Melinda Gates Center for an evening of powerful personal stories highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives on motherhood, hosted by Kenyan media personality and equality activist, Adelle Onyango. Click here to register for the event.
 Executive Assistant at Mary’s Place
The Executive Assistant provides highly confidential, responsive, and responsible administrative support. The position requires an Executive Assistant to be responsible for a varied and evolving task list, handling correspondence, and preparing and distributing reports and presentation materials, while providing project support and general administrative duties in a collaborative environment. Click here to learn more.
Equity in Historic Preservation 2023 Internships
4Culture will offer two internships that will focus on properties that are vulnerable to redevelopment and have a high level of significance and association with underrepresented communities. The interns will build upon previous research on how properties associated with underrepresented communities have fared in local landmark designation processes, and on how survey and inventory methods have impacted what is deemed worthy of preservation. Click here to apply before March 27th.
 Property tax reduction
 Property tax reduction is now available for seniors, persons with disabilities & disabled veterans who qualify. Click here to see if you are eligible and apply today.
There’s still time to apply for Parks Levy Grants
 King County Parks Levy grants still available 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. Applications for these grants will be accepted through March 15th, 2023.
2023 Project grants
 4Culture Project grants can help you put your ideas in motion and share them with King County. 4Culture awards Project grants in three disciplines: arts (for artists and arts groups to create new work, pursue opportunities, pay for materials, and more,) heritage (funds individuals and organizations documenting, sharing, and interpreting King County heritage,) and preservation (supports the people, supplies, studies, plans, programs, and more that protect our historic places). Applications are due before March 23rd. Click hereto see application guidelines and to apply.
 Mike Miles has set the stage for 52 years
 To Mike Miles, the Paramount Theater is a second home. Miles began working as backstage staff for the theater at the age of 16 and then became its technical director in 1983. Miles has managed the operation of the sets, lighting, and equipment, learning every corner of the venue. Now, after 52 years, Miles has retired from his position to make new memories. Click here to learn more about Mike Miles and his experiences throughout a half-decade of shows, plays, concerts, and events.
Helpful and informative links
Amid ACLU lawsuit, King County officials say Seattle jail will eventually need to be replaced – KUOW
Food insecurity persists in WA, just as emergency benefits expire – The Seattle Times
Washington food banks brace for 'hunger cliff' amid SNAP cuts – Crosscut
Plan to reduce homelessness in downtown Seattle picks up after slow start – 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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