County website experiences growing pains
King County began migrating its website to a new template on March 31, and has been experiencing outages.
We're working to fix any problems as quickly as possible, but some links in this newsletter may not work as expected when the newsletter arrives in your inbox. If that happens, please feel free to reach out by alternate means (phone, social media, etc.) to find the information you need. You can also wait a day or two and try the links again.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate your patience!
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Natural Resources and Parks
Join a free public tour of the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill
When: April 22 at 9 a.m.
Information and reservations: 206-477-4466
King County is inviting the public to join a weekend tour of operations at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. Learn how the county manages nearly a million tons of waste each year while working to protect the natural environment and capture energy for the region. Children age five and older are welcome with an adult. Reserve your spot by calling the number below.
Photo: Aerial view of the landfill.
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County to focus on two site alternatives for Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station environmental review
King County’s Solid Waste Division invites the public to comment on the revised scope of its environmental impact statement for the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project after removing the Houghton Park-and-Ride in Kirkland as a potential candidate site. The comment period will end on April 10.
The Washington State Department of Transportation, which owns the Houghton Park-and-Ride, plans infrastructure improvements that will use about 25% of the north part of the property. The remaining area identified for surplus will be too small to accommodate a transfer station that can achieve environmental objectives for this project.
After screening more than 70,000 parcels, the Solid Waste Division will now focus on evaluating the two remaining site alternatives, a 12.9-acre site in the 15000 block of Woodinville-Redmond Road NE in Woodinville and the current Houghton Transfer Station Property in Kirkland, as well as a no-action alternative in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) due for publication this fall.
Comments on the revised scope of the EIS will be accepted by email at northeast@kingcounty.gov or through an online open house at kingcounty.gov/northeast.
Mail or hand-deliver written comments to King County Solid Waste Division Project Manager Mary O’Hara at 201 S. Jackson Street., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104.
For more information about the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project, visit kingcounty.gov/northeast or call King County’s Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466.
Get paid to be part of the King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps
Interested in the environment? Love being outside? Ten positions are now open to youths living in King County and entering grades 10-12 this fall. No resume or cover letter needed!
When: July 10 through August 16, Monday through Thursday
Where: TAF Bethaday Community Learning Center, 605 SW 108th Street, Seattle
Pay: $18.43 per hour (22 hours per week)
Who is eligible: All King County students entering grades 10-12 and at least 15 years old at start of program
What: Interns work with King County Parks and Recreation staff members at multiple Parks locations in King County to better understand the breadth and depth of environmental justice, ecological restoration, and parks and recreation management practices.
Fill out a King County job application by April 16, 2023
Apply Today! | Learn More
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New artworks at Skyway Park
King County Parks partnered with the One Roof Foundation and Seattle Kraken to commission public artwork from Seattle-based artist T.R. Miles at Skyway Park.
Invited to design Skyway-inspired images, Miles spent time in the neighborhood and park, engaging with community members to develop ideas for his project. Miles created four art panels for the park's multisport court. The new pieces depict people from the community in playful combination with symbols of the Seattle Kraken. Learn more and see photos of the works on the King County Parks blog.
The artworks were unveiled to the public on March 12. The project was funded with a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The multisport court and artwork are part of recent improvements and new equipment at the park, developed in collaboration with the community and made possible by a voter-approved levy.
Photo: Artist T.R. Miles (left) and Parks Director Warren Jimenez stand in front of Miles’ artwork at Skyway Park.
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Free virtual noxious weed control workshops May 10 and 17
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King County's Noxious Weed Control Program will offer two free workshops next month featuring local experts in how to manage and control noxious weeds. Earn up to eight Washington or Oregon state pesticide applicator recertification credits (pending).
Both workshops will be hosted online, with different speakers and topics on each of the dates. Sign up for one or both!
> Register for day 1: May 10 (8 am to 12 pm)
> Register for day 2: May 17 (12 pm to 4 pm)
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Photo: knotweed
Learn more about the King County Noxious Weed Control Program on their website, follow them on Instagram (@kingcountyweeds), or send email.
Take a survey to help King County develop strategies that reduce food waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions
What do you do when good food goes bad? Or when those dinner scraps aren’t suitable for the stock pot?
King County's Solid Waste Division wants your feedback about proposed strategies to keep more food and yard waste out of the garbage. Survey responses will help the county understand how residents in different areas manage waste, and help inform future policies to reduce food waste going to the landfill, protect the environment, and meet community needs.
Take the anonymous online survey (open through April 30)
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Executive Services
April is Financial Capability Month
In addition to federal income tax day, April is Financial Capability Month. People at any income level can take steps towards financial preparedness for emergencies and disasters:
Gather your important documents. Make copies to store electronically in a password- secured place. Store the originals in a safe place in your home. Storing important documents together and in at least two places will make them easier to get to in an emergency and may help you recover more quickly from emergencies and disasters.
Important documents may include:
1. Personal documents like identification, birth certificates, and social security cards
2. Financial documents like tax statements, sources of income, and housing payments
3. Household documents like insurance policies and important contact information
4. Medical documents like health insurance and immunization records
Begin building or add to your emergency fund. Keep a small supply of cash on hand in your emergency kit. Setting aside a $1 bill or a $5 bill when you have it is budget friendly and can support your basic needs in case of emergency. Consider opening an emergency savings account.
Review and update your insurance policies, including property insurance (homeowners or renters), health insurance, and life insurance policies. Also consider getting policies for specific hazards like flooding and earthquakes.
Learn more about what you can do to improve your financial preparedness for emergencies and disasters at www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
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This year’s property tax deadline is May 1
Property taxpayers have an extra day to pay the first half of their property taxes this year, since the statutory due date falls on a Sunday. Payments are accepted online, by mail, and by drop box. See the website for details.
Property owners in King County can view their 2023 property tax details online. When visiting kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax, property owners can also pay their taxes, look up their property information, and sign up for email or text reminders. A paper statement is not required to pay property taxes.
Customer service representatives are also available to assist Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Contact King County Treasury Operations at 206-263-2890 or send email.
For information on tax exemption and deferral programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or other qualifying conditions, visit TaxRelief.kingcounty.gov or contact the King County Assessor's Office by email or phone at 206-296-3920.
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Community and Human Services
Mental Health First Aid is coming to rural communities near you
Just as CPR training prepares people without medical backgrounds to help someone who is having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid trains people to help someone who is at risk of developing a mental health problem or who is going through a mental health crisis. If your community is interested in receiving free Mental Health First Aid trainings for adults, youths, or teens, please see the list of online and in-person trainings currently available at Mental Health First Aid-Valley Cities.
To request in-person trainings in your local community, send email to mhfatraining@valleycities.org.
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Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy open houses begin this month
The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy is hosting a series of in-person open houses across King County where community members can learn more about the levy and the services it funds. Nine of these will be in-person events, and one will be a virtual open house. The first will be on April 5 and the last in early June.
These events are open to all King County residents, and registration is not required to attend.
For dates, times, and locations visit the levy website.
Public Health
FREE Seattle/King County Clinic to offer dental, medical, and vision services April 27-30 at Seattle Center
Seattle/King County Clinic offers free dental, vision, and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access or afford healthcare. The four-day clinic, which is in its eighth year of operation, is produced each year by more than 100 community organizations and thousands of volunteers.
Patients are assisted each day on a first-come, first-served basis. All services and procedures are provided free of charge by licensed healthcare professionals. Interpretation services are available, and patients do not need to show identification or proof of immigration status. Learn more: seattlecenter.org/patients
4Culture
Grant helps archivists, librarians, and historians protect the objects that make up history
4Culture is offering grants to nonprofit organizations in King County that care for heritage collections.
Apply by May 31.
Learn more at 4culture.org/grants/collections-care.
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Rural area news
2024 King County Comprehensive Plan major update
As part of its work on the current major update to the county's Comprehensive Plan, he joint team of unincorporated area councils, associations, and organizations made the following submissions to Comprehensive Plan manager Chris Jensen.
1. Detailed comments on the King County executive's conceptual proposals
(submitted February 24)
2. Proposed King County Code changes on titles 21A.30.085 and 21A.30.090
(submitted February 28)
3. Proposed land use and zoning study on cumulative impacts of mining sites and proposals
(submitted March 10)
—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, April 18, 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 pm)
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, April 3, 7-9:30 pm – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st St (across from the King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Possible guest speakers include Puget Sound Fire District #43 Chief to discuss future facility moves. Visit the website for the agenda and Zoom information, which 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
Thursday, April 6, 7-9 pm - virtual meeting via Zoom
Meeting ID: 844 1007 4134 | passcode: NHUAC2023
Or call 253-215-8782 | phone passcode: 598963166
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, April 20, 7-9 pm – 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 David Vogel.
:: West Hill Community Association
Board meeting
Wednesday, April 11, 7-9 pm – 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, send email or visit the website.
Quarterly meeting
Tuesday, April 18, 7-8:30 pm - virtual meeting via Zoom
Quarterly community meeting of the West Hill Community Association. Meetings are open to the public and feature guest speakers and agency reports to the community. Send email for more information.
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