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There is much to look forward to in this week’s enews. See the highlights below.
As always, I would like to hear from you. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov.
All the best and I hope you are staying safe.
Quote of the Week
"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." — Maya Angelou, 2014
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
During Monday’s meeting, the Committee was briefed on the proposed supplemental budget and took action on an ordinance renewing the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. It will be heard next at Monday’s Regional Policy Committee meeting. For more information on this BFM meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
During the Tuesday meeting, the Committee received a briefing from a panel discussing downtown recovery. The Committee also took action on an executive appointment and a motion concerning the transfer of retired vanpool vans to nonprofit organizations and local governments to meet the needs of low-income, seniors, young people, or people with disabilities. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Full Council
 Although I have been enjoying the sights and attractions of Ireland with my husband last week and this week, I have been participating in Council and Committee meetings remotely. During Tuesday’s meeting, Executive Constantine presented the King County Service Awards in recognition of King County employees for their long and valuable service to the County. Action was taken on two ordinances, the first approving the Northeast Sammamish Sewer and Water District General Sewer Plan, and the other concerning the alignment of County code with established emergency management standards. The Council also took action on several of the Executive’s appointments. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Regional Transit Committee
At yesterday’s Regional Transit Committee meeting, briefings were presented on Metro’s Service Recovery Plan and Metro’s zero-emission fleet plan. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Employment and Administration Committee
At yesterday’s Employment and Administration Committee meeting, we interviewed finalists for the position of omsbuds, director of the King County office of public complaints/tax advisor. The selected finalist will advance to the County Council for confirmation. Information on this meeting is available here.
Board of Health
At today’s Board of Health meeting, briefings will be presented detailing King County overdose trends and response, as well as a state legislative update. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Next week, I will join my fellow councilmembers in Washington, D.C. to meet with our Congressional Delegation on matters of importance to King County. Most Council and Committee meetings will be cancelled, and will resume on Tuesday, May 2nd. However, as mentioned above, there will be a meeting of the Regional Policy Committee on Monday at 1:15 p.m. to discuss and possibly take action on the proposed renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. Information on this meeting is available here.
Economic, social, and health data in King County
Public Health — Seattle & King County continues to monitor changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators. The economic, social, and health impacts data project helps inform strategies and policies to minimize those harms and maximize outcomes for all residents of King County. You can view the whole dashboard 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
Public Health Holds Second Annual Every Month Is Black History Month Event – The Seattle Medium
In counties with more Black doctors, Black people live longer, ‘astonishing’ study finds – STAT News
Public Health Offers Advice to Help With Lapse in Apple Health Coverage – South Seattle Emerald
Amid post-Roe landscape, WA lawmakers pass abortion ‘shield law’ – The Seattle Times
High court temporarily blocks restrictions on abortion pill – AP News
$1.25 billion mental health levy is on April 25 special election ballot – Seattle Weekly
Mayo Clinic expert talks about the new COVID omicron variant – The Seattle Times
U.S. Authorizes a New Round of Covid Boosters – The New York Times
Long COVID-19 is Sticking Around. What’s Causing it? – U.S. News
Vending machines dispense critical tools for preventing overdose – Public Health Insider
How fentanyl became Seattle’s most urgent public health crisis – The Seattle Times
Narcan vending machines in King Co. show signs of success 1 year in – My Northwest
New count of WA’s past heat wave deaths gives a ‘warning to the PNW’ – The Seattle Times
Late night trips to return to West Seattle Water Taxi starting tomorrow, April 21st
 The summertime schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi is now running through October 13th. Daytime sailings for the West Seattle Water Taxi start at around 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. on the weekends. The midday service remains in place, but the updated summer schedule includes the return of late-night sailings through 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Treat yourself to scenic views and a serene ride across Elliot Bay. Click here for more details.
April 2023 is Arab-American Heritage Month
 Last week, Executive Constantine issued a proclamation of April 2023 as Arab-American History Month in honor of the contributions of Arab-Americans to our county, state, and nation. Because much of the history and representation of Arab-Americans has been stifled due to misconceptions and anti-Arab hate, I am immensely pleased that King County is standing up to recognize Arab Americans for their rich culture, diversity in faith, and indelible accomplishments in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture. For more information, click here.
Eastlake Layover Facility update
 King County drivers and buses need spaces where they can take breaks and access safe restroom facilities so that they may stay alert behind the wheel and park buses away from the flow of traffic. Construction is underway for a new layover facility on Eastlake Avenue and is slated for completion by Summer 2023. For more information and details on construction impacts, click here.
Metro welcomes new Metro Transit Police Chief Todd Morrell
 Congratulations to Todd Morrell who has been selected as the new Chief for the Metro Transit Police after a competitive recruitment process. Morrell has worked in law enforcement for over 25 years and plans to work as a collaborative leader to help our communities succeed and thrive with transit and safety as top priorities. Click here to learn more.
Green jobs in King County
 Green jobs provide benefits to both the environment and the community, while paying a living, sustainable wage. King County has a new Green Jobs Strategy which aims to connect frontline communities most impacted by climate change to these jobs, promoting equitable access to the growing green economy as green jobs accelerate in the private sector by:
- Partnering regionally to grow green jobs through climate initiatives.
- Supporting organizations committed to building accessible on-ramps to living wage green careers with frontline communities.
- Focusing investments on existing high-growth sectors based on a regional definition of green jobs centered on creating opportunities for frontline community members – now and in the future.
- Developing green career pathways within the County workforce.
Read more about how the King County Department of Parks and Natural Resources developed the strategy with community partners here.
King County’s work against climate change
As we are readying ourselves to celebrate Earth Day this weekend, it is impossible to overlook the impact that climate change has had on our work and the immense load of work still left to protect our environment and communities. To tackle the effects on climate, King County has executed several initiatives and made strides for environmental wellbeing. Among them are the several salmon restoration projects which took place last year, the launch of Re+ to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the funds secured for dozens of projects protecting greenspace, restoring habitats, and expanding access to food and water, and so much more. Click here to learn more about King County’s climate accomplishments.
If you’re interested in a look at a recent first-of-its-kind study led by King County on greenhouse gas, click here. And to read more and watch a video about what you can do to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, click here.
Access Paratransit Advisory Committee Accepting Applications
Access Paratransit is looking for community members to help inform Metro’s mobility services. Community members can share their voices through the Access Paratransit Advisory Committee, which is comprised of Access riders, family members of Access riders, representatives of organizations that provide services to Access riders, and representatives of organizations that support Access riders who have limited English proficiency. New members are currently being recruited for eight positions in King County Council Districts 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Applications are due before April 30th. Click here to apply and find more information on the Metro Matters Blog.
Hazardous waste management help from King County
 Small businesses in King County can get customized recommendations to help manage hazardous waste, so that they can put the health of their employees, community, or the environment first. The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County will help to find safer alternatives to hazardous products, learn which hazardous waste regulations apply to each business, and get cash back for improvements or disposal expenses. Schedule a free consultation here.
2023 Awards for Healthy Communities and Parks Fund
Awardees have been announced for King County Parks’ Healthy Community and Parks Fund. These grants were awarded to organizations that increase access to recreation and use of parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities in underserved communities. Fourteen awards, totaling $198,613 were awarded to the following organizations through this program: Baseball Beyond Borders, Friends on Bikes, Big Drip Hoops, Needs of the Community Society, Brothers United in Leadership Development, Rainier Valley Corps/First Five Years & Beyond, City of Auburn Parks Department, Seattle PlayGarden, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, Skyhawks Sports Academy, Summit Community Center, The Nature Project, Ubuntu Nerudo African Heritage, and Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I.). For more information on this fund and the awarded organizations, click here. Congratulations to all of the awardees!
Best Starts for Kids announces awardees for Home Based Services grant
The Home-Based Services RFP focuses on relationship-based support for expecting families, and families of children birth to age. Services include offering caregivers a range of resources that support healthy pregnancy and birth, increase parenting confidence and knowledge, strengthen parent-child attachment, support positive child development, and enhance school readiness.
This grant has approximately $33,627,813 to be allocated across awardees in 3-year contracts. And of 70 applicants, Best Starts was able to provide 30 with funding to meet the needs of diverse families across King County.
When available, you can find the list of awardees here.
Pet of the Week
 Ashoka is three-year-old Pit Bull who is full of energy and loves to play. She’s still working on her manners, so she would do best with a family who is willing to work with her and help her become the best dog she can be. Click here to meet her, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
Washington to adopt nation-leading family and medical leave for Uber drivers
 Washington is on track to be the first state to mandate paid family and medical leave and unemployment benefits for Uber and Lyft drivers. This legislation offers a historic compromise in protecting both the flexibility which these workers depend on as well as the benefits that allow them to support themselves and their families. Last week, the bill was passed in the state legislature and now awaits signing on Governor Jay Inslee’s desk. Click here to learn more in an article from KUOW.
Gun safety laws approved by Washington Legislature
The state legislature approved several pieces of legislation that significantly improve gun safety in Washington state. The bills would change the process of purchasing firearms in Washington, ban the sale and manufacture of assault weapons, and allow the state to sue gun manufacturers. The bills have passed the House and Senate and now await the Governor’s signature.
As we continually see and experience loss through gun violence, I am very pleased to see that the state legislature is taking steps to enact gun control in our state. Click here to read more in an article from The Olympian and here for earlier coverage of this topic in The Seattle Times.
Councilmanic authority for the cultural access program
The state legislature also passed a bill allowing cities and counties to implement cultural access programs by public vote or a majority vote of the city or county council. This bill elects to promote the creation of cultural access programs so that more communities are inspired by science, heritage, and art. The bill now awaits signing by Governor Inslee. This success is very meaningful and rewarding to me personally, as I have worked with my colleagues to support the progress of this legislation for years. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times.
Candidate workshop
Candidate filing week (May 15th – May 19th) is quickly approaching and King County Elections wants to help provide you with all the information that you need to get your name on the ballot. King County Elections is hosting a final virtual workshop via Zoom on Monday, April 24th from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. This workshop will cover important dates and deadlines, how to submit your local voters’ pamphlet statement, and more. Additionally, the Public Disclosure Commission will join the workshop to provide basic campaign finance information.
In-person assistance will be available at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton. Find more resources for candidates on the Running for Office page here.
Seattle / King County Clinic
 The Seattle/King County Clinic is just around the corner from April 27th – 30th, with free medical, dental, and vision care for anyone who struggles to get health care. Click here to learn more.
20th Annual White Center Cambodian New Year Street Festival
 The Cambodian Cultural Alliance invites you to join the celebration of the Year of the Rabbit on Saturday, April 29th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this free celebration full of performances, music, food, games, and more. Click here or view the flyer above for more details.
Artists of Color Expo & Symposium
 From May 20th – 21st, the annual Artists of Color Expo & Symposium will return to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and Gonzaga University Urban Arts Center. The Artists of Color Expo & Symposium is a BIPOC-led, community-curated program featuring art exhibits, live performances, presentations, workshops, film screenings, artist talks, and artist opportunity tables. Access to this year’s symposium is free when you register here.
The Regional Homelessness Authority is hiring
There are several job opportunities currently at the Regional Homelessness Authority. Among these opportunities include Budget and Financial Analyst, Field Operations Coordinator, Deputy Chief Community Impact Officer, Systems Advocate, Federal and Grants Accountant, and many more. If you are interested in an impactful and rewarding career opportunity with the RHA, click here to learn more and apply.
King County Wastewater Treatment Division Internship
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is offering paid teen internships and spring career events. High school interns will learn about environmental and social justice issues, better their communication skills, and create and implement a plan to teach others about clean water. Applications will be accepted through May 15th. Click here to learn more and apply to internships, as well as access information on spring career events.
Racial Equity Coordinator at 4Culture
The Racial Equity Coordinator will be responsible for leading the ongoing racial equity strategies at 4Culture and helping staff to advance racial equity goals from our Strategic Plan. This includes responsibility for managing 4Culture’s Racial Equity Team, coordinating organization-wide racial equity initiatives, and supporting 4Culture staff in implementing racial equity strategies across programs and practices. Applications are due before Friday, May 5th at 5:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Controller at 4Culture
4Culture is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Controller. This position will work with finance staff and report directly to 4Culture’s Director of Operations. Applications are due before Friday, May 5th at 5:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Please contact Jackie Mixon at jackie.mixon@4culture.org if you have difficulty with any application for 4Culture.
Earth Day volunteer event
 To celebrate Earth Day (which was first convened in Seattle by Denis Hayes, more about that founding here), come volunteer for stewardship of Miller and Walker Creeks and get dirty for a good cause. There are opportunities to help plant native trees and shrubs, up-root invasive and non-native plants, and clean up litter. These opportunities are open to people of all ages. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Sack lunches for shelter
Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness is a non-profit operating The Oaks, an enhanced shelter in Shoreline. To supplement the nutrition offered to the participants, they are looking for community members to provide sack lunches Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Pre-packaged lunch items are welcomed, otherwise volunteers can use The Oaks’ large kitchen to make sandwiches. Groups and families are welcome! Click here to learn more.
Volunteers for StormFest
StormFest is an outdoor learning event where students learn about their local watershed, sources of pollution, and engineering solutions to prevent stormwater pollution. Volunteers are needed to help teach and support the programs! Learn how you can get involved here.
Volunteer at City Soil Farm
The King County Water Treatment Division has a farm! CitySoil Farm is a teaching farm located in Renton that provides education programs about water use and turning wastewater into valuable resources, using its produce to support local food banks. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday’s from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Cook meals for unsheltered neighbors
Operation Nightwatch and United Way of King County have several ongoing opportunities available for individuals and groups to cook meals for unsheltered neighbors. Click here to learn more.
Seattle gem, Couth Buzzard, kept open by influx of donations from adoring community members
 Earlier this month, Theo Dzielak, longtime owner of the bookstore/coffee shop, wrote to his customers announcing its reluctant closing. With the effects of the pandemic’s long-term closures and financial pressures mounting up, Dzielak felt that he had run out of options. The Seattle gem that was known for a cozy, family atmosphere held a sale to prepare for the closure. The community, however, was not ready to let Couth Buzzard go and dozens of donations piled into a public fundraiser, raising $50,000 in 10 days. Overcome with gratitude, thanked his loyal customers and friends who helped to keep his business open for the coming few months with a video posted on YouTube. Read more in an article from The Seattle Times here.
Helpful and informative links
King County Women's Advisory Board 2022 Annual Report – King County Clerk’s Office
Notification of Substantive Change to Funding Allocations in the VSHSL Implementation Plan – King County Clerk’s Office
King County prosecutors to tackle sexual assault backlog, economic crimes – The Seattle Times
King County homelessness authority to release revised $12 billion proposal – KOMO News
Assault Weapon Bill Moving In Washington State – The Seattle Times
WA film industry feels impact of tech slowdowns – 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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