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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, I introduced an ordinance that would make it open air illegal drug consumption a crime in King County. You can read more about my proposal at The Seattle Times.

Unfortunately, the state Legislature failed to pass drug possession legislation before its session ended last weekend. Because of this, Washington’s drug possession law will expire July 1— at which time, without action by cities and counties across Washington state, public use of illegal drugs would not be penalized. 

However, it is clear that a patchwork of differing local laws is not the preferable way to curb public drug use. I remain hopeful that Governor Inslee will call a special session to address this grave inaction by the state Legislature, and that the Legislature will have the courage to take this issue on. In the meantime, King County must act immediately to protect the safety of our communities by making the consumption of dangerous drugs in public an arrestable offense.

I will keep you updated as my proposal is considered by the King County Council in the coming weeks.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Councilmember Reagan Dunn meets with SAMHSA leadership

Councilmember Reagan Dunn with SAMHSA Assistant Secretary Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon (left) and SAMHSA Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Coderre (right)

Thank you to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Assistant Secretary Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon and Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Coderre for meeting with me this week! We had a valuable discussion about the drug crisis in King County and steps we can take to help more people with substance use disorder recover.

District 9 residents: Give your input on upcoming King County budget cuts

King County has launched a survey to gather input on budget priorities. This is your chance to help inform budget cuts that will occur in the upcoming biennial budget.

Most of the 2025-2026 General Fund, which is facing a $100 million revenue shortfall, pays for the traditional functions of county government. Nearly three quarters of the general fund (72%) goes to support criminal justice and public safety services. The remainder pays for other programs, such as health and human services.

For a primer on the King County budget, visit the Understanding the County Budget webpage.

Take the budget survey here. 

BSK Capital Program RFP

Best Starts Capital Program will provide contracts for building repairs, renovations and new construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for low-income children, young people, and families, with a priority for those serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In addition, rural areas and or low-income areas with lack of access will be prioritized.

Applications are due May 26, 2023. Find more information at the Best Starts for Kids website. 

In the News

• The Seattle Times: King County Councilmember Dunn proposes criminalizing public drug use
• KOMO News: King County Council member proposes ordinance to criminalize public drug use
• MyNorthwest: King County councilmember introduces bill to criminalize drug use