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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week at the King County Council, I stopped an attempt to increase the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy rate. The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy, which is set to expire in December of this year, is up for renewal—so this August, voters will once again see it on their ballot. Together with three of my colleagues, I voted against the proposed tax increase and was the swing vote that prevented it from moving forward.

We live in difficult economic times, and I strongly believe now is not a wise time to ask taxpayers to give King County more of their hard-earned dollars. Though it was a close vote, I am pleased to report that the version of the Veterans Seniors, and Human Services levy that will be presented to voters in August will not be an increase of our existing tax burden. 

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Councilmember Reagan Dunn holds town hall meeting on the Enumclaw Plateau

Councilmember Reagan Dunn talking to constituents at the Enumclaw Plateau town hall meeting

Last night, I met with constituents from the Enumclaw Plateau about many important issues facing our community. Thank you to everyone who came out, and thank you to King County Undersheriff Jesse Anderson, Major Joe Hodgson, and Local Services Director John Taylor for joining me!

Councilmember Reagan Dunn applauds Governor's call for special session on Blake fix

Following my proposed ordinance to keep the public use of hard drugs a crime in King County, this week, Governor Inslee called a special session of the Washington State Legislature to address the need for a permanent, statewide drug possession laws.

I applaud the Governor for calling a special session to address the impending lapse of statewide laws against public drug use. The Legislature must now come to the table in good faith to find a solution so that the hundreds of millions of dollars invested in addiction recovery can be put to work and the safety of our communities can be protected. 

It will take compromise on both sides of the aisle to stave off the need of cities and counties to create local regulations — a patchwork approach that is far from the most sensible solution. I call on legislators to come up with a reasonable compromise to resolve this critical issue, criminalize public drug use, and authorize the release of crucial recovery dollars. I am encouraged to see the Legislature taking up the urgent issue before us and eagerly anticipate a sensible solution.

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

• ILoveKent Blog: King County Councilmember wants to make public drug use a misdemeanor
• Fox13 Seattle: Dunn proposes restrictions on where high-level sex offender housing facilities are placed
• KOMO News: King County Council member proposes restrictions on housing facilities for sex offenders
• Renton Reporter: Renton nonprofits receive retired Metro vans to support services