Quote of the Week
"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time."
— Leo Tolstoy
 Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
At Tuesday’s LJHHS meeting, the Committee took action on a motion sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski and me requesting the Executive evaluate programs to reduce the average daily population in King County adult secure detention facilities and provided funding recommendations. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Full Council
 At Tuesday’s Council meeting, the Council unanimously approved the proposed VSHSL Ordinance 2023-0095, sponsored by Councilmember Girmay Zahilay and me, to renew the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy, sending the levy funding veterans programs, senior centers, and the human services workforce throughout the county to voters’ ballots in August. An earlier vote to increase the rate to $0.12 failed. See the official Council release above for more information or read coverage of the vote in
The Council also took action on several executive appointments as well as on a motion to transfer retired vanpool vans to non-profit organizations. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
At yesterday’s RWQC meeting, the Committee conducted its review of its 2023 Work Plan. It also received briefings on federal funding opportunities and proposed ordinances. Lastly, the Committee reviewed reports from both the Wastewater Treatment Division and the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee. WTD provided an interesting presentation on the 2024 proposed wastewater rate and capacity charge, and a valuable discussion followed. Moving forward, our wastewater system will need significant investment, and the department is being very intentional about how to do that while minimizing the bottom line for customers. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
 Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the Committee will likely take action on ordinances concerning King County district court electoral district boundaries for 2023, translated voting materials, and the servicing of summons and processing of lawsuits by King County. For more information and how to join the meeting, click here.
Flood Control District Executive Committee
 At next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:00 p.m., the Committee will receive a briefing on the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan. The Committee will also likely take action on resolutions to amend the rules and operating procedures of the King County Flood Control Zone District; to authorize the director of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to execute a quit claim deed related to a property transfer; and to approve a template for grant agreements. For more information and how to join the meeting, click here.
Full Council
 At next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m., the Council will present a proclamation of May 7th - 13th as Affordable Housing Week in King County, and a separate proclamation of May 12th as Childcare Provider Appreciation Day. The Councill will also likely take action on several ordinances concerning agreement with recommendations from the hearing examiner to approve
the application for a public benefit rating system of assessed valuation for open space. For more information and how to join the meeting, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the Committee will likely take action on an ordinance abolishing a county fund and transferring any remaining net assets and fund balance. The Committee will also likely take action on ordinances authorizing the issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds of the county, and approving specification for the provision of banking services. For more information and how to join the meeting, 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
Vending Machines Dispense Critical Tools for Preventing Overdose – Public Health Insider
Seattle libraries, transit branch into social work to take on mental health, drug use – The Seattle Times
Get access to FREE naloxone for yourself, your friends or in case of emergency – Kelly Ross Pharmacy Group
White House Will End Most Covid Vaccine Mandates – The New York Times
Celebrating the opening of a new school-based health center at Highline High School – Public Health Insider
 2023 King County Council brochure
 Your guide to the King County Council is here! This brochure provides information on the Council’s responsibilities and how we govern, as well as information on county budgets, district organization, and committee meetings. Click here to view the brochure.
Trailhead Direct returns May 13th
 Trailhead Direct is a partnership between King County, the City of Seattle, and Amazon. The program will next Saturday, May 13th, and will offer easy transit-to-trails service to Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si. The program allows adventure seekers to travel to trailheads without the need to drive and park cars, expanding accessibility to our region’s beautiful outdoor scenery to those who may find them out of reach. Outdoor lovers can enjoy this program through Labor Day, September 4th. Click here to learn more.
King County will transition by July to the new Keep King County Housed rent assistance program, funded by the state
The Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) was introduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020, with the understanding that renters are more likely than homeowners to be cost burdened and people of color are more likely to be severely cost burdened. This program reached more than 40,000 people, distributed $390 million in assistance, and addressed racial inequities in housing access. As the remaining EPRAP funds from the State Department of Commerce will be exhausted by the end of May, King County’s King County’s Department of Community and Human Services will transition the program to a new state-level rental assistance program, Keep King County Housed (KKCH), administered by United Way of King County.
There are several changes in program requirements for this new funding. One of the challenges in this transition is that the scale of need remains high while the availability of resources for the program is smaller. Furthermore, program eligibility for KKCH differs from EPRAP and practices will move away from emergency procedures, reverting to pre-emergency verification practices and controls. KKCH currently will provide up to $10,000 of rent assistance, two months forward and up to the remaining amount for months of arrears. Lastly, the program’s focus will be on households that are very low income and at risk of homelessness.
Click here to learn more.
Awardees announced for Best Starts for Kids’ Early Support for Infants and Toddlers Strategy
 This program supports babies and toddlers under age three who have developmental delays or disabilities and provides them with individualized, quality developmental services. Over a period of three years, $10,190,308 of Best Starts funds will be awarded to nine agencies – see the image above to view a list of the awardees.
King County Library System no longer charging overdue fines
Beginning on May 9th, the King County Library System will stop charging late fines and clear all current late fines from accounts. This new policy comes after a vote from KCLS’ Board of Trustees to join a national trend of libraries that are removing barriers to access from populations who rely on the library system the most. Click here to read a full statement from the KCLS Executive Director.
Pet of the Week
 Fonzi is nine-week-old Domestic Shorthair cat who is outgoing, carefree, and loves to snuggle. He’s an independent kitten who likes to do his own thing. Click here to meet him, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes.
 The Woodland Park Zoo’s Forest Trailhead Groundbreaking Ceremony
 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Woodland Park Zoo’s Forest Trailhead Groundbreaking Ceremony, as I represent the Council on the Woodland Park Zoo Board as an ex officio member. The new Forest Trailhead exhibit is slated to open in 2026, which is included in the zoo’s Forest for All campaign, pledging to protect, restore and sustain forests for the benefit of animals and people.
During the event, the zoo’s CEO and President Alejandro Grahal spoke strikingly about the new planned space, followed by remarks from State Lands Commissioner Hillary Franz, and others. It was also great to see my colleague Representative Liz Berry, of the 36th Legislative District, at the event.
To learn more about the Woodland Park Zoo’s Forest for All Exhibit experience, click here.
Governor announces special session date to take up drug possession law
Currently, the temporary legislation that was put in place to address drug possession throughout Washington State, known as the Blake Fix, is set to expire in July. At that point, it would be up to cities (or counties) to institute their own policies, likely leading to a patchwork of drug laws across the state.
Governor Inslee announced on Tuesday that he will initiate a special session, beginning on May 16th, which will focus on passing a new drug possession law. This announcement is in response to the failure of the Blake bill to pass through the House during the legislative session, which would have made drug possession a gross misdemeanor throughout the state of Washington. Click here to read the announcement from Governor Inslee.
 Cinco de Mayo events
 Today is Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican victory during the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. There are several events in Seattle throughout the entire weekend to celebrate the holiday. Scroll through this article from The Seattle Times for a list of festivals, performances, and food and music fairs occurring this weekend.
Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and People March/Gathering
 Tomorrow, May 6th at 10:00 a.m., join MMIWP Families for a march starting at Westlake Park and ending at Seattle Center. This march aims to bring awareness to the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people, and the perpetuation of gender-based violence within this community.
If you attend the march and gathering, please wear some red in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. MMIWP Families also asks that no other organizations or groups bring their posters, banners, or flags to the March. They also ask for all allies to be mindful that they as Indigenous people will be wearing sacred regalia and carrying sacred prayer items, so please don’t touch an Indigenous Peoples person, don't ask to touch sacred items, and don't ask if you can take a photo just for a selfie. Please treat this event with the reverence it deserves.
Click here to learn more about the event.
Neighbor Day
 On Saturday, May 6th, celebrate Neighbor Day by connecting with your community, friends, and family. Perform a random act of kindness for your neighbor or engage in a group activity that will bring people together! This day is an excellent opportunity to get outside and connect. For more information, click here.
Seattle Art Book Fair
 This weekend, May 6th – 7th, the Seattle Art Bookfair will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Saturday) and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Sunday) at Washington Hall. This free, all-ages festival celebrates independent publishing, book design, and books-as-art, and will host local, national, and international artists, designers, and organizations. Enjoy a weekend full of talks, activities, art installations, and 65+ exhibitors. Click here for more information.
King County’s Conference on Substance Use Disorders
 Public Health – Seattle & King County will co-host King County’s 3rd Annual Conference on Substance Use Disorders in person on May 11th, along with the King County Recovery Coalition, the King County Council, and the King County Department of Community and Human Services. Spearheaded by Councilmember Reagan Dunn, this event will provide for the community to come together to better understand how to meet people where they are at on their journey to recovery.
The event is free to the public and will take place at Bellevue College. Although you are encouraged to attend and participate safely in person, the conference will be conducted in a hybrid manner. Click here to reserve your spot!
Agriculture Commission hosts Snoqualmie Valley Agriculture Task Force
The King County Agriculture Commission will host the first public presentation of the draft Agricultural Land Resource Strategic Plan on Thursday, May 11th at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom. The plan outlines a process to elevate the land resource needs for infrastructure, policy, and regulatory improvements for commercial farmers in the SVAPD and King County. The architect of this plan is the Snoqualmie Valley Agriculture Task Force, a ten-member task force made up of farmers and industry professionals in the commercial farming sector. This launch is one of two public events featuring the plan and collecting public comment, as well as commissioner comments and questions. Click here to learn more.
Belltown Art Walk
On Friday, May 12th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., join your friends and neighbors for the free, self-guided, and all-ages Belltown Art Walk. Chat with friends while you visit galleries and businesses throughout Belltown. Click here for the map and additional information.
One Seattle Day of Service
 On Saturday, May 20th, join Mayor Harrell, local leaders, and Seattle residents in coming together and giving back to the city. Activities will include cleaning and beautification, gardening and restoration, helping neighbors in need, and more. Click here to learn more and to register for the event.
Cultural Futures 2023 tour
 Learn more information about the newly passed HB 1575, (Councilmanic authority for the cultural access program) new funding, grant opportunities, and more from Inspire Washington during its Cultural Futures 2023 tour. Click here to review the tour schedule and register for an event near you. I plan on taking this opportunity up at our Council with Councilmember Claudia Balducci and others.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Open House
 The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy has begun hosting a series of in-person Open Houses across King County for community members to learn more about VSHSL-funded services for their community. Several of these open houses will take place throughout May, in Enumclaw, Auburn, and Seattle – note the one to be held at the Greenwood Senior Center on May 31st. Click here to view the open house calendar.
Rainbow Hop
 On Saturday, June 3rd, visit the 11th Annual PhinneyWood Pride Rainbow Hop. Join the community in creating a more connected and inclusive environment for others to feel safety and belonging. Participants will travel along Phinney Ridge and Greenwood Ave to visit participating businesses and enjoy fun activities. Click here to learn more.
 Volunteer at Northwest Folklife
 Northwest Folklife is looking for volunteers to help keep their events running smoothly over the Memorial Day weekend. Opportunities are available for individuals, large groups, families, or local businesses to participate. Click here to learn more.
 OLEO Investigations Analyst
The County’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight is looking to hire two Investigations Analysts to conduct independent investigations into allegations of misconduct by the King County Sheriff's Office, as well as monitor and review King County Sheriff's Office internal investigations to ensure they are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and procedures. Ideal candidates will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. For more information on these positions and a link to the application, click here.
 Ballard Food Bank
 The Ballard Food Bank aims to be a provider of both food and hope to those who need them most. This organization provides a grocery-style experience for access to nutritious food, a no-cost café, home delivery, and a Weekend Food for Kids program. In addition to quality food items and meals, clients are also afforded access to utility assistance, identification vouchers, a mail program, and a financial assistance program which targets eviction prevention. It also hosts the Community Resource Hub, where partner organizations gather under one roof to offer a range of services like housing, medical care, and veterans’ benefits. Read more about the Ballard Food Bank’s Services and how you can get involved here.
 Rainier Beach residents see change after tirelessly advocating for public art
 Several community organizations comprised of Rainier Beach residents have seen success after years of pushing for new spaces and initiatives to promote public art. Among several improvements and additions is a new, permanent stage coming to Be’er Sheva Park, where performers of all kinds will be able to share their talent and educators may host events. This new stage is funded partially by a King County 4Culture grant, a Seattle Park District grant, and the remaining funds were raised by another community organization, Rainier Beach Link2Lake. To learn more about the various improvements secured by Rainier Beach advocates, read this article from the Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
King County Council sends renewal of veterans, seniors, human services levy to August ballot – The Seattle Times
King County Council sends Human Services levy to August ballot – Crosscut
King County councilmembers seek evaluation of jail population reduction programs – Black Chronicle
Local Policymakers Look To Criminalize Public Drug Use – The Seattle Medium
A shake up is coming from the Regional Homelessness Authority – KUOW
Washington governor rolls back limitations on police chases – AP News
WA passed a 'Voting Rights Act 2.0' bill. Here's what's in it – Crosscut
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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