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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday, we held the 3rd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders with more than 500 people in attendance, virtually and in person. I first launched this conference in 2021, and am so pleased by the growth its seen since then— growth that is driven by the incredible level of interest in coming together to find solutions to the ongoing drug and overdose crisis. I am grateful to all who participated, including former Governor Gary Locke, King County Executive Dow Constantine, my colleague King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson, and State Representative Lauren Davis. 

Right to left: Rep. Lauren Davis, DCHS Director Leo Flor, Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson, and King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn

This conference inspired many thoughtful discussions about how we can collaborate to help folks struggling with substance use disorder find their road to recovery. The hope in the room was tangible—and I believe that, by working together, we can find real solutions to tackle the ongoing drug and overdose crisis.

The event couldn't have happened without the help of our partners: Brad Finegood, Public Health – Seattle & King County Strategic Advisor on Behavioral Health; Leo Flor, King County Department of Community and Human Services Director; and Heather Venegas, Director of the King County Recovery Coalition.

If you missed the conference, a video will be shared in the coming week by King County TV. I will share a link when it comes available. In the meantime, check out this recap of the event at KIRO 7 News.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

National Fentanyl Awareness Day

Did you know that illicit fentanyl is still the number one cause of death among Americans 18 to 45?

Fentanyl is odorless, tasteless, extremely potent, and often appears in the form of fake pills disguised as Oxycontin, Percocet and Xanax. It's also driving the overdose crisis we are seeing here in King County and nationwide. 

Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl. 

New hours coming soon to many King County libraries

Soon you will be able to enjoy more time at many local libraries! Open hours are expanding at many locations across District 9:

Hours expanding on May 21st:

• Auburn Library
• Black Diamond Library
• Covington Library
• Enumclaw Library

Hours expanding on May 30th:

• Fairwood Library
• Maple Valley Library

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. 

4Culture Collections Care Grant

Collections Care grants supports the work of King County non-profit heritage organizations by providing the funds necessary to assess, organize, catalog, clean, repair, document, digitize, and, ultimately, preserve heritage resources in King County.

Applications due May 31, 2023. Find more information at the 4 Culture website.

In the News

• KIRO 7 News: King County leaders discuss rising death toll from drugs and alcohol
• KOMO 4 News: King County conference aims to find ways to combat rise in fatal drug overdoses