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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you may have seen, our State Legislature recently passed an urgently-needed fix that preserves our criminal drug use laws, which were set to expire on July 1. I applaud the Legislature for working together to make sure that the public consumption of illegal drugs is not allowable in our communities. 

My proposed ordinance that would have penalized illegal drug use in public spaces in King County will now lapse, as it is no longer necessary. It has always been my position that a cohesive, statewide penalty for public drug consumption is greatly preferable to a piecemeal laws that local jurisdictions would have had to put in place without a statewide measure. This is why I called for Governor Inslee to convene a special session on the issue. I am very pleased that the Legislature was able to agree on a bi-partisan solution that protects communities in all cities and counties in Washington state. 

Importantly, the Legislature's action on penalizing illegal drug use also releases critical state dollars for addiction and recovery services. This is needed now more than ever as our area is facing the biggest drug and overdose crisis we have seen in years.

As we discussed during last week's King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders, it will take collaboration between everyone—government, non-profits, faith groups, and activists alike—to help those suffering with addiction. I am confident that, by working together, we can save lives and help folks find their road to recovery. 

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Enumclaw no longer up for consideration for airport site

With the Governor’s veto on the controversial sections of ESHB 1791, those of us fighting a future airport in Enumclaw got a major win. With this action, the state is no longer looking to site a new airport. Instead, the new Civil Aviation Work Group will focus on expanding existing airports.

I will continue to watch this issue closely and fight to ensure an airport isn’t forced upon the Enumclaw community.

Honoring our fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week

Councilmember Reagan Dunn with law enforcement officers

This week I led the King County Council in recognizing May 14-20 as National Police Week in King County. 

During Police Week, we pay our respects to the men and women of law enforcement who lost their lives while protecting their community. Though we can never fully repay the great debt that we owe them—and their families, friends, and fellow officers—we honor their memory and mourn with their loved ones. We also extend our deep gratitude to the law enforcement officers who continue to serve and protect our communities every day.

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.