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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week at the King County Council, the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee heard an exciting update on how the expanded Stop Hate Hotline that I proposed last year will be designed. You can read The Seattle Times' coverage of this update here. 

It is widely understood that hate crimes are underreported, yet have still been on the rise in recent years. A dedicated reporting system will help connect more victims with trusted community partners that can provide support and assist with reporting incidents motivated by hate and bias, while also equipping us with the data we need to better understand the prevalence and nature of these crimes. 

A final report on the Stop Hate Hotline plan will be due to the Council in September of this year. I will keep you updated on how it develops. 

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

As wildfire season approaches, King County issues Stage 1 burn ban for unincorporated areas

A Stage 1 burn ban, which prohibits yard debris fires, is in effect for unincorporated areas.

The ban does not apply to recreational fires and gas/propane appliances including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills.

Recreational fires must be permitted where required by local fire districts and adhere to the following standards:

• Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
• The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
• The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
• The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
• The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
• Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
• The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
• The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
• After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
• If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

For more information on burn bans, visit the King County Local Services webpage.

"Jaguar Way" may soon be coming to Fairwood

This week, the King County Council approved legislation I sponsored that initiates the process of renaming SE 184th Street in Fairwood "Jaguar Way" to honor Northwood Middle School. With this legislation, King County will now begin notifying property owners along SE 184^th St that the King County Council will soon be voting on the name change.

Since Northwood Middle School is expanding to include sixth grade this fall, this honorary road designation is a great way we can welcome these new young students to campus! Thank you to the Northwood students and administrators that attended Tuesday's Council meeting to speak in support of "Jaguar Way."

Make your voice heard! King County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan update

King County is starting a once-a-decade update to its Comprehensive Plan, a key policy document that guides how growth and development will occur over the next 20 years. It guides County decisions and services such as:

• where homes, offices, or stores can be built;
• how roads, buildings and trees contribute to the look and feel of neighborhoods;
• investments in transit, sewers, and parks;
• protection of working farms and forests; and
• access to clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment.

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan update will focus on policies related to racial equity, affordable housing, and climate change. A draft of this update is available at the Comp Plan Update webpage. 

The public has until July 15, 2023 to submit their feedback draft update. I encourage you to make your voice heard by: 

1. Sending an email at: CompPlan@kingcounty.gov   
2. Taking a short Feedback Survey

In the News

• The Seattle Times: How King County’s proposed hate crime hotline could work