Quote of the Week
“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”
— Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
 Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
At Wednesday’s meeting, committee received a briefing from Metro’s General Manager Michelle Allison on staff shortage challenges, and took action on motions acknowledging receipt of the transit stops and centers cleanliness effort report, approving project eligibility criterion for the selection of projects to be funded by Conservation Futures, and authorizing the King County Executive to accept a donation of $500,000 from Kaiser Permanente of Washington. The committee also took action on an ordinance authorizing the use of an interlocal agreement template for cities, towns, and metropolitan park districts for open space acquisition projects, as well as an ordinance relating to the conservation futures program. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Full Council
At Tuesday’s meeting the council took action on several Executive appointments. My proposed legislation, which would require retail businesses in unincorporated King County to accept cash as an option for many transactions, was delayed as one our supportive councilmembers was unable to attend the council meeting. The legislation will be up for a discussion and likely vote at the King County Council meeting next week, June 27th. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Committee of the Whole
At Wednesday’s meeting, the committee received an executive COVID briefing. The committee also took action on motions on recommending an appointment to the 4Culture Board, acknowledging receipt of the report on toxics in King County wastewater effluent, as well as a report on the Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Inclusion Strategy Report and Recommendations from the King County gender identity and sexual orientation inclusion task force. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
Regional Transportation Committee
At Wednesday’s meeting, the committee received briefings on transit service in the rural area, RapidRide Prioritization Plan progress, and the Safety, Security & Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Initiative. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
 Local Services and Land Use Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will receive briefings on the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan and the Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan. The committee will also take possible action on an ordinance authorizing the King County Executive to enter an agreed order amendment with the Washington state Department of Ecology for final cleanup of King County's Maury Island Site. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m., the council will hold a public hearing on a seven-month moratorium prohibiting subdivisions of residentially zoned land in the Rural Town of Fall City, as well as on an ordinance relating to regional animal care and control services. The council will also take possible action on ordinances aiming to extend the final maturity date for sewer revenue bonds, to contract with commercial banking institutions to provide financial services to the county, and to authorize the King County executive to enter into an agreement with the Washington state Department of Commerce Public Works Board for loan financing for a wastewater capital project. Finally, my proposed legislation, which would require retail businesses in unincorporated King County to accept cash for many transactions, will be up for a discussion and likely vote. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will take possible action on motions approving specification for the provision of banking services, and on authorizing the
Executive to seek bids for the provision of those services. The committee will also receive a briefing on the COVID 10 budget. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 Get tested, get treated, of get PrEP
 Public Health – Seattle & King County has now made getting tested, treated, and preventative medication for HIV easier than ever. Use the ‘Easy Access Map’ at kingcounty.gov/EasyAccess to find low or no cost options for HIV Testing, Treatment & PrEP services by appointment or walk-in at a location near you.
Care-A-Van
 This week, Care-A-Van will be providing immunization services which include COVID-19, MPox, flu, and childhood vaccines, as well as informational health services which include blood glucose and blood pressure screenings. While it is preferred to register in advance, walk-ins are welcome. Learn more here.
COVID
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
Opioid settlement payouts are now public — and we know how much local governments got – NPR
Another COVID booster is coming. But how many will get it? – The Washington Post
States Try Easing the Burden of Long-Term Care’s High Cost – The New York Times
New Overdose Detection App Coming – The Seattle Medium
The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people – Crosscut
More than 1 million people are dropped from Medicaid as states start a post-pandemic purge of rolls – AP News
Boil water order issued for Des Moines, part of Normandy Park after E. coli contamination – KOMO News
Can we act now? WA’s overdose deaths are fastest rising in the nation – The Seattle Times
 King County receives Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for support of National Guard and Reserve
King County was one of 15 awardees selected to receive the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members. This award is the highest recognition by the federal government to employers who support employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Congratulations also to Metro Transit Chief Lisa Dove was also presented with the Patriot Award, which is given to a supervisor or manager who has supported their national guard or reserve service member. To learn more, click here.
West Seattle Water Taxi service
In March 2022, Metro embarked on a pilot to continue West Seattle Water Taxi service midday and weekend sailings through that winter, which proved very successful. As a result, Metro will continue year-round mid-day and weekend Water Taxi service to West Seattle starting this fall, allowing for a more efficient ferry operation for riders. This service will also encourage a healthier and more sustainable workforce within the Marine Division, while additionally bridging an important gap in Metro’s current bus service, due to bus operator workforce shortages. Learn more about the West Seattle Water Taxi here.
Metro Transit’s Community Vans
 If you don’t have a car or would like to leave yours at home, getting to your group's next outdoor activity is now easier than ever with Metro’s Community Vans. Get started by submitting a driver application or contact a Community Transportation Coordinator to draw upon a network of existing volunteer drivers. Click here to learn more.
Health Through Housing dashboard
 King County’s Health Through Housing initiative is a long-term commitment to accelerate our region’s response to chronic homelessness. The initiative cleverly uses repurposed hotels and other existing buildings to help get people indoors. To date, more than 800 people who have been experiencing homelessness have been moved into supportive housing – an exciting accomplishment. You can track the initiative’s progress through this helpful dashboard.
Register for June workshops about flooding and ways to reduce flood risk
 Flooding is our region’s most common natural disaster and part of life in King County. Want to learn how your family can be better prepared for and respond to floods? Want to share your ideas to shape the King County plan that works to reduce flood risks? King County will host two workshops as part of developing the next King County Flood Management Plan. The next flood plan will benefit families, homes, and businesses in unincorporated communities for years to come. Register today for the event on Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. which will be hosted online.
If you have questions about the flood plan or how to get involved, contact Chrys Bertolotto, Flood Plan Engagement Coordinator, at 206-263-2677.
Pride Survey
 LGBTQ2S+ who are living in Washington State are invited to take the annual Pride Survey. Those who take the survey are eligible for a chance to win 1 of 10 brand new iPads! The survey will be live until July 5th. Take the survey here.
 LGBTQIA+ Fair Housing Toolkit
 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has an LGBTQIA+ Fair Housing Toolkit for housing providers, tenants, and others who are looking to achieve more equitable housing opportunities. Learn more here.
Downtown Summer Sounds
 Beginning Friday, July 7th, Downtown Summer Sounds will return to its tradition of outdoor summer concerts. There will be music genres featured for every music lover. Join the Downtown Seattle Association at Westlake Park, Occidental Square, Bell Street Park and other spots across downtown, and enjoy displays some from some amazing local talent. Click here to learn more.
KCICN Youth Behavioral Health Summer Program Request for Applications (RFA) Awardees
The King County Department of Community and Human Services has completed its review process for the KCICN Youth Behavioral Health Summer Program and has selected 13 agencies to receive funding. This funding aims to support King County Integrated Care Network Behavioral Health providers who serve youth to implement summer activities for youth and families, which are meant to engage, or keep engaged, youth in mental health and substance use disorder outpatient services.
Congratulations to Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Atlantic Street Center, Center for Human Services, Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, Friends of Youth, Kent Youth and Family Services, NAVOS, Ryther, Seneca Family of Agencies, Sound, Southwest Youth and Family Services, Valley Cities, and Youth Eastside Services on being selected to receive funding.
Historic Seattle
 Tomorrow marks the anniversaries of two of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, both of which opened for the first time on June 23rd. The first institution is the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which opened in Volunteer Park on June 23, 1933. SAM has exhibited works by famed Washington artists, including Paul Horiuchi, Mary Randlett, Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, Michael Spafford, and so many more. The second institution is the Experience Music Project, now known as MoPop, which opened at Seattle Center on June 23, 2000. MoPop was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and encourages the exploration of pop culture with fun and interactive exhibits. Learn more about these Seattle institutions summarized in HistoryLink here.
 Pride art shows
Throughout June and July, there are still several opportunities to visit Pride art shows, many of which are free to the public. The Seattle Times has put together an exciting list of these events, which can be found here.
Join KEXP for Pride
 On Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th, join KEXP for a special lineup throughout Pride Weekend. KEXP will kick off its celebration from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday followed by a special Pride edition of Audioasis from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. On Sunday, join the station live from Pride on Capitol Hill at the Wildrose from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Seattle Pride Parade
 This Sunday, June 25th, join the 49th annual Seattle Pride Parade from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Downtown Seattle. The parade route will run through downtown Seattle along 4th Ave, between Pike St and Denny Way. Celebrate advancing awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and promoting respect and equal human rights for all people during this exciting event. Learn more here.
Advancing Racial Equity: Trust-based Philanthropy
 Today at 5:30 p.m., join United Way of King County at the Wing Luke Museum Reception Hall for a discussion with the community about the group’s racial equity journey, work, and aspirations. The event will also feature a panel of leaders who will discuss their approaches to implementing participatory grantmaking as a tool, the pros, the learnings, and how it can be applied to improve our daily lives. Click here to learn more about the event.
Crown Hill Street Festival
 This Saturday, June 24th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., attend the Crown Hill Street Festival and enjoy local goods, eats, and live music. Click here to learn more.
8th Annual Seattle-King County Black Graduation
 This Sunday, June 23rd from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., the 8th Annual Seattle-King County Black Graduation will take place at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. This event will honor 2023 graduates by recognizing their accomplishments and the infinite possibilities for their futures. Special guests who have demonstrated excellence in their fields will speak and impart wisdom on the graduates. Click here to register for the event.
Free Day at the Museum of Flight
Admission to the Museum of Flight is free on the first Thursday of each month. Visit the museum on Thursday, July 6th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and enjoy visit full of fun and learning! Click here to learn more.
If you know of any events that you would like to see highlighted in my enews, feel free to share them at lilli.deleon@kingcounty.gov.
 AmeriCorps internship
 The King Conservation District, which is not affiliated with the King County government, is looking to recruit two AmeriCorps members through Washington Service Corps to contribute to its Conservation Education and Outreach Project from September 2023 – July 2024. The two positions currently open are for Conservation Education Specialist and Community Agricultural Specialist. Applications must be submitted before Friday, June 23rd. Click here to learn more.
 2023-2024 Blake Nordstrom Scholarship
 Nordstrom and United Way of King County have partnered to offer the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship to 20 students from three Seattle College campuses for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarships amount to $5,000 per awardee. To be considered, students must apply before Thursday, June 29th. Click here to learn more.
Building for Equity: Cultural Facilities grants
This opportunity aims to provide funding for building, remodeling, and buying specialized space that houses and facilitates cultural work in King County. This grant is a part of 4Culture and King County’s Building for Equity initiative to support cultural building projects and create a pathway to racial equity in cultural facilities funding. A total of $1,100,000 is available in the funding pool. Applications must be submitted before July 28th. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
If you have any further questions, please contact Maya Santos at maya.santos@4culture.org.
 Elliott Bay Book Co. turns 50
 On June 29th, the Elliot Bay Book Co. will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking a half-decade of supplying Seattleites with a unique bookstore experience. The iconic storefront, originally established in Pioneer Square in 1973, has remained a popular gathering spot for the community in its new Capitol Hill home since 2010. In celebration of so many years serving Seattle, The Seattle Times published a story reflecting on several beloved bookstores which were established concurrently. Read more here.
Additional helpful and informative links
King County voting on requirement for businesses to accept cash – My Northwest
It’s not just you: Many people confront health insurance obstacles over medical care and bills – The New York Times
Murder & Attempted Murder Charged in Belltown Fatal Shooting – KCPAO
Getting rid of bias in clinical calculators isn’t as simple as taking race out of the equation – STAT News
How much money does your family need to survive in Washington? This report says $77k a year – KNKX NPR
There Is No Social Justice Without Environmental Justice – Seattle Medium
You’re not imagining it — costs in Seattle rose faster than San Francisco – The Seattle Times
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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