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

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

We are just four days from Independence Day—a time for us to unite as Americans as we celebrate the founding of our great nation and the many blessings of liberty! In that spirit, I want to share some fun 4th of July events that are taking place in communities across District 9.

District 9 Fourth of July Festivities:

• Bellevue: Bellevue Family 4^th – live music, children's activities, food trucks, family entertainment, and fireworks. July 4^th, entertainment starts at 5 PM, fireworks show at 10:05 PM at Bellevue Downtown Park
• Enumclaw: Enumclaw 4^th of July Parade – marching bands, costumes, floats, and Independence Day spirit! July 4^th, 12 PM in Downtown Enumclaw, on Cole Street from Washington Ave to Monroe Ave
• Issaquah: Down Home 4th of July and Heritage Day – parade, costume contest, family activities, live music, and more. July 4^th, 11 AM – 2 PM at Veteran’s Memorial Park
• Maple Valley: Maple Valley Independence Day Celebration – live music, food, family activities, food trucks, pie baking contest, and fireworks. July 3^rd, entertainment starts at 4 PM, fireworks show at 10 PM at Lake Wilderness Park.

In addition, please be aware that this is the second year King County’s ban on consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas is in effect and the first year that the ban will be enforced. For a FAQ on the fireworks ban, visit the Department of Local Services website.

Below are other items of note regarding fireworks:

• King County’s fireworks ban impacts the District 9 unincorporated communities of Fairwood, Greater Maple Valley, Enumclaw Plateau, Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain, and the East Renton Highlands.
• Within city boundaries, firework regulations vary, but please note that all cities within District 9 except the cities of Black Diamond and Enumclaw have laws banning the discharge of fireworks within city limits. In the City of Enumclaw, legal fireworks can be discharged between the hours of 9 AM and 11 PM on July 4^th In the City of Black Diamond, legal fireworks can be discharged between the hours of 9 AM and midnight on July 4^th only.
• If you are setting off your own fireworks, please make safe choices for those around you and be considerate of the impact to your neighborhood. Be aware that bottle rockets, firecrackers and missiles are illegal to buy, sell or discharge under state law. An easy way to make sure you are staying within the law is to purchase fireworks from within the city or other area you’re planning to launch them in.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have fun with your family and friends as we honor the birth of America! May we also remember the men and women of our armed forces who have sacrificed so much so that you and I can be free.

Happy Fourth of July!

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone visit the new Family First Community Center

Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone outside the new Family First Community Center

Earlier this week, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and I visited the newly opened Family First Community Center. Envisioned by former Seattle Seahawks player Doug Baldwin, the Center offers a variety of recreational, educational, and health and well-being programs and services to Renton’s Cascade/Benson Hill Neighborhood. I am excited by the invaluable resource this will be for the community and encourage all who live nearby to stop in for a visit!

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

Farmers Market season is here! Find one near you

This summer, support a local farm and enjoy farm-fresh produce by visiting a farmers market near you! 

For dates, times, and locations, visit the Farmers Market Directory.

In the News

• Kent Reporter: Leaders celebrate completion in Kent of Lower Russell levee