Quote of the Week
"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people."
– Roy T. Bennett, “The Light in the Heart”
 Full Council
In observance of the 4th of July holiday, no council meeting took place.
Regional Water Quality Committee
During Thursday’s special meeting, the committee received reports from the Wastewater Treatment Division and the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee. The committee also received a briefing on Wastewater governance and conducted the monthly review of the 2023 Work Program. Lastly, the committee took action on a motion related to developing a methodology for forecasting long-term financial investments for the Wastewater Treatment Division’s capital improvements. For more information on this meeting and to view a recording, click here.
 Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will receive a briefing on the Department of Human Resources’ Combined Compensation Request. The committee will take possible action on ordinances relating to the organization of the executive branch and assignment of administrative duties and responsibilities, the King County office of public complaints, and to the introduction and initial consideration of proposed legislation. Lastly, the committee will discuss environment, health, climate, and community impacts of activities at King County International Airport/Boeing Field. 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 take possible action on an ordinance which would make a net supplemental appropriation to jail health services, adult and juvenile detention, and public health. The council will also likely take action on motions acknowledging receipt of the report on toxics in King County wastewater effluent, the financial services specifications to solicit proposals from commercial banking institutions, the Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Inclusion Strategy report, and project eligibility criteria for the selection of projects to be funded by Conservation Futures. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Flood Control District Board of Supervisors
After the conclusion of the full council meeting, the Board will meet and take final action on a resolution relating to the operation and finances of the King County Flood Control Zone District, and adopting a revised 2023 budget, operating budget, capital budget, six-year capital improvement program for 2023-2028. 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 ordinances authorizing annual budgeting and adopting the Harborview Medical Center 2024 Capital Improvement Program Annual Budget. The committee will also take possible action on motions adopting the schedule for King County's move to annual budgeting and acknowledging receipt of a report of capacity charge exemptions or cost reductions for those impacted by redlining and racial restrictive covenants. Lastly, the committee will be briefed on our proposed COVID 10 budget. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Policy Committee Meeting
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 3:00 p.m., the committee will be briefed on the King County Flood Control District annual update as well as the King County Regional Homelessness Authority follow-up. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 July is Disability Pride Month
 This July, join King County in celebrating Disability Pride Month. During this month and every month, we honor the history, achievements, experiences, and amplify voices of the disability community in Seattle and King County. For more information and resources, click here.
Help available for fentanyl addiction
The Department of Community and Health Services and Public Health Seattle-King County released the first in a multi-part blog series in response to the current fentanyl crisis. Click here to view it and share with those who may be seeking treatment
Medicaid Updates
Many King County residents enrolled in Apple Health are at risk of losing their health insurance. The federal government has ended the COVID emergency orders and as a result, states are raising awareness about the potential loss of Medicaid benefits. For more information, click 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
King County Public Health urges vaccinations for mpox – KOMO News
Mpox update: Why a second vaccination is important now – Public Health Insider
Check for possible health warnings before heading to the beach – KUOW
Summer vacation is here at last! How to keep outdoor fun safe – Public Health Insider
King County Officials Urge Caution Around Bodies of Water – The Seattle Medium
King County’s chief of communicable disease: Don’t let your guard down with COVID-19 – NW Asian Weekly
Asian Americans lead in COVID-19 vaccination rates in King County – NW Asian Weekly
What does Covid-19 look like this summer? – KUOW
Addressing inequalities in LGBTQ+ cancer screening coverage in King County – Public Health Insider
Federal Officials Hatch a Three-Pronged Defense Against Another ‘Tripledemic’ – The New York Times
Drinking water from nearly half of US faucets contains potentially harmful chemicals, study finds – The Seattle Times
NW drinking water concerns could get worse as the climate changes – KNKX
King County’s overdose crisis continues. Here’s how the county is trying to fix it – The Seattle Times
 Harbor Island Studios Opening
 Last week, I attended a tour of Harbor Island Studios, our region’s first bona fide sound stages and previously underutilized warehouse that has been renovated as a strategic investment for King County. King County has been utilized for numerous films and series, including films like “Twin Peaks,” “Captain Fantastic,” “The Vanishing,” “Say Anything,” “Singles,” and episodic series such as “Northern Exposure.” And with leadership from Executive Constantine and his Film Advisory Board, these new film production studios will provide our film industry the infrastructure it needs to gain an edge with two nearby competitive film regions, British Columbia and Oregon.
Most importantly, these impressive studios can accommodate a wide variety of projects, from feature films to commercials. Many of these projects pay union wages to local carpenters, electricians, prop masters, costume designers, and other trades, thus generating jobs and stimulating business in the creative economy. With such excitement around this new development, the tours scheduled for both last night and tonight have sold out. Learn more about Harbor Island Studios here.
Annual Property Value Update
 Many King County homeowners should have received their annual property value postcards in their mailboxes recently, as the annual process of property valuation in King County is officially underway. With the first batch of post cards mailed out, consider these highlights on property values and property taxes from Assessor John Wilson.
- After reaching all-time highs in Quarter 2 of 2022, residential property values are correcting downwards throughout King County in 2023.
- Different regions are seeing different results, as values dropped 22% in Sammamish, but only by 8% on Queen Anne.
- Values of commercial office buildings fell by 15% to 20%, reflecting the transition to less in office work activity.
- The housing market is still healthy in King County, but has cooled considerably in 2023, bringing values down.
- The commercial market has remained steady in recent years, however, in 2023 there is a significant drop in the value of large office spaces.
- Voter approved special levies usually have more impact on property tax increases than do increases in home values.
For more information, see a press release from Assessor John Wilson here or view the King County Assessor’s website here.
Help inform art in parks
 King County Parks and 4Culture are developing a new plan for art and culture in King County’s parks and trails. As part of this process, a map will be built with a focus on what makes each park or trail special to the people who use it – and King County Parks wants your thoughts! Take the survey here.
Ordinance to Amend King County Code Governing Park Rules
 King County Parks is issuing a Determination of Non-Significance under the State Environmental Policy Act for the Parks Rules Ordinance. Proposed changes include providing fee waivers/scholarships for facility rentals, rules for allowing electric bicycles on Regional Trails, and more. The public comment period is open until July 19th. Learn more here.
 Using SNAP at farmers’ markets
 Did you know that you can use SNAP at your local farmer’s market? If you don’t know how, just stop by the information booth at your local farmers market and ask the friendly staff – they are excited to assist you. For more information, click here.
 Japan Fair
 This Saturday and Sunday, July 9th and 10th, visit the Japan Fair, a free two-day festival showcasing traditional and modern Japanese arts & culture, music, and technology. On Saturday, Music of Remembrance’s own Mina Miller will lead a special program titled "Power of Music" featuring a video performance of iconic composer Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Snow Falls." This special program will be livestreamed in Japan! Learn more here.
The Tempest – Shakespeare in the Park
 This Sunday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m., visit the Volunteer Park Amphitheater for a free performance of “The Tempest.” Learn more here.
Meet WestSide Baby
On Wednesday, July 12th at 1:00 p.m., don’t miss the chance to meet WestSide Baby at the Gates Foundation Discovery Center. For over 20 years, WestSide Baby has served families primarily marginalized by race, gender, and poverty. The organization provides children with essential items, including diapers, car seats, hygiene items, clothing, books, toys, bikes, and much more. Click here to learn more about the event. No RSVP is required.
If you cannot make the event but would still like to get involved in supporting the organization’s mission, its volunteer program is still available for people to help sort items, put them into the orders, and get them out to the families and the providers. WestSide Baby is also currently hosting its summer diaper drive, as they hope to distribute as many diapers as possible to those in need.
Belltown Community Council meeting
On Wednesday, July 12th at 6:30 p.m., join the Belltown Community Council either in person at Antioch University or online via Zoom for a meeting and discussion with King County Council District 4 and Seattle City Council District 7 candidates. You are invited to submit questions for the candidates to belltowncc@gmail.com. For more information on the meeting and access to the zoom link, click here.
Summer at SAM
 Play, picnic, and create this summer at the Olympic Sculpture Park, where an entire summer season packed full of activities and performances that combine visual art, music, and community will be hosted by SAM. On Thursdays, enjoy special evening concerts with food trucks and art making, and on Saturdays, start the weekend off right with daytime movement classes, tours, and community partner activities. All Summer at SAM programs are free, public, and suitable for all ages. The next Summer at SAM event will take place on Thursday, July 13th – click here to learn more.
Soccer and Kung Fu Day Camp
 On Friday, July 14th, youth ages 7-17 are welcome to join a free, one-day soccer and kung fu day camp to build confidence, self-awareness, and skill. This camp was made possible by partnership with the Rave Foundation, the Bruce Lee Foundation, Seattle Sounders FC, and Citywide Athletics. Click here to register.
Voices of Belonging
On Friday, July 14th, join Path with Art at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Public Library for Voices of Belonging, a showcase featuring a variety of performances, from singing and spoken word to poetry and acting, all connected by this year’s guiding theme of belonging. For more information or to RSVP, click here.
Teen Lounge
Celebrate Teen Week at the Gates Foundation Discovery Center from July 17th – 27th. Through both in-person and virtual events, teens can meet and learn with one another through fun activities, workshops, and educational programs. Click here to find an event.
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.
 Join the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Advisory Board
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners is recruiting dedicated community members to its Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a vital step in ensuring that community voices remain at the forefront of the organization’s work. For more information on the Advisory Board and a link to the application, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Dorsol Plants at dplants@skhhp.org.
Immigrant and Refugee Commission Openings
The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission works to enhance the integration of refugees and immigrants culturally, economically, and civically, in order to strengthen the communities where they live. The Commission is currently seeking King County residents to fill openings for six seats, preferably but not limited to the 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th King County districts, with a desire to address the most pressing issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities. Preferred applicants are 1) immersed in one or more immigrant/refugee communities and represent immigrant-led and/or faith-based organizations, 2) have had personal experiences as immigrants, refugees or asylees, 3) reflect the racial, ethnic, professional, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, age and geographic diversity of King County communities, and 4)
are well-versed on the issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities locally as well as nationally. For more information on commissioner responsibilities and a link to the application, click here.
Board of Health Recruitment
The King County Board of Health is currently seeking applications for two positions on the board, which include community-based organizations or nonprofits working with populations experiencing health inequities in the county, active, reserve, or retired armed services members, the business community, or the environmental public health regulated community. Preferred applicants will have a desire to advocate for the preservation, promotion, and protection of public health, prevent the spread of disease, set local public health regulations and some fees and licenses, and enforce state and local public health laws. Applications must be submitted before August 6th, 2023. For more information on the position’s responsibilities and a link to the application, click here.
 Temporary staff at King County Elections
 King County Elections is hiring temporary elections workers and ballot van drivers for the upcoming Primary Election.
Ballot Van Drivers are responsible for the secure and efficient transportation of ballots from drop boxes to Elections Headquarters. If you like driving and physical work, this is a great opportunity to be a part of the democratic process. https://kce.wiki/BallotVanDriver
Temporary Elections Workers may assist with a variety of ballot processing tasks, from opening ballots to signature verification to customer service. If you or someone you know is looking for temporary work, apply to join the team. https://kce.wiki/TemporaryElectionsWorker
 Our Building for Equity: Cultural Facilities
 These grants provide funding for building, remodeling, and buying specialized space that houses and facilitates cultural work in King County. By aiming to support cultural building projects, King County and 4Culture can 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 at 5:00 p.m. 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.
 A King County refugee program turned two hotels into communities of support
 In 2021, as many refugees from Afghanistan travelled to King County and other regions for safety and security for their families, King County readied a temporary supportive housing solution. It utilized two hotels, originally meant as supportive housing for the unhoused population in Federal Way and Redmond, though at that time they remained empty. These spaces served as a community for these refugees in an unknown area, where people spoke their language, translation services were available, Afghan food was prepared and delivered to the hotel, and agencies helped guests find permanent housing after leaving the hotel. These early communities helped serve as a vessel for new hopes and dreams, and created a feeling of belonging for so many. In this article from The Seattle Times, read more about the process of cultivating these communities and hear stories from your King County neighbors, the refugees who were able to secure a safe start to their new lives.
Helpful and informative links
Report: Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy 2022 Annual Report Summary – King County Clerk’s Office
Report: Scooter Share Pilot Program – King County Clerk’s Office
Where are King County’s homeless residents from? – The Seattle Times
The puzzling rise of defendants too sick to stand trial in WA – The Seattle Times
Ballard businesses say neighborhood in tug-of-war as homeless camps pop back up after sweeps – KIRO 7
UW study shows Seattle’s historically redlined communities have worse air quality – The Seattle Times
Redlining Continues to Reverberate in Seattle Nearly a Century Later in Pedestrian Deaths – The South Seattle Emerald
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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