November 16, 2023
 Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Last Thursday, my staff and I toured the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, which is still under construction on the waterfront. The Ocean Pavilion, scheduled to open in mid-2024, will feature a reef ecosystem found in the warm waters of the western Pacific’s Coral Triangle. While the original Seattle Aquarium building will still feature the well-loved Pacific Northwest marine life, this new facility will highlight the interconnectedness of our marine ecosystems and the challenges that waters across the world are facing. Not only will this Pavilion provide key educational experiences, but the facility is state-of-the-art and the architecture inside is beautiful. The top of the Pavilion will feature a public park and stellar views of the Sound and will connect the waterfront to businesses along Western Avenue and in Pike Place Market. It will rival aquariums around the world in its innovation. Very exciting!
 My amazing staffers, Lorena Gutierrez-Perez, Clara Manahan, Lilli DeLeon, and Adam Cooper.
There is much to look forward to in this week’s enews. Here’s a peek at what’s included:
As always, I would like to hear from you. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov.
All the best and I hope you are staying safe.
Quote of the Week
“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”
– Padmasree Warrior (technology executive)
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During Tuesday’s Government Accountability and Oversight Committee meeting, the committee received briefings on a code enforcement audit and courthouse vicinity improvements, including an interesting discussion with Superior Court Judges Patrick Oishi and Ketu Shah on City Hall Park. Action was also taken on proposed ordinances adopting the revision of voting precincts of King County for the year 2024, as well as on the department of executive services, and taxicabs and for-hire vehicles.
- During Tuesday’s Flood Control District Board of Supervisors’ meeting, the board took final action on resolutions relating to the operation and finances of the King County Flood Control Zone District to adopt the 2024 budget and authorize improvements, and to authorize a property tax levy increasing property tax revenue to implement the District's 2024 budget and work program.
- During Tuesday’s full Council meeting, the council presented recognitions to Marty Hartman, Executive Director of Mary’s Place, and Mary Ellen Stone, Chief Executive Officer of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, for their many years of service. The council also took action on a proposed ordinance declaring a fifteen-month interim zoning ordinance regulating residentially zoned land in the rural town of Fall City, as well as on a proposed motion related to the King County board of appeals and equalization. The council also took action on two reappointments.
 We were honored to recognize Marty Hartman, who will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of Mary’s Place on December 1st. Mary’s Place has experienced immense growth under Marty’s leadership, helping thousands of families experiencing homelessness. Beginning as a drop-in women’s day center in 1999, Mary’s place is now a thriving, innovative organization that has helped thousands of women and families find their way back to safe, permanent housing. Thank you, Marty, for your compassion, vision, and determination.
 I was pleased to join CM Balducci and CM Perry in cosponsoring a recognition honoring Mary Ellen Stone, who is retiring after leading the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center for 44 years. When she started, the group served 100 survivors with three staff and an annual budget of $50,000. Today, the organization has 70 staff and serves 5000 survivors with an annual budget of $8.2 million. She has been a tenacious and tireless advocate for survivors and has undoubtedly made King County a safer, more trauma-informed place. Thank you, Mary Ellen, for your work, your courage, and your commitment.
- During Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, the committee took action on two appointments, as well as on a proposed motion establishing the King County 2024 State Legislative Agenda. Also on the agenda was a proposed ordinance relating to the management and operation of Harborview Medical Center and a proposed motion making an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in the East division, Northeast electoral district of the King County district court. The committee voted to appoint Peter Peaquin with the final appointment to be made at the full Council at our Nov. 28th
- During Wednesday’s Regional Transit Committee meeting, the committee received a Metro service update and took action on a proposed motion relating to the King County Metro Transit Strategic Plan for Public Transportation 2021-2031 and King County Metro Transit Service Guidelines and accepting the King County Metro Transit 2023 System Evaluation.
- During Thursday’s special Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee meeting, the committee received a briefing from Metro’s General Manager and took action on proposed motions expressing support for the Re+ Strategic Plan and acknowledging receipt of a biosolids thermal drying phase 2 report. The committee also took action on a proposed ordinance approving the grant funding allocation for the projects funded through the WaterWorks grant program for the 2023-2024 cycle, and received a briefing on a proposed ordinance establishing an hourly minimum wage for employees of employers in unincorporated King County.
- During Thursday’s Board of Health meeting, the Board received a report from Faisal Khan, Director, Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, a briefing on on-site sewage and septic systems, and an update from the Board of Health Homelessness Workgroup. The Board concluded after a discussion concerning the 2024 work plan.
If you missed the meetings, recordings and additional materials will be made available here.
 As next week is Thanksgiving Week, there will be no Council meeting or other committee meetings scheduled except for the two below.
Committee of the Whole & Regional Policy Committee
During next Monday’s 11:00 a.m. special joint meeting, the committee will further discuss a proposed ordinance creating the King County Doors Open program to support cultural organizations, imposing a one tenth of one percent sales and use tax to finance the King County Doors Open program. Materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Employment and Administration Committee
During next Tuesday’s 11:00 a.m. special meeting, the committee will conduct an executive session to review the performance of a public employee. Materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Meeting
During next Wednesday’s 9:30 a.m. meeting, the committee will discuss and take possible action on proposed ordinances relating to extending the purpose of the veterans, seniors and human services levy fund, body worn cameras for the King County sheriff's office, the county property tax levies for collection in 2024, and the 2023 levy of property taxes in King County for collection in the year 2024. Also on the agenda is a proposed ordinance relating to a net supplemental appropriation to various general fund agencies, a net supplemental appropriation to various non-general fund agencies, and a net supplemental appropriation from various capital fund budgets. Materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
 COVID
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard.
The Washington State Department of Health recently unveiled a new design and web location for its COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, which displays the number of COVID-19 vaccines given and the percentage of people vaccinated.
The new 2023-2024 COVID vaccine has been approved, and some pharmacies have them available. Check vaccines.gov to find appointments or check with your provider.
Since June, COVID-19 cases have been on an upward climb in King County and according to the CDC, COVID-19 viruses change and make it harder for our bodies to fight off new versions, or variants, even if you’ve had COVID-19 or been vaccinated previously. If you or someone in your household exhibits COVID-19 related symptoms, please take care of yourself and family and stay home. The CDC recommends employees should be out of the workplace for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms. For more information from CDC, click here.
Overdose data
For up-to-date data on drug and alcohol-induced overdoses in King County, see the Overdose Data Dashboards.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
1-year-old Shoreline girl died of fentanyl overdose in June, medical examiner confirms – KOMO News
Inexpensive antibiotic poised to become STI morning-after pill – AXIOS
Inside Tribal Leaders' Call To Action To Address The Fentanyl Crisis – Yahoo News
Three Days That Changed the Thinking About Black Women’s Health – The New York Times
Better heart health may improve cognitive health in kids – Seattle PI
‘A Monster’: Super Meth and Other Drugs Push Crisis Beyond Opioids – The New York Times
I want a Seattle where the bus my daughter rides is fentanyl-free – The Seattle Times
 Metro’s New Fares Cabinet
 Are you interested in helping shape the future of transit fares in King County? Apply to join Metro’s new Fares Cabinet.
The Fares Cabinet will represent people who haven’t always had a say in decisions about transit and fare policies. This is your chance to make a difference and ensure your voice is heard. Members will be paid for their participation at meetings and events.
Learn more and apply at kingcounty.gov/metrofarepolicy. The deadline to apply is December 31.
Stream health is improving throughout King County
 Multiple studies based on twenty years of data collected by King County scientists indicate major improvements in the health of local streams even as the population grew by over a half-million people, suggesting that effective growth management can protect urban streams. The current trends illustrate advancements for three of the six strategic goals established in Clean Water Healthy Habitat, an initiative Executive Constantine launched in 2019 to better align investments and actions to produce better results faster for people, salmon, and orcas. The trends indicate cleaner, controlled stormwater runoff, reduced toxics and fecal pathogens, and better fish habitat. Learn more here.
 My motion requesting recommendations to restore justice for redlining practices.
Last week, I introduced a motion requesting the executive to provide recommendations to restore justice for race-based restrictive real estate practices, building on a previous, comprehensive report on the impacts of historic redlining across King County for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Redlining practices and restrictive covenants historically prevented BIPOC residents from accumulating wealth and assets through homeownership. The legislation will be taken up at the Committee of the Wole meeting on November 29th at 9:30 a.m. Check out some coverage on the legislation from The Seattle Times and the Seattle Weekly.
Attending luncheon at the Republic of Korea Consulate
 On Tuesday, I was very pleased to attend a luncheon at the Republic of Korea Consulate with Korean Consul General Eun-ji Seo, joined by my council colleagues Councilmembers von Reichbauer and Perry. We at the King County Council presented a certificate of recognition to Eun-ji Seo last year in celebration of her appointment and continued work to strengthen the ties among our communities. King County is home to more than 85,000 Korean Americans, and our state’s location on the Pacific Rim has led to a special relationship of trade and commerce with the Republic of Korea.
King County Public Art Collection: Signature Bridges Connect Us to Form and Function
A recent blog post from King County 4Culture discusses the collaborative and creative efforts of Public Art in their managing artwork within communal spaces across the county. The ongoing series, King County Public Art Collection: Signature Bridges Connect Us to Form and Function, showcases an unconventional, yet highly collaborative and vital form of art that we all may have driven past. This partnership with 4Culture and the county’s Road Services Division involves artists’ input on bridge designs, fostering excitement, appreciation, and awe for the county’s infrastructures. To read the blog post in its entirety, visit their page.
Visit Seattle Resident Sentiment Survey
 Visit Seattle (@VisitSeattle) wants to hear how locals feel about tourism. If you live in Seattle or King County, take the survey or share it with friends. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
King Conservation District Board of Supervisors
Are you interested in forest management, farm conservation planning, wildfire preparedness, and streamside and shoreline enhancement? If so, consider running for the King Conservation District (KCD) Board of Supervisors Position 1. The candidate filing window for this election is December 4-8, 2023. Voting will take place January 23-February 13, 2024. The Board of Supervisors oversees KCD operations, budget and policy, and steer direction of resources for the $8million, 30-staff-person district. More information is available at www.kingcd.org/elections.
NAMI Washington 2023 Award Nominations Open
 NAMI would like your help in finding some exceptional mental health champions to honor. Using the nomination form, please be detailed in why you think your nominee should be honored with a state-wide award. The NAMI Washington Award Ceremony will be held virtually on December 14th, 2023.
Creative Justice Mentor Artist search
 Creative Justice uses writing, music, visual, movement, and healing arts to increase understanding of the root causes of incarceration, systemic bias, and all other forms of oppression. If you or someone you know would make a great Creative Justice Mentor Artist and have a developed art practice with an abolitionist framework, submit an application here.
 Open Space Acquisition Funding
King County is seeking applications for 2025 King County Conservation Futures grants. These grants can help acquire parks and open spaces for passive recreation. Grants may help purchase or conserve urban greenspaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails – including stormwater parks or parks near affordable housing. Acquisitions serving historically underserved communities may qualify for a match waiver to cover the full purchase price. Please submit your application before Monday, February 12th, 2024. Learn more and apply here.
Youth Healing Project RFP
 The Best Starts for Kids Youth Healing Project request for proposal (RFP) is now open. This funding will directly fund young people to work on projects that aim to improve the mental health, healthy coping, harm reduction, connection, and well-being of young people. Funding is flexible and can be used for staffing, youth stipends or incentives, technology, materials, and events. Please submit your application before Monday, December 18th, at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and apply here.
 Best Starts Capital Program Open House
 Join Best Starts for Kids for a presentation on the Best Starts Capital Program to learn more about upcoming funding opportunities. They will discuss the Priority 1 funding round, which will be released in December 2023. Priority 1 funding will cover new construction and renovation of property for new community or recreational centers, which prioritize serving low-income Black, Indigenous, People of Color children, young people, and families lacking access to similar facilities. Best Starts will also provide capital planning grants of up to $100,000 for Priority 1 projects.
When: Tomorrow, November 17th, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Tukwila Public Library (14380 Tukwila International Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98168)
More information and RSVP: https://beststartsblog.com/2023/11/06/best-starts-capital-program-open-house-on-november-17-in-tukwila-rsvp-today/
Julefest
The National Nordic Museum is hosting its 46th Annual Julefest celebration this weekend on November 18th and 19. Gather your loved ones this weekend and experience an authentic Nordic holiday in Ballard. Enjoy a weekend filled with live entertainment, Nordic Christmas markets, food, goodies and much more!
When: Saturday, November 18th – Sunday, November 19th
Where: National Nordic Museum
More information: https://nordicmuseum.org/events/julefest
Giving Marketplace
With the holiday season approaching, there’s an opportunity to spread the gift of giving even further at the Discovery Center’s annual Giving Market. Find gifts for everyone on your list, enjoy family-friendly holiday activities, live music, all while directly supporting issues you care about.
When: Friday, December 1st - Saturday, December 2nd, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Discovery Center, North, 440 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 9810
More information: https://www.discovergates.org/events/giving-marketplace/
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.
Researchers team up with court staff to help WA homeless youth.
Housing Stability for Youth in Courts, also known as H-SYNC, has piloted using evidence-based surveys to identify teenagers in need of support services. Washington was the first state to initiate this kind of program, an approach that other states have followed. Learn more about H-SYNCH, its progress, and the work that still needs to be done in this article from Crosscut.
Additional and helpful links
King County weighs whether to seek $1 billion for climate, environment – The Seattle Times
Seattle wants to charge DoorDash and other gig companies 10 cents per order for new license fee – GeekWire
KC Auditors report code enforcement backlog poses safety, environmental risks – Seattle Weekly
WA ballot rejections more likely for young voters, people of color – Crosscut
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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