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Local Services
In February, King County Executive Dow Constantine appointed John Taylor as the new director for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
Taylor has served as the director of King County Local Services since the department's first year in 2019. He had previously served as a member of the leadership team at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, where he led a landmark accord signed by Executive Constantine that has restored salmon habitat, strengthened the local agricultural economy, and reduced flood risks.
“John brings the strengths and talent we need to build on King County’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward: outstanding leadership skills, a lifelong commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment, and the proven ability to produce lasting, measurable results for all living things that make King County home," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “He will succeed as he has for five years as a highly effective member of my Cabinet, by upholding our values to create a more resilient, sustainable, equitable King County for this generation and for all those who will come after us.”
Read more and watch a video recap of Taylor's five years at the helm of Local Services on the King County Local blog.
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Participatory Budgeting enters a new phase
 Photo: Participatory Budgeting team members met with White Center community members in January to talk about ideas they and their neighbors had submitted.
King County’s Participatory Budgeting team is going to be busy in the coming months.
Last year, the program's 2023-24 steering committee established its framework to determine how to allocate nearly $11.75 million among the county's five urban unincorporated areas (East Federal Way, the East Renton Plateau, Fairwood, North Highline/White Center, and Skyway/West Hill). In the following months, the Participatory Budgeting team solicited ideas for projects and improvements that residents would like to see in their communities.
The communities responded with a total of 638 ideas for ways to improve their neighborhoods with county-funded projects. Last month, organizers went into the communities to help residents learn how those ideas will be turned into a set of finalists for community members to vote on later this year (see photo above from a meeting in White Center).
There will be several opportunities for community members to share their thoughts as Participatory Budgeting moves through its next phase, including the following four in-person meetings in March and April:
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Fairwood – Wednesday, March 20, 6-7 pm at the Fairwood Library (17009 140th Avenue SE)
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Federal Way – Saturday, March 30, Noon-1 pm at the Federal Way 320th Library (848 S 320th Street)
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Skyway – Wednesday, April 17, 6-7 pm at the Skyway Library (12601 76th Avenue S)
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White Center – Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 pm at the White Center Library (1409 SW 107th Street)
For more information, visit the Participatory Budgeting public outreach website or see the King County Local Blog post.
Road Services
Speed limit reductions—like those currently proposed for Vashon Island—can cut crashes and save lives
Public comments on the proposed Vashon speed reductions will be accepted through March 11.
One of the best ways to reduce roadway crashes and related injuries is to lower speed limits. In 2024, Road Services is proposing to reduce speeds on two stretches of Vashon Highway SW on Vashon Island and one location in Fairwood, southeast of Renton.
Safety benefits of lower speed limits
► Fewer traffic collisions. Slower speeds give drivers more time to react to potential hazards.
► Improved pedestrian safety. Drivers have more time to notice and react to pedestrians at crosswalks or along the road. If a collision does involve a pedestrian, lower speeds can reduce the severity of injuries.
► Better crash outcomes for people in vehicles. Lower speeds can also reduce fatalities and severe injuries for those who are inside vehicles involved in collisions.
To learn more about the proposed speed limit reductions on Vashon Island, visit the King County Speed Limit Assessments Project website. To comment on the Vashon proposal, use this online form.
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Emergency preparedness
Tsunami and seiche awareness
Do you know about the risks of tsunamis and seiches (tsunami-like waves that form in lakes, bays, and even rivers)? Do you have a plan for what to do if these events happen near you?
Tsunamis are powerful waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. When they reach the shore, they can be extremely dangerous and destructive, so it's essential to know what to do if a tsunami is coming. If you're in a coastal area exposed to tsunamis, learn about your local tsunami evacuation routes and know the highest point you can get to quickly.
Although the Puget Sound region is well sheltered, we do also have the potential for a seiche (pronounced “saysh”), which can make the water level rise and fall dramatically and can be dangerous if you're in a boat or near the shore.
For more information on tsunamis and seiches, see the King County website.
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Natural Resources and Parks
The 2024 Wastemobile season has begun!
King County's Wastemobile started collecting hazardous waste in Bothell on Feb. 23. If you missed that three-day event, there are still 19 more weekend events scheduled around the county, making it easy and safe for you to drop off household hazardous waste for free.
What can you bring?
Some of the common items collected at these events are batteries, oil-based paint, antifreeze, and pesticides.
Many other hazardous items can also be safely disposed of at no cost. Check the King County website for full lists of accepted items and quantity limits for residents and eligible businesses, as well as the complete 2024 schedule.
Before you go, a little preparation will make the experience safe and efficient for you and staff:
- Don't mix products.
- Keep products in their original containers.
- Label products that are not in their original containers.
- Secure products to prevent spills or leaks.
- Store hazardous products in your vehicle's trunk, truck bed, or trailer, separate from items you want to keep.
- Stay in your vehicle and follow on-site staff directions during your Wastemobile visit.
For more information, call the Haz Waste Helpline at 206-296-4692 or send email.
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Transit news
Expanded Valley Shuttle service to bring more frequent buses in Snoqualmie Valley area
The Valley Shuttle, operated by Snoqualmie Valley Transportation and funded by King County Metro, is expanding operations. Starting Monday, March 4, the buses shuttling riders up and down SR‑202 and SR‑203 between North Bend and Duvall will arrive at stops more frequently in every city.
The expansion—which adds a third bus to the schedule—is made possible by King County Metro. Metro contracts with Snoqualmie Valley Transportation for public transportation in the area. This added frequency will cut the time between buses on the route from about 90 minutes to about 60 minutes.
Learn more about Snoqualmie Valley Transportation or see the new service timetables on the Snoqualmie Valley Transportation website.
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Planning news
County Council to hold meetings, seek public input on 10-year Comprehensive Plan update
The King County Council's Local Services and Land Use Committee is asking residents to share what they want to see in their communities during the coming 10 years.
The King County Comprehensive Plan shapes all aspects of county growth and development, including where homes, offices, and stores can be built; how roads affect surrounding areas; how to protect agricultural lands and forests; and how to maintain access to clean water and air and a healthy environment.
Two meetings will be held next week in Seattle and Duvall, and the public is invited to attend and provide input on the plan.
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Wednesday, March 6, at 9:30 am in downtown Seattle, on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse. This joint meeting of two council committees (Local Services and Land Use and Human Services) can be attended in person or joined via Zoom (enter webinar ID 875 1751 7363).
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Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 pm in Duvall, at the Riverview Educational Service Center (15510 1st Avenue NE), in-person only. This meeting will focus on the Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan.
If you cannot attend either meeting, you can follow along live on the King County TV livestream, Comcast Channels 22 and 322 (HD), or on Astound Broadband Channels 22 and 711 (HD).
The council will hold more public meetings over the next few months to get input from community members on plan priorities. For details, check the King County website.
Community and Human Services
Funding available for veteran outreach and resource programs
The King County Department of Community and Human Services is offering funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy to veteran outreach and resource programs in King County.
The levy seeks to provide outreach and resources to veterans, military servicemembers, and their families. In total, almost $16 million is available to be invested between May 1 and December 31. Applications are due by 2 pm on March 20.
To learn more, see this blog post or contact Evan Brennan, Veteran Initiatives Manager, by email or phone (206‑477‑8504).
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Join an online community planning session on supports for persons with disabilities
All are invited to a community planning session to share plans and provide feedback on an upcoming funding opportunity: Community Supports for Persons with Disabilities.
This investment will provide system navigation and community building to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities—visible or invisible—and to reflect the full diversity of King County.
When and where: Wednesday, March 6, 1:30-3 pm on Zoom.
Register here to participate
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Treasury
Property tax details are now available to owners
Property owners in King County can go online now to view their 2024 property tax details, pay taxes, look up property information, and sign up for email or text reminders,
Hard copies of property tax statements were mailed on February 14 to those who pay property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender. A paper statement is not required to pay property taxes.
First-half payments are due April 30. Payments can be made online, by mail, or by drop box. Visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax for details on payment options.
Customer service representatives are available to assist Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Contact King County Treasury Operations at 206‑263‑2890 or send email to propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov.
For information on tax exemption and deferral programs for seniors and people with disabilities or other qualifying conditions, visit the King County Assessor's Office website (TaxRelief.kingcounty.gov), send email to exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or call 206‑296‑3920.
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Apply now for grant funding to support organizations
Many grant applications are open now to provide funds for organizations that make people's lives better. Find details in this bulletin sent out last week by King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.
Note: some of the listed opportunities closed in late February, but others have deadlines in March, April, and even beyond!
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Reminders
► WSU Extension learning opportunity for King County forest and woodland owners – The Western WA Forest Owners Winter School on March 16 in Auburn is designed to let you attend multiple forest stewardship workshops all in the same day, It will help you address challenges on your property, restore healthy forest conditions, and achieve your goals. Cost: $20 per individual or $30 per couple. Pre-registration is required.
► Skyway housing contractor training program – are you a woman or person of color and a contractor with a connection to Skyway? If so, Skyway Coalition wants to hear from you as they design a Housing Contract Training Program. The program is intended to provide access, training, networking, and resources to contract businesses owned by women and/or people of color.
Take the survey
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Rural Area News
Joint Rural Area Team provides detailed comments on 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan 10-year update
On February 6, the joint team submitted to the King County Council’s Local Services and Land Use Committee detailed comments on the King County Executive's recommended update to the county comprehensive plan. The comments filled 161 pages and covered all 12 chapters of the recommended update as well as all policy and code amendments, seven appendices, six area zoning and land-use studies, and other included documents.
On February 7, 8, and 21, several joint team organizations provided oral testimonies on the update before the council committee, which has posted all public testimonies and comments.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Coordinator, Joint Rural Area Team
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 pm)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, March 4, 7-9:30 pm – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st St (across from the King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Visit the website for the agenda and Zoom information, which will be posted several days before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Skyway Business Collective
The Skyway Business Collective aims to drive economic growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners living or working in Skyway, and to create a supportive and inclusive space for small businesses to grow, connect, and thrive through free professional services tailored to the business's needs. Learn more at www.skywaybusinesscollective.org
:: Skyway Coalition
Community Connection meeting
Thursday, Feb. 15, 5:30-6:30 pm - Virtual meeting via Zoom
Learn about what's happening in Skyway around advocacy, affordable housing, and economic growth. Zoom link and other information are available on the coalition's website.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email HNA71@msn.com.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page and/or website. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Send email or visit the website.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website.
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