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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Since 2019, an eviction backlog has been mounting at the Superior Court. The backlog has worsened to the point that if a property owner had to file for an eviction today because of a serious problem, such as many months of missed rent payments or causing a danger to other tenants, they wouldn’t receive even an initial case hearing until February of next year. This prolonged backlog is causing devastating financial burdens to housing providers large and small, which only damages the rental market by driving up costs and reducing inventory. King County’s eviction process desperately needs to be streamlined and improved.

In order to clear the backlog faster, King County needs to hire more court commissioners. Unfortunately, the number of commissioners the County can hire is restricted by State law. A fix for this, SB 6210, was introduced in the State Legislature last session and would have lifted the cap, but it failed to pass. I am very hopeful that SB 6210 could pass during the upcoming January 2025 legislative session, and am requesting to build $825,000 into King County’s 2025 budget so that we are prepared to hire three additional commissioners if the cap is lifted. In addition, I’m requesting $500,000 in our 2023-24 supplemental omnibus to hire five support staff to triage eviction cases at the Court. You can read more about my proposals here.

I will continue to keep you updated on this issue as it progresses.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Remembering our Fallen Heroes

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women of the U.S. military who died in service to our country. Though we can never fully repay the debt we owe, we hold them in our memories and pay tribute to them for their selflessness and courage. Wherever you are this Monday, I hope you will join me in taking a minute to reflect on the heroism of our servicemen and women. Because of their sacrifice, we can enjoy the many freedoms that we have today.

CrossTown Trail and Boardwalk ribbon cutting

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn at the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the CrossTown Trail and Boardwalk at Lake Boren Park with Newcastle City Councilmember Sun Burford , Newcastle City Councilmember Steve Tallman, Newcastle City Manager Scott Pingle, Newcastle Mayor Robert Clark, Newcastle City Councilmember Paul Charbonneau, Newcastle City Councilmember Ariana Sherlock, and Garry Kampen and Peggy Price of Newcastle Trails.

I was pleased to join Newcastle Mayor Robert Clark, Newcastle City Councilmembers Steve Tallman, Sun Burford, Paul Charbonneau, and Ariana Sherlock, Newcastle City Manager Steve Pingle, Public Works Director Jeff Brauns, and many others for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the CrossTown Trail and Boardwalk at Lake Boren Park. Years in the making, this project marks the first major accomplishment of the Lake Boren Park Master Plan, adopted in 2016. I invite everyone to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Lake Boren through the CrossTown Trail and Boardwalk, a testament to the community's commitment to preserving and enhancing its green spaces for generations to come!

Register today! Two weeks until the King County Substance Use Conference

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn moderates a panel at the 2023 King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders

Join King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Public Health – Seattle & King County, the King County Recovery Coalition, the King County Council, King County Department of Community and Human Services, and many others for King County's 4th Annual Conference on Substance Use. Embracing a vision for hope, we unite to highlight pathways and opportunities for individuals along their journey of recovery.

Thursday, June 6, 2024
9 AM - 3 PM

Highline College
2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198

Registration is free but advanced registration is required!
Register online for in-person attendance
Register online for virtual attendance

2024 Flood Reduction Grants

The King County Flood Control District recently announced the availability of $12M in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding. These grants are for small and medium local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding. Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, schools, non-profits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies.

Applications are due May 31. Learn more and apply at the Flood Control District website.

VSHSL Employment Training, Placement, and Supports Funding Opportunity

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Employment Training, Placement, and Supports with funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). 

VSHSL seeks to fund programs and services that prepare unemployed and underemployed job seekers from marginalized populations for employment, connect them with employment opportunities, and support them in succeeding as an employee.

Applications are due May 31^st. Learn more and apply.

In the News

• KUOW: Controversial county effort to divert youth criminal cases to community groups not meeting goals
• KOMO News: King County Council member seeks funding to tackle eviction case backlog
• Voice of the Valley: Amid record level of overdose deaths, local leaders announce 4th annual King County Conference on Substance Use