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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am pleased to report some positive news from this week! At Wednesday's Law and Justice Committee meeting, the committee approved without recommendation my motion that would state the intent of the King County Council to keep the county's juvenile detention facility open and operating secure detention. My proposal combats a push by activists to close the juvenile jail and instead house violent juvenile offenders in houses across King County—without locks on their doors. 

Not only would scattering violent juvenile offenders—including those who have committed horrific crimes such as murder and rape—across neighborhoods in King County, and behind unlocked doors, be disastrous, but I maintain it is simply unrealistic. Yet, the longer we entertain the idea, the longer our current juvenile detention facility struggles with low staffing levels and mounting overtime costs that result in fewer programs and rehabilitative services for the juveniles being held there. We cannot afford to let our juvenile detention facility continue to decline for a minimum of 4 more years while the county seeks a pathway to end secure juvenile detention, even for the most dangerous offenders. To learn more about the background of this issue, check out this KOMO News article and video. 

With this week's committee vote, my proposal will now head to the full King County Council for further discussion. Since the Council will soon be in recess, it may take a few weeks to appear on an agenda, but I will keep you informed of when it is scheduled and of further opportunities to provide public testimony. 

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Dunn welcomes the crowd at Big Backyard movie night in Ravensdale

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn welcomes the crowd at the Ravensdale Big Backyard movie night

It was good to see folks at the King County Parks Big Backyard movie night in Ravensdale this weekend. Thanks to all who stopped by and said hi!

We have another Big Backyard movie night coming up this weekend on Saturday, July 27th at Petrovitsky Park. This time, we're watching Barbie! Seating opens at 8 PM and the movie starts at 9:20 PM. Hope to see you there!

Fairwood community feedback opportunity: Proposed speed limit reduction on 140th Ave SE

I have been working in close partnership with the King County Road Services Division to find ways to improve traffic safety in Fairwood. The Road Services Division is proposing a 5-mph speed limit reduction in Fairwood on 140th Ave SE between Renton city limits and SE 192nd Street.

During the 14-day comment period which runs from July 23 - August 6, community members are asked to share their feedback about these proposals with decision makers. Community members can share their feedback in the following ways:

• Online response form (preferred method) which is available only during the comment period
• Write to: Amy Bresslour, Communications
  Road Services Division
  KSC-LS-0313
  201 South Jackson Street
  Seattle, WA 98104

For more information on additional safety improvements that are in place and coming soon, visit the Traffic Safety in Fairwood webpage.

Deadline to register to vote or update voter registration is July 29

As the 2024 August primary election approaches, keep in mind that you have until Monday, July 29 to register to vote or to update your voter registration. This can be done either by mail or online. 

Visit the King County Elections website to find more information on how to register to vote or update your voter registration.

For more important dates leading up to the August 6 primary election, visit the Current Elections webpage.

VSHSL Senior Villages Funding

The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) team seeks to fund the ongoing development and operations of geographically based or culturally affiliated Senior Villages, or organizations like Senior Villages, to support diverse and low-income Seniors to age well in their communities of choice and remain stably housed. There is approximately $2.3 million in funding available.

Applications are due Tuesday, July 30th by 2 PM. For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please email Claudine Wallace at cwallace@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-5157.

In the News

• Seattle Times: King County Council committee pushes vote on youth jail’s future
• KOMO News: King County Council committee approves motion to keep youth detention center open
• Kent Reporter: King County Council approves traffic safety study in Fairwood