Participatory Budgeting: urban unincorporated communities will vote this month to decide which projects to fund

If you live in one of the unincorporated urban communities listed below, it's time to vote on which proposals you would like to fund to make your area a better place to live and thrive.

► East Federal Way
► East Renton
► Fairwood
► North Highline/White Center
► Skyway/West Hill

Voting in each community will be open October 5-31. Community members can vote online or at in-person pop-up voting events that will be held throughout the month in each community. Find a link to your online ballot and a list of voting events in your area on the Participatory Budgeting public engagement site. If you have questions, email Program Manager Gloria Briggs.

Do you have a question about King County services or programs, but aren't sure which agency or office to contact?

Two of King County’s True North Values are solving problems and focusing on the customer. But with the county's many departments, divisions, and programs, navigating to the right resource can sometimes be a challenge.

If you're in unincorporated King County, you can reach out to the Department of Local Services by email (AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov) or phone (206-477-3800), or visit one of their Community Liaisons during Community Office Hours near you. Even if your question is related to another King County agency, Local Services will be glad to help you find the right person or agency to respond.

And there's another way for anyone—in any part of the county—to reach out for help. The county's Executive Customer Service Team has a simple Contact Us form on the King County website that you can use to ask a question, make a complaint, compliment someone for a job well done, and more (there's an "other" category). The page with the form also lists phone numbers you can call or text for assistance. But please don't attach pictures to your text or email—the system can't accept them.

Help build an ASL glossary of clean water terms

King County Stormwater Services will be at the DeafNation Expo at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Saturday, October 19 to build a glossary of clean water terms in American Sign Language.

There will be a kickoff sing and sign-along performance at 10:30 on climate and connection with ASL singer and performer Brandon Karen-Maddox.

Register for a free ticket

King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. Licensing your pets helps you and your pets, by making it easier to reunite if they go missing and keeping them out of the shelter.

Last year, 808 lost pets brought to the RASKC shelter were safely returned to their owners. Another 831 lost pets wearing licenses were returned home by finders who called the RASKC 24-hour phone system.

Pet license fees support the care RASKC provides for more than 5,000 animals a year that come into the shelter. They also fund field work that protects people and pets in the community.

You can license online, or in person at hundreds of locations across King County. For more information, call RASKC at 206-296-2712, visit their website, or email PetLicense@kingcounty.gov.

Last month, more than 400 pets—including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies, and five small mammals—found their “furever” homes during Regional Animal Services' participation in the nationwide “Clear the Shelters” campaign. But there are still more pets waiting for adoption!

As leaves change color and the weather turns cooler, you might be thinking about cuddling with a warm pup. All this month, you can adopt a dog for just $50, plus a pet license fee where applicable.

All pets from RASKC have had an initial veterinary exam, are up to date on their vaccinations, have been spayed or neutered, and are microchipped. Adopters get 30 days of opt-in pet health insurance through Trupanion, among other benefits. And dog adoptions come with a lifetime discount on online training from GoodPup.

If a cat tickles your fancy, they're available to adopt for a fee of just $30, and kittens are $100. Adoption fees for pets like rabbits and other small mammals vary based on breed and age.

The King County Pet Adoption Center is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. You can see all the pets available for adoption at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Even minor flooding can close roads and require costly cleanup and repairs. Here’s how you can prepare and keep yourself and your property safe this flood season.

► Learn the flood risk for where you live, work, or commute by entering any address at gov/FloodMap.

► Buy flood insurance. Standard homeowner or renter insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4727 with questions or visit floodsmart.gov to learn more and find an insurance agent.

► Build an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, radio, water, medical necessities, and supplies for children or pets. Visit makeitthrough.com to find information on preparing for any disaster.

► Move hazardous chemicals out of flood-prone areas or dispose of them at one of the county’s hazardous waste sites. This keeps chemicals that can harm people and the environment out of the water.

► Clear storm drains and gutters of fallen leaves and other debris to prevent flooding. Get help using “Report a Problem” at kingcounty.gov/Stormwater.

► Before you build or make a repair in a flood-prone area, make sure you have the required permits. This makes flood-prone areas less dangerous for all who live and work there.

Stay up to date with the latest news about flood mitigation projects on the King County Flood Control District blog.

Stay informed during flooding events with King County’s new Flood Warning App. The upgraded website provides real-time, reliable information about river levels and flood phases for seven rivers and Issaquah Creek in King County. Staying informed gives you more time to act if necessary.

Find the app—plus information on how to create a safety plan—at kingcounty.gov/flood.

Washington has the second highest earthquake risk in the United States. Do you know how you will react when the earth shakes? Drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. Practice it wherever you are on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. and join in the world’s biggest earthquake drill. Register for the Great Shake Out and learn more at ShakeOut.org/Washington. 

Other preparedness steps you can take right now include:  

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family how you'll stay in touch and what steps to take if evacuation becomes necessary, especially if you spend time in or near a tsunami area.

2. Build an Emergency Kit: Stock up on two weeks of essential supplies so you’re ready for any situation that arises.  

3. Stay informed: Sign up for emergency alerts by visiting gov/Alert. 

Stay prepared, stay safe! Visit KingCounty.gov/Prepare.

Property taxes are due October 31

Do you pay your property taxes directly, instead of through a mortgage lender? The deadline for payment of the second half is Thursday, October 31. Late fees will apply after that date. To review current amounts due, please use King County's safe and secure online eCommerce System.

There are several options available to make your payment.

► Pay online using the eCommerce system. While there, you can also sign up to receive text or email reminders about tax due dates.

► Pay by mail: King County Treasury Operations, 201 S. Jackson Street, Suite 710, Seattle, WA 98104.

► Pay in person: King County Customer Service Center, 201 S Jackson Street (see map), Second Floor (East Lobby), in Seattle,. Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

► Pay via secure drop box, 201 S Jackson Street, Seattle, on the corner of Second Avenue nearer to S Jackson Street (see map), inside the security gates. Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays. As a reminder, never leave cash in the drop box.

How can the behavioral health system better serve communities?

King County recently released a new online survey to learn how the behavioral health system can better serve communities. The survey is open until October 31. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available in 21 languages. Learn more and take the survey

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council will hold its 26th Annual Model Train Show at Gracie Hansen Community Center in Ravensdale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 and 10 am to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20. Suggested donation (sorry, no credit cards) is: $5 for adults and $2 for children age 3-11. There will be operating model trains, trains, and more trains featuring creative operating layouts in most gauges! Attendees can bring their own trains (Lionel / HO / other) to run on club tracks (with approval of participating clubs).

—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Skyway Farmers Market and Bazaar

October 27, 11 a.m .– 2 p.m.
King County Fire District 20 Administrative Building parking lot (12424 76th Avenue S)

This family-friendly event is free to attend and offers free food and resources, plus artisans, games, a DJ, EBT/SNAP accepting vendors, and more.

Visit the website to learn more and RSVP for this event.

If you go to the Rat City Art & Food Walk in White Center on October 17, stop by the King County Local Services table to share ideas for improving the White Center commercial district.

Suggestions could include better lighting, art, plantings, and more! Your input will be used to create designs and guide future improvements to the area.

The booth will be at 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street, and the event goes from 5 to 8+ p.m.

Reminder

► The Wastemobile is winding up its season! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2024 schedule — which continues through mid-October.