Week 1 Budget Panels
As part of our work digging through the budget the Executive sent us briefings from our non-partisan central staff on the budgets of different departments and issue areas. These are opportunities for us to ask questions about budget proposals for these different “units” and to evaluate how things are working and where more investment or scrutiny is needed. Last week we received three of these briefings and links to each one can be found below.
 Panel 1: Public Transit, Climate, Local Services, Infrastructure
Zoom recording: https://king-county-tv.cablecast.tv/show/745?site=1
Panel 2: Public Safety
Zoom recording: https://king-county-tv.cablecast.tv/show/747?site=1
Panel 3: Health, Housing, and Human Services
Zoom recording: https://king-county-tv.cablecast.tv/show/748?site=1
Proclaiming Latino/a/e Heritage Month in King County
From September 15 to October 15, 2024, King County will celebrate Latino/a/e Heritage Month, honoring over five centuries of contributions from Latino/a/e communities to the United States, Washington State, and our local region. This period coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries and highlights the vital role that Latino/a/e residents play in our cultural, economic, and political life. The Metropolitan King County Council encourages all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage and influence of the Latino/a/e community in our county.
Recognizing 25 Years of the King County Regional Mental Health Court
On October 10, 2024, the King County Regional Mental Health Court will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support individuals with mental health disorders within the criminal legal system. Since its inception in 1999, the court has effectively reduced recidivism and enhanced community safety through collaborative efforts involving judges, attorneys, and mental health specialists. Honored with the Randy Revelle Award for Mental Health Advocacy, this pioneering court continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and the broader community.
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Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October marks the 79th National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities to our workplaces. King County is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers individuals with disabilities through supportive programs and services. Join us in recognizing their talents and contributions as we work together to create a community where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
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Recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, established to promote dialogue, advocate for protective legislation, and raise awareness about domestic violence, which affects one in three women and one in four men. This issue transcends demographics, with significant impacts on families and children, as up to 10 million children witness domestic violence annually. Support is available through the DV Hopeline at 206-737-0242, and the Metropolitan King County Council recognizes the efforts of advocates and survivors this month.
Vashon Island Comprehensive Plan Meeting
You asked. We answered. Thank you to the residents of Vashon that attended the Vashon Island Comprehensive Plan Meeting on October 8th where we discussed:
- Increasing Housing Opportunities
- Combatting Displacement
- Creating Livable and Accessible Communities
- Supporting Accessible Healthcare
- Advancing Climate Equity and Resilience
For those unable to attend, a recording of the session can be accessed here or by clicking on the image below. Additionally, a copy of Councilmember Mosqueda’s Vashon Comprehensive Plan Amendments Overview that was discussed during the session can be found here.
Click on the image above to watch the recorded Zoom meeting.
What's Next?
I’ll be continuing to dig into this policy as we work to address some of the most pressing issues facing our communities: housing availability and affordability, access to healthcare services of all types, accessible and affordable childcare, and environmental and climate equity. I am currently working with Central Staff on amendments, including clarifying and technical amendments, and with community members on new amendments to be considered by the Council in December.
There is still plenty of time to weigh in:
November 19th Public Hearing: Both in-person or virtual options to provide public comment on the Comprehensive Plan at 11 am at the King County Council Chambers (516 3rd Avenue, Room 1001) or via Zoom.
Email comments to teresa.mosqueda@kingcounty.gov and/or
CouncilCompPlan@kingcounty.gov.
MVA opening of LGBTQ+ vets housing
 Cross posted from Cultivating Connections
Earlier this month, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Minority Veterans of America celebrated the opening of Q’mmunity House, the first transitional home in the country for LGBTQ+ veterans. Q’mmunity House will provide on-site holistic case management, connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming, and supportive home for LGBTQ+ veterans experiencing homelessness in King County.
This first-in-the-nation transitional housing dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ veterans is a chance to live up to its namesake, Q’mmunity. It will create a space to foster the relationships and networks needed to set residents up for success through on-site services and holistic case management. It ensures residents have a safe and inclusive place that recognizes their identities as well as their service. This new housing, funded through the Veteran, Seniors, and Human Services Levy is an important step towards ensuring no veteran in King County is unhoused and is a major landmark in our efforts to address overall homelessness in the region. As Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I know that housing is healthcare and I’m committed to bringing more affordable housing online for all of our communities.
Drivers Union Celebration
The people who drive many of us around our region deserve the same rights and respects as any other person and they have formed their own union, the Drivers Union to protect those rights. I was honored to not only join their celebration of all that they have achieved as an organization, but also to be able to give an award to a member whose advocacy helped stop the rollback of the driver minimum wage I helped pass while at the City of Seattle.
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Commission order adopted to permanently preserve North SeaTac Park for recreation
The Port of Seattle partnered with the Washington Congressional delegation to successfully advocate for the inclusion of language in the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act to allow for “community use of airport land.” Section 706 of the legislation specifically allows the Port to “permanently restrict the use of airport property to compatible recreational and public park use” provided that it meets certain criteria. While we realize that North SeaTac Park is not in our district, we recognize that it lies just over the border in District 5 and serves as a vital resource to residents of District 8. To read the full text of the order adopted on October 8th, click here.
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Best Starts for Kids in D8!
Best Starts for Kids is a King County voter-approved initiative to support every baby born or child raised in King County to reach adulthood happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. Through comprehensive supports from prenatal development to adulthood, Best Starts for Kids catalyzes strong starts in early childhood and sustains those gains as kids progress to adulthood, launching King County’s kids on a path to lifelong health and well-being.
New virtual contact center and search tool for services
Click on the image above to launch the new interactive tool!
Cross posted from Cultivating Connections
On September 30, the Resource Access Team, a new key investment of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, launches their virtual contact center and online interactive resource database to better connect King County residents with the services and resources they need to thrive.
Resource Access is a multifunctional customer service team within the Department of Community and Human Services that will serve as a centralized information and resource referral system, helping to bridge gaps across the human services system making it easier for residents of King County to access the services they need. The team aims to help King County residents remain housed, retain employment, access emergency financial assistance, connect to behavioral health treatment, and more! Read more.
There's an app for that!
The Vashon Resource Directory app was developed through King County Expanded Rural Behavioral Health and ARPA funding to make social service, nonprofit, and other resources more accessible to the members of our rural unincorporated community. Prior to, and through the pandemic, Vashon providers would consistently hear from community members that they were not aware of different resources available to them or had outdated information. The Vashon Social Service Network, a group of nine social service providers on the island who collaborate to ensure they are addressing needs gaps and not duplicating services, spent a great deal of time creating and distributing a paper brochure that quickly became outdated. Therefore, they created the Vashon Resource Directory app, which is now available on Android and iPhones. Vashon Social Service Network is working on setting up web versions mounted on kiosks at several public locations, including the Vashon Public Library, Vashon Food Bank, and Vashon Senior Center.
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Start preparing for flood season (October to April)
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.
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King County has improved its web-based flood warning app
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
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Free internet for qualified students!
 Project 10Million is an initiative aimed at delivering Internet connectivity to millions of underserved student households. The program offers free Internet and free mobile hotspots – and access to low-cost laptops and tablets.
Project 10Million offers free 100GBs/year of data, free mobile hotspots, and access to low-cost laptops and tablets, to students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - one per household. Parents will need to provide proof of NSLP eligibility for free or reduced-price meals upon enrollment. This verification can be in the form of a NSLP notification letter or proof of enrollment in other qualified government programs such as (but not limited to):
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) via P-EBT or EBT
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Medicaid
- Head Start
- Foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth
How Democracy Vouchers Changed Seattle’s Elections
JOIN ME! I am honored to join the presentation at Town Hall this week, Thursday October 17th at 7:30 pm, to showcase the groundbreaking and effective Democracy Vouchers that have expanded access to civic engagement for residents in this region. I have the honor of being the first First-Time candidate to win using Democracy Vouchers in the nation, and excited to have shared this experience in Oakland, Austin, and New York. Come hear more about this recent book featuring the Democracy Voucher experience, lessons learned, and the ways it’s working to promote civic engagement.
 Democracy Vouchers have changed Seattle’s elections, increasing participation and potentially sparking a broader movement for campaign finance reform. In 2015, Seattleites overwhelmingly approved a new way for their city to reduce the influence of big money interests in elections —Democracy Vouchers, publicly financed vouchers for voters to donate to local candidates. Seattle soon decides whether to reauthorize Democracy Vouchers funding.
On Thursday, October 17th, Dr. Jen Heerwig, co-author of the newly released "Democracy Vouchers and the Promise of Fairer Elections in Seattle" joins Sightline Institute's Alan Durning at Town Hall to discuss Seattle's Democracy Voucher program—how the city’s elections now attract a broader and more diverse pool of both donors and candidates, and national attention to the program. Secure your seat here.
Request for Applications (RFA): Equity Response Team
Applications due by 2:00 pm on November 5.
New VSHSL funding opportunity: Mental Health Counseling (HL 2)
Applications due by 2:00 pm on November 6.
Request for Applications (RFA): Workforce Development Mini Grants
Applications due by 4:00 pm on November 18.
Surveys
2025 King County Strategic Climate Action Plan
 The King County Climate Team is seeking your input on priorities for the County’s next Strategic Climate Action Plan, which will guide King County’s climate work for 2025-2030. This includes actions that reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change, support community resilience, and develop green career pathways for King County residents. An updated SCAP will be developed and transmitted to the King County Council in spring 2025.
This survey, available in 12 languages, includes 8 questions and should take about 5 - 8 minutes to complete. All responses to the survey are anonymous.
You can also provide feedback by attending one of our Virtual Public Meeting to learn more and share your thoughts. The meetings will take place on Zoom, and there are two options to attend:
Meeting #1
- Thursday, October 17
- 6:30 - 8:00 PM PST | ZOOM
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Meeting #2
- Tuesday, October 22
- 6:30 - 8:00 PM PST | ZOOM
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Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
What types of free professional development opportunities do you want to see?
Best Starts for Kids Workforce Development Strategy invites anyone whose work impacts young children from prenatal to age five and their families in King County to take a survey that will help us better understand and develop free professional development opportunities for providers caring for our youngest children and their families.
This survey is available in over 20 languages and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The deadline to complete the survey is
November 1, 2024.
For current Equity-Centered Workshops for King County Early Childhood Providers opportunities, click here.
 Thank you for signing up for the #TeresaTuesday Newsletter. We will send you regular updates every other week. If you’d like to reach out or have an issue we can help with, please reach out anytime.
Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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