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Local Services
A new director, a much-needed septic system in Fall City, and a second round of community-directed funding: Local Services looks back at 2024
At the start of its seventh year, the King County Department of Local Services is taking a moment to look back at some highlights from year six. In addition to the usual work of maintaining and improving safety on county roads, issuing permits, helping connect local businesses, providing grant funding, and working with residents to create long-range plans for their communities, the department welcomed new director Leon Richardson in July, saw construction begin on a new septic system for the Fall City business district, and expanded its cultural and language outreach. Learn more on the King County Local Blog.
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New minimum wage is now in effect in unincorporated
King County
With the turning of the year, a new minimum wage of $20.29 per hour has taken effect in unincorporated areas of King County. There are temporary exceptions for businesses with fewer employees and/or lower annual gross revenue.
Learn more—including how to find out if your business or employer is in unincorporated King County—on the county's Minimum Wage website (kingcounty.gov/wage).
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Natural Resources and Parks
Redefining success against an invasive noxious weed
 Photo: Members of the King County Noxious Weed Control Program Riparian Team (Avery Bowron, Justin Brooks, Sayward Glise, and Erin Haley) cross the South Fork Skykomish River to survey and treat invasive knotweed in 2003. This photo was taken a few miles upstream from the town of Baring. (Photo by Sara Price)
The King County Noxious Weed Control Program is redefining success in its fight against invasive knotweed along rivers in King County. In Bringing a Long-Term Perspective to Restoration in the latest issue of Western Forester, Sayward Glise—who leads the county's battle against noxious weeds around the Cedar River—explores adaptive strategies for maintaining resilient river ecosystems. It’s the lead piece in an issue full of valuable insights on restoration and vegetation management, available to read on the Society of American Foresters website. You can also learn more about invasive knotweed on the King County website.
Help shape the future of King County's local food system
The King County Local Food Initiative has been an essential guide in expanding the local food economy, benefiting local businesses, and improving access to healthy, affordable food in communities across King County. Now you have an opportunity to help shape the initiative's future by taking a survey.
Your input will help King County update the initiative to address current challenges and opportunities in the local food system. Whether you’re a farmer, business owner, food consumer, or community advocate, your voice is important! The survey is open through January 31.
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Reminder: apply by February 10 for King County Conservation Futures land acquisition grants
 Photo: Snoqualmie River Trail
King County Conservation Futures land acquisition grants help government agencies and nonprofits buy land for urban greenspaces, natural areas, restoration sites, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails. They can also fund initial site stabilization costs such as demolition.
The current Conservation Futures grant round opened in November, with applications due on February 10. Visit the Conservation Futures application page for key information. Join weekly online office hours via Zoom (through Feb. 5), or contact Ingrid Lundin with questions.
Animal services
Animal adoption made easy
Regional Animal Services of King County makes it easy to adopt a pet. There’s no requirement to have a fenced yard, any kind of yard, or even a house. Watch this short video to find out more. Search for a new pet online or stop by the Pet Adoption Center at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Questions? Email Pets@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7387 (PETS) .
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Disaster assistance
Federal disaster assistance is available to King County residents and businesses affected by November bomb cyclone
Disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration is available to help King County residents and businesses recover from the November bomb cyclone.
For more information and to apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster.
Applicants can also receive in-person application assistance at an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center, starting Monday, January 6. The centers are located at Bellevue Library and King County Elections in Renton.
The deadline to apply for property damage is February 21, 2025, and the deadline to apply for economic injury is September 23, 2025.
Read King County Executive Dow Constantine's news release
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Emergency preparedness
Resolve to get ready in the new year
Looking for a new year’s resolution? Consider committing to prepare for emergencies. “Prepare in a Year” guides you through simple steps that you can take each month to make an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and stay informed. One easy first step to stay informed is signing up for ALERT King County at kingcounty.gov/alert. ALERT King County helps you stay informed about potential hazards and threats in your area. It's free to sign up. Alerts are currently available in 27 languages.
Here are some more resources to help you begin your planning.
► A fillable Get Ready King County booklet developed by the King County Office of Emergency Management
► The Washington Emergency Management Division’s Prepare In a Year Guide
► The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) Make A Plan website
Don’t forget to make plans for your pets as well! And once you begin (or continue) your planning, encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to start their emergency plans and kits – one month at a time.
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King County International Airport
Public comment deadlines extended
In response to community interest, King County International Airport-Boeing Field is extending the public comment period for Supplemental Rules and Regulations that provide standards for facility maintenance and storage and access, badging, and escorting for commercial aeronautical activities. The airport is also extending the public comment period on Minimum Standards providing minimum qualifications and standards for the issuance of licenses and leasehold interests for commercial aeronautical activities.
The new deadline for public comment for both items is Friday, January 31.
Rural Area news
Joint Rural Team wraps up work on the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Update
In December the Joint Rural Team provided the following inputs to the King County Council:12/3: oral testimony; 12/5: written testimony with attachments (Preserving Rural Lands and Proposed Line Amendments). On December 10, the council voted to approve the final plan (see the King County Comprehensive Plan website).
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Coordinator, Joint Rural 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 p.m.)
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, January 6, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Guest speakers will include subarea planners from the King County Department of Local Services to discuss the ongoing Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan. The agenda also will include a discussion of the just-approved 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Update.
Visit the website for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each 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
See 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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