Licensing your pet is extremely beneficial because it gives our beloved furry family members a much better chance of finding their way back home should they ever get lost. On top of that, it’s important to know that the licensing fee you pay is going to a good cause—supporting RASKC’s shelter, pet adoption program, veterinary care, and other services for animals in need. 

In 2024, King County residents registered or reregistered 59,834 dogs and 26,532 cats. The top 10 most popular names given to furry family members were: 

In addition to handling lost pets and injured animals, pet license fees contribute to RASKC’s other vital duties, including animal neglect and cruelty investigations, a pet food bank, spay/neuter programs, pet adoption services, and other work to humanely and compassionately assist local animals. 

You can purchase pet licenses online, or at more than 70 convenient locations around the county, including many city halls and QFC stores. Learn more at Regional Animal Service of King County’s website, kingcounty.gov/pets. 

All my best,

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Washington businesses and residents affected by the Bomb Cyclone that occurred Nov. 17-25. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) declared a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Jay Inslee on Dec. 19. 

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster. Within a few days, SBA will announce the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center where SBA disaster representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. 

Businesses and homeowners may be eligible for a loan increase up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, to cover the cost of improvements. Examples of mitigation improvement may include regrading landscaping to improve drainage, installing a French drain, installing a sump pump, insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows and more. To learn more about mitigation options visit sba.gov/mitigation. 

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. 

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. 

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement. 

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

The deadline to apply for property damage is Feb. 21, 2025. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Sept. 23, 2025. 

If you haven't already seen my fall survey, now is your chance to make your voice heard. I have received hundreds of responses from constituents weighing in on everything from top priorities for your area to our efforts to keep the youth jail open earlier this year. I use these survey responses to help better represent you, my constituents. 

This online survey will remain open through Tuesday, January 7th. Time is running out to send me your responses! I want to hear your thoughts about what you want to see going forward from King County. 

You can take the survey here 

King County Conservation Futures Land Acquisition Grants 

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. You can also contact Ingrid Lundin at Ingrid.Lundin@kingcounty.gov with questions.  

VSHSL Funding Opportunity: Short-Term Engagement Projects 

The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy’s (VSHSL’s) Short-Term Engagement Projects funding opportunity seeks to fund entities to convene short-term community-building events and activities that provide social engagement opportunities for seniors and individuals from resilient communities in ways that meet their unique cultural needs. Organizations may apply for small short-term grants at set amounts of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The next deadline for applications is January 31 at 2:00 PM. For more information, please contact Katie Mahoney at 206-477-7349 or kmahoney@kingcounty.gov, or click here.