This week, the King County Council approved a plan to audit contracts with community-based nonprofits, including the controversial Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) program, a program that removes court oversight for first time juvenile offenders.  

Since Restorative Community Pathways was created in November 2021, I have been outspoken about how I believe this controversial program needs more oversight and scrutiny. In June of last year, I requested that the Auditor look into the RCP program after a woman was shot to death in Shoreline by a juvenile who, having previously been referred to RCP for brandishing a firearm at a school, never engaged in the RCP program. The prosecutor’s office was not informed by the RCP program of the juvenile’s failure to connect with RCP for 10 months after the initial referral and, therefore, was unable to charge the crime due to evidentiary issues. Subsequently, the juvenile was charged for the Shoreline murder and was held on $2 million bail pending trail. 

There has also been excellent local reporting that has done much to bring to light very concerning problems with Restorative Community Pathways, including: 

• Controversial county effort to divert youth criminal cases to community groups not meeting goals, Ann Dornfeld, KUOW (May 17, 2024) 

• King County’s juvenile diversion programs are a mess. Time for a reset, The Seattle Times Editorial Board, The Seattle Times, (May 5, 2023) 

• King County gave millions to ‘No New Youth Jail’ activists to help kids — and then looked away, Ann Dornfeld, KUOW (April 26, 2023) 

These programs rightfully need more scrutiny, given the many controversies surrounding these community-based organizations and participants, including alleged instances of fraud, abuse, and subsequent criminal charges. The public must be able to trust that these programs are not only being administered effectively, but that individuals are not just simply falling through the cracks. Diversion programs may be the only meaningful chance the county has to intervene, and right now, it is highly questionable if we are doing so effectively in every case. 

I am thankful that these audits are being conducted. It is necessary not only for delivering justice to those impacted by the crimes committed, but also to provide for the safety of our communities and improve our services to juvenile offenders who need diversion programs that are truly restorative. 

All my best,

King County Metro, community members, riders, and transit agencies throughout the region will gather today, Jan. 10, to celebrate and remember Transit Operator Shawn Yim, who was tragically murdered while on duty on Dec. 18.  

Remembrances will begin with a 10 a.m. bus and transit vehicle procession through downtown Seattle, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial event hosted by the Amalgamated Transit Union 587 at Lumen Field Event Center (also known as WAMU Theater). With many Metro staff members attending these events to honor our fallen colleague and friend, there may be a large number of bus trip cancellations and delays today. 

Following advocacy from myself, fellow local elected leaders, and many community members, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation this week declaring a state of emergency following November’s bomb cyclone storm, which caused catastrophic power outages and extensive damage to hundreds of homes. The proclamation unlocks $1 million in state funding, provided to the state’s Emergency Management Division from the Department of Commerce, to support ongoing recovery efforts. The proclamation also prepares Washington to seek a federal major disaster declaration to aid in repairing damaged public infrastructure. 

Under state law, some aspects of the state’s Individual Assistance program are now available to residents of King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties who suffered damage from the storm. To qualify for state individual assistance, individuals must: 

• Be a resident of one of these three counties; 

• Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) area median income, based on the number of people in the household. For those in King and Snohomish counties, a family of four would be eligible if the household earns $111,000 or less. In Whatcom County, the threshold for a family of four is $84,450; 

• Provide proof that the November storm either destroyed their home or caused major damage that makes the residence uninhabitable; and 

• Have uninsured losses, and provide any claim settlement information related to the disaster.   

Some programs also require individuals to first apply for assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA), if available. In late December, the SBA announced it would make low-interest loans available for those who suffered damage from the storm in Chelan, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish and Yakima counties. 

For more information and to apply for state assistance, residents who suffered damage from the storm are encouraged to reach out to their county emergency management department: 

• King County: https://kcemergency.com 

4Culture is the cultural funding agency for King County, Washington, and there are many funding opportunities for Council District 9 communities. As the cultural funding agency for King County, Washington, 4Culture works to make our region vibrant.  

Take a look at their upcoming grants and public art calls and don't hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns, or if there is any way we can be of assistance to you. 

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. 

• King County Auditor, Council to review community-based juvenile diversion contracts in 2025 - King County, Washington
• The new report on homelessness shows a catastrophe for WA | The Seattle Times