Like many of you, I have watched with great sadness the fires that have devastated communities in Los Angeles. As of Thursday afternoon, 25 people have died, and more than 12,000 buildings and structures have been destroyed. More than 160,000 people are under evacuation orders and warnings. 

So many King County residents have family and friends affected by these devastating fires, and we owe it to our fellow Americans to do all we can to aid our neighbors when they are in danger and distress. That is why I introduced emergency legislation this week to aid our friends in Los Angeles during this crisis. I was pleased that the legislation received unanimous support from my colleagues and passed the King County Council on Tuesday.  

King County pledges urgent aid as Los Angeles wildfires rage on

The legislation requests that the King County Executive identify opportunities for King County to provide assistance to communities impacted by the LA fires including:  

• Collaborating with and providing support to local nonprofit organizations that have established ties to the people of Los Angeles and that are already providing support to the relief effort; 

• Leveraging employee giving programs that provide leave for volunteer service, and donation of vacation or compensatory hours to nonprofit organizations to provide opportunities for county employees to support the relief efforts; 

• Donating any county surplus resources, such as medical supplies, hygiene products, and emergency supply kits; 

• Offering technical expertise from county personnel, particularly from employees in the Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks; and 

• Collaborating with federal, state, and local governments to provide support to the people of Los Angeles efficiently and with minimal administrative burden. 

As a county well-experienced in wildfire risk, we can provide expertise, surplus materials, and resources to help them get through this historic disaster, as well as give opportunities for our residents to send aid to the recovery. One day, it might be our residents that need help from other counties, and I hope this sets an example for future crises. 

I want to thank my colleagues for their support, as well as the many nonprofits, volunteers, and emergency workers already hard at work to help those in need. 

Following the horrific murder of an on-duty Transit Operator, Shawn Yim, I have heard the calls of Transit Operators and riders for greater safety on public transit. Sadly, the murder of Shawn Yim was the horrific consequence of bad public policy around safety and security on our streets. The undeniable truth is that this tragedy was entirely predictable. Our Transit Operators and riders deserve to work and commute in safety, and this requires a thorough and multi-jurisdictional regional effort.  

On Monday, Councilmember Balducci, Chair of the Committee of the Whole, held a hearing on a matter of critical importance. I was moved by the impassioned calls for additional safety measures from transit workers and riders. Most resoundingly, there were calls for a regional transit safety taskforce.   

In order to usher progress in this endeavor, I introduced legislation this week that would request that the King County Executive, and King County as a whole, participate in a regional taskforce on transit safety to address public safety in communities across the region. It would study ideas including but not limited to: 

• Improvements to operator safety on buses, including physical barriers for bus operators, 

• Holding riders accountable for the rules and law, 

• Public safety policies and public safety staffing in the jurisdictions in which King County Metro operates, 

• King County Metro Public Safety staffing, including both Sheriff’s deputies and contracted security, and 

• Other issues as identified by taskforce members. 

The taskforce will include partners from multiple jurisdictions, such as cities, localities, police (including the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office), first responders, Metro front-line workers, and local elected officials. 

In King County, we have a public safety crisis, due to years of bad public policy that has caused direct harm to residents across our region. As this motion moves forward in the legislative process, I look forward to working with stakeholders to ensure that it serves their needs, and that King County addresses the current public safety crisis with the seriousness it deserves. 

4Culture

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.