January 17th Community Update

News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes news about program support for PICA WA, $107 million in funding to protect 3,000 acres of land in King County, King County Flood Control District's 2025 Budget, additional federal grant for RapidRide I Line, Metro's resumption of fare inspection, an extension for KCIA's public comment deadline, a Property Tax Town Hall in Federal Way and more.

I had the pleasure of meeting and introducing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice King, at a meeting in Atlanta at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Washington Trivia

This Seattle born actor graduated from the University of Washington and was nominated for three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom)




Program Support for the Pacific Islanders Community Association (PICA) of Washington in Federal Way

Mahalo! As increased prices stress household budgets, seniors on fixed incomes are hit extra hard. PICA knows this, and that’s why I was pleased to support their weekly program which gives South King County elders a hot meal and social space to gather. PICA also supports youth programs, cultural preservation, and expansion, and much more. Learn more about them by visiting https://www.picawa.org/.

With PICA WA Wellness Navigators Joann Killion & Martina Naich from Micronesia, Yoland Peter from Marshall Islands, Keleni Tavaiqia from Fiji, Cheyenne Yap from Hawaii, and Seiuli Chanel from Samoa

$107 million to Protect 3,000 acres throughout King County

Fifty-three projects across King County will receive a combined $107 million to protect more than 3,000 acres of open space, including the city of Auburn for its first downtown park and public space. It will create a unified arts-focused civic plaza that benefits downtown residents and visitors and will serve 750 apartment units within a five-minute walk. Read more here.

King County Flood Control District 2025 Budget: A Blueprint for Flood Risk Reduction and Sustainability

Last November, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board of Supervisors passed the 2025 budget, which is designed to address ever-evolving flood risk challenges. The KCFCD’s 2025 budget reflects a steadfast dedication to reducing flood risks, safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure across the county, while promoting equity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. This robust budget is explained in the KCFCD’s 2025 Budget Book available on the Transparency page along with other budget related information.

King County Watersheds Map

King County Receives New $80 million Federal Grant for I Line, Expanding Metro's RapidRide Service to Renton, Kent, and Auburn

On Wednesday, January 15th, the Federal Way Transit Administration, King County Metro, and other partners celebrated the signing of an $80 million federal grant to build the I Line, the newest RapidRide route set to connect more cities in South King County including Renton, Kent, and Auburn.

The RapidRide I Line, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will enhance the current Route 160, formerly Route 169 and 180, between Auburn Station and downtown Renton. RapidRide lines deliver quick, efficient, and reliable service, and carry more riders than any other Metro bus routes.

King County Metro to Resume Fare Inspection in March 2025

King County Metro is planning a phased approach to returning to fare inspection. Starting March 31st, Metro’s Fare Resource Advocates will ask riders for proof of fare payment. The officers will offer friendly, verbal reminders to riders who did not pay. The Fare Resource Advocates also will provide information on the return to fare inspection. Fare inspection will fully resume starting on May 31, 2025. More info in Metro’s blog post.

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 31st.

Property Tax Town Hall in Federal Way

Our region is experiencing unprecedented growth, and many have been caught off guard by unexpected increases in home assessments. While there are positive aspects of increased property values, I am aware of the extra property tax burden this creates for families; not everyone wants to "flip" their house!

On January 15th, I hosted a Property Tax Town Hall at KO-AM TV in Federal Way to provide an opportunity for a conversation between the King County Assessor's office and our residents who have questions about property taxes and available tax relief programs.

King County Assessor Residential Division Director Jeff Darrow was present to answer questions from attendees.

To learn more and determine if you qualify for assistance, I encourage everyone to call 206-296-3920, visit www.kingcounty.gov/assessor, or email Exemptions.Assessments@kingcounty.gov. Additionally, the Tax Advisor Office provides King County taxpayers advice and assistance on property tax related matters including appeals. The Tax Advisor Office is independent of the County Assessor’s Office in accordance with state law (RCW 84.48.140). You may reach them at 206-477-1060 or taxadvisor@kingcounty.gov.

South County Recycling and Transfer Station Updates and Milestones

Over the course of 2024, the new South County Recycling and Transfer Station reached the following key milestones:.

• Roadwork on West Valley Highway South: Last summer, crews began roadwork along West Valley Highway South, including the installation of new utilities including gas, electrical, and fiber lines. Road work on West Valley Highway South will begin again in summer 2025.

• Sewer line upgrade on 11th Avenue North: King County upgraded the sewer line under 11th Avenue North in Algona to accommodate the new South County Recycling and Transfer Station. Work began in July and was completed in the fall.

• Transfer station building foundation: Crews completed the lower level of the transfer building where the compactors will be located. Work continues on the ground floor with the building shell to be erected over the winter. 

• Stream realignment and habitat improvement: Crews have daylighted the stream on site, improving natural habitat for wildlife and plants.

Crews use a boom concrete pump to pour flooring for the new transfer station.

• Stormwater vaults nearing completion: These vaults temporarily hold and filter runoff during heavy rain. One vault has been completed, with the two remaining vaults nearing full completion.

• Salmon-Safe certification: In recognition of the efforts toward construction site erosion and sediment control, the team was awarded with Salmon-Safe certification for the conservation of urban habitat and water quality.

• Interurban Trail signage mapping completed: Collaboration continues with several community groups to design wayfinding signage that shares the history of the area and directs visitors to places of cultural significance. New sign locations have been mapped out and sign design is now underway.

• Apprenticeship and priority hire goals: King County exceeded its goal of 21% minority apprenticeship goals, reaching a total of 36.4%.

• Art installations progress: The artists continue refining design elements, stenciling, and lighting for the installation.

Construction work will continue at the site of the new station over the winter and spring. There may be additional utility work along West Valley Highway South during winter and spring 2025. Expect possible lane closures and flagging.

While I appreciate the phone calls and messages that my office receives, I recognize that many who read this newsletter do not have luxury of making phone calls during business hours. I want to create every possible opportunity for you to give me feedback.

This new section in my newsletter will feature issues or questions that have come up recently and give you the chance to share your thoughts immediately. 

What subject would you be interested in learning about at a town hall meeting?

Please click this survey link to provide your input.

Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federay Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance

Local Services Contact Information

Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.

Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator. For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington Trivia Answer:

Rainn Percival Dietrich Wilson was born on January 20, 1966, in Seattle, Washington. The son of a yoga teacher/actress and a novelist/artist/business consultant, Rainn is part Norwegian. He attended Kellogg Middle School and Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, where he played the clarinet and bassoon. After briefly attending Tufts University, Rainn began acting at the University of Washington. Following his graduation in 1986, he worked in theatre in New York City, and drove a moving van in between acting jobs to make ends meet.

Rainn made his film debut in Galaxy Quest in 1999, and after appearing in a variety of supporting roles in film and television, he was cast the assistant-to-the-manager, Dwight Schrute, in The Office in 2005. For this role, Rainn received Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and won SAG awards as part of Best Comedy Ensemble.

Since The Office concluded in 2013, Rainn has continued to act and produce, and has been involved in a variety of other ventures. In 1995, he married Holiday Reinhorn, who he met in an acting class at the University of Washington, and they have a son, Walter. Rainn and his family have homes outside of Sisters, OR and Los Angeles, and they have two pit bulls, two Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, a donkey and a zonkey.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

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