On Tuesday, I joined regional leaders to launch the renewal of King County’s Parks Levy. The Parks Levy is a six-year, voter-approved property tax that funds local and regional parks, trails, and open spaces. From biking on our regional trail network to enjoying a sunny day at a city park to playing a game at one of our fields to taking your dog to the best dog park in the world at Marymoor, parks and outdoor recreation bring us joy, adventure, and opportunities to connect with nature and each other. Our Parks levy is key to protecting and expanding these opportunities for everyone across our region, making life better and brighter for all King County residents.
Executive Dow Constantine’s renewal proposal would fund increased park maintenance and safety; enhanced ballfields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers; protection and restoration of open spaces; and accelerated expansion of regional trails that connect to public transit. It would also provide upgrades at Marymoor Park and Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center, establish a climate response fund, and invest in new sports and community facilities. It would cost 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would cost the owner of a median-valued home about $17.18 per month.
Executive Constantine’s proposal will come to the King County Council for our review and consideration and, if we pass it, will go to the August ballot for approval. I would love to hear what your priorities are as we begin our Council process!
 Photo: Connections Kirkland
Yesterday, King County announced that Connections Health Solutions, the crisis care center in Kirkland, will be the first crisis care center to be funded through the Crisis Care Centers Initiative. This is a significant step towards providing the care people in a behavioral health crisis need to stabilize and get on a path to recovery.
The Crisis Care Centers initiative was approved by King County voters in 2023 and will establish five crisis care centers across the county, restore and expand mental health residential treatment beds, and invest in the behavioral health workforce.
Connections was established through a partnership called the Regional Crisis Response agency, which was established by the cities of Kirkland, Bothell, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Shoreline. It’s a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work regionally, cooperatively, and creatively: lives are saved, people receive the care they need, and communities are safer. I am grateful to these cities for their leadership and am thrilled that we are following through on our promise to King County residents to act quickly to provide these critical behavioral health services.
 Photo: City of Bellevue
To celebrate Black History Month this February, we are recognizing the many contributions of Black people in our region. “Voices Unbounded”, an art exhibit created by 21 Black artists from the Pacific Northwest, will be hosted by The City of Bellevue, and you’re invited to come see the work of these talented artists, which will feature paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion.
The community is invited to an opening reception for the exhibit on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE). Registration is required. The artwork will be on display through the end of March, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM and evenings when City Hall is open for public meetings or events.
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