Your Weekly Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am pleased to report that this week, the King County Council approved legislation that I brought forward in partnership with Councilmember Balducci, which aims to restore safety to our Metro bus system.

Following the senseless murder of Shawn Yim while he was on duty as a King County Metro bus driver, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 came to the Council requesting immediate action to usher in more protections for transit operators and riders. As a result, the Council just passed legislation requesting the King County Executive and Council to support ATU's efforts to convene a task force and develop new ideas for improving safety on public transit. The task force will include members from cities and local police departments, as well as transit stakeholders, county representatives, and transit operators.

This is a major victory for public safety in our region! Even as I am glad to see this renewed focus on restoring safety standards for all of our benefit, I also recognize the deeply sad circumstance that is spurring reform. My heart goes out to the friends, family, and colleagues of deceased transit operator Shawn Yim. Finally, thank you to ATU Local 587 for working with me and Councilmember Balducci and bringing this proposal forward. The hard work of restoring safety and accountability on public transit has only just begun. You can learn more about the upcoming Metro safety task force at KIRO7 News.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and De'Sean Quinn deliver $5,000 grant to Family First Community Center

Left to right: Christopher Kidd, Omar Espinosa, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Danira Monreal, Jackie Montgomery, Nate Robinson, King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, Jaylen Harris, Dominique Harris.

I recently visited the Family First Community Center in Renton with Councilmember Quinn to deliver a check for a $5,000 VSHSL (Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy) grant. Founded by former Seattle Seahawks football player Doug Baldwin Jr., the Family First Community Center is an incredible asset to the Renton community, working to help all families, kids, and seniors thrive. I am proud to continue to support their incredible work!

Councilmember Reagan Dunn presents State of the County address at Renton City Council

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn presents the State of the County to the Renton City Council

Thank you to the Renton City Council for hosting me for my State of the County address this week. I always enjoy having the chance to meet with city officials and share updates on county activities and issues that impact our constituents!

You're invited to a DCHS Community Resource Access Fair on Monday, March 24, at Tahoma High School

Are you interested in learning more about the resources and services available in your community? Join the King County Department of Community and Human Services at Tahoma High School in Maple Valley for a Community Resource Access Fair.

DCHS Community Resource Access Fair
Monday, March 24, 2025
4:00 – 6:00 PM  

Tahoma High School
23499 SE Tahoma Way, Maple Valley, WA 98038  

Connect with local organizations and services funded through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, and enjoy an evening of food, refreshments, and community connections.  

Questions? Contact DCHS' Resource Access Team here. 

4Culture Project Grants

4Culture Project grants can help you put your ideas in motion and share them with King County. Project grants are available in three disciplines: arts, heritage, and preservation:

Art Projects: Create and share your art with our King County communities! This grant offers up to $15,000 to bring your art project of any discipline to life.

Heritage Projects: Through Heritage Projects 4Culture support the people and organizations making history relevant and provocative through exhibits, publications, oral histories, and more.

Preservation Special Projects: The people and organizations preserving our historic places take on all kinds of challenges, from advocacy to long-term stewardship planning. Preservation Special Projects grants pave the way to a built environment that is valued and protected.

Applications are due March 12. Apply now or learn more at the 4Culture Project Grants website.

Best Starts for Kids Childcare Wage Boost Pilot

Childcare facilities in King County can apply now to be a part of the Best Starts for Kids Childcare Wage Boost Pilot. This wage boost will allocate approximately $5 million annually to provide a wage boost to selected child care workers, working with children ages birth to twelve in King County. This will contribute to a study to understand the impact of the wage boost on employee retention, continuity of care, and worker well-being.

Applications are due March 7. Apply now or learn more at the Best Starts Wage Boost Pilot website.

In the News

• KIRO7 News: King County Council approves transit safety task force