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Local Services
Local Services launches LinkedIn, YouTube accounts
There are now two new ways to connect with the King County Department of Local Services.
The department has launched official LinkedIn and YouTube channels, offering communities in unincorporated King County new ways to engage with their local government service provider.
► LinkedIn – Learn about job openings and much more
► YouTube – Includes department-wide information as well as playlists for the Road Services and Permitting divisions
Learn more and find links to all Local Services social media accounts, see this blog post.
Photo: Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson talks about the department's purpose in a YouTube video.
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Natural Resources and Parks
Save the date: Cemetery Pond wetland restoration final design open house
Photo: Cemetery Pond wetland in 2022
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks invites community members to join them for an update on the Cemetery Pond wetland restoration project in East Renton next month. The event will be held both virtually and in-person, and will include a presentation on the 95% design for the project as well as a question and answer session. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and feedback on the Stormwater Park.
Where: Hilltop Heritage Elementary School, 1075 Duvall Avenue NE, Renton
When: Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in person (6 to 7:30 p.m. for virtual attendance)
► Learn more and/or sign up for email updates on the project website
► Sign up to attend in person
► Join the online meeting via Zoom
Register now for King County’s “Into the Weeds” webinar, coming May 7 & 14
Join the King County Noxious Weed Control Program for their annual weedy workshop series! This 2-part series is free to the public, is worth up to 8 WSDA pesticide applicator education credits (4 per day), and will be held online via Zoom.
Dive into exciting new environmental restoration-focused invasive species management topics each day. Find the agendas, frequently asked questions, and more on the Eventbrite pages linked below. Questions? Contact the program at noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov.
Please register for each day separately (there different agendas and Zoom links for each day):
►Day 1: May 7, 8 am to 12 pm (Eventbrite)
►Day 2: May 14, 12 to 4 pm (Eventbrite)
Photo: digging to address giant hogweed (photo by King County noxious weed specialist Sara Price)
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Flood Control District offers flood reduction grants
The King County Flood Control District is offering at least $13 million in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding.
The 2025 Steve Bleifuhs Flood Reduction Grants are for small and medium-sized local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding. Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, schools, nonprofits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies.
Join an informational session on April 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Spanish translation will be available. Applications are due May 23. Learn more and apply.
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Rebates for home owners doing septic maintenance
Home owners working with a contractor to get maintenance on their septic systems may be eligible for financial help from King County. Rebates of up to $500 per property are available for regular septic maintenance, including inspections, pumping, and riser installation. Eligible households must have incomes at or below 80% of King County's median income to be eligible for the rebate.
Learn more on the program website
Public Health
Free Seattle/King County dental, medical, and vision clinic will see patients April 24-27 at the Seattle Center
The clinic is open to anyone who struggles to access or afford health care. All services are free and offered on a first come, first served basis, including:
► Dental: Treatment for pain or discomfort, known or suspected cavities, swollen gums, and broken teeth
► Vision: Vision screening, eye exams, prescription eyeglasses. Bring an official prescription (less than 2 years old) to skip the eye exam and just get eyeglasses
► Medical: Primary care, x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, select lab tests, immunizations, foot care, dermatology, physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, behavioral health, and more
► Resources: Social work, help with health insurance, and more
Patients do not need ID, proof of income, or insurance, and do not need to be residents of King County. Patients cannot seek dental and vision care on the same day, but may come to the clinic on multiple days.
Learn more at seattlecenter.org/patients
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What to know when choosing a pet care business
Did you know that pet businesses in King County are permitted by Public Health to meet health and safety standards?
You can check the permit status of your local pet boarding facilities, grooming salons, food stores, and other pet businesses in Public Health’s online permit portal. Learn more about how to choose a pet care facility on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s blog.
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Metro Transit
King County Metro seeks new members to join Equity Cabinet
King County Metro needs new members to join its Mobility Equity Cabinet and help shape transit policies, plans, and programs.
Members will...
► Gain a deep understanding of Metro as an organization, its guiding policies, services, operations and decision making.
► Build and strengthen connections in their communities and learn and share about their community’s history, assets, needs, and priorities around transit.
► Shape Metro initiatives and policy updates by collaborating and advising on key initiatives and policy updates.
► Be paid for attending meetings
Youths are encouraged to apply!
Learn more from this Metro Matters Blog post
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Metro restarts fare enforcement
King County Metro fare enforcement officers are once again asking riders for proof of fare payment on buses and streetcars. Riders who do not pay are receiving friendly verbal reminders.
Metro paused fare enforcement in 2020 to reassess and reimagine safety, security, and fare enforcement to make the transit system more equitable and welcoming. Today, the agency often provides more than 300,000 rides each weekday.
“Metro relies on fares to provide safe, clean, and reliable transit service—however, we estimate that one-third or more of our riders are not paying their fare,” said Metro’s Chief Safety Officer, Rebecca Frankhouser. With fare enforcement returning, she said, "we’re confident that many of our riders will return to their habits of tapping their ORCA cards or paying at the farebox.”
Metro will deploy 30 fare enforcement officers across the system from among their ranks of 175 Transit Security Officers. At first, fare inspections will focus on RapidRide routes, other high-ridership bus routes, and the Seattle Streetcar.
Learn more on this Metro Matters blog post, which includes information about reduced and free fares to ensure that everyone can ride transit.
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Treasury
Property taxes are due April 30
The first half of 2025 property tax payments are due April 30 this year for those who pay property taxes themselves instead of through a mortgage company. Payments are accepted online, by mail, and by drop box. Visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax for details on payment options.
Property owners in King County can view their 2025 property tax details online. When visiting kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax, property owners can also pay their taxes, look up their property information, and sign up for email or text reminders. A paper statement is not required to pay property taxes.
Customer service representatives are also available to help Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact King County Treasury Operations at 206-263-2890 or send email.
Information on tax exemption and deferral programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or those with other qualifying conditions is available from the King County Assessor's Office at TaxRelief.kingcounty.gov, by emailing exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or calling 206‑296‑3920.
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Animal services
Regional Animal Services needs volunteers
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is actively seeking foster families and volunteers to support their mission of providing compassionate care to animals in need.
Foster volunteers offer temporary homes for animals, helping them prepare for adoption. Your home might be the perfect place for these animals to receive the one-on-one comfort and attention they need. RASKC provides food, litter, and veterinary care while the animals are being fostered. Other volunteer roles include dog walking, cat care, and helping with shelter operations in Kent.
Are you willing to help make a difference in the life a pet? Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
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Community and Human Services
Funding is available to support student veterans and their families
The King County Department of Community and Human Services has funds available to support student veterans and their families with funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.
The funds are intended to provide financial assistance for King County veterans, military servicemembers, and their family members enrolled in post-secondary programs such as colleges, universities, and trade schools.
► Total available funding: $2,241,837
► Investment period: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027
► Questions: Email Maria Pintar
► Application deadline: 2 pm on April 16
Learn more and apply
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County survey seeks survey participants to provide information on nonprofit wages and benefits
As part of its Putting People First project, King County is now seeking input from nonprofits in the region via two employment surveys.
The Nonprofit Wage and Benefits Survey is for nonprofit employees who have access to staff compensation information (such as executive directors, human resources staffers, and finance managers). It seeks information about human services compensation practices, with a goal of improving understanding of pay disparities and employee experiences.
The Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey is for full-time and part-time employees of nonprofits that are located in or serve King County. It seeks to learn more about how nonprofit employees feel about their pay and benefits, the work they do, their supervisors, and other factors that encourage them to stay in their jobs and in the nonprofit sector.
Information from previous versions of these surveys was used to create reports in 2021 and 2023.
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Airport
King County International Airport-Boeing Field’s draft 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is now available for review and comment
The King County airport has been working on updating its 2014-2020 Airport Strategic Plan. The new plan develops a clear strategic focus over the next six years and also identifies appropriate goals and actions to realize this vision.
This update is an opportunity to evaluate the airport’s role on a local level and in the regional economy. There has been significant engagement throughout the planning process with airport tenants, community members, airport staff members, and members of the Airport Roundtable.
Comments can be submitted in three ways:
► On the project website
► By email
► By U.S. Mail (King County International Airport / Attn: Matthew Sykora / 7277 Perimeter Road S, Suite 200 / Seattle, WA 98108)
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Washington State University Extension
Learning opportunity for Vashon forest and woodland owners
The Vashon Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course starts April 14. Learn everything you need to know about caring for your forest, including how to write your own personalized forest stewardship plan that could help otherwise qualifying landowners save money on property taxes through King County's PBRS program. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a service forester. Cost: $175. Pre-registration is required.
Reminders
► The King County Department of Community and Human Services has funds to support events and activities that increase social engagement and connection for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families. Organizations and others may apply for small short-term grants of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. Application closing and review dates will roll throughout the year, with a deadline of 2 p.m. on May 30 for an award that would start August 1. Learn more and apply. (Questions? Email Katie Mahoney.)
► Catch the Wastemobile at a location near you! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2025 schedule — which continues through October 26.
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Rural Area news
King County Critical Areas Ordinance Update
On March 17,the Joint Rural Team submitted Comments on the King County Executive’s 2024 Proposed Update to the King County Critical Areas Ordinance and Best Available Science (dated October 2024) to the King County Council’s Local Services and Land Use Committee. This is the final piece of the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Ten-Year Update, which is being administratively handled by the King County Council as an annual update for 2025.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Joint Rural Team Coordinator
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Second Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 p.m.)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, April 7, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Visit the website for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Skyway Business Collective
The Skyway Business Collective aims to drive economic growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners living or working in Skyway, and to create a supportive and inclusive space for small businesses to grow, connect, and thrive through free professional services tailored to the business's needs. Learn more at www.skywaybusinesscollective.org
:: Skyway Coalition
See the coalition's website.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson or visit the Facebook page and/or website. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Send email or visit the website.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website.
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