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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I have heard concerns from many of you that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced a five-day, round-the-clock closure of SR 18 near the I-90 interchange. From 9 p.m. Thursday, May 15, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, only emergency vehicles, school buses and transit buses will be allowed beneath the I-90 bridges. Drivers can detour using eastbound and westbound I-90 and looping around at exit 22 (Preston-Fall City) or exit 27 (Southeast North Bend Way). 

I know that extended closures are a hurdle for all who rely on the highway, including myself. This is why in 2023, I sent a letter to WSDOT requesting they convene an interagency task force to give cities and other impacted groups input on a traffic management plan so that everyone can plan and adapt to delays and congestion. This letter was also signed by the mayors of Maple Valley, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Covington, Black Diamond, and Kent; multiple Chambers of Commerce; the Snoqualmie Tribe; and the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority. As a result, the SR 18 Task Force began meeting regularly and many stakeholders have been able to offer feedback and solutions to help alleviate the stress felt by nearby communities.

The good news is that when SR 18 reopens on May 21, most of the construction on the southern end of the new interchange will be complete. The next project phase will involve construction under the I-90 bridges and on the northern end of the project before traffic can be shifted into the final diverging diamond configuration later this summer. In addition to building the new interchange, WSDOT will be adding two lanes on SR 18 between the interchange and Deep Creek later this year.

Though continued construction and traffic delays can be painful, I am optimistic that WSDOT’s work will ultimately make driving this route easier through increased capacity and improved traffic flow. You can read more about WSDOT’s ongoing work at the I-90 – SR 18 Interchange Improvements webpage.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

The newly-renovated Henry Moses Aquatic Center opens June 21!

Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn visit the Henry Moses Aquatic Center

Mark your calendars—the Henry Moses Aquatic Center opens for the season on Saturday, June 21! The City of Renton is making several critical repairs and other upgrades to the facility with the help of a King County Aquatic Facilities Grant, including repairs to the pool tile and liner that are necessary to keep the pool usable, additional seating, and updated office and concessions areas. These improvements are expected to be unveiled to the public next month! 

For more information on offerings at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, visit the City of Renton website.

Spring is here—find a new King County park to visit!

Councilmember Reagan Dunn at Mt. Peak Fire Lookout

King County manages more than 200 parks, including 175 miles of regional trails, 215 miles of backcountry trails, and 32,000 acres of open space. Go to kingcounty.gov/FunFinder to find a new outing, including the one pictured here—one of my person favorites, the Mt. Peak Fire Lookout!

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

This May, I am proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month! At a moment when Jewish Americans are particularly vulnerable amidst a dramatic rise in antisemitism, let us elevate and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of our Jewish neighbors in King County.

Comcast RISE grants

King County has been selected as one of five regions in the U.S. for Comcast RISE Grants. This means 100 small businesses in King County will receive over $3 million in grants for monetary, marketing, and technology support.

Applications are open from May 1-31 at www.ComcastRISE.com, with winners announced in August.

FCD Flood Reduction Grants

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.

Applications are due May 23. Find more information or apply at the Flood Control District website.

Vets Engaged RFP

Vets Engaged awards small grants for entities to convene community-building events and activities that increase social engagement and connection for veterans, military servicemembers, and their respective families. The intent is to cultivate a sense of belonging among veterans and that help bridge the military-civilian divide. 

Applications are due May 30 at 2 PM. Find more information or apply at the Vets Engaged website.

Best Starts for Kids (BSK) Investing Early Together RFP

Best Starts for Kids Investing Early Together: Community-Based Parenting Supports, Home-Based Services, and Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion request for proposals (RFP) is now open! 

Applications are due June 20 at 2 PM. Find more information at the BSK website and use the following links to view the full funding opportunity details and apply: 

• Community-Based Parenting Supports  
• Home-Based Services 
• Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion