After years of advocating on behalf of our community, I was proud to announce yesterday that an agreement has been struck between local community group “Save the Cedar River” and Lakeside Industries that would halt the building of a proposed asphalt plant along SR-169 and the Cedar River.
Councilmember Reagan Dunn at the site of the proposed asphalt plant
Under the new agreement, Lakeside Industries will not move forward with construction of an asphalt plant under its approved permitting and will utilize the space for a warehouse instead. This alternative is quieter, cleaner, and safer for the river and salmon. The estimated traffic for a warehouse is substantially lower than that estimated for an asphalt plant, and the warehouse project would keep all critical areas protections in place.
This is a win-win for the community, and I want to thank Lakeside Industries, ‘Save the Cedar River’, and Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone for coming to the table and working toward this positive solution. And thank you to everyone who fought for our community to make this outcome possible.
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that the second diverging diamond interchange in the state will open following an eight-day, round-the-clock closure of both directions of State Route 18 under the Interstate 90 overpasses, which began last night.
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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.
I’m thankful that, when SR 18 reopens, the new diverging diamond interchange will finally be open, allowing for fewer traffic signal phases and improving congestion. In addition to building the new interchange, the project is widening more than 2 miles of SR 18 south of I-90 to two lanes in each direction and removing six barriers to fish passage, which is expected to finish later this fall.
The closure will last from 9 p.m. Thursday, July 17, through 5 a.m. Friday, July 25. Traffic will not be allowed along either direction of SR 18 beneath the I-90 bridges. People traveling through the I-90/SR 18 interchange during the closure should expect delays, especially during peak travel times, and follow signed detours.
You can read more about WSDOT’s ongoing work at the I-90 – SR 18 Interchange Improvements webpage.
I have heard from many of you regarding the collection service suspension by Republic Services, which has been on strike, providing suspended and limited services. I’m deeply concerned by the continued lack of service and am monitoring this situation closely.
I encourage you to reach out to Republic Services directly for immediate questions and concerns or to find a drop-off location using the contact information below.
- South King County:
- Bellevue:
- Renton:
- Maple Valley:
- Black Diamond:
- Covington:
Additionally, you can find a King County Waste Facility near you here.
Ravensdale Movie Night is TONIGHT! Come and enjoy a free Big Backyard movie with friends, family, and neighbors in one of King County’s parks! Bring picnic blankets and low beach chairs and watch a blockbuster on a 40-foot inflatable screen under the stars.
See you there!
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Friday, July 18, 2025
Showing of Moana 2
Ravensdale Park - 27200 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Ravensdale, WA 98051
8 PM - Seating opens 9:20 PM - Movie starts
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 Best Starts Workforce Development Mini Grants
The Best Starts Workforce Development strategy has announced funding aimed at supporting the workforce of King County’s small (fewer than 25) community-based organizations, agencies, and early childhood centers that provide Prenatal to Five services to enhance their professional development efforts. Up to $115,000 total is available through Best Starts to support the work described in this RFA. Applicants may request up to $9,999 in their proposed budget.
Applications are due Monday August 11, 2025 at 4 PM. Click here to view the full funding opportunity details and apply.
VSHSL Human Services Workforce Stabilization Funding Opportunity
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to release this Request for Applications (RFA) for FS 6: Human Services Workforce Stabilization with funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL).
VSHSL seeks to improve staff recruitment and retention within nonprofit organizations with active VSHSL awards who are currently providing human services in King County.
Applications due July 18, 2025. Find more information and apply at the VSHSL website.
4Culture Launch Program
The Launch program is a brand new 4culture grant opportunity that will support new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. Organizations that are selected through the Launch program will receive three years of unrestricted general operating support and will also have access to capacity-building support services.
Full applications are due Wednesday, August 27 at 5pm. Learn more at the 4Culture website.
King County Department of Public Health and Best Start for Kids Youth Healing Project
This grant directly funds young people to work on projects that aim to improve mental health connection, healthy coping (can include addressing substance use), and the well-being of youth. Applicants must be between ages 14-24. Young people are encouraged to identify fiscal sponsors to help them with managing funds for their project. Youth under age 18 are required to have a fiscal sponsor.
Applications are due Thursday, July 17 at 2pm. Learn more and apply here.
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