 I was pleased to have my latest guest column published in The Courier-Herald, where I highlighted the need for county employees to return to in-person work. As our county government continues to ask for more from taxpayers each year, it's essential that we meet the level of service our residents deserve. Too often, there is a troubling gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered.
Here’s a snippet of the full column:
“It is long overdue that King County follow through on its commitment to return to in-person work set the clear expectation that a majority of its employees will be in the office for at least a majority of the work week. This action would be in step with other major employers including Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and nearly all other local governments across the nation.”
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“There is a reason we hold our meetings in public and county leaders show up at public events—the public has a right to see their government at work so that they know what their taxes are paying for.”
I encourage you to read the full article here.
On Tuesday, the King County Council took a major first step toward reforming the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) grant processes to ensure taxpayer dollars are not subjected to waste and potential fraud. The Council held its first hearing on my legislation to improve oversight and management of DCHS contracts this week, and a final vote is expected next Tuesday, September 23.
These reforms are as critical now as they were when I originally called for the DCHS audit years ago — because it’s our obligation to constituents, especially the most vulnerable among us, to protect finite taxpayer dollars and prioritize responsible stewardship.
You can watch my interview with Fox 13 here.
King County’s contractor is continuing to prepare the Red Cedar Trailhead for active construction in Bellevue. Beginning as early as Monday, Sept. 22, the contractor will have a temporary, single lane closure on Coal Creek Parkway SE at the Red Cedar Trailhead entrance. This is required so the contractor can safely unload trucks that are transporting materials and equipment for staging at the Red Cedar Trailhead. This temporary lane closure will last at least one month, and traffic impacts are expected throughout the length of the project. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division will provide timely updates on any changes to the expected traffic impacts going forward.
Construction for King County Wastewater Treatment Division's (WTD) Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project began this past June. This multi-year project will provide needed wastewater capacity for growing communities in Bellevue and Newcastle. |
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After the pipe work is completed, the contractor will restore the Coal Creek Natural Area, parking areas, and affected roadways to protect the creek, trails, and infrastructure. The rebuilt Red Cedar Trailhead will retain the same look-and-feel while enhancing accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
For more information visit the Coal Creek project website for the most up-to-date construction information: Visit our project website
Applications are almost closed for the next round of Re+ Seed Grants, powered by NextCycle Washington. The grants provide funding and technical assistance for early-stage ideas that divert waste from landfills. Selected projects will be supported with up to $10,000 in funding along with access to mentors, consultants, and networking to support project execution and growth planning. King County’s Re+ Program will provide over $120,000 in funding for this program.
Review the application packet and apply now through the grant portal, and contact circulargrants@kingcounty.gov with any questions.
Full applications are due TODAY, September 19. Learn more at NextCycleWashington.com
The Department of Local Services is now accepting applications for the 2026 Alan M. Painter Grant Program. This popular program supports projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance unincorporated communities. Funded projects benefit all community members, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Funds may not be used for political activities.
A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2026, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for chosen projects will begin in March 2026.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Learn more or to apply on the Alan M. Painter Grant Program page
This grant aims to strengthen the capacity and improve the performance of programs, services, and processes within small to midsize organizations with an active Veterans, Seniors, and Humans Services Levy (VSHSL) contract.
Organizations can receive up to $15,000 per request. Organizations must have at least one active VSHSL contract that was competitively procured, or the organization is named in the VSHSL Implementation Plan, to apply.
Applications are due Friday, September 26 at 4 p.m. For more details, please visit the grant website here.
These grants seek to fund organizations to design, develop, and implement outreach and programs that provide behavioral health and substance use support, engagement, and services to youth and young adults in King County.
This request is open to for-profit and nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small nonprofits, people of color-led organizations, and other underserved organizations are encouraged to apply.
$1,000,000 in funding is available. Organizations may request up to $500,000 ($250,000 annually) for this two-year funding period.
Applications are due Monday, October 13 @ 2:00 p.m. For more details, please visit the grant website here
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