Councilmember Reagan Dunn joins Governor Bob Ferguson and Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith for the announcement of an expedited timeline for White River Bridge Repairs
The recent emergency bridge closures near Enumclaw have been extraordinarily difficult for our community. Despite these serious challenges, I’ve been encouraged by how many families and businesses have come together to support one another. The White River Bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), not King County. Because of this, I’ve focused my efforts on advocating for our community through every available avenue.
This week, I’m encouraged to share a small but meaningful piece of good news. Following the coordinated efforts of many, including my office, the King County Executive, the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley, chambers of commerce, and the Governor, the U.S. Small Business Administration will offer low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and nonprofits hurt by the White River Bridge closure. SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) can be up to $2M with interest rates as low as 4% with terms up to 30 years with no payments due within the first year.
Beginning Thursday at noon, SBA staff will be available for in-person support at locations in both Buckley and Enumclaw. Walk right in or set an appointment at appointment.sba.gov. SBA's general customer service can be reached at (800) 659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
ENUMCLAW
Green River College – Enumclaw Campus Conference Room 19
1414 Griffin Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Mondays - THURSDAYS, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at COB Thursday, Oct. 9
BUCKLEY
Multi-Purpose Center (Formerly Buckley City Hall)
811 Main St.
Buckley, WA 98321
Mondays - THURSDAYS, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at COB Thursday, Oct. 9
From left to right: King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn
This week, King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced her 2026-2027 biennial budget proposal. The budget will now move through the legislative process over the next several months. The Council’s job will be to ensure the final budget reflects our community values and priorities.
I want to thank Executive Braddock and her staff for submitting a thoughtful and detailed budget proposal. I was especially encouraged to see that previously announced cuts to criminal justice resources, which I strongly opposed, have been reversed.
According to the Executive’s office, the proposed budget “prioritizes key investments in public safety, housing, and behavioral health while also preventing devastating cuts to critical services”.
As the Council begins its budget process, I will be thoroughly reviewing every part of this proposal. My focus will be to ensure that District 9 priorities are funded, that public safety remains a top priority, and that we continue identifying and eliminating waste to make our government more efficient and accountable.
Councilmember Reagan Dunn visits the Maple Valley community mural, painted by Ashley Ashbeck and partially funded by an Alan M. Painter Grant, with members of the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council, the Maple Valley Historical Society, and Maple Valley Councilmember Syd Dawson
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.
The King County Council approved renaming the grants program to honor Alan M. Painter, the founding director of King County’s Community Service Areas program. Alan was a long-time public servant who also worked in the City of Seattle and served communities across King County.
The grant program that now bears his name supports projects that advance the King County Strategic Plan and achieve one or more of the following goals:
- Promote the engagement of unincorporated area residents in community or civic activities
- Educate local residents about issues that affect them
- Enhance a community
- Identify and gather community needs and priorities
- Meet King County’s equity and social justice goals of increasing fairness and opportunity for all people, particularly people of color and those with low incomes and/or limited English.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Learn more or to apply on the Alan M. Painter Grant Program page (kingcounty.gov/alan-painter-grants).
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