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Emergency Management
King County Disaster Assistance Centers open January 2 – 5
Beginning this Friday and running through Monday, King County will open Disaster Assistance Centers in Auburn, Issaquah, and Carnation. These centers will help community members impacted by the recent flooding to apply for Washington State’s Individual Assistance Programs.
Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S
• Friday, January 2, 10 am - 6 pm
• Saturday, January 3, 1 pm - 6 pm
King County Library System Administrative Office, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah
• Sunday, January 4, 11 am - 6 pm
Carnation Library, 4804 Tolt Avenue
• Monday, January 5, 11 am - 5 pm
If your home received major damage from the flooding, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Additional resources will also be available to residents and businesses. Documentation you will need includes personal ID, proof of King County residency, proof of income, and proof of damage (pictures).
Affected residents will also be able to apply online if they are unable to make it in person to these events.
Details will be added to this King County Emergency News blog post as they become available.
Natural Resources and Parks
New dates, locations added for free storm debris drop-off
King County's Solid Waste Division has set additional dates and locations for free drop-off of storm debris:
• Temporary drop sites in Ravensdale and Issaquah-Fall City will accept debris on Saturday and Sunday, January 3 and 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• A new temporary Skykomish Drop Box will accept debris drop-off on Friday, January 2, Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Algona Recycling and Transfer Station will accept free drop-off on Sunday, January 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• The Bow Lake, Shoreline, and Enumclaw recycling and transfer stations have new dates for free drop-off (two Saturdays - January 3 and 10, and two Sundays - January 4 and 11).
For addresses and other details, such as what items are and are not accepted at transfer stations and drop sites and how to manage hazardous waste, see this bulletin. Note that trailers will not be allowed at temporary drop-off sites. Please bring ID and watch for staff members and flaggers who will guide you on where to unload. Staff members cannot help you unload items. Waste compliance staffers will be onsite to answer questions about what items are acceptable.
Road Services
King County responds to historic flooding
Photo: Road Services Special Operations units responded to severe flooding in the city of Pacific by filling and installing giant sandbags, called Super Sacks.
In December, a series of storms brought heavy rain, flooding, and widespread damage to western Washington. In unincorporated King County alone, 57 roads were closed due to flooding, slides, and washouts. Most of those roads have reopened, but six are still closed because they require major repairs or stabilization.
The King County Road Services Division worked around the clock to respond during the storm and its aftermath. Crews operated in shifts to clear debris, restore access, and protect critical infrastructure. Specialized teams inspected bridges for safety, while other crews jumped into action in the middle of the night to repair broken levees and prevent further flooding.
This massive effort was possible thanks to strong partnerships. The King County Office of Emergency Management and Department of Natural Resources and Parks, along with many local cities and other agencies, provided mutual aid, supplies, and support for residents during this challenging time. Their collaboration helped keep communities safe and connected.
As one example, the King County Road Services Division and Finance and Business Operations Division have expedited a construction contract to install a temporary bridge just downstream from the historic Baring Bridge. The existing bridge, which was damaged by the recent storms and flooding, serves as the only access for about 170 properties. Learn more on the King County Local blog
Recovery work is ongoing and will continue for some time. You can learn more about the Road Services Division’s response on the King County Local blog.
Here are some ways to stay aware of Road Services work in your community:
• Check MyCommute
• Register for Road Alerts
• Sign up for Alert King County notifications
Local Services
Minimum wage in unincorporated King County goes up on January 1
On New Year's Day, the minimum hourly wage in unincorporated King County will increase from $20.29 to $20.82 due to a yearly adjustment for inflation.
Smaller businesses will still have temporary exceptions, but those exceptions are being reduced each year as the new wage is phased in. Eventually, all businesses in unincorporated King County will pay the same minimum wage to all of their workers, and that wage will continue to be adjusted each year for inflation.
Here's a table showing the 2026 minimum wage exceptions:
If the employer
has…
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The 2026 minimum wage is…
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15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of less than $2 million
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$18.32 per hour
($2.50 less)
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15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of $2 million or more
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$19.82 per hour
($1.00 less)
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More than 15 employees but fewer than 500 employees and gross revenue of any amount
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$19.82 per hour
($1.00 less)
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Public Health
New Environmental Health permitting system is now available
Public Health—Seattle & King County’s Environmental Health Services Division launched its new permitting system, called the Public Health Permit Center, on December 10. The new system is used for food business permits, on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permits, and more. If you have environmental health permitting needs, make your account now in the new system. Find guidance, including information on how to register, on the Public Health website.
How King County works with community volunteers to share septic information on Vashon Island
The Vashon-Maury Island Community Septic Team began volunteering with King County several years ago to share septic system resources with residents. The team takes a "neighbors talking to neighbors" approach, helping residents get answers to their septic system questions quickly and easily.
Watch a video about the team and its work on YouTube
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Metro Transit
Metro, the Water Taxi, and other regional transit agencies offer free rides on New Year’s Eve
On December 31, riders will be able to travel without paying fares on King County Metro, the Water Taxi, and many other transit services around the region.
“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”
Metro buses will operate on their weekday schedules and be fare-free from 3 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 3 a.m. Thursday, January 1. The water taxi will operate fare-free on December 31. Both water taxi routes will be out of service on the January 1 holiday.
To learn more about service on other regional transit agencies, see this post on the Metro Matters Blog.
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WSU Extension Forestry
A day of learning for King County forest and woodland owners
The 2026 Forest Owners Winter School will be held February 21 at Green River College in Auburn. This learning event is designed to let you attend multiple forest stewardship workshops on the same day, with topics including wildlife, forest health, invasive weed control, and much more. Cost: $25 per individual or $40 per couple. Sponsored by Washington State University Extension, King Conservation District, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and Green River College. Pre-registration is required. Details and registration
Rural Area news
King County Comprehensive Plan docket item requests
On December 19, the Joint Team of Rural and Urban Unincorporated Area Organizations submitted two King County Comprehensive Plan docket item requests to the King County Executive’s Office: (1) Local Agricultural and Forest Product Processing, which seeks to ensure that agricultural and forest product processing remains local (i.e., only products produced in King County are accepted) and (2) Mining Operation Periodic Reviews, which seeks to ensure that mine site reclamation is subject to policy- and code-required periodic reviews.
—Submitted by Joint Team (Urban and Rural Unincorporated Area Organizations) 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
Third 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 EPCA.wa@gmail.com.
:: 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, January 5, 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)
Guest speakers will be King County Department of Local Services subarea planners on the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan and Tahoma School District board members on the upcoming February school levy.
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 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.
:: 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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