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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I was proud to recently join my colleagues, Councilmember Rod Dembowski and Chair Sarah Perry, in calling for new reforms to improve financial oversight and accountability in King County. This followed a joint report released last week by the King County Auditor and Ombuds, outlining recommendations to strengthen King County’s financial security. The report was produced as a result of an amendment from Councilmember Dembowski to my legislation last year.

Read more about the report here: Dunn, Dembowski, Perry call for financial oversight reforms after Auditor, Ombuds report

The Auditor and Ombuds have provided a tremendous service by equipping the Council with a set of strong recommendations to help ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify the best path forward for implementing these recommendations. I also want to commend Budget Chair Rod Dembowski for prioritizing this work through an amendment and helping bring the report to fruition.

Read the Seattle Times report on our proposal here: King County officials pitch new inspector general for fraud oversight

King County Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Reagan Dunn chat during a Council meeting (Photo courtesy of Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times).

In a letter to Executive Zahilay, my colleagues and I outlined three major reforms we look forward to potentially advancing through legislation. They are

• The creation of a King County Office of Inspector General.
• A centralized fraud reporting system.
• And the administration of regular fraud awareness training to ensure contractors are aware of and agree to the County’s standards of conduct.

I want to thank Executive Zahilay for his extensive work to safeguard taxpayer dollars from potential fraud and waste as the new Executive, and for his continued leadership in this area. There is more work to do. However, by utilizing these helpful recommendations from the Offices of the Auditor and Ombuds, I look forward to continuing my efforts to strengthen financial responsibility in King County.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Crosslake Connection Service will begin this Weekend

Light Rail travels accross the floating bridge as a part of the Crosslake Connection.

After many years of construction and work, Sound Transit’s new Crosslake Connection will officially begin service at 10 a.m on Saturday, March 28. Light rail will cross a floating bridge to transport riders across I-90, connecting the 1 Line and the 2 Line.

There are a number of celebrations to mark the beginning of service, including a street fair at Sam Smith Park in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum featuring live music and performances, food trucks, community partners, kids activities, and speeches from community leaders. Sam Smith Park is just across the street from the Judkins Park Station East entrance. 

Following the speaking program, Sound Transit will officially welcome the public on board for a world first, a light rail passenger service across a floating bridge. Afterwards, passengers will be welcomed on board the 2 Line in both directions between International District/Chinatown, Judkins Park, Mercer Island and South Bellevue Stations for the first time!

Learn more about the new Crosslake Connection here.

Heads up: Cedar River Trail Construction on April 6 & 7

The Cedar River, seen from one of many vanage points along the Cedar River Trail. (Photo courtesy of Myk OLeary / WA Trails Association).

The Cedar River Trail at Cedar Grove Rd SE is scheduled for construction work on April 6 and April 7. This work is weather dependent, and dates may change if conditions require. 

Crews will be installing asphalt ADA paths to the push-button signals at the crosswalk to improve safety and accessibility for trail users crossing Cedar Grove Rd SE. 

During construction: 

• The trail will remain open. 

• A walk-around detour will be available for pedestrians and cyclists. 

• Heavy machinery and a concrete truck will be operating in the area while crews pour concrete. 

Please use caution when traveling through the work zone and follow all posted signage and crew directions. 

Questions? Contact parksinfo@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-4527.

In the News

• The Seattle Times: King County officials pitch new inspector general for fraud oversight
• My Northwest: Councilmember Dunn says he pushed for audit years before King County fraud revealed
• Seattle Red: King County lawmakers push inspector general bill, fraud hotline after $1.8B grant audit