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Local Services
First draft of Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan released for public review and comment
 Image: An artist's illustration of what the community most wants to see reflected in the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan, based on community input.
King County published its Preliminary Draft Subarea Plan for the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area last month. The plan addresses key topics such as land use, housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection. It will provide a long-term vision and policy framework to guide growth and development while preserving the area’s natural environment and community character.
Community members are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide input during the public comment period, which runs through May 18. Public feedback will help shape the final plan that moves forward for consideration by King County decision-makers. This preliminary version of the plan marks the first of three major opportunities for members of the community to comment on the plan.
Members of the public can talk with county planners during an online Zoom meeting on May 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visit the project website to read the draft plan, learn more about the planning process, and find information on how to join the Zoom meeting.
Road Services
Two road construction projects are coming soon to
unincorporated King County
King County will soon begin work on two important safety projects. Both are essential to maintaining safe travel and ensuring the long-term reliability of our road system. The understanding and patience of motorists and project neighbors will be much appreciated!
To stay informed about road work in your community...
SE Covington-Sawyer Road at 164th Place SE: sightline improvements
Beginning in late spring, crews will remove a section of steep hillside along the sharp curve on SE Covington–Sawyer Road near 164th Place SE. The slope will be replaced with a retaining wall and new landscaping, which will help westbound drivers see oncoming traffic sooner and provide additional stopping distance as vehicles approach the intersection. For up to eight weeks, flaggers will direct two‑way traffic through a single open lane as needed. Learn more on the project web page
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Boise X Connection Bridge replacement
This project will replace the Boise X Connection Bridge, which is two miles south of Enumclaw on SE Mud Mountain Road. The two-lane bridge was built in 1956 and has outlived its useful life. It is currently weight restricted because it can no longer safely support the weight of fire engines or large commercial trucks.
SE Mud Mountain Road will be closed at the site for up to six months while the bridge is replaced.
Learn more on the project web page
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Natural Resources and Parks
King County is working with communities to promote forest canopy in urban unincorporated areas
A study launched this spring will assess the forest canopy in unincorporated areas. This will inform future actions with communities that promote equitable access to healthy tree canopy.
The project team will study 34 square miles, including urban unincorporated communities and the unincorporated rural towns of Fall City, Vashon, and Snoqualmie Pass.
The study, led by the Department of Natural Resources’ new Urban Forestry Program, will build on decades of progress King County foresters have made promoting forest health in rural areas. Promoting healthy urban forests was one of the priorities of King County’s 30-Year Forest Plan, and it also aligns with the county’s strategy for mitigating extreme heat.
“From reducing heat islands to cleaning our air and water, trees are essential to the health and livability of our communities,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Now we’re applying a science-based, community-informed approach in urban unincorporated areas so that more kids and families can experience the benefits of healthy tree canopy.”
See the news release and watch a video
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Apply now for Circular Lumber Funding grants
King County is accepting grant applications for salvaged lumber projects. The funding, provided through King County’s Climate Pollution Reduction program, is aimed at supporting and growing markets for wood waste diversion, deconstruction, wood salvage, product development and reuse, or business development.
Applications are open through June 12 with a total of $1.45 million available. Awards will be divided into two separate tracks, one focusing on equipment purchases up to $10,000 and the other focusing on program support averaging $100,000 each.
All entities with compelling projects in the circular lumber economy are encouraged to apply.
Review the Request for Applications and join an online information session to learn more:
Ready to apply? Use the King County Solid Waste Division application portal. Here's how:
- Create a login or use an existing one if you have it
- Navigate to "See Opportunities"
- Select "Circular Lumber Funding"
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Grant funds are available for flood reduction projects
The King County Flood Control District has more than $13 million in grant funding available for projects to reduce the impact of flooding.
These grants are for small and medium local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding.
Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, schools, nonprofits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies. Visit the grant web page to learn more, watch an informational session recording (Spanish interpretation available), and apply by May 22.
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Metro Transit
New look—same goal: Excellent transit service that reduces greenhouse gas emissions
 Photo: Battery buses charging at the new, all-electric Tukwila Base
Metro’s newest battery-electric buses are rolling out in a mix of blues, yellows, and greens that symbolize the agency’s commitment to a cleaner zero-emission future. New Gillig buses are joining Metro’s growing base of zero-emission vehicles. By Earth Day last month, 50 of the 89 new buses were already in service.
Metro is prioritizing south King County routes for the initial deployment of these new buses. Many communities in that area experience higher-than-average levels of air pollution, so using zero-emission buses there supports healthier air quality while also expanding access to cleaner transit options.
Transportation (including single-occupancy vehicles) remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region. Providing safe, clean and reliable transit gives people a real alternative to driving—reducing emissions while connecting communities.
See Metro’s Earth Day (April 22) blog post
Airport
Public comments due by May 15 for Taxiway Bravo project at King County International Airport/Boeing Field
King County International Airport-Boeing Field is working with the Federal Aviation Administration on a project to improve the separation between Runway 14R/32L and Taxiway B. A draft Environmental Assessment will be prepared for the project improvements. The public is invited to comment on the scope of this draft. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on May 15.
Email comments to:
KCIACommunityOutreach@
kingcounty.gov
Or send written comments via U.S. mail to:
King County International Airport
ATTN: Eric Miller, Capital Project Manager
7277 Perimeter Road S, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98108
The airport hosted a National Environmental Policy Act scoping open house on the project last month. Visit the airport's website to see an overview of the Taxiway B project or get details on the project environmental assessment, including the presentation from the open house.
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Animal services
License to Paw-ty!
Keep the good times going by licensing your pet with King County. All dogs and cats in the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) service area are required to have a license. Licensed pets are reunited quickly with their owners. Your license fees also help fund critical services including pet adoptions, investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, and caring for animals while they wait for their "fur-ever" homes.
Get your pet’s license to “paw-ty” at kingcounty.gov/LicenseMyPet.
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Culture and arts
May 2026 calls for grant applications and artists
 Equipment for organizations
Get your wish lists ready! This 4Culture grant can fund shelving, lights, kilns, microscopes, computers, and so much more—up to $15,000 to support these needs and more for arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science organizations in King County. Learn more on the 4Culture website
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Intent to Apply: due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20
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Final Application: due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3
Curiosity Pass: a Cultural Education Program (mid-cycle)
Funds cultural partners with youth-serving programs and activities that expand learning opportunities in K-12 public schools. Learn more on the 4Culture website
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Intent to Apply: due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 28
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Final Application: due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 11
Crisis and Transformation
Current Sustained Support awardees can request Network of Support consultant services in times of operational crisis or transformation. Learn more on the 4Culture website
Open 4Culture
Funding a wide array of projects produced by those who are new to 4Culture. Learn more on the 4Culture website. Learn more on the 4Culture website
- Ongoing, due 3 months before event
Community organizations
:: 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
Second 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 send email to 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, May 4, 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 Mark Jones and Sean Spinwell from Fire District 43 will discuss the Fire Benefit Charge. The council advocates with King County, Washington State officials, and other organizations for the interests of residents of the unincorporated area in Tahoma School District No. 409. All monthly meetings are hybrid—both in-person and on Zoom. As the meeting date approaches, see the website (gmvuac.org) for meeting agendas and Zoom information.
:: 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 Barbara Dobkin.
:: 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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