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Department of Local Services
County seeks White Center and Skyway community members to join new community advisory board
 King County is looking for dedicated, community-minded residents to join its Community Advisory Board and co-create the Department of Local Services’ 2026 Participatory Grantmaking process.
This community-led funding process builds on the success of the Participatory Budgeting program in previous years. Board members will design a Request for Proposals (RFP) process and create outreach and engagement plans.
Learn more about the new Grantmaking process and the board on the King County Local blog
Applications to join the board are now open: Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 7
If you would like help applying, send email to ukcpb@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-4000.
Gather for Goals: community is invited to a free public soccer watch party in the heart of White Center on June 26
As the soccer world converges on the Pacific Northwest this month, the King County Department of Local Services and White Center Pride are teaming up to celebrate in a way that’s uniquely White Center.
On Friday, June 26, they will host a free community watch party and festival called “Gather for Goals” along 16th Avenue SW, in the heart of White Center.
In addition to allowing community members to enjoy the world’s largest soccer competition without leaving their neighborhood, this will be a chance to remind the world that White Center respects and appreciates people of all backgrounds.
Between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., matches from the world’s largest soccer competition will be shown on one of five giant screens along a three-block stretch of 16th Avenue SW, starting north just past SW Roxbury Street and extending south to SW 100th Street.
The matches shown will include Norway vs. France, Senegal vs. Iraq, Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay vs. Spain.
Watch party participants will also be able to enjoy dozens of local street food and merchandise vendors, as well as nearby restaurants and shops that will be open for business. And there will be family activities, including a kids′ area with face painting and balloon artists.
Find more details on the King County Local Blog
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Permitting Division
King County Permits expands in-person customer support
Starting June 1, walk‑up permitting hours will double to four days a week at 919 SW Grady Way in Renton.
Here’s the new schedule:
• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Wednesday: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
A permit technician, permit coordinator, and records staff members are available Monday through Thursday. Technical experts are available on Thursdays for complex questions.
You can also find King County Permitting staffers at the Fall City Library on the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 pm.
And customers can always send email to PermitQuestions@kingcounty.gov, call 206-296-6600, or visit the King County Permits website to learn more about King County permits.
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Road Services Division
Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge replacement is underway—major closure begins this month
The long‑awaited Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge replacement has begun, marking a major infrastructure improvement for King County. To complete this essential work, King County must fully close SE May Valley Road near Issaquah‑Hobart Road SE to all traffic for up to 10 weeks. Signs will direct all travelers along a detour route.
The existing bridge, completed in 1932, is well beyond its useful life. Due to its age and condition, it can no longer be safely repaired or maintained, and a full replacement is the only viable option to ensure long‑term safety and reliability.
King County has coordinated with the Issaquah School District to minimize impacts of the project on student transportation. The county's goal is to reopen the road before the 2026-27 academic year begins. The construction schedule is also shaped by environmental regulations, permits, and seasonal constraints.
What travelers should expect
The project will unfold in two major phases:
Lane restrictions—June 2-12
SE May Valley Road at the bridge location will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers directing two-way traffic from 7 am to 4 pm daily.
Full closure—Beginning as early as 7 am on June 15
SE May Valley Road will fully close, 24/7, at the bridge location for up to 10 weeks. All travelers, including vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, must use the designated detour. (View a map of the detour route on the King County website)
Stay informed
King County encourages community members to stay updated through official channels. These resources provide the most current information, including project photos and construction progress.
Natural Resources and Parks
What effect will the December flooding have on weeds?
 December 2025 saw record floods in King County. What does this mean for weeds? Find thoughts and stories from King County Noxious Weed Specialists in their recent blog post. (Photo: A staff member monitors the White River after it flooded last December.)
King County Parks
Join a celebration of Vashon’s upgraded Dockton Marina
Join King County Parks for a community celebration of the newly upgraded Dockton Marina.
• When: Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: Dockton Park (9500 SW Dock Street)
Enjoy hands‑on activities led by local groups, from a boat showcase with the Quartermaster Yacht Club to knot‑tying demonstrations by teen sailors from the Sea Scout Ship Odyssey. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with the Vashon Heritage Museum, Vashon Bird Alliance, and Vashon Nature Center.
Register to reserve a spot
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Emergency preparedness
Are you ready for summer heat?
We're just beginning the often-cool month of "June-uary," but the warm days we've already seen are a sign to begin preparing for summer heat.
People at higher risk of heat-related illness are the most vulnerable, but heat exhaustion can affect us all if we're not careful. When temperatures spike outside, here are some things you can do to protect yourself.
- Think about places where you could go to get cool if you don’t have air conditioning, like a library or mall.
- Close blinds to keep the sun from heating your home, and close windows during the hottest part of the day to keep heat from getting in.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
- If you’re outside, find shade.
- Drink fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, and heat exhaustion can lead to it. Signs of heat exhaustion include cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If a person is experiencing heat exhaustion and does not feel better after resting and trying to cool down, seek medical attention immediately. Here are the signs of heat stroke:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Skin that is red, hot, and dry
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness
Visit kingcounty.gov/heat to learn more, and sign up to get emergency alerts
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Animal services
Summer safety tips for pets
Animals can't sweat like humans, so they're vulnerable to overheating quickly—especially when the temperature rises above 80 degrees. Here's how you can help your pets weather summer heat:
• Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water and shade from the sun.
• Though pets still need exercise during warm weather, take extra care when exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats, as they are especially vulnerable to overheating.
• On hot days, limit your pet's walks to early morning or evening hours. Remember that pavement gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• NEVER leave your pet in a car on a hot day. In sunny weather, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees or more, even with windows left slightly open. Animals left in a hot car, even for just a few minutes, can suffer from heat stroke, brain damage, or death.
• If you see an animal in distress from the heat, call 911 or if you live in the RASKC service area call 206-296-7387 (PETS).
For more resources for pet owners or information about pet licensing, pet adoption, and more, visit kingcounty.gov/pets
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Contracting with King County
Opportunities ahead! Learn how to do business with King County at a free online supplier orientation session
Whether you're new to public contracting or want to sharpen your competitive edge, the county offers free online orientation sessions to give you insight into its procurement processes—plus an opportunity to ask questions.
Upcoming sessions are tailored to specific areas of interest, so you can register for the ones that fit your business goals. Visit the county's website to learn more.
• Construction Contractor Orientation
Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. to noon
Meet representatives from King County's contract specialist team and learn about the county's contracting process, including how to effectively market your firm to county agencies. Will also cover tips for submitting successful bids and proposals. Register for this session
• Goods, Services, and Technology Orientation
Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m. to noon
Learn about the contracting process, get tips on submitting successful bids, and gain insight on how to market your goods and services to King County agencies. This is also a chance to meet representatives from the county's small business certification and contract specialist teams. Register for this session
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Community and Human Services
Community resource event is coming to Federal Way
The King County Department of Community and Human Services is hosting a series of Community Resource Events across King County to help connect county residents with critical programs and services like financial assistance, employment, education, and health care.
The next free, family-friendly event will be in Federal Way at the end of this month:
When: Tuesday, June 30, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Federal Way Performing Arts Center (31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S)
Come to connect with local organizations and services funded through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. Register for this event
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You can help King County shape affordable housing policies by taking a survey
King County is considering more ways to address housing affordability and reduce displacement in unincorporated areas. Please take a few minutes to complete the Affordable Housing Policies Survey. Your input will help inform how tools like a Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE), inclusionary housing, and community preference policies could help address housing needs in unincorporated King County. Survey participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of ten $50 gift cards! The survey closes June 5.
Explore materials from King County's recent virtual workshop series to learn more about each housing policy under consideration:
Learn more about this work and stay updated on future engagement opportunities at publicinput.com/kchousing. For questions, please reach out to housing@kingcounty.gov.
4Culture
Upcoming grants and opportunities for arts and culture funding
Open 4Culture
Final application: ongoing, due 3 months before event. Funds a wide array of projects produced by those who are new to 4Culture.
Heritage Professional Development Stipend
Final application: ongoing through October 30
Funds to help you participate, make connections, and learn new skills for your career path in the heritage field
Building for Equity: Anchoring Community
Letter of interest: July 30. Final Application: November 5
Funds and fosters equitable development for organizations buying, building, or renovating buildings and specialized spaces that make cultural experiences possible. Project budgets that are $10 million+ are invited to apply.
Landmark Nomination Support
Final application: Ongoing June 1 through December 1
Helping individuals or organizations preparing a local landmark nomination of an historic site in King County
Landmarks Capital
Intent to apply: August 27. Final application: September 10
Supporting rehabilitation projects and designated landmarks
Crisis and Transformation
Final application: Ongoing
Assisting current 4Culture Sustained Support awardees through times of emergency and opportunity with consultant services through the Network of Support.
Gallery 4Culture
Final application: December 10
Gallery 4Culture presents the work of outstanding independent artists living in King County.
Washington State University
A day of learning for forest and woodland owners
 The 2026 Vashon Forest Owners Field Day will be held on Saturday, August 8.
This out-in-the-woods education event allows you to attend a variety of workshops, all in the same day. The field day will help you address challenges on your property, foster healthy and resilient forest conditions, pursue fun new projects, and achieve your goals. Cost: $20 per individual or $35 per couple. Space is limited and pre-registration required.
Learn more and register
Rural Area news
Local council submits comments on draft subarea plan
King County's subarea planning process for the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area has been going on for two years. The county released its preliminary draft for the plan on April 15 for public review. After a close, line-by-line review, the council prepared detailed comments and submitted them to King County on May 18. For more information, see the council's website (gmvuac.org/gmvcr-csa-subarea-plan), under "Area Council Involvement".
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Regional Coordinator, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
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 send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website (fourcreeks.org) for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, June 1, 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)
Meeting agendas and Zoom information are posted on the website (gmvuac.org) a few days before the 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 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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