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Comprehensive planning
King County is recruiting for a new Comprehensive Planning Equity Advisory Cabinet
King County is partnering with community-based organizations, trusted leaders, and community members to make long-term planning more equitable and inclusive.
With recruitment for its new Equity Advisory Cabinet, the county is inviting those most affected by planning and land use inequities to influence decision making, program and policy design, and Comprehensive Plan development and implementation.
The cabinet will be a permanent body that will help guide development of the county’s long-range planning and implementation efforts. It builds on the work of the 2024 Equity Work Group and makes community partnership a permanent part of how we plan for the future of King County.
Key things to know
• 3-year commitment beginning in 2027
• 1-2 hour meetings every 3 weeks
• Hourly compensation and language access services will be provided
• Residents of unincorporated King County are especially encouraged to apply
Please apply before July 19, and/or share this information with someone else who might be interested!
Learn more and apply on the King County website
Coming soon: 2029 King County Comprehensive Plan update
Every few years, King County updates its long-term plan for land use in unincorporated areas (places outside city limits) and how regional services are provided. These updates help shape where housing, parks, roads, services, and more go.
Planning for the next update, called the 2029 Midpoint Comprehensive Plan Update, will officially begin in 2026. The update will be adopted in 2029. It will focus on urgent or time-sensitive issues that can’t wait until the next full 10-year update.
County planners are currently developing a scope of work, or list of topics that will be included in the update. They expect to issue a public review draft in mid-July, followed by a 2-week period for public comments.
• Learn more about the King County Comprehensive Plan on the county website
• Send questions to CompPlan@kingcounty.gov
Road Services
Summer road work is coming to Vashon
Photo: Temporary pothole patches are visible on the Judd Creek Bridge on Vashon Highway SW. Both directions of Vashon Highway SW will be closed to all traffic in August 2026 so the bridge can be fully resurfaced.
From north to south, King County Road Services is gearing up for a busy summer on Vashon Island. Several important projects will break ground in July and August to keep roads and bridges on the island safe and reliable. Whether you’re a resident, a commuter, a bicyclist, or simply someone enjoying all that Vashon has to offer, here’s your preview of what’s coming. Note that these projects are weather-dependent, so schedules may shift as conditions change.
Vashon Highway SW and 103rd Ave SW sinkhole repair
From Sunday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 15 between 8 am and 4 pm each day, crews will repair a sinkhole that has formed in the shoulder where vehicles exit the north-end ferry terminal. Repairing the sinkhole now will keep it from growing, potentially damaging the roadway, and posing a safety risk. Traffic impacts: The right-hand lane and shoulder for those leaving the ferry will be closed for up to four days. Flaggers will direct drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians through the work zone. Crews will pause work while ferries unload to minimize delays.
91st Avenue SW and SW Dilworth Road culvert replacement
Beginning as early as mid-July, crews will work to repair a broken, clogged pipe on 91st Avenue SW, just south of SW Dilworth Road. The break has led to a sinkhole. If the culvert is not replaced, the road could collapse, causing a sudden, long-term road closure for emergency repairs. Traffic impacts: 91st Avenue SW will be fully closed, 24/7, at a spot just south of SW Dilworth Road for up to three weeks. Local access will be available south of the closure. All travelers, including pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, and emergency services, must use alternate routes.
Judd Creek Bridge bridge deck resurfacing
As early as next month, crews will remove the top layer of worn-out concrete on the bridge deck and replace it with new, specialized polyester polymer concrete. This will protect and extend the bridge deck for 30 years or more. Traffic impacts: Full 24/7 closure of Vashon Highway SW at the Judd Creek Bridge from SW Quartermaster Drive to SW 228th Street, for up to six weeks. • All travelers, including pedestrians and cyclists, must use the signed detour. Learn more about this project
• To receive email and/or text updates about these projects and future work on Vashon, sign up for Road Alerts.
• Find the latest information about lane restrictions and road closures in unincorporated King County on the MyCommute map.
Natural Resources & Parks
Is your garbage bill getting high?
King County is planning a program to help residents with low incomes through a discount on solid waste collection services.
If you...
1. Live in Unincorporated King County or in the city of Beaux Arts Village, Black Diamond, Hunt’s Point, Kenmore, Medina, Woodinville, or Yarrow Point, AND...
2. Pay your solid waste bill directly to the solid waste collection service provider (Republic Services, WM, or Murrey’s & Vashon Disposal/Waste Connections), AND...
3. Have a monthly household income (before taxes and deductions) that's less than the amount listed below for your household size...
• 1 person - $2,660 • 2 people - $3,606 • 3 people - $4,553
• 4 people - $5,500 • 5 people - $6,446 • 6 people - $7,393
...King County would like to hear from you. Please provide feedback on the county's plans and help shape the rollout of this program!
Here's the list of in-person feedback events:
• Fairwood Library (17009 140th Avenue SE, Renton) - Wednesday, July 15, 1-2pm
• Fall City Library (33415 SE 42nd Place, Fall City) - Tuesday, July 7, 12:30-1:30pm
• Muckleshoot Library (39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE) - Monday, July 13, 11am-12pm
• Woodinville Library (17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville) - Thursday, July 9, 1-2 pm
• White Center Library (1409 SW 107th Street, Seattle) - Wednesday, July 8, 1-2pm
Interpretation will be available at each event on request. Please request by email at least 1 week in advance to allow for scheduling.
Learn more and take a feedback survey on the King County website.
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Protecting open space and strengthening communities
Protecting the forests, farms, and open spaces that make unincorporated King County special doesn’t just support local quality of life—it also supports rural economies, reduces the impacts of natural disasters, preserves community character, and guides new housing to the places best prepared for it. That’s exactly what King County's Transfer of Development Rights program is designed to do. On a recent episode of Resources Radio, Nick Bratton explains how this program lets rural landowners earn income by conserving their land, while giving developers a tool to build more efficiently in areas that are ready for growth. It’s a win‑win that helps keep our rural areas green and our communities thriving!
Learn about the program | Listen to the podcast
Practical wildfire‑safety actions you can start today
Protecting your home and neighborhood from increasing wildfire risk just got easier. King County has released a new Wildfire Ready Toolkit designed to help residents take practical, step-by-step actions to reduce risk, prepare for evacuation, and stay informed during emergencies.
The toolkit includes simple checklists for strengthening your home against embers, creating a household evacuation plan, and assembling an emergency “go bag.” It’s tailored specifically to western Washington’s conditions and was developed with local fire, forestry, and emergency management partners.
If you live in unincorporated King County—especially near forests, greenbelts, or open space— these tools can help you build resilience and feel more confident before wildfire season.
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Public Health
The World Cup and your health
We’re entering the final weeks of World Cup matches and fan events in Seattle! Here’s what it means for your health:
Plan ahead for medical needs. Heavy traffic and full mass transit will make it harder to get around on match days. When possible, plan ahead to refill medications, schedule appointments, and pick up medical supplies so you won’t need to travel on those days.
- Match days at Lumen Field are Wednesday, July 1 and Monday, July 6.
Protect against measles and other illnesses. With measles spreading in many places in the U.S. and overseas, the increased number of visitors means an increased risk for measles. We also usually see more COVID levels in the warmer months.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor areas like the airport, buses, and trains.
- Make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations, too.
Prepare for hot days. Drink lots of water and take breaks in the shade and air-conditioned spaces. Put a wet towel or cloth around your neck or on your head to cool down quickly. Young children, older adults, people with health conditions, and outdoor workers are at higher risk of heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure from heat. Call 911 if someone has signs of heat stroke, such as extremely high body temperature, rapid and strong pulse, and nausea or confusion.
Share health and safety information with visitors. If you are hosting or working with visitors during the World Cup or any other times, you can find health information:to share with them.
Septic Matters: What’s the difference between septic inspections and pumping?
If you live on a property with a septic system, you probably know that it’s important to maintain your septic system. One common issue Public Health-Seattle & King County’s On-site Sewage/Septic System program hears about is confusion about the difference between septic system inspections and pumping. Here’s a breakdown:
Inspection: Checking all system components to see if the system has any issues and whether it needs to be pumped. Must be done by a certified septic maintainer.
Pumping: Pumping out all solids from septic tanks to reduce excess solids. Must be done by a septic pumper/hauler.
Instead of regularly scheduling septic tank pumping, have your tank inspected regularly and only pump when needed. An inspection costs less than pumping, so you can save money by only having the tank pumped when needed.
Would you like more tips for septic system maintenance and financial assistance? Sign up for the Septic Matters seasonal newsletter and read the summer edition.
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Emergency preparedness
King County Emergency Management activates for World Cup
After more than two years of planning and preparation, King County Emergency Management, along with other King County agencies and partners from across the county, have successfully activated for the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament through July 6.
On match days, the King County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is staffed with representatives from a variety of agencies who can respond immediately if an incident occurs. Up to 90 people are stationed in the EOC for each match, including the King County Sheriff’s Operations Center which is co-located at the EOC. This ensures the response to an emergency is coordinated, resources aren’t used unnecessarily, and the public doesn't receive conflicting messages from authorities.
The multi-agency planning and coordination effort has paid off, with high praise from people coming to our region for the tournament. Because World Cup impacts have been managed well, the county's systems can respond to emergencies if needed and also continue with business as usual.
To receive emergency alerts during the World Cup or any time, sign up for ALERT King County.
Photo: Staff members at the King County Emergency Operations Center monitor activities during the second FIFA World Cup match in Seattle on June 19.
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Animal services
Fourth of July pet safety tips
As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, many people and communities will mark the milestone with fireworks extravaganzas. In addition to possible fire danger, all those booms and pops can be hard on pets. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) offers these tips for pet owners around Independence Day.
Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your home while fireworks are going off. You can also use soothing music or television as a distraction. Some pets will stay calmer when placed in a secure crate in a darkened, quiet room.
If your pet is normally kept outside, bring them inside or put them in a well-ventilated garage or shed or in a basement during fireworks displays.
Make sure your pet is licensed and has an ID tag or microchip. Pets with ID have a much greater chance of being returned to their owners of they become lost.
Some pets may benefit from prescription or over-the-counter medications to help keep them calm. Check with your veterinarian about these options.
Don't assume that your pet won't react just because you haven't had problems in the past. Sometimes, pets become sensitive to loud noises later in life.
If your pet is lost, check in person at all local shelters, and check back often. It may take some time before spooked pets are brought to shelters.
If your pet does go missing, RASKC can help. Visit kingcounty.gov/LostAPet for tips and information. And if you find a stray animal wandering your neighborhood, visit kingcounty.gov/FoundAPet to help them get back to their family.
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Washington State University
A day of learning for forest and woodland owners
The 2026 Vashon Forest Owners Field Day will be 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 is required.
Become the expert your trees need!
You want to make sure that climate stress, fire, and unwanted pests and diseases don’t derail the future of your forest, but incomplete, inconsistent, and unverified information makes it hard to know what to do, when to do it, or whom to trust. That’s why WSU Extension offers the Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course. They turn guesswork into actionable, research-based steps to meet your goals. They'll give you the tools you need to reduce risks, enhance value, avoid costly mistakes, and promote a vibrant, resilient forest so you have peace of mind in knowing your property is on the right track for decades to come. Both a morning and an evening course will be offered online on Tuesdays, September 1 – October 27.
• Online forest stewardship course – morning section details and registration
• Online forest stewardshi course – evening section details and registration
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Local Services
Here’s a look ahead for August and September
Save the date – Fairwood is turning 60!
Mark your calendar for August 29 to help celebrate Fairwood's 60th birthday. There wll be a full day of free, family-friendly fun at Petrovitsky Park, with a community fun run, hands-on activities for kids, and local food trucks, and the celebration will end with an outdoor movie. Watch for more details in our August issue.
King County Home Improvement Fair
King County’s Department of Local Services will offer two free events—meet home construction industry vendors and King County Permitting staff in a relaxed setting and learn more about the process to improve your home.
- Tuesday, August 25, 6 to 8 p.m. in Skyway
- Tuesday, September 29, 6 to 8 p.m. in White Center
Learn more on the King County Local Blog
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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, July 6, 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)
King County Regional Planning Lead, Erin Auzins, will discuss scoping for the King county Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Midpoint Update. 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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