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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe it has been twenty-five years since our nation was attacked on 9/11. It’s difficult not to be emotional remembering the pain and fear, as well as the courage and heroism we collectively witnessed that day.

I will never forget being at Reagan National Airport when the hijacked Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon right nearby. Like so many others, it was one of the most defining moments of my life, and I carried the memories of that day with me through my years of serving as a federal anti-terrorism prosecutor.

Twenty-five years later, we unite as a county and pledge to never forget the lives that were lost and the heroism of our fellow citizens. We remember the first responders who rushed toward danger to save others. We remember the 2,977 people who were killed. And we remember the families of the fallen.

As we honor the lives lost that day, let us be reminded that we are at our best when we stand together as one nation, united by our shared principles and compassion for one another.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

Honoring Community Hero Johnny Ohta

On Tuesday, I had the distinct honor of presenting the 2026 King County Recovery Champion Award to Johnny Ohta, a youth substance use disorder professional at Ryther.

Johnny Ohta is more than a professional—he is a critical lifeline for young people who are struggling, and he refuses to give up on them. As someone who has walked my own road of recovery and relied on people like Johnny along the way, I know how much it matters to have someone who believes in you and stays by your side. For decades, Johnny has changed lives across King County, and I am incredibly proud to recognize him as our 2026 Recovery Champion.

Learn more about the award and Johnny’s service to our region here.

“I’m deeply grateful to receive this award, but even more grateful for the privilege to walk alongside young people in our community and help them build a healthier future. I want to recognize those in our community who choose recovery and keep moving forward, even when the road is difficult.” —Johnny Ohta

Johnny has been supporting youth struggling with drug addiction for nearly three decades. Drawing on his own life experience, he has helped hundreds of teens and young adults facing substance use challenges, meeting them wherever they are — whether in homeless encampments, schools, juvenile detention, or anywhere else across King County — and supporting them through every turn on their path to recovery.

The King County Recovery Champion Award was created in 2022 through legislation I sponsored and Chair Sarah Perry co-sponsored. It recognizes a person or organization within King County that has demonstrated hard work and passion in helping those with substance use disorders. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Johnny.

2026 Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program Awards Millions to Local Flood Risk Reduction Projects

Councilmember Reagan Dunn and King County staff visit the Cedar River.

The King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District) on Tuesday, September 8, announced the recipients of the 2026 Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, awarding $14,307,027 to 39 projects across King County aimed at reducing flood risks and improving resilience for local communities.

The Flood Reduction Grant Program was created in 2014 to provide a flood reduction benefit focusing on geographic equity, funding smaller flood reduction projects that generally would not be part of the Flood Control District’s capital program. This year, the application process included a new scoring criterion – 10 additional points for projects responding to new or exacerbated issues related to the 2025/2026 flood season.

In October 2024, the Flood Control District’s Board of Supervisors renamed the program after Steve Bleifuhs, a long-time King County floodplain management leader. Bleifuhs, who passed away in July 2024, was instrumental in shaping flood hazard management in the county, including the development of the 2006 King County Flood Hazard Management Plan.

The Flood Reduction Grant Program is a vital tool for strengthening communities throughout King County. This year, grants were awarded to applicants representing all nine King County Council Districts. The distribution of funds across both urban and rural areas ensures county residents benefit from reduced flood risks, healthier ecosystems, and stronger community resilience.

For more information about the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, please visit https://kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.