 Permitting
Successful home improvement fairs, new director, and office hours in Vashon
The first King County Home Improvement Fairs were a resounding success bringing together over 150 King County homeowners in Skyway and White Center. Permitting staff were available throughout the evening for one-on-one support and the popular Residential Permitting 101 presentation was standing-room only! We appreciate all of the local business vendors who participated in the vendor fair and the hard work from our DLS Permitting Division staff.
This past month, Liz Stead joined King County Department of Local Services as its new Permitting Division Director.
Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson made the announcement after an extensive search for the person who will help guide permitting activity for approximately 250,000 residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas.
Richardson also extended his sincere appreciation to Mark Rowe, who has served as Interim Permitting Director and has transitioned back to his role as Permitting Deputy Director.
Read the full announcement here: https://kingcountylocalblog.com/2026/09/10/liz-stead-named-permitting-division-director-of-king-countys-department-of-local-services/.
Mark will continue to hold Permitting Office Hours at Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce on 2nd Tuesdays from 10:30 am - 3 pm. You can schedule your 30-minute appointment with Mark by contacting Judy Brizendine at jbrizendine@kingcounty.gov.
Road Services
Fall weather tips, SE Jones Road project, and Baring Bridge honoring
 Help keep the roads clear this fall
Fall storms can overwhelm drainage systems, especially when leaves drop. King County Road Services maintains nearly 28,000 storm drains, and community members can help by clearing reachable drains to prevent water from pooling and keep roads safe.
Tips for Clearing Drains
Use a rake or broom, wear gloves and reflective clothing, and stay alert near traffic. Clear only drains reachable from the shoulder or sidewalk and supervise children. Never lift grates. Place collected leaves in your Food and Yard cart instead of leaving them in the street.
Driving Safely in Rainy Weather
Rain, wet leaves, and storms reduce traction and visibility. Slow down, increase following distance, use headlights, avoid sudden braking, watch for standing water, and keep windows clear.
Do Not Drive Past “Road Closed” Signs
Flooded roads are dangerous and can hide washed‑out pavement or deep holes. Even shallow moving water can push a car off the road, stall engines, and block emergency responders from reaching you. If you see a closure, turn around and find another route.
Downed Power Lines
Strong winds can knock down power lines. Stay far back, keep others away, call 911 if there’s immediate danger, and report outages to your utility. Never drive over downed lines. If a line falls on your vehicle, stay inside and wait for emergency responders.
Report Flooding or Road Concerns
Contact the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206‑477‑8100 or email maint.roads@kingcounty.gov.
SE Jones Road Culvert Replacement Project
As soon as mid-October 2026, King County Road Services Division will replace an old, rusted metal pipe under SE Jones Road near house number 17817. Learn more about this project and follow progress at KingCounty.gov/SE-Jones-Road. Sign up for Road Alerts to receive text and email updates about this project and other road projects in Southeast Unincorporated King County.
Baring Bridge honoring
On September 12, 2026, King County Road Services hosted a community event honoring the historic Baring timber bridge before its closure to all traffic on September 30, 2026.
The event recognized the bridge's long service to the community, celebrated the resilience of Baring residents, and highlighted plans for a permanent replacement. Attendees heard remarks from King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Councilmember Sarah Perry, participated in a guided historical tour, and enjoyed commemorative mementos and refreshments.
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The historic timber Baring Bridge over the South Fork Skykomish River was constructed in 1930 and served as a sole access road to over 170 properties, including over 40 residences.
Learn more about this project and follow progress on the permanent bridge at KingCounty.gov/BaringBridge.
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Executive Services
King County Airport runway and taxiway open houses planned October 14
Residents are invited to attend two open houses (virtual or in-person) on Wednesday, October 14 to learn more about a capital improvement project at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA).
Wed., Oct. 14 - Virtual Open House (Registration required)
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Register for the Zoom meeting at by clicking this King County Zoom Registration link.
Wed., Oct. 14 - In-person Open House (Registration not required)
6 - 7:30 pm
KCIA Flight Service Station
6526 Ellis Ave. S., Seattle
Prior to the Open Houses, the Draft EA will be available on the airport's website at kingcounty.gov/airport/taxiway-b-nepa.
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Join the Great Washington ShakeOut on October 15
On October 15 at 10:15 am, join 300,000 other King County residents practicing their earthquake safety during the Great Washington ShakeOut.
During an earthquake, remember when the shaking starts:
- Drop to the ground
- Cover your head and neck under a nearby desk or table
- Hold on until the shaking stops
For more information go to shakeout.org/washington.
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Second half of 2026 property taxes due November 2
Do you pay your property taxes directly, instead of through a mortgage lender? The deadline for your second half payment is Monday, November 2.
This is later than the normal October 31 date because the statutory deadline falls on a weekend. Learn more, including several options to pay, at: kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax.
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 Natural Resources and Parks
New South County Recycling and Transfer Station is now open!
The new South County Recycling and Transfer Station (35101 W. Valley Hwy S.) in Algona opened September 14, welcoming commercial haulers and the public to use the new station and discover its expanded services. King County completed training and test runs with staff earlier this summer and has now fully opened all station operations. With the new station's completion, the old Algona Station is now permanently closed.
The new station offers expansive recycling services and hazardous waste, yard waste and garbage disposal. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/south-county
King County Metro
Bus route changes, improvements for University of Washington, college campus connections
Schedules and routing for King County Metro and Sound Transit buses and Sound Transit 1 and 2 line connections were updated Aug. 29. We expect the changes will improve the connections, speed and reliability of your trip from across King County to the UW Seattle and UW Bothell campuses, as well as colleges in North and South King County.
We made these changes with guidance from community members and public input, which helped us improve bus service across King County while balancing some necessary adjustments and trade-offs. The new network connects riders with train service and offers bus service at more times of the day and more days of the week.
Direct routes onto campus are available, and by using Metro’s Trip Planner you can see which option works best for your travel needs. Metro customer service also is available for trip planning and can be reached by phone at 206-553-3000 from 6 am to 6 pm on weekdays.
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 Grant Opportunities
New Grant Opportunities Available!
Alan M. Painter Grant program
This popular program supports projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance unincorporated communities. Funded projects benefit all community members, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Funds may not be used for political activities. In 2026, 31 projects and programs received funding and are in the process of concluding their programming for 2026 and submitting their final report.
“The Alan M. Painter Grant Program continues to embody the mission of the Department of Local Services: to provide responsive, equitable, and effective local services," said Department Director Leon Richardson. “Each year, we see how local vision and collaboration strengthen our neighborhoods across unincorporated King County. Whether it’s cultural celebrations, safety-focused gatherings, or creative projects that highlight our community's unique identity, these grants help residents come together, share experiences, and build lasting improvements where we live.”
A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2027, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for chosen projects will begin in March 2027.
Applications open October 6, 2026 and are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Learn more about how to apply or to see past awards on the Alan M. Painter Grant Program page.
Microsoft's Community-First Grants available in King County
As nonprofits face rising costs, growing demand, and greater pressure on resources, Microsoft is launching Community-First Grants to provide additional funding for projects that might otherwise be delayed or out of reach.
The program will award 25 grants of up to $20,000 to eligible King County nonprofits that do not currently receive Microsoft grant funding. Grants can help organizations launch, expand, improve, or complete projects that support the services, spaces, and opportunities our communities rely on.
Request for proposals open for community-led tourism projects
King County has $900,000 available for community‑led tourism projects that celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen local economies, create jobs, and help communities experiencing residential and cultural displacement remain rooted in their neighborhoods.
Through this new competitive request for proposals (RFP), King County will award grants ranging from $30,000 to $150,000 for projects that strengthen cultural vibrancy and community resilience. In total, up to $900,000 will be awarded.
Applicants should review the full RFP for details on the eligibility criteria, priorities, and evaluation and selection process. Completed RFP applications, including a proposed budget and workplan, are due on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 at 12 pm. Contracts are expected to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
More information at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive/governance-leadership/budget-grants/grants/community-led-tourism-grant.
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.
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Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
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.
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Fall City Community Association
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or send email. |
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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. |
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Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, September 14, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station, 22225 SE 231st St (across from Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
This is one week later the normal “first Monday of the month” due to the Labor Day holiday. Meeting agendas and Zoom information are posted on the website (gmvuac.org) a few days before the meeting.
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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. |
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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. |
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Skyway Coalition
Skyway Coalition is a nonprofit organization that centers community-led growth to uplift and protect our Black and brown unincorporated community of Skyway.
See the coalition's website. |
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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. |
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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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