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Editor's note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to send out a November issue.
Local Services
Community project organizers in unincorporated King County can now apply for 2025 Alan M. Painter Grants
* * * Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13 * * *
The Alan M. Painter Grant Program is now accepting applications for funding in 2025. The grants pay for community projects that promote inclusivity and enhance local communities. All must be able to participate or share in the benefits, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. The funds may not be used for political activities.
A total of $85,000 will be awarded for projects in 2025, in individual grants of less than $5,000 each. Funding will begin in March 2025. More than 40 projects and programs received grants in 2024, including the following:
► Nia Fest, which celebrates positive Black culture in Skyway
► A Music in the Park program in Cottage Lake
► Local farm programs in the Sammamish Valley
► Senior dance classes on Vashon Island
► Several local National Night Out celebrations and local farmer’s markets
Learn more and download an application on the King County website or send email to Marissa Alegria.
Photo: a scene from the 2024 Carnation Block Party, organized by Lee Arts Foundation, which received a 2024 Alan M. Painter Grant
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New minimum wage takes effect January 1 in unincorporated
King County
With the turning of the year, a new minimum wage of $20.29 per hour will take effect in unincorporated areas of King County. There will be temporary exceptions for businesses with fewer employees and/or lower annual gross revenue.
Learn more—including how to find out if you're in unincorporated King County—on the county's Minimum Wage website (kingcounty.gov/wage).
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Road Services
Have you seen salmon in local streams?
 Photo: After a new culvert was installed at SE 432nd Street near Enumclaw, fish are able to make their way upstream to spawn.
When many of the roads and railroads in unincorporated King County were built, they included barriers that kept salmon from reaching their spawning grounds and other important habitat. Today, the county’s Fish Passage Program seeks to remove those barriers and restore critical salmon habitat. The Road Services Division plays a pivotal role in this work.
In areas where old culverts are blocking fish from reaching critical habitat, Road Services replaces failing metal pipe culverts with large concrete culverts under roadways and bridges, working with environmental scientists to safely relocate fish and keep dirt and erosion away from streams, rivers, and wetlands during construction.
In these new culverts, they build channels out of gravel and rocks, establish native plants and grasses, and strategically anchor large wood pieces. All of this helps water in the culvert mimic a natural stream, complete with cover and nutrients.
Watch a video about this work—featuring Road Services Division Director Tricia Davis—on the King County website.
You can help keep roads clear during fall rains
Just when our trees drop their leaves, fall storms arrive—a combination that can lead to water pooling on roads. One simple, effective way to help is to keep storm drains (we have 27,638 of them in unincorporated King County!) and catch basins clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris.
Remember to...
► Use a rake, shovel, or broom—not your hands.
► Wear gloves to avoid sharp objects and wear reflective clothing so people driving can see you. Watch out for traffic!
► Only clear drains you can reach from the shoulder or sidewalk.
► Make sure adults are supervising if children are helping.
► Never lift storm drain grates. They are very heavy.
► Bring a Food and Yard receptacle—don’t "leave” leaves in the street.
If you spot flooding or have any other road concerns, let the Road Services maintenance team know. Contact the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100 or email [email protected]. Together, we can keep our roads open and safe during stormy weather!
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Natural Resources and Parks
Apply by February 10 for King County Conservation Futures land acquisition grants
King County Conservation Futures land acquisition grants help government agencies and nonprofits buy land for urban greenspaces, natural areas, restoration sites, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails. They can also fund initial site stabilization costs such as demolition.
The current Conservation Futures grant round opened in November, with applications due on February 10, 2025. Visit the Conservation Futures application page for key information. Sign up for workshops offered in early December or join weekly online office hours via Zoom. You can also contact Ingrid Lundin with questions.
King County Council approves 2024 Flood Management Plan
The King County Council has officially approved the 2024 Flood Management Plan—the first complete update to the plan since 2013. This plan strengthens our region’s ability to manage flood risks, with a focus on preparing for climate change and protecting people, property, and natural resources. Learn more on the plan website or watch a video.
Law enforcement
County seeks input on traffic enforcement in areas
The King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight reviews and recommends changes to King County Sheriff’s Office policies, practices, and trainings. The office is asking for input from communities in unincorporated areas of King County and nearby cities that contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office for policing services. They want to better understand people’s experiences, priorities, and recommendations regarding traffic safety—especially in regard to whether there are racial disparities in traffic enforcement in our county.
The King County Auditor has found that communities in King County experience traffic enforcement differently. In part, this is because there are different priorities and decision-making in unincorporated King County and cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Office. But the King County
Sheriff’s Office doesn’t collect the type of data that would allow us to measure if there are racial disparities in traffic enforcement in the county.
Animal services
Reminder to license your pets
King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. Licensing your pets helps you and your pets, by making it easier to reunite if they go missing and keeping them out of the shelter.
Last year, 808 lost pets brought to the RASKC shelter were safely returned to their owners. Another 831 lost pets wearing licenses were returned home by finders who called the RASKC 24-hour phone system.
Pet license fees support the care RASKC provides for more than 5,000 animals a year that come into the shelter. They also fund field work that protects people and pets in the community.
You can license online, or in person at hundreds of locations across King County. For more information, call RASKC at 206-296-2712, visit their website, or email [email protected].
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Help RASKC “unstuff” the shelter — bring a new pet home for the holidays!
Like many animal shelters across the nation, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is overwhelmed with dogs and cats. To help ease the crunch, RASKC is waiving adoption fees for dogs through the end of the year during its Home for the Holidays promotion.
“Our dog kennels have been consistently at or over capacity all year,” said RASKC assistant operations manager Tim Anderson. “I can't recall that happening in the last twelve years. So, by waiving adoption fees, we hope we can find a place for all the dogs that have been waiting patiently with us for their ‘fur-ever’ family.”
Depending on where an adopter lives, a pet license fee may still apply. A King County pet license comes with many benefits, including Vacation Pet Alert, Free Ride Home, and more.
For those who want to adopt a cat, all felines over six months old can also be adopted for just the cost of a pet license. Profiles of all the pets available for adoption are online. Prospective adopters can also visit the Pet Adoption Center in person at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. The shelter will be closed on Thursday and Friday this week for the Thanksgiving holiday.
And if you can't make a full-time commitment to adopting a pet, short-term fostering is also an option.
“Fosters offer the opportunity for a pet to get out of the shelter, at least temporarily, and into a home where they can be themselves,” said RASKC shelter manager Alex Ropes. “Foster families help us learn more about an animal's personality and give them visibility so they can get adopted faster.”
RASKC provides everything a foster home needs to care for a pet, including food, litter for cats, and veterinary care. To learn more about becoming a foster, visit kingcounty.gov/RASKCVolunteer.
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Emergency preparedness
Flood season is here (October to April)!
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Even minor flooding can close roads and require costly cleanup and repairs. Here’s how you can prepare and keep yourself and your property safe this flood season.
► Learn the flood risk for where you live, work, or commute by entering any address at gov/FloodMap.
► Buy flood insurance. Standard homeowner or renter insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4727 with questions or visit floodsmart.gov to learn more and find an insurance agent.
► Build an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, radio, water, medical necessities, and supplies for children or pets. Visit makeitthrough.com to find information on preparing for any disaster.
► Move hazardous chemicals out of flood-prone areas or dispose of them at one of the county’s hazardous waste sites. This keeps chemicals that can harm people and the environment out of the water.
► Clear storm drains and gutters of fallen leaves and other debris to prevent flooding. Get help using “Report a Problem” at kingcounty.gov/Stormwater.
► Before you build or make a repair in a flood-prone area, make sure you have the required permits. This makes flood-prone areas less dangerous for all who live and work there.
Stay up to date with the latest news about flood mitigation projects on the King County Flood Control District blog.
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King County has improved its web-based flood warning app
Stay informed during flooding events with King County’s new Flood Warning App. The upgraded website provides real-time, reliable information about river levels and flood phases for seven rivers and Issaquah Creek in King County. Staying informed gives you more time to act if necessary.
Find the app—plus information on how to create a safety plan—at kingcounty.gov/flood.
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Community and Human Services
New virtual contact center and search tool connects King County residents to services
The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy's new Resource Access Team has created a virtual contact center and online interactive resource database to connect King County residents with the services and resources they need to thrive.
The Resource Access Team helps bridge gaps across the human services system, making it easier for residents of King County to find the services they need to remain housed, keep employment, get emergency financial assistance, connect to behavioral health treatment, and more.
King County residents can use the new virtual contact center to connect with a Resource Access Team Agent to receive individualized assistance through phone, chat, email, and text, in both English and Spanish. Residents can also search for resources and services on their own through the database.
See a blog post about the Resource Access Team
Washington State University Extension
WSU Extension learning opportunity for King County forest and woodland owners
Online Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course – starts January 9, 2025. Teaches forest and woodland owners how to assess their trees, avoid insect and disease problems, attract wildlife, reduce wildfire risk, improve climate resilience, and take practical steps to keep their forest on track to provide enjoyment and even income for years to come. Includes coaching in writing your own simple forestry plan that may help otherwise qualifying landowners enroll in conservation cost-share grant programs or current use property tax reductions. There will be an in-person field trip from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in the King-Snohomish County area. Cost: $150. Pre-registration is required.
:: 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
Third 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 email Nancy Merrill.
:: 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, December 2, 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)
Visit the website for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each 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 Liz Giba.
:: Skyway Business Collective
The Skyway Business Collective aims to drive economic growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners living or working in Skyway, and to create a supportive and inclusive space for small businesses to grow, connect, and thrive through free professional services tailored to the business's needs. Learn more at www.skywaybusinesscollective.org
:: Skyway Coalition
See the coalition's website.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email [email protected].
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page and/or website. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Send email or visit the 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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