Showing posts with label king county council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label king county council. Show all posts

US military volunteer group receives county grant

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Councilmember Dembowski with Generals MG Ben Tran and MG John Natterstad,
National Deputy Commander for USV-JSC.
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The United States Volunteer - Joint Services Command or USV-JSC was formed to provide a seamless military organization of volunteer, retired, former service members and patriotic American citizens to perform military final honors to the armed forces veterans of the United States of America, to compliment the national shortage of active and reserve forces available to perform military final honors, and, to provide a select pool of qualified manpower for use by the Secretary of Defense.

Volunteers (USV) were formed in 1861 and rode with Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba, and later in the Philippines. They now provide military honors for our fallen service members.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


Present at the King County Council Chambers were MG Ray Coffey, MG John Natterstad, MG Ben Tran, Col. Susan M. Korte, Col. Karen Ridge, Cpt. Theresa Pham and other members of the USV-JCS.

Volunteers gather with Councilmember Dembowski
in the King County Council Chambers
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The grant was authorized by Councilman Rod Dembowski and will be used to purchase uniforms, flags, Color Guard equipment, and blank ammunition for the Firing Team.




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New free Metro Pass Program approved by King Council, will serve up to 54,000 residents

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Orca card
The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a new income-based fare program for Metro that will provide free bus passes for qualifying King County residents with incomes at or below 80% of the federal poverty level, or about $21,000 for a family of four.

“This legislation will be life changing to our neighbors living in poverty by enabling them to have mobility, to pursue opportunity, and to live their lives,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, sponsor of the legislation. 
“Our County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, said ‘There is nothing new about poverty. What is new is that we now have the techniques and the resources to get rid of poverty. The real question is whether we have the will.’ 
"This legislation is a very strong down payment on the will to combat poverty. We are leveraging one of the strongest tools we have, our transit system, to help those who need it the most. This is a big deal and it represents the very best of King County Government.”

Set to go into effect by mid-year, the program has potential to serve up to 54,000 residents. Those who already qualify for other low-income state programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income will be eligible for the passes.

“Unfortunately, for many in our community the cost of transit is a barrier to being able to get or keep a job, get an education and access health care,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, co-sponsor of the legislation. “Too many of our most vulnerable neighbors living on the margins are being impaired by a lack of affordable access to mobility."

Participants will receive ORCA LIFT cards loaded with a pass that covers rides on Metro buses, Access vans, Seattle streetcars, King County Water Taxi, Via shuttles and Trailhead Direct.

The pass would not fully cover fares on other regional transit, but in some cases will offer a discounted fare.



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Councilmember Rod Dembowski: Senior Center Funding Update

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Rod and Dwight Stevens, 
past Chair of the Shoreline Veterans Association, 
at the Shoreline Veterans Memorial Plaza, 
outside of Shoreline City Hall.
Photo courtesy King County
From Councilmember Rod Dembowski

My 91 year-old Dad, Alfred, who often joins me at Shoreline veterans events, is a regular visitor to his local senior centers. 

He likes Renton for their live-music dancing, and Sea-Tac for their lunches. When he missed a couple of dances, senior center staff called me to see if he was ok. 

I know first-hand the value our senior centers provide in terms of social interaction, nutrition, health, and fun. I’ve enjoyed the hula dancing program at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center. 

I know that its meal and other programs are essential to many seniors and their families in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

It’s why I’ve worked to secure significant new investments for senior centers and their programs in North King County and why I share the concerns of many, recently expressed, regarding a new county grant program where the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, along with a dozen others in King County, was not awarded its full-funding request. 

Given the public interest in this decision, I wanted to share some background and details with you.

In 2005, my predecessor on the King County Council, Bob Ferguson, advanced for the first time a proposal for a King County Veterans and Human Services levy, to make critical investments in veterans and human services programs that had suffered cuts with the county’s declining general fund resulting from the 1% cap on property tax collections. The County had cut nearly all human service program funding. Voter-approved excess levies were, and remain today, the only currently viable means to fund such programs.

Voters adopted Bob’s proposal, and renewed it in 2011. In 2017, for the first time, the levy was expanded to include a variety of investments in programs and services to serve seniors countywide.

Voters passed it overwhelmingly. King County now had significant funds to invest in senior centers and other programs serving this rapidly growing segment of our population. With dedicated funds now available, since 2017, I have facilitated the granting of $175,000 in King County money to the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center to support its necessary and important work.

While significant, this funding stream was never designed to take the place of local government, fee-for-service, and other funding; it is additive to those traditional sources.

A new program coming out of the expanded VSHS levy was a proposal to transform senior centers into “Senior Hubs” which would offer an expanded range of co-located services for seniors. Senior centers from all over the county made proposals under this program, totaling 22 applications for 41 senior centers, asking for a total of $43.5 million in funding; more than double the $20.65 million in available funds. Fourteen Hub proposals, representing 28 senior centers were selected as Hubs. A total of eight Hub proposals, representing 13 senior centers were not selected as Hubs. Despite not prevailing on their full asks, these centers were granted $90,000 each to support their important work.

The King County Council does not, as a general rule, choose grant recipients. No single county councilmember picks winners or losers. Instead, programs and budgets are approved, and the Department of Community and Human Services solicits proposals and awards funds on a competitive basis. Not prevailing doesn’t mean that a program isn’t valuable or worthy; it means that there isn’t enough taxpayer money to meet 100% of the need.

For this Senior Hubs strategy, the proposal from Shoreline (which partnered with Ballard and West Seattle) was not selected as a Hub by the county’s grant review panel. I’m told that the Shoreline proposal asked for $360,000 over four years. Rather than award no funds, King County awarded $90,000. This was in addition to a grant of $75,000 last year, 100% of the Center’s request, and $10,000 I secured to expand senior fitness classes in the 2017-2018 budget.

Recent communications to Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents have stated that the county did not grant the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center any funds. This is false. For the first time in decades, King County is investing significant sums in our senior centers, as well as senior programs like home repair, transportation, meals, and other services, more broadly. While I understand and share the disappointment in not being selected in the competitive process for Hub-level funding, these new county funds are on-the-whole, good news, not bad.

Related communication has also, in some cases, argued that Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have been left out of other King County levies. This is also false; I’ve made sure that we have not been left out. I have consistently advocated for, and secured, tens of millions of dollars of King County investments in children, youth, mobility, environmental, parks, trails, open space, clean water, housing, and human services programs and projects for North King County, including in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. 

From Ronald Commons, to the Shoreline Veterans Memorial and the Historical Museum, to millions of dollars for Thornton, Boeing, Storm, Lyon and McAleer Creeks and open space preservation like Five Acre Wood, to programing at the Dale Turner YMCA, and the RADAR/Navigator program for our police departments, King County’s investments in our community are significant, and making a difference. I’m proud to have advocated for these investments, and I will continue to do so.

There is no doubt that the Shoreline‑LFP Senior Center needs more investment, and I will continue to work to secure more funding. 

I have already met with Theresa LaCroix, the Center’s Director, Joanne Donohue, Chief Operating Officer of Sound Generations, and Douglas Woods, a Center Board Member, as well as top county department leaders, to see what we can do to help secure additional resources. I’ve asked Director LaCroix to provide me information necessary to secure additional funding. I’m working with my colleagues on the Council who are also hearing from disappointed grant applicants in their districts. I’m optimistic that we will find a way to help and I pledge my continued best efforts to do so.

I welcome your comments and suggestions on this or any other topic. Feel free to write (rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov) or call (206-477-1001) anytime.


Rod Dembowski represents North King County on the King County Council. He is serving as Chair of the Council for 2019, He also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, Mobility and Environment Committee, Health Housing and Human Services Committee, Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, Regional Water Quality Committee, and Regional Policy Committee. Since joining the Council in 2013, he has never missed a vote, casting 5,107 consecutive votes as of September 17, 2019.


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Dembowski on County Council budget committee - $11.6 billion

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

King County Metropolitan Council
Rod Dembowski, 3rd from right
represents Shoreline, LFP and other north end cities

Upthegrove, Lambert, Dembowski and Kohl-Welles to direct council budget deliberations

Four members of the Metropolitan King County Council’s Budget Committee will lead the council’s review of the Executive Proposed 2019-2020 King County Budget.

Budget Chair Dave Upthegrove and Vice Chair Kathy Lambert will be joined by Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jeanne Kohl-Welles in directing the deliberations of the proposed $11.6 billion budget.

The proposal, delivered to the council by County Executive Dow Constantine, includes a $1.6 billion General Fund budget, three-quarters of which is targeted for law, justice and public safety services.

All nine members of the council serve as members of the Budget Committee during the council’s review of the proposal. The committee will spend the next six weeks analyzing all aspects of the spending plan.

The council’s review of the budget will begin with a special meeting on Wednesday, October 3, when councilmembers will hear from the county’s separately elected officials on their proposed budgets.

The public will have an opportunity to discuss their budget priorities when the Budget Committee holds a special night meeting on Thursday, October 4 at Chief Kanim Middle School in Fall City.

The council’s vote to adopt the County Budget will take place in November.

You can follow the deliberations on the Council’s 2019-2020 Budget page, Facebook and Twitter (#KCBudget).

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the
King County Council website


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Metropolitan King County Council establishes Immigrant and Refugee Commission

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

At the meeting of the Metropolitan King County Council on Monday, January 29, 2018, the council proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in King County.

Councilmembers unanimously approved legislation that will provide legal representation to families for the inquest process when a family member has been killed or harmed by police.

Members also unanimously approved the establishment of a King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission.

In 2016, the Metropolitan King County Council accepted the recommendations of King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Task Force that evaluated the challenges facing King County’s growing immigrant and refugee community. Monday the Council voted toward acting on those recommendations with its unanimous approval to establish a King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission.

“We, as a County, are responding to the increased barriers immigrants and refugees may face by updating our policies, programs and procedures with a fair and just lens,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski. 
“Following the recommendation of the Immigrant and Refugee Task Force by creating a commission ensures that we keep these residents in the forefront of our work, especially at a time when many of them feel threatened by decisions and actions made at the federal level.”

The goal of the commission will be to act as a central point of contact, communication, and coordination for all immigrant and refugee residents, and those serving and engaging with them. It will also focus on understanding and addressing challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities living in suburban cities and unincorporated areas of the county.

From 2000-2010, more than half of King County’s new population was foreign-born, a number that continues to grow, with the majority of the population being located in communities outside of Seattle. The Council established the Immigrant and Refugee Task Force in 2015 and asked for recommendations that would assist the County in ensuring that these communities, in both urban and suburban/unincorporated areas, have the opportunity to successfully integrate and become “engaged, thriving members of the community.”

The adopted legislation calls for the creation of a commission that will:
  • Assist and advise the county and other levels of government on issues, programs, plans, funding and policies impacting immigrant and refugee communities,
  • Promote civic participation and government representation by encouraging application for employment within the county workforce by immigrant and refugee residents and representation of immigrant and refugee residents on boards and commissions,
  • Collaborate with organizations that implement programs to enhance integration, naturalization and English-language learning,
  • Increase public awareness of immigrants and refugees and their contributions to our community.

The commission will have thirteen voting members and four nonvoting members for three-year terms, with the exception of the inaugural term members whose terms would be staggered into three, two, and one year terms to ensure continuity of experienced members in the commission.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system and type in “2017-0481”

Those interested in applying to become a commissioner should contact either their local community organizations or their member of the County Council, Rod Dembowski.

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Volunteering for justice: County Council celebrates Pro Bono Week

Wednesday, October 25, 2017


“Jorge L. Barón, Executive Director, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (holding proclamation), is joined by Councilmembers and attorneys representing the King County Bar Association, Eastside Legal Assistance and the Washington State Bar Association after the Council declared October 22–28 as Pro Bono Week in King County.”



The Metropolitan King County Council has proclaimed the week of October 22–28 as “Pro Bono Week” in honor of those who volunteer their time pro bono to provide legal services to individuals and families in need.

“Recognizing Pro Bono week highlights the importance of providing legal representation to those in our community most in need,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, co-sponsor of the proclamation. “I’d like to thank the attorneys in our region who dedicate their time and talent for the benefit of others and encourage others to participate in this worthy cause.”

“Many of the most meaningful experiences of my legal career came from my service as a pro bono attorney representing domestic violence survivors, and working on cases regarding immigration and family law disputes,” said proclamation co-sponsor Vice Chair Rod Dembowski. 
“It is an honor to highlight the tireless work done by pro bono attorneys, on behalf of our most vulnerable. Our justice system is better for everyone, as a result of their efforts and dedication.”

In 2016, over 345,525 hours of volunteer legal help was provided to individuals and families. According to a recent civil legal needs study commissioned by the Washington Supreme Court, seven in ten low-income households in Washington State face at least one significant civil legal problem each year. Since 2003, the average number of legal problems per household has more than tripled.

Law schools throughout the state have developed a strong culture of service through pro bono programs that help provide their students gain real world experience. Private firms offer support to legal aid organizations through partnerships that encourage pro bono – which the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and the King County Bar Association promote.

King County has stepped up to support legal services in recent years due to declining federal support and stagnant state funding. The County’s role has enabled legal aid organizations to leverage support through unique partnerships.



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Dembowski secures Sports & Recreation grants for Shoreline and LFP parks funds

Thursday, November 17, 2016

County Councilmember
Rod Dembowski
King County’s 2017-18 biennial budget, adopted this week, includes significant investments in sports and recreation facilities in North King County cities, including Shoreline. Metropolitan King County Council Vice-Chair Rod Dembowski, who helped craft the final budget for King County, was able to secure critical sports and recreation funding for the city.

“Our community’s kids and adults need places to play and recreate. Current sports and recreation facilities are not adequate to meet today’s demand,” said Dembowski. 
“I have heard the concerns and am pleased that King County will be able to partner with Shoreline, as well as other North King County cities and non-profits to provide expanded recreation opportunities for both youth and adults.”

The grants, which will support programs in Shoreline that help both youth and adults become and stay active, include:
  • $20,000 for the Dale Turner YMCA to fund afterschool youth programs, including its successful “Hang Time” program
  • $10,000 for Sound Generations/Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center to fund senior fitness programs
  • $25,000 for the City of Shoreline Parks and Recreation Department to fund park improvements
  • $20,000 for the Northwest School for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to fund a new multiuse sports court. 

”On behalf of the City of Shoreline, I extend my appreciation to Councilmember Dembowski for his efforts to secure these funds for our community,” said Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts. They will make a positive difference and help ensure that shoreline continues to be a great place to live, work, and play.” 

Additional funds secured by Dembowski for other North King County cities include:
  • $611,000 for Saint Edward State Park to upgrade ballfields in partnership with the City of Kenmore
  • $25,000 for the City of Lake Forest Park to fund park improvements 

The funds secured by Dembowski originate from King County’s Sports Facilities Grant Program which is funded by a one percent tax on rental cars.

Since 1993, King County has allocated 25 percent of the car rental tax collected to fund the Youth Sports Facilities Grants Program, with the remaining 75 percent of the tax used to service the debt on the former Kingdome. This year, due to the retirement of the Kingdome bonds, all of the rental car tax collected will be allocated to youth or amateur sports activities or facilities.

“The Dale Turner YMCA Hang Time Program offers our Kellogg and Einstein middle school students a welcoming and safe environment to get active, complete homework, and socialize with peers,” said Pearl Noreen, Dale Turner YMCA Board Chair. 
“The generous contribution secured by Councilmember Rod Dembowski will make an enormous difference to support the program and enrich the lives of teens in our community.”

The County will bond a small portion of this expanded revenue stream to jump start the expanded program. Competitive grants will be available in future years for similar programs and projects. The expanded program includes new ongoing scholarship support for youth who are not otherwise able to afford fees and other costs associated with organized sports programs.

”We are thrilled about this $20,000 grant,” said Lynessa Cronn, Head of the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. 
“It will help ensure that our deaf and hard of hearing students, along with our Saturday Playgroup participants from the broader Puget Sound community, can have specially designed recreational opportunities. We also appreciate Councilmember Dembowski's work to ensure that the county's new Youth Sports and Recreation grant program prioritizes children with unique needs.”

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What Happened at the Metropolitan King County Council Monday

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

At the Monday, September 26, 2016 meeting of the King County Council, the following actions were taken:

KING COUNTY BUDGET: Received the King County Budget for the years 2017 and 2018 from Executive Proposed Budget from County Executive Dow Constantine. For more information on the Budget process, visit the Council’s Budget website

RECOGNITIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
--Councilmembers proclaimed the week of September 26 - October 2, 2016 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in King County

BEST START FOR KIDS: Held for one week a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Community and Human Services and to the Department of Public Health (Substitute Ordinance 2016-0282.2).

VETERANS AND HUMAN SERVICES LEVY: Called for the executive's response informing council deliberations regarding possible renewal of the veterans and human services levy (Substitute Motion 2016-0419.2).

CULTURE GRANTS: Acknowledged receipt of the Community 4Culture Equity Grants Implementation Plan (Motion 2016-0384).


The Councilmember who represents Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and other suburban cities is Rod Dembowski. You can connect with Councilmember Rod Dembowski by email or visit him on Facebook.


Updated report on Best Starts for Kids 09-28-2016

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Retired Metro vans donated to KC Council District 1 organizations

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Four retiring Metro Vans awarded to District 1
Photo courtesy King County

Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski arranged for retired Metro Transit Vanpool vans to be given to organizations serving his Council District 1 to provide transportation assistance for low-income, elderly or young people, or people with disabilities.

The programs that received vans are:
  • Rite of Passage - provider of programs and opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth from social services, welfare agencies and juvenile courts. The vehicle will be used to transport participants of the open-enrollment wilderness programs for youth, to drive them from Seattle to various locations on the Olympic Peninsula and back. 
  • Turning Point - Located in Shoreline, they focus on the needs of youth. Current programs include Food4Kids weekend backpack program, afterschool tutoring, summer day camp and summer lunches, the Twin Ponds community garden, and participation in the Back to School project.
  • International Drop-In Center - IDIC is a 42-year non-profit human and social services organization that operates a senior center. Its mission is to provide safe and healthy advocacy, assistance programs and a caring venue for the elderly, first-generation immigrants and families in need. They will transport elderly people to community functions, social and cultural events, visits to adult homes, recreation centers, visits to food banks, and seasonal wellness and fitness programs. 
  • Therapeutic Health Services -  Six service locations, including one in Shoreline. Their mission is to rehabilitate individuals and heal families affected by alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and/or mental illness.

The vanpool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. Interested organizations in Council District 1 can contact Rod Dembowski for more information on applying for a vehicle.



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County Council calls for policy to keep King County “Green”

Thursday, November 19, 2015

The Metropolitan King County Council is calling on County Executive Dow Constantine to continue the legacy of programs such as Forward Thrust and voter approved levies to protect the environment by developing a work plan to protect and conserve valuable land and water resources.

“We live in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation,” said motion co-sponsor Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “Conservation enhances the region's quality of life and is an essential building block for our vibrant economy. 
As we grow, the opportunities to protect special land and water resources diminish. That’s why I believe we must double down on our communities efforts to ensure future generations continue to enjoy the beautiful landscape of King County.”

Starting with the regional collaboration that helped restore Lake Washington in the 1950’s, King County has made a commitment to identify, protect, and conserve the county’s land and water resources.

Forward Thrust helped to fund the preservation of 4,000 acres of park lands and 53 miles of waterfront and riparian corridors, the County’s Conservation Futures Program has preserved more than 100,000 acres of resource lands and farmlands, and voter approved levies have ensured the protection of parks and open space throughout the county.

The motion adopted by the Council at its November 16 meeting declares that it is County policy to ensure that King County remains one of the greenest metropolitan areas in the world by protecting and conserving land and water resources.

The motion asks the Executive to develop a work plan for implementing a preservation and conservation program to identify, protect, conserve, and maintain water and land resources.

The motion supports the goals of the recently adopted update to the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan, the County’s blueprint for reducing carbon pollution and preparing for climate impacts.



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County Council declared October Filipino American History Month

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Filipino history in North America predates the arrival of the first colonists from Great Britain and continues throughout the U.S. The Metropolitan King County Council recognized that rich tradition and heritage by declaring this October, “and every October thereafter,” Filipino American History Month in King County.

“It is an honor to be the sponsor of this proclamation, since the district I represent has been the historic home of the Filipino community in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. County,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, the sponsor of the recognition. 
“Most people do not realize that Filipinos have been in the US longer over 400 years or the contributions that Filipino Americans have made through their labor, public service and heroic war time sacrifices while serving their country.”

The first documented proof of Filipino presence in what would become the United States was in 1587 in what is now California, almost a half-century prior to when the colonists arrived in the “new world.”

Over the last five centuries, Filipinos have become a vital part of the American history, especially on the West Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, Filipinos have worked in a number of industries, but were prominent in the state’s maritime, agricultural and fishing industries.

Filipino organizers played a vital role in the desegregation of the unions that represented those who worked in the fishing industry including the Alaska Cannery Workers Union, International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

Initiated by the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1988, Filipino American History Month recognizes the contribution of Filipinos throughout King County and all of the state of Washington.



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National Association of Counties symposium in King County this week

Thursday, October 1, 2015

National Association of Counties (NACo) holds its Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Innovations Symposium in King County this week.

The Symposium is meeting in King County through October 2 and there will be discussions and workshops on a wide range of topics that include: raising healthy children, the changing geography of poverty and innovations to confront poverty.

The LUCC Safe and Secure Counties Innovation Symposium is here at the invitation of Councilmember Jane Hague, who has served as President of NACo and currently serves as a member of their Board of Directors as well as on the Steering Committee of the Large Urban County Caucus. 

In addition to providing opening comments, Hague will introduce Congressman Dave Reichert who will address the Caucus on the issue of safe and secure counties.

King County Assessor Lloyd Hara is presenting at a session that highlights the King County Assessor’s LocalScape which won a 2015 NACo achievement award. (see previous article)

Keynote speaker, James Whitattaker of Microsoft, will describe how technology affects the economy as well as businesses and government.

The symposium will feature several innovative mobile workshops, providing opportunities for participants to visit some of the County’s most interesting and/or challenging projects.

Preserving the Living Legacy: Urban Agriculture in King County will explore two Agriculture Districts, as well as the Snoqualmie and Sammamish Valleys and will highlight the successful Farm to Table program.

Other mobile workshops will cover Urban Waterfront Transportation, Innovations in Mental Illness and Chemical Dependency Programs, and County Impact of Marijuana Legalization.



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County Council proclaims June “Gay Pride Month”

Monday, June 1, 2015

Acknowledging the contributions the LGBTQ community brings to King County and recognizing the ongoing quest for equality under the law, the Metropolitan King County Council declared June 2015 as Gay Pride Month in King County.

This is the fifth consecutive year the County Council has recognized our progress towards equal rights through this proclamation. The Council and King County have worked to end discrimination against members of our community who identify as LGBTQ.

“I am honored to represent a community that is welcoming and inclusive of all individuals and supports their right to marry whomever they love,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “I am proud to have participated in the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Equal Rights and Liberation, and in several Seattle Pride Parades since. It’s truly great to see the magnificent change in attitudes on this important civil rights issue. Love is winning.” 

 King County took an important step in 2014 to update employment benefits to better meet the unique health care needs of transgender employees. In 2012, The King County Council confirmed its support of marriage equality for all families by including this issue in the County’s state legislative agenda. In 2008, county voters approved an amendment to the King County Charter adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section to vote.

Gay Pride Month is celebrated in June in recognition of the June 1968 Stonewall Riots in New York, considered the start of the modern movement for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer citizens. Seattle will celebrate its 38th Gay Pride Parade on June 28. The theme of this year’s Parade is:  ‘A Lifetime of Pride’.



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New priorities for County’s Children and Youth

Monday, April 20, 2015

King County Councilmember
Rod Dembowski
In January of 2014, the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously passed legislation calling for the development of a Youth Action Plan to set King County’s priorities for serving its young people. The Youth Action Plan (YAP) presented to the Council recently calls for a new set of priorities for how the County serves its infants to 24 year olds.

“Kids should be empowered to achieve their full potential, not be held back by their circumstances,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who sponsored the legislation calling for the creation of a Youth Action Plan. 
“The Youth Action Plan represents the best thinking of children and youth advocates countywide to ensure that all kids in King County can achieve their full potential. The plan provides a blueprint to reform how we invest in kids at King County, and lights the path for potential new investments of resources to achieve the plan's vision for our kids.”  

The Council initiated the development of the YAP, with the goal of ensuring that King County’s Strategic Plan objective to “promote opportunities for all communities and individuals to realize their full potential,” is applied to the County’s children and youth and reflected across all County departments, programs, and initiatives. The goal of the YAP was to set the County’s priorities for an accountable, integrated delivery system of services to achieve the best outcomes for children, families, youth and young adults.

While the task force presenting the YAP found that King County has much to be proud of regarding its support for youth and children, its recommendations point to a need for new priorities and a better way of doing business. The fundamental principles outlined in the YAP are the first indicator that the County must change its current practices – policy development, services, and programming should intentionally incorporate youth and the voices of the people impacted in authentic and meaningful ways.

Additional recommendations include investing early to shift the pendulum from reactive to proactive funding, revisiting current allocations of dedicated funding streams, and utilizing the County’s regional role to act as collaborator and convener. 

The Council’s Committee of the Whole will hold the first hearing on the recommendations of the Youth Action Plan Task Force at its Wednesday, May 20 meeting. 



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King County Council unanimously approves Dembowski’s legislation creating an independent, full-time and ongoing auditor of Metro Transit

Monday, November 10, 2014

New position would act as a watchdog over the agency’s near billion dollar annual budget

The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved an ordinance, authored and proposed by Councilmember Rod Dembowski, which creates a full-time, ongoing and independent auditor of Metro Transit. 

“Government must be accountable, efficient, and transparent,” said Dembowski. “I authored this legislation because county residents were loud and clear in their message that ongoing, comprehensive, performance and financial auditing of Metro Transit is necessary.” 

Previous audits of Metro Transit have consistently found savings and areas for improvement. An audit completed in 2009 resulted in approximately $800 million in net positive impact for the agency.  
“We have repeatedly demonstrated that audits save money and improve accountability,” said Dembowski. “Audits also increase transparency that fosters much- needed trust with the public. The public needs to know that their tax dollars and fares are being spent wisely, and I believe this legislation will increase public confidence in Metro.” 

In reviewing Metro’s budget, which approaches $1 billion annually, the new independent auditor will make recommendations for continued improvement and identification of potential savings and efficiencies. The auditor will present his or her recommendations for improved operations to Metro Transit staff and policy-makers, and the public. 

The full-time Metro Auditor will function within the independent King County Auditor’s office having all of the King County Charter powers vested in the auditor for financial and performance audits. The auditor will be required to file a report to the Council and the public by July 1 of every even-numbered year. The content of the report will summarize the results of his or her work in the previous twenty-four months, and detail what actions the county took in response to any findings in transit audits and assessments completed in the previous three years.


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King County task force on safely relinquishing newborns underway

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Representatives from public health, criminal justice agencies and human service programs have begun work on a campaign to ensure that people considering the desperate act of abandoning their newborn baby know there is a safe alternative.

State law allows parents to hand-over a newborn within 72 hours of birth to qualified personnel at a hospital, fire station, or federally designated rural health clinic, without fear of prosecution for abandonment.

The new task force grew out of the case of a deceased newborn girl found wrapped in a blanket within a half mile of a hospital in the North Bend area. The infant, believed to be full term, was named Baby Kimball after the bridge near where she was found.

Following the incident, the King County Council unanimously approved a motion, sponsored by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Kathy Lambert, calling for the creation of a task force to increase awareness of options to legally and safely give up a newborn. 


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County Council adopts motion calling on state Legislature to allow creation of cultural access funds

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

King County’s quality of life is bolstered by the numerous arts, heritage and science programs throughout the region. The Metropolitan King County Council Council Monday acknowledged the importance of these organizations by giving its unanimous support on a motion calling on the Washington state Legislature to back the creation of cultural access funds to help sustain and increase access to the arts.

Cultural access funds are publicly funded programs established to expand access to cultural organizations. Several examples of how the funds could be used include supporting reduced or free admissions to arts, heritage and science organizations; creation of new or expanded programming for families and individuals; and funding transportation for public school students to attend or participate in cultural organizations. Cultural access funds have been implemented in several states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

“King County is known nationally for having a vibrant arts and cultural sector that generates significant economic activity, provides a high quality of life for residents, inspires learning opportunities for youth, and attracts tourists,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, a co-sponsor of the motion. “I urge the state legislature to create a cultural access fund that will help sustain and increase access to the arts in King County and across Washington.”

As stated in King County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda, fostering a vibrant arts community is a “critical asset” for both County residents and visitors. The state Legislature is still considering a bill that would allow counties to establish cultural access programs with the potential to raise substantial funds for arts, heritage and science organizations.

“Cultural access funds are important to all, but especially those whose economic resources might limit their access to the vibrant cultural array of resources in King County,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett.

The adopted motion acknowledges the importance of arts, heritage and science organizations and expresses support for passage of state legislation that would enable local governments to create cultural access funds. 


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County Council approves transit fare increase and creation of low-income fare program

Monday, February 24, 2014

In the face of losing up to 17 percent of Metro Transit service, the Metropolitan King County Council Monday took a step toward bolstering Transit Division finances by approving an across-the-board increase in transit fares. In conjunction with the fare increase, the Council is also acting to try to ensure that communities who depend on public transit as their primary source of transportation are not left behind with the creation of a low-income fare program.   

“It is essential that all people, regardless of their income level, have access to public transportation, said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Chair of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee, and ordinance cosponsor. 
“I am proud of the financially responsible ordinance that we passed today. In raising fares to support Metro, and instituting a low-income fare to ensure all riders continue to have access to reliable transportation, we have reached the correct balance that I believe will benefit all of King County."

The fare increase, which would be implemented in March 2015, would raise fares by 25 cents for all fare categories for Metro Transit bus service. Fares for Access paratransit service would be increased by 50 cents in order to move toward the County’s policy goal of achieving parity between the Access fare and off-peak adult fare over time.   

The legislation would also require the Transit Division to send the Council a low-income fare program implementation plan. If a program implementation plan is adopted by the Council, a low-income fare program for transit riders would be established using the existing ORCA (One Regional Card for All) system.

If an interlocal agreement is reached with the King County Transportation District for the distribution of voter-approved revenues, the fare would start in 2015 at $1.25 for eligible adults and the youth fare would remain at $1.25, with these fares rising to $1.50 in 2017. Absent the interlocal agreement, the low-income fare and youth fare would be set at $1.50 starting in 2015. 

The eligibility threshold for the low-income fare would be 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, currently $22,980 for an individual. Adults in a family of four earning up to $47,100 would also be eligible.

The low-income fare was recommended by the Low-Income Fare Options Advisory Committee that issued its report in mid-2013. The focus of the committee was to ensure that even during the current funding crisis for transit, low-income adults would have more affordable transit options for their transportation needs.

Executive Dow Constantine commented:
“Building equity means having a functioning transportation system, and the ability to use it. I am pleased that the Council has taken this important action to ensure a bus ride remains affordable for those of limited means who need to get to school or their jobs. Our region is strong only if everyone has access to the mobility they need. 
“I have been concerned for some time with the effect of repeated Metro fare increases on those struggling to get by. The Low Income Fare Advisory Committee we convened last year had broad representation from human service providers and others. As a result of that work, I asked the Council to implement a new reduced fare for low-income riders, along with its consideration of the current fare ordinance.” 

The ordinance calls for the Executive to transmit the Low-Income Fare Program Implementation Plan to the Council by June 1, 2014, with the goal of Council adoption later in the year. 


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King County Council starts work on “Living Wage” policy

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment (TrEE) Committee, has authored and introduced a motion this week proposing a living wage policy for King County.

“I am committed to using every tool, deploying every proven strategy -- as well as trying new ones -- and leveraging all resources of this powerful government to combat poverty in King County,” said Dembowski. “We must clear away the hurdles between our residents and the promise of America, and a good-paying job is the best means to that end. This living wage policy will help many residents rise out of the ranks of the working poor and cross the threshold of the American Dream.”

Motion 2014-0058 proposes that the County Council adopt a policy “that a living wage should be paid to county employees and to the employees of persons, businesses, organizations and other entities that receive procurement contracts, tax exemptions or credits or other financial or programmatic benefits from King County.”

“King County’s Strategic Plan includes a commitment to Equity and Social Justice,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “This proposal is putting that commitment into action by asking those who contract with the County to pay their employees a wage that will allow them to live and thrive in this County.”

“I am eager to take on a justice issue of our time. Hard working King County residents who continue to struggle to make ends meet deserve better,” said Council Vice Chair Joe McDermott, who chairs the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee.

Under the motion, the Council would direct the County Executive prepare a report and  present to the Council legislation to carry out the living wage policy no later than Labor Day, September 1, 2014. The report and legislation would address the benefits of setting a minimum level of compensation, exemptions to consider, fiscal impact, and whether the County should set a minimum wage for unincorporated King County and at the King County International Airport.

Fifty years after President Johnson declared war on poverty, many King County residents continue to struggle to make ends meet. According to the United States Department of Labor, women and people of color are disproportionately impacted by stagnate wages and the rising cost of meeting basic needs.

The current minimum wage for the State of Washington of $9.32 per hour is 42 percent less than a living wage (wages sufficient to meet a family’s basic needs without public assistance, and provide for some ability to meet emergencies) for a single adult and 58 percent less than a living wage for a single adult with a school-age child according to a December 2013 report by the Alliance for a Just Society. In its self-sufficiency standard for Washington State (2011), the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County reported that Washington State’s minimum wage is insufficient to meet the basic needs of working families.

“Working people across King County have been left behind by employers that fail to keep the promise that a day's work will lead to success,” said SEIU Healthcare 775NW President David Rolf. “When government lifts wages to a living wage, everyone benefits. Workers are able to feed their families, pay rent and save; and local businesses make more because the workers have money to spend. That’s why SEIU members across the state and around the country are supporting these kinds of living wage efforts and we applaud Councilmember Dembowski for his leadership in introducing this legislation.”

"Income inequality is a primary factor in the destruction of the American middle class,” said David Freiboth, Executive Secretary of M.L. King County Labor Council. “Actions like this not only contribute to addressing this threat but also raise the general awareness that an out of control market economy is robbing future generations of a fair chance to live the American dream.”

The 2014 work program for the Transportation, Economy & Environment Committee prioritizes advancing policies that combat poverty in King County. This legislation represents one step in that policy agenda. The TrEE committee will hold hearings, take public input, and work with Executive Constantine to finalize and implement the proposed living wage policy in the coming months.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system -- type in “2014-0058”


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County Council approves creation of Countywide Task Force to propose comprehensive plan for children and youth

Friday, January 24, 2014


The Metropolitan King County Council gave unanimous approval at its January 21 meeting to legislation that ensures that young people in King County have access to the resources and opportunities they need to become healthy, productive adults, calling for the development of a Youth Action Plan to create a holistic approach to deliver needed resources to young people throughout King County.

The adopted legislation calls for the creation of a broadly-based task force to develop a Youth Action Plan that would include the following elements:

  • Mission, vision, and defined outcomes that enable the County to advance its Strategic Plan and social justice and equity goals as they relate to youth,
  • A Bill of Rights for Youth,
  • Whether a single point of accountability should be established to lead the County’s children and youth services, programs and policies, and if so, it’s form, role and duties,
  • Identification of reform efforts and efficiencies, gaps, opportunities to take programs to scale, and recommendations to overcoming barriers to success,
  • Prioritization of programs and methodologies and recommendations related to funding,
  • Evaluation and reporting structure and implementation timeline.
The proposal calls on the County Executive to appoint members to a Youth Action Plan Task Force. The members of the task force would include elected officials, leaders from Seattle and suburban cities, and non-profit community partners that serve infants, children, youth and young adults. It would be charged with conducting information meetings with community members, stakeholders and consumers to keep interested parties informed on the development of the Plan.

“As a kid growing up in Renton, King County played an important role in my life. I played in our county parks, and received health care at our Public Health clinics. Today’s kids deserve our best efforts to ensure that they have every opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and succeed in life,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, the prime sponsor of the ordinance. 
“This legislation brings together the broad spectrum of participants from throughout the region who help King County’s children and youth to recommit our collective efforts and honor our obligations as adults to the next generation. I look forward to working with these leaders to reform, renew and reinvest in our work to help King County’s kids achieve their full potential.”

Over the last 50 years, King County has been a leader in supporting programs for children, youth and young adults – including developing sports fields in local neighborhoods, providing public health visits for low-income infants and children, establishing a Youth and Family Services Network to help at-risk teens and families, and assisting youth who have become involved with the criminal justice system to take a fresh path. However, the Great Recession reduced or eliminated County support for many programs, and the programs still receiving county funding are operated through many different agencies, too often with little coordination between them.

As part of an initiative adopted by the Council in 2012, a countywide task force has worked to develop a plan for a collaborative, accountable, and integrated delivery of social safety net services in King County. The Youth Action Plan builds on that work.

The goal of the Youth Action Plan is to ensure that King County’s Strategic Plan objective to “promote opportunities for all communities and individuals to realize their full potential,” is applied to the County’s young people and reflected across all County departments, programs and initiatives. The plan also seeks to ensure that King County is a strong partner with the state, cities, private sector, non-profit and philanthropic organizations.

“As a former member of the King County Children and Families Commission, I am pleased to see King County leaders renewing their commitment to focusing on our community’s children and youth,” said State Representative Ruth Kagi, Chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee. “The proposed legislation offers fresh hope for prioritization and investment in our kids.”

The Youth Action Task Force is charged with preparing a Youth Action Plan for the King County Council by the spring of 2015. 

“The Sheriff’s Office is proud to participate in King County’s Youth Action Plan,” said King County Sheriff John Urquhart. “Devoting more attention and resources to our youth will pay dividends in the long run by helping them to succeed and keeping kids out of the criminal justice system.”

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