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

Facial recognition technology ban passed by King County Council

Monday, June 7, 2021

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER
on Unsplash
A groundbreaking proposal to ban government use of facial recognition software has been passed by the King County Council. 

It was approved Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 9-0.

King County, home to 2.3 million people in and around Seattle, becomes the first county and one of the largest jurisdictions in the United States to pass such a ban.

The legislation, prime sponsored by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, aims to protect our residents’ civil liberties and freedom from government surveillance and demographic biases by prohibiting the use of such software, including by the King County Sheriff, except to comply with the National Child Search Assistance Act.

Studies have found that facial recognition software is often far more likely to misidentify Black or Asian faces, especially Black women.




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Dembowski and Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 members lead the King County Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

Friday, May 28, 2021


Dembowski and Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 members lead the King County Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

“I want to thank the members of the Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 for leading the King County Council in our first flag salute since the start of the pandemic,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski.

Councilmember Dembowski also presented a proclamation from the County Council in honor of Memorial Day.

Dwight Stevens in WW II
The proclamation gives special recognition to veteran and former Shoreline resident Dwight Stevens, who died last year. 

The flag salute was performed live on King County TV and took place at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza at Shoreline City Hall.



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King County Council sends Best Starts for Kids levy renewal to voters with unanimous approval

Saturday, May 22, 2021

The King County Council voted unanimously to send the Best Starts for Kids levy to voters, who will ultimately decide on renewing the levy for another six years. 

It will appear on the August 3, 2021 primary ballot.

“Over the past five years, Best Starts for Kids has been developed and driven by families, community members and community organizations into an overwhelming success,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, prime sponsor of the legislation to put the renewal on the August ballot. 
“This foundational and impactful work has meant more support for kids and young adults, security for families and stronger communities – a thriving county and region for all residents. I’m thrilled to send voters the opportunity to renew this levy for another six years.”

Best Starts for Kids is a prevention-oriented regional plan aimed at supporting the healthy development of children and youth, families, and communities across King County. 

With levy funding, the plan invests in promotion, prevention and early intervention for children, youth, young adults, families, and communities. 

The renewal proposal, if approved by voters, would add funding for improved access to childcare throughout King County.

Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles said
“It’s safe to say, the first Best Starts for Kids levy approved by the voters in 2015 has been a huge success. 
"But our work isn’t done yet. That’s why I am very pleased the Council has voted today to give the voters of King County the opportunity to renew and enhance an already comprehensive Best Starts for Kids levy. The future is bright in King County.”

The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. Homeowners with a median-priced home ($600,000) would pay about $114 for 2022. It is projected to generate roughly $872 million during the six-year period.



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80% cut to King County gov emissions within decade under new climate plan

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Rod Dembowski
King County Councilmember
With its vote Tuesday, the King County Council set in motion one of the most aggressive and comprehensive climate action plans in the U.S. The five-year plan will commit the county government to cutting its carbon emissions 80% by the end of the decade.

The 2020 Strategic Climate Action also lays out plans for preparing the county for the impacts of climate change, with a focus on the communities likely to be most impacted in the coming decades.

Under three overarching sections, the more than 300-page plan describes the specific actions needed to achieve the County’s ambitious targets, including:
  • Transition to zero-emissions transit fleet and improve county’s fleet fuel efficiency
  • Upgrade existing buildings and meet stringent green building standards for new buildings, as well as promote collaborative regional green building projects
  • Reach 2030 goal of zero waste for King County agencies
  • Maintain, restore, protect and expand forests and farms in King County to help offset carbon emissions
  • Implement community driven policy for frontline communities most impacted by climate change with focus on equity, housing security, energy justice, green jobs and more
  • Prepare for climate impacts on rainfall patterns, with consideration of stormwater, wastewater, food planning as well as salmon recovery, sea level rise, hazard mapping and drinking water supply

This updated climate plan builds on goals set in the 2015 plan, but with far more aggressive targets for county operations aimed preparing King County for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Councilmember Rod Dembowski commented: 
“Climate change is the most serious issue that humanity must confront to ensure the viability and livability of our planet for future generations. Successfully addressing this issue will require a worldwide effort, and local action. 
"The King County Strategic Climate Action Plan has been a globally recognized, forward thinking, and growing document for nearly a decade. 
"Our work in this plan update will push our climate change response further, faster and do even more to center equity and impacted communities. 
"With millions of high-paying new jobs in the emerging zero-emission economy coming, this plan also helps ensure that King County residents, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities, will be ready to compete and be hired into those living wage jobs. 
I am proud to support this important work.”


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Coming up at the King County Council, May 3-7

Saturday, May 1, 2021


Next week, councilmembers will weigh a comprehensive countywide climate action plan, a proposal to ban government use of facial recognition software and legislation to create a unit within KCSO dedicated to pursuing hate crimes.

This is what’s coming up at the King County Council:

On Tuesday morning, a council committee will consider creating a dedicated Hate and Bias Crimes Unit within the King County Sheriff’s Office. The legislation would dedicate four deputies and one support staff person to the unit, who would together focus on pursuing and encouraging reporting of such crimes and collecting and categorizing data on the crimes in King County. The Law and Justice Committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4.

At full council, members are expected to vote on final passage of the comprehensive five-year Strategic Climate Action Plan. This updated plan, building off the 2015 plan, includes aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilient frontline communities, and preparing the region for the impacts of climate change. Full council meets at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4.

On Wednesday, the Committee of the Whole will consider legislation to ban government use of facial recognition technology in King County. The proposal would not prohibit use that is required to meet the National Child Search Assistance Act, but would prohibit other uses, including by the King County Sheriff’s Office. The committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5.

All meetings continue to be held virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here

Rod Dembowski is the council representative for north end cities, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.




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Coming up at the King County Council – April 26-30

Sunday, April 25, 2021


Next week includes action and discussion on a range of issues, including tenant protections, a proposed fireworks ban, Metro service changes around Northgate station, and more. 

Here’s what’s coming up at the King County Council:
  • On Monday, a proposal to establish ‘just cause’ provisions and other added protections for tenants on month-to-month and fixed-term leases in unincorporated King County will be heard at committee. The Community, Health and Housing Services Committee meets at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 26.
  • At Tuesday’s meeting of the Local Services Committee, a proposal could see action that would allow search and rescue facilities – essentially headquarters for search and rescue operations, currently prohibited by county code – to be established within King County. The committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27.
  • When the full council meets on Tuesday, they’ll take up a proposal to ban fireworks in unincorporated King County. If approved, the measure would not take effect until 2022. The council meets at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27.
  • The Mobility and Environment Committee will take up a proposal to update Metro service in the north end to adjust for the new service to the area from Sound Transit Link light rail when the Northgate station opens later this year. The service changes would be slated to take effect in October, to align with the station opening. The committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28.

All meetings continue to be held virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.

Rod Dembowski represents all the northend cities, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.



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Earth Day town hall meeting today with KC Councilmember Dembowski

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jeanne
Kohl-Welles co-sponsored legislation to speed
the transition of King County Metro to a zero
emissions fleet. Photo courtesy King County.
Earth Day Virtual Town Hall - Today, April 22, 2021 at 6pm

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

To celebrate Earth Day, I am hosting a virtual town hall with King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles at 6:00pm tomorrow.

We will be joined by a panel of experts on the issues of climate change and environmental protection, who will be available to answer your questions.

Climate change is the most serious issue that humanity must confront to ensure the viability and livability of our planet for future generations. 

Successfully addressing this issue will require a worldwide effort, and local action. 

I am looking forward to sharing with you what your county government is doing to address climate change and hearing your questions, thoughts, and ideas.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberRodDembowski/live. You do not need a Facebook account to participate.

Email your questions to rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov with “town hall question” in the subject line.

Rod Dembowski
King County Council
206.477.1001
Rod.dembowkski@kingcounty.gov
http://www.kingcounty.gov/Dembowski



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Coming up at King County Council, April 19-23

Sunday, April 18, 2021


Next week is packed with action at council, including committee action on the next emergency COVID budget ($600M), a proposal to ban the use of facial recognition software countywide, and the Strategic Climate Action Plan, while full council will take up sending the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy to voters.

Here’s what’s coming up at King County Council:

The $600 million emergency supplemental COVID budget is the seventh supplemental since the pandemic began, and will spend money across a variety of services, including vaccination efforts, community supports, public health response, economic recovery and more. 

This represents the largest appropriation by far and is likely to warrant a robust discussion at the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. Once approved by committee, the measure will go to full council by May 11. The committee meets at 9:30am on Tuesday, April 20.

Full council is set to vote on legislation to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years. The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. If approved, the proposal will appear on the August 3 primary ballot. Council meets at 1pm on Tuesday, April 20.

A proposal that would ban county government use of facial recognition software will be the focus of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday. The proposal, sponsored by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, would include prohibiting use of such software by the King County Sheriff. The committee meets at 9:30pm on Wednesday, April 21.

Legislation to formally adopt the Strategic Climate Action Plan could move out of the Mobility and Environment Committee on Thursday (which is also Earth Day). It would implement a five-year strategic plan of strategies, targets and priority actions to address climate change. The committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 22.

All meetings continue to be held virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.



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North King County Enhanced Shelter opens

Friday, April 2, 2021

The reception area at the shelter the day before it opened
Photo courtesy King county

King County councilmember Rod Dembowski and County Executive Dow Constantine, toured the Lake City Partners new shelter at 16357 Aurora Avenue on March 31st ahead of its April 1st opening. They were joined by City of Shoreline and King County Housing Authority representatives. The shelter will support 60 individuals, prioritizing those experiencing homelessness in the City of Shoreline.

On April 1, Lake City Partners began providing services at the North King County Enhanced Shelter in Shoreline. 

Located in the former Oaks Nursing Home located at 16357 Aurora Avenue N, the Enhanced Shelter will provide 24/7 shelter services for up to 60 individuals when fully operational. 

The City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners (LCP) worked in partnership with King County and King County Housing Authority (KCHA) to quickly turn the former nursing home into an enhanced shelter to help address an unmet need for a 24/7 shelter in North King County.

Its prior use as a nursing home makes the facility particularly well suited to provide a safe housing option. Separate rooms are the best way to protect both residents and staff from spreading COVID or other airborne illness. In addition, individual rooms provide privacy and security for residents as they work to stabilize their health and find permanent housing.

An enhanced shelter is a particular type of emergency shelter that serves individuals seven days a week around the clock. It recognizes that individuals need to have safe and stable shelter to effectively address the challenges preventing long-term housing stability. Access to the shelter will be based on an individual’s ability to maintain behaviors that are safe in a community setting. 

The Shelter will also provide case management, meals, hygiene, health services, and laundry. Drug and alcohol use will not be allowed in the facility. Local first responders; social service agencies in Shoreline and North King County; and outreach staff employed by the program will refer individuals to the facility once it is fully operational.

Rod Dembowski and Dow Constantine tour the new facility
Photo courtesy King county

 
King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and staff from Shoreline and KCHA toured the facility on March 31. Lake City Partners began moving in approximately 20 individuals from their winter shelter program on April 1. LCP will not operate the Shelter at full capacity for several weeks as it ramps up operations.

“A former nursing home in Shoreline has new life and a new purpose as it opens to bring indoors 60 people in North King County who are currently experiencing homelessness,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“This extraordinary collaboration with the City of Shoreline ensures that guests not only find a safe place to sleep in a room of their own, but they can also connect to the onsite services they need to rebuild health and stability. ”


“We are committed to taking on the challenge of homelessness in our community,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “We believe this shelter can provide a much needed service for our community while also being a good neighbor.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to Lake City Partners, the City of Shoreline, the King County Housing Authority and our own Department of Community and Human Services,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
“We came together in a tremendous partnership to take care of the most vulnerable in our community. This housing will save lives and represents the best in community action to solve our most pressing local challenge.”

“KCHA is delighted to partner with King County, the City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners on this critical project,” said Stephen Norman, Executive Director King County Housing Authority. “This is one of a number of efforts we are participating in across the county. It is more essential now than ever that safe shelter and an adequate supply of permanent affordable housing be available in our community.”

"Pre-Covid, people relied on coffee shops, libraries, faith-based and other public spaces as well as shelter and other homeless services to find a sense of community, warmth, and shared experience,” stated Melanie Neufeld, Director of Lake City Partners. 
“This last year has been extremely difficult with no place to go. After this experience of isolation - something that we can all relate to –we are so grateful to be able to welcome 60 single adults and couples into a warm space where they won't be told they have to leave at a certain time, can have their own privacy, and start to feel human again/part of community again."

 

One of the rooms at the enhanced shelter
Photo courtesy King county

KCHA provided the interim funding to purchase the property for use in the near-term as a 24/7 enhanced shelter. King County will provide the long-term acquisition financing and has a long-term plan to redevelop the property for permanent supportive housing.

Operational funding for the enhanced shelter will come largely from King County through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The City will provide additional operational funding.

Lake City Partners will operate the program. This organization, formed out of a neighborhood task force beginning in 2007, has coordinated a winter shelter for the last five years. 

Since 2018, they have partnered with the City to provide homeless outreach services and have supported the operation of the severe weather shelter in Shoreline the past two winters. 

Lake City Partners works with a network of more than 600 volunteers including members of the faith community, social service organizations, homeless advocates, governmental agencies, and neighbors to provide shelter and housing navigation services to help bring stability to individuals facing homelessness.

Updated financial information 4-6-2021



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Coming up at King County Council, March 22-26

Sunday, March 21, 2021


Next week’s action includes potential passage of the sixth COVID-19 supplemental budget, action on funding for prevention of further sewage spills at West Point, a briefing on restoration of Metro services cut during the pandemic, and more. This is what’s coming up at King County Council:

  • Full council will likely take action on the sixth COVID-19 supplemental budget, a $92 million proposal that includes $45 million for eviction protection and rent assistance, funds for vaccine distribution and more.
  • Also at full council will be a $65 million funding proposal to make upgrades at the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to help avoid future bypass of untreated wastewater. During the most recent incident in January, 11 million gallons of wastewater was dumped into Puget Sound during a power outage. Full council meets at 1pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
  • On Wednesday, the Mobility and Environment Committee will get a briefing on plans to restore Metro service that was scaled back because of the pandemic. The committee meets at 9:30am on Wednesday, March 24.
  • The Regional Policy Committee could take action on legislation to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years. The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. If approved, it would require further committee and council approval before going to the August ballot for voter approval. The committee meets at 9:30am on Friday, March 26.
All meetings continue to be held virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.



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Shoreline Mayor Hall and King County Councilmember Dembowski request green light for fixed vaccination site in Shoreline

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Shoreline Fire vaccinates a qualified senior at a pop up clinic
at the Shoreline LFP Senior Center
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The Shoreline Fire Department, Shoreline-Lake Forest Senior Center, and the Shoreline School District are partnering to establish a fixed vaccination site at the Senior Center. 

Once fully operational, it could administer 1,000 vaccinations a day. They are looking to Public Health – Seattle and King County to give approval and guarantee a supply of vaccine so they can move forward. 

Shoreline Mayor Will Hall and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski have joined our community partners in requesting Public Health’s quick approval.

Currently, there are no large, fixed vaccination sites in all North King County. As the supply of vaccine grows, having large, fixed vaccination sites will play a critical role in getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. 

For the past few weeks, the Shoreline Fire Department has been operating a mobile vaccination unit in Shoreline, vaccinating some of our most vulnerable residents living in adult family homes. 

At the end of each day, the Fire Department has delivered its surplus supply of vaccine to the Senior Center where a wait list of seniors ready to receive their dose awaits. They are ready to move this partnership to the next level and set-up a fixed vaccination site.

The City supports these efforts and will do what it can to help make it successful.



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Coming up at King County Council – March 8-12

Monday, March 8, 2021

March 8 - 12, 2021

It will be a busy week at the King County Council as they are poised to tackle hazard pay for grocery workers, a new law regarding Zoom-bombs, and two large supplemental budget items, including one to prevent sewage spills at the West Point water treatment plant. 

Here’s what’s coming up:

When the full council meets on Tuesday, they’ll have two big news items before them. One is legislation to require a $4-per-hour COVID-19 hazard pay for large grocery stores in unincorporated King County. This passed out of committee this week and will be up for final approval.

At the same meeting, councilmembers will consider final passage of an ordinance that would make “Zoom bombing” virtual meetings of recovery or mental health groups illegal. If approved, victims of such intrusion could sue perpetrators. Full council meets at 1pm on Tuesday, March 9.

At the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on Wednesday, councilmembers will consider a sixth supplemental budget to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office will share details of the proposal in an advisory next week.

That committee will also consider a $65 million supplemental budget request from the Executive to make upgrades to the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to prevent future overflows of untreated wastewater into Puget Sound. The committee meets at 1pm on Wednesday, March 10.

Also on Wednesday, the Regional Policy Committee will have a discussion on renewing the Best Starts for Kids levy. The committee meets at 3pm on Wednesday, March 10.

All meetings continue to be virtual to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here

Rod Dembowski represents Council District 1 which includes the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, North Seattle, Shoreline, and Woodinville.

The county executive in Dow Constantine.



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Rod Dembowski: Town Hall March 3

Sunday, February 28, 2021

From County Councilmember Rod Dembowski:

On Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6:00pm, I will be hosting a joint virtual town hall with colleagues and Public Health Seattle-King County (PHSKC) Director Patty Hayes.

The vaccination rollout process has hit snags, setbacks, and been riddled with miscommunication and frustrating barriers to scheduling appointments. 

I’ve heard from constituents, nonprofits, and health care providers who have all expressed their frustration with the vaccination rollout process. I am closely monitoring and working with PHSKC to address the delays and gaps that are still persistent. 

I am especially concerned about, and focused on reducing barriers to our most vulnerable populations – especially seniors - and ensuring that everyone in King County has nearby access to the public vaccination sites that are being brought online.

I hope you can join us for our March 3rd virtual town hall to learn the very latest information from King County about vaccine distribution efforts and pandemic response.

Town Hall Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6:00pm
Submit your questions for the town hall here.

The event will be livestreamed to the King County Council Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KingCountyCouncil/live. You do not need a Facebook account to participate.

If you or someone you know has trouble accessing the internet, you can call-in to join the town hall. Please call:

Phone: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 829 3377 5200
Passcode: 725301

You can find all town hall information here: kingcounty.gov/townhall

I have included additional helpful COVID-19 and vaccination related information and updates on my work on the County Council. Like always, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 206-477-1001 or rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov.


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Vaccines, COVID Response to headline King County Council Town Hall headed by Councilmember Rod Dembowski

Thursday, February 25, 2021


King County Public Health Director Patty Hayes and King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Joe McDermott, and Girmay Zahilay will hold a virtual town hall on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6pm to discuss the county’s vaccine distribution efforts, COVID response, and other key issues in front of the council in 2021.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3rd from 6pm to 7:30pm and will be livestreamed on the King County Council Facebook page

Councilmembers will be accepting questions from the community during the event as well as in advance. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/townhall for more details.

Councilmember Dembowski represents north end cities on the King county council: Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, North Seattle, Shoreline, and Woodinville.



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Coming up at King County Council – Feb 15-19

Saturday, February 13, 2021


The Committee of the Whole will get an update Wednesday on the county’s COVID-19 response from Dwight Dively, director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget.

At the same meeting, council staff will provide an introductory briefing on the Best Starts for Kids levy renewal. The levy expires this year, and if approved by council, would go to the voters in the August primary. The Committee of the Whole meets virtually at 9:30am Wednesday, February 17.

All meetings continue to be virtual to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here



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Councilmembers condemn preferential vaccine offerings by some area hospitals, request state prohibit such practices in legislation

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

In the wake of reports that three King County hospitals had offered special access to COVID-19 vaccines to donors and board members, the King County Council passed legislation Tuesday condemning the activity and requesting state lawmakers to prohibit such practices in the future.

Sponsored by Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Rod Dembowski, Dave Upthegrove, and Girmay Zahilay, the motion calls out local hospitals for offering special access to high-profile donors, volunteers and board members, and points to the existing inequities exacerbated by such practices.

“I was appalled to learn that some hospitals in our region were offering preferential treatment to donors, board members, families, friends and connected community members when it came to administering vaccines,” Kohl-Welles said. 

“I am pleased that the Council approved my motion, 2021-0086 that calls on Governor Inslee and the State Legislature to take steps to prohibit medical systems from distributing vaccines inequitably and giving preferential access to donors or board members or anyone who is not officially eligible.”

The motion speaks to such practices as not only unethical, but in complete contrast to the common medical oath to do no harm.

In response, the councilmembers asked that Gov. Jay Inslee issue an executive order on the matter and that the state Legislature take action to prevent inequitable access to vaccines.



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Coming Up at King County Council – Feb. 8-12

Saturday, February 6, 2021


When the full King County council meets on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Public Health will share another update on the COVID-19 pandemic in King County.

The full council will also receive the King County Metro 2020 System Evaluation, which will be a key document in updating Metro Service Guidelines later this year.

Additionally, the Council will consider a motion to condemn preferential COVID-19 vaccine appointments that some area hospitals reportedly offered to volunteers, major donors and board members. 

The motion would ask that the state legislature take action to prohibit such activities going forward. Full council meets at 1pm on Tuesday, February 9.

All meetings continue to be virtual to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.



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Coming up at King County Council – Feb. 2-5

Tuesday, February 2, 2021


Public Health officials will share updates on COVID-19 vaccinations with the full council on Tuesday. Full council meets at 1pm Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

On the same note, the Committee of the Whole will on Wednesday hear updates on the Executive’s response to the pandemic from Dwight Dively, director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget. The Committee of the Whole meets at 9:30am on Wednesday, February 3.

Members of the Law and Justice Committee will hear an update on COVID-19 public health compliance in King County Courts and Jails. Superior Court judges Jim Rogers and Julie Spector, District Court Judge Susan Mahoney, Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg and other representatives of public defense and health will present the update. The committee meets at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 2.

All meetings continue to be virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.



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Claudia Balducci re-elected Chair as County Council embarks on busy new year

Monday, January 11, 2021

Coming off a challenging past year and looking ahead to a busy 2021, the King County Council has re-elected Claudia Balducci as Chair, and Joe McDermott and Reagan Dunn as Vice Chairs.

“I’m proud of the work the King County Council accomplished in 2020 under unprecedented conditions and look forward to leading the Council in 2021 as we continue to respond and recover from the pandemic,” Balducci said. 
“As the pandemic raged, the King County Council adapted and worked together to support our constituents. In 2021, we will recover and build toward a better, more equitable future with economic opportunity and improved public and mental health for all.”

The council faces a full docket in 2021, including:
  • Vaccine Distribution and COVID-19 Recovery – Job number one in 2021 continues to be saving lives, preventing the spread of the virus and getting to the other side of the pandemic. The council will continue to provide oversight and budget support to respond to the pandemic, while also working to deploy COVID-19 vaccines countywide.
  • Best Starts for Kids Levy Renewal – Six years ago, the voters of King County approved the first Best Starts for Kids levy, dedicated to putting every baby born and every child raised in King County on a path toward lifelong success. In 2021 the council will review accomplishments, set priorities and determine investments for a levy renewal to be put before voters.
  • Law Enforcement Reforms for Public Safety and Equity – With voter approval of charter amendments to improve accountability in law enforcement, the council will work with the Executive, community, stakeholders, and experts toward public safety and reduced racial disparities in law enforcement practices.
  • Strategic Climate Plan Update – As the region confronts the realities of a warming planet, the urgency to act now as a County is even greater. In early 2021, the King County Council will review and approve a 5-year update to our groundbreaking strategic climate action plan.
  • Rebuilding Transit – Access to frequent and reliable transportation improves economic opportunity. Following the wake of the pandemic, the council have a lot of work to rebuild our transit system, including planning and updating our policies to enable a more robust and equitable transit network throughout King County.
  • Homelessness – Homelessness continues to be a crisis in all parts of our County. Councilmembers will work toward real progress putting roofs over heads as the County implements the Health through Housing Program approved last year. Council will also continue working with its partners to stand up a truly regional response to this humanitarian crisis.


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King county budget includes money for Senior Center, RADAR, Center for Human Services, and a Kenmore water taxi

Friday, November 20, 2020

Rod Dembowski, King County Council
Budget committee vice-chair

King County Council passes $12.59 billion biennial budget that invests with purpose in housing, anti-racist policies, programs for the vulnerable, community engagement

At a time of immense division across the political and social spectrum, the King County Council again demonstrated its ability to come together to invest in the region’s future with the passage of a landmark $12.59 billion budget for the next two years.

With funding for anti-racist programs, transformation of the criminal legal system, public health and major investment in regional supportive housing, the council’s 2021-22 biennial budget responds to the needs of residents across King County as well as to building back our economy for the future.

“The King County Council and Executive Constantine have teamed up in working collaboratively on a budget that truly delivers for our region even in the midst of a worsening pandemic and with the need to make painful cuts,” said Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Council Budget Chair. 
"We have passed a budget for the next two years that invests with purpose, makes responsible reductions, supports our BIPOC communities and vulnerable populations, and does so in a way that is fiscally prudent and sustainable."

Investments against racism

The approved budget represents major investments against historical racism and oppression, including around the criminal legal system. The Council approved proposals to shift $4.6 million in marijuana excise tax revenue away from law enforcement and toward community-based programs that support reversing some of the disproportionate damage the war on drugs placed on Black communities.

Building on that, the Council also added requirements in the budget for Metro to reimagine its transit police duties and operations and to report on the future of fare collection, all with an eye toward making transit more equitable and accessible to all.

Beyond funding the Restorative Community Pathways diversion program with more than $6 million that will provide comprehensive, community-based services to 800 young people in lieu of filing criminal charges, the Council also added a requirement that $1.5 million be used to build capacity at community-based organizations involved in work related to the restorative community pathways diversion program.

While the budget did push for transformation of law enforcement and the criminal legal system, it also continued to invest in policies that help keep communities safe, including adding $1.2 million and four full-time employees to support expansion of electronic home monitoring to 24/7.

Additionally, the Council approved as part of the budget $500,000 to fund pre-apprenticeship programs in two South King County school districts to help better prepare students entering high-paying trades and technical careers through apprenticeship training. This funding is included as part of the county’s priority hire program.

King County Council Budget Vice Chair Rod Dembowski:
"As Vice-chair of the budget committee it's been an honor to work with our budget Chair, Councilmember Kohl-Welles, to put this 2021-22 biennial budget together. 
"This budget reflects our values: responding to the pandemic by fully funding public health and supporting impacted residents. It advances reforms to our criminal legal system, continues our work to make transit accessible for all, and makes critical investments in environmental protection and climate change work. 
"It's balanced, responsible, reflective of King County's values and responsive to its needs."

Select Shoreline Investments in King County’s 2021-2022 Biennial Budget:

  • $500,000 for transit-oriented development affordable housing projects located in North King County, which may include areas at or near the Shoreline Park and Ride and the Kenmore Park and Ride sites
  • $50,000 to the Center for Human Services for their work to serve North King County residents
  • $115,000 to the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center to support the center’s work serving North King County Seniors
  • $780,000 for the Response, Awareness, De-escalation and Referral (RADAR) program, which helps build a bridge between law enforcement and mental health services
 
Housing and support for those who need it

Included in the budget is a small sales tax increase that will allow the county to create permanent supportive housing for up to 2,000 people suffering from chronic homelessness. The approved measure will use bonding against proceeds from a 0.1% sales tax increase generating $340 million to purchase disused existing hotels, motels, and nursing homes to provide housing quickly for those who need it most.

Additionally, the approved budget invests in community engagement and support programs, including $1 million for a White Center Community HUB project, $1.65 million to extend the Public Defenders Association’s JustCARES program that provides emergency housing and support services for individuals suffering from chronic homelessness in Pioneer Square and Chinatown/International District with planning to take place to expand the program to Ballard Commons, Lake City, West Seattle Junction and other urban villages. The budget also includes $2 million to support MIDD behavioral health and recovery programs reduced by the loss of sales tax revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, with future federal funds unknown at this time, the budget adds $4.25 million for an additional month to operate isolation and quarantine facilities related to COVID-19 in King County.

Equitable access and ensuring the future of transit

With Metro facing a $200 million shortfall in expected sales tax revenue, the Council-approved budget helps ensure that transit continues to provide its vital services across the county and works to improve access for all.

Funding included in the budget will support expansion of youth ORCA card distribution and transit education in schools, planning for restart of RapidRide lines, updates to Access paratransit, a study on the feasibility of transit-oriented development at the Shoreline Park and Ride, and much more.

Additionally, $500,000 is included to begin planning for previously studied water taxi routes from Kenmore and Shilshole (Ballard).



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