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

Even year elections proposal clears committee, heads to full King county council

Thursday, June 16, 2022


The King County Council’s Committee of the Whole on Wednesday voted 7-2 to approve a King County charter amendment that would move elections for county executive, county assessor, county director of elections, and county councilmembers to even-numbered years. It will next go to the full council for final approval. If approved at full Council, the proposal will go to voters on the November ballot.

“I am committed to making our elections as fair and accessible as possible and the data is clear that voter turnout during odd-year elections is dramatically lower than even-year elections, meaning many voters have no voice in who represents them in key offices,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who introduced the proposal. 
“Moving county races to even years means we’re welcoming participation by more voters and more diverse voters—younger people, people of color, renters. Their voices matter and this is an easy, commonsense way to make our elections more accessible and therefore more representative of the will of the people that we serve.”

Even-year elections regularly see higher voter turnout than odd-years. Since 2010, King County’s average voter turnout rate is 77% in even-numbered years and 47% in odd-numbered years. In 2021, countywide ballot measures and offices had 40-41% turnout, while countywide ballot measures and offices in 2020 saw voter turnout between 78% and 80%.

Voter turnout in even-year elections is also more reflective of the electorate. Areas with more renters see a higher odd-year drop than areas with more homeowners and voters of color have a bigger dip in turnout in odd-years than white voters.

The King County Council is expected to take up the charter amendment for final passage at the June 28 Council meeting. If approved, it will go to voters in November.



Read more...

Permanent gun, ammo return program focus of new King county council legislation

Friday, June 10, 2022

Photo courtesy King County Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022 King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Joe McDermott, and Girmay Zahilay introduced a proposal to create a permanent, voluntary, safe firearm and ammunition return program within the King County Sheriff's Office. 

“I am committed to doing everything I can to reduce gun violence in King County,” Dembowski said. 
“Reducing the number of guns in circulation will reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths caused by guns. And we know from past experience that people welcome the opportunity to turn unwanted guns over to a responsible party for disposal. 
"This program will make that resource available to residents countywide, and I’m hopeful that we can stand it up as soon as possible.”

The program would enable any person to take an unwanted firearm, or ammunition, to any precinct office or storefront operated by the King County Sheriff’s office, including in the 10 contract cities where it provides police services. The legislation also asks the Sheriff to explore partnerships with cities in the county to further expand access and reduce barriers for residents wishing to turn over firearms or ammunition.

The U.S. has seen more than 230 mass shootings in 2022, including the horrific events in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas last month.

"Our communities in King County, like communities around the country, have experienced a painful spike in gun violence since the start of the pandemic,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. 
“We know that it will take a comprehensive, public health response to address this urgent crisis. Offering residents a safe, consistent option for returning unwanted firearms and ammunition is an important part of that public health approach."

According to the most recent data available, the number of overall shooting victims in King County was up 70%, and the number of shooting fatalities was up 54% over the 4-year average from 2017 through 2020.

“We need gun reform in more than just our laws —we need it at the cultural and individual level, too, in order to stop the plague of mass shootings in the United States,” Kohl-Welles said. 
“But, getting guns off the street and making them more difficult to access is an important place to start. That’s why I am so pleased to be supporting Councilmember Dembowski’s motion to explore establishing a safe firearm and ammunition return program in King County, and look forward to working with him to advance efforts to support gun safety.”

King County has a record of implementing successful programs and policies to increase gun safety, including requiring the destruction of forfeited firearms, encouraging safe firearm storage and enforcement of Extreme Risk Protection Orders. 

Past voluntary firearm and ammunition return programs, including a gun buyback program coordinated by King County and the City of Seattle in 2013, have proven to be effective in removing firearms from homes and communities. At the 2013 event, 716 firearms were safely surrendered to law enforcement.

“Just as King County’s previous firearm buyback program led to over 700 firearms voluntarily leaving the streets, a firearm and ammunition return program will give residents a safe, secure, and reliable option to remove these items from their home, and move us forward in our work to prevent all forms of gun violence,” McDermott said.

The legislation requests the executive to assess the feasibility of a permanent program, so that an individual may peaceably deliver and abandon any unwanted firearm or ammunition to any King County Sheriff's Office location.

“We have policies in place for taking in unwanted firearms, but I look forward to working with the King County Council to consider expanding this into a program that will promote community safety throughout King County,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall.


Read more...

County Council approves creation of Cannabis Safety Taskforce

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Legislation to create a Cannabis Safety Taskforce, sponsored by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Jeanne Kohl-Welles, on Tuesday passed out of the King County Council.

The legislation comes in the wake of a spate of armed robberies at cannabis shops in both King County and Pierce County, including two recent attempted robberies in Covington and Factoria that both resulted in the fatal shooting of the perpetrator. 

In Shoreline a store employee was shot during the course of a robbery, and robbers waved guns at employees during a store robbery in Lake Forest Park.

According to the Washington Cannabusiness Association, roughly 70 robberies have been recorded at cannabis retailers across the state of Washington since the beginning of 2022. 

This uptick has been widely attributed to the publicity of cases and the fact that federal banking regulations have resulted in cannabis shops operating as all-cash businesses, making them a lucrative target.

“During and since my time in the state Legislature, I have been a staunch supporter of the legalization and regulation of the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. 
"However, the federal banking regulations that force businesses to operate as all-cash businesses have ended up endangering employees, customers and communities,” Kohl-Welles said. 
“As such, this motion serves to explore how local jurisdictions can better support these businesses, while efforts to reform banking laws at the federal level remain underway.”

The Cannabis Safety Taskforce will bring together the King County Sheriff’s Office, the King County Prosecutor’s Office, members of the cannabis industry, and local community members, tasking them with coordinating their efforts with jurisdictions across the region. 

The goal of this group is to identify resources necessary to aid law enforcement in the prevention of criminal activity targeting marijuana retailers; deepen interjurisdictional cooperation and data sharing; and coordinate emphasis patrols by law enforcement. 

The motion also requests an analysis of how the roughly $4.6 million in marijuana tax revenue that was cut from the Sheriff’s Office funding in the 2021-22 biennial budget is being used. This report is due to the Council by August 31, 2022, before consideration of the 2023-24 biennial budget.

“King County is leading the way in our state by adopting a coordinated response among law enforcement, prosecutors, regulated cannabis businesses and the broader community for responding to the current public safety crisis,” said Vicki Christophersen, WACA executive director. 
“Regulated cannabis businesses stand ready to participate as partners in protecting the safety of workers and the communities in which regulated cannabis businesses operate.”

Currently, the King County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to work with the community to address security concerns and increase its presence, including through both uniformed and plain clothes officers. This has included multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional conversations, including the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, to collaborate on finding ways to prevent further robberies.



Read more...

County ‘Penny for Pools’ grant brings $2 million to North King County

Sunday, May 8, 2022


The King County Council this week approved the first of three rounds of Aquatic Facilities Grants, including a $1.8 million grant to fund critical renovations at the Juanita High School pool and two $100,000 grants for North King County aquatic center studies.

The competitive grant program is in part possible thanks to the “penny for pools” amendment in the voter-approved 2020-2025 Parks Levy, which was authored by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski to help address the significant need for swimming pools countywide. 

The program seeks to assist public aquatic facilities through capital funding at any stage from feasibility studies through renovation and repair.

“In my time serving on the King County Council, one of the most frequent topics in my discussions with constituents is the urgent need for an aquatic center in North King County,” Dembowski said. 
“For that reason, I was proud to author the ‘penny for pools' amendment in the King County Parks Levy. It is very exciting to see that amendment come to life with these historic investments in swimming pools and future aquatic facilities.”

One of the $100,000 grants is for a partnership with the cities of Kenmore, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park to find a site and determine appropriate features for a community aquatic center. 

The other $100,000 grant is for a similar partnership between the cities of Kenmore and Kirkland. The four cities are coordinating to provide residents public indoor aquatic access year-round. Based on the growing populations in all four cities, there is believed to be demand and need to support one if not two new regional aquatic facilities.

“Kenmore is strongly committed to connecting our residents to aquatic activities,” said Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. “We are excited to put these King County grants to work with our neighboring cities to study options for one or more aquatic centers to serve North King County residents.”

Built in 1971, the Juanita High School pool is shared by six high schools: Juanita High School, Inglemoor High School, Woodinville High School, Bothell High School, North Creek High School, and Lake Washington High School. The pool is also used by the WAVE Aquatics water polo program. The $1.8 million grant will fund critical updates including outdated HVAC, pool equipment, and much-needed ADA upgrades.

In August 2019, King County residents overwhelmingly supported the Parks Levy which provides funding support for parks and open space throughout the County.



Read more...

King County Council unanimously votes to support Ukraine

Thursday, April 28, 2022

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
proudly wears his Ukrainian Refugee pin
The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion sponsored by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Rod Dembowski to provide aid and support to Ukraine and to Ukrainian people in King County.

"I’m proud of King County's initial response to support the people of Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community and I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks and months ahead,” Dembowski said.

The motion requests that the County develop plans to support Ukraine by 
  • divesting in goods and services that benefit the Russian Federation and its leaders; 
  • providing surplus medical supplies that the County has on hand; 
  • working with federal, state and local governments and non-profit partners to provide support for Ukrainian refugees; and 
  • providing ways for County employees to support the relief efforts in Ukraine through the Employee Giving Program.

One of the items, the opening of the King County Employee Giving Program, has already been implemented. To date, King County employees have donated nearly $280,000 in cash and converted leave. 

The funds will go to three organizations to assist Ukraine and the Ukrainian people here and abroad: Global Impact - Ukraine Response Fund, Doctors Without Borders, and the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington.



Read more...

King County legislation to support Ukraine passes committee with unanimous approval

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Ukrainian flag
The King County Council’s Committee of the Whole on Wednesday unanimously approved a motion sponsored by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Rod Dembowski that would provide aid and support to Ukraine and Ukrainian people in King County.

"I’m proud of King County's initial response to support the people of Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community and I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks and months ahead,” Dembowski said.

The motion requests that the County develop plans to support Ukraine by divesting in goods and services that benefit the Russian Federation and its leaders; providing surplus medical supplies that the County has on hand; allowing employees of the County to support the relief efforts in Ukraine through the Employee Giving Program; and working with federal, state and local governments and non-profit partners, to provide support for Ukrainian refugees.

The legislation will now be sent to the full Council for a final vote.

Rod Dembowski represents north King County cities on the King County Council, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.



Read more...

County Council approves plan to fight displacement, promote equity, social justice

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Dembowski sponsored equity legislation
passed King County Council
The King County Council has approved legislation aimed at fighting displacement and combating the effects of historical racism and injustice through establishment of a grants program and suite of other resources.

Sponsored by Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Girmay Zahilay and Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the Equitable Development Initiative will serve as a guiding framework for investment and resource allocation in historically marginalized communities across King County to address the impacts of past policies that have led to inequities and displacement.

“This legislation offers a new approach to making investments to support communities where needs are greatest,” Dembowski said. 
“It empowers and centers the voices of community members who are on the ground, doing this work today to make decisions about how and where to invest resources to provide opportunities for housing, jobs, and community spaces. 
"I’m honored to have partnered with community leaders from all over King County to pass this legislation and look forward to seeing its impacts for years to come.”

King County, like all of America, has a history of structural racism that continues to have oppressive effects on Black, Indigenous and people of color. Policies and laws, like alien land laws and racially restrictive covenants, prevented BIPOC communities from owning homes and accumulating generational wealth. 

Combined with explosive growth in housing prices and a shrinking supply of affordable housing, historically marginalized communities continue to be displaced at disproportionate rates and struggle to maintain housing. 

The Equitable Development Initiative responds to the unequal distribution of opportunities by intentionally investing in communities that have been left behind by these policies and issues.

Zahilay said. “A King County Equitable Development Initiative will help people establish deep roots in their neighborhoods. It will advance a county-wide strategy for investing in community-driven and community-owned anti-displacement solutions. Thank you to all those who made this legislation possible.”

As approved, the motion requests the Executive to establish the Equitable Development Initiative and then prepare a two-phase implementation plan. The motion lays out a set of principles to guide the initiative, including:
  • Advancing economic mobility and opportunity for residents
  • Preventing residential, commercial and cultural displacement
  • Building upon and protecting local cultural assets that anchor communities
  • Supporting organizational capacity building
  • Promoting transportation mobility and connectivity
  • Enabling equitable access for all communities

“As the King County region continues to grow, centering equity in that growth is vital. That’s why we have laid the groundwork today to ensure that new development takes into account the systemic underinvestment in certain areas of the county to the detriment of many of our already-marginalized communities,” Kohl-Welles said. 

“Thank you, Councilmember Dembowski, for introducing the legislation which I’m pleased to cosponsor, and to my colleagues for the robust discussion and work to make this happen.”

The first phase would include creating the EDI program, while the second phase would include setting objectives to reduce disparities, analyzing data on displacement risk and other factors to set out further programs and policies, monitoring outcomes, setting up partnerships with outside agencies and community organizations, leveraging funding and more.

The first phase of the plan is due back to Council by June 30, 2022 and the second phase will be due a year later, in 2023.

Rod Dembowski represents north end cities in the King county council District 1, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, the King county portion of Bothell, most of Kirkland, northeast Seattle.



Read more...

County Council approves new green building standards that improve flexibility, enhance requirements for County buildings

Monday, March 7, 2022

Rod Dembowski sponsored
the green building legislation
The King County Council on Tuesday approved legislation that steps up the County’s own green building standards, including adding certification requirements for County capital projects, projects on leased properties and easing restrictions that could limit higher level green certifications.

“The time to invest in more sustainable buildings and infrastructure is now. We don’t have a moment to lose,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“Through the adoption of our newly updated Green Building Ordinance, King County is leading the way – getting carbon out of our built infrastructure and laying the foundation for our sustainable future.' 
"I’m thankful for the King County Council’s work to pass this legislation, raising the bar and charting a green course for King County.”

Sponsored by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, the changes to the green building code include:
  • Requiring higher green building standards for all County capital projects, including new construction and substantial retrofits;
  • Identifying and defining green building rating systems that would be accepted;
  • New green building requirements of the ordinance would apply to new third-party leases of county-owned property executed after the effective date of the ordinance, and to existing leases that are renewed or extended after the effective date of the ordinance; and
  • Eliminating cost prohibitions to achieving the highest certification possible.

“Reducing emissions from the built environment is one of the most impactful things we can do to address climate change.” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, prime sponsor of the legislation. 
“King County spends billions of dollars on infrastructure and this new law ensures that we will lead the way in reducing carbon emissions from our own projects. I am hopeful other jurisdictions will follow King County’s lead.”

The approval comes on the heels of the latest UN Climate Report, a sobering analysis that found efforts to respond to and slow climate change have had little impact and have come too slowly.


Read more...

Councilmembers Dunn and Dembowski introduce legislation to provide County support to Ukraine

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Photo by Yehor Milohrodskyi on Unsplash
King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Rod Dembowski on Tuesday introduced an emergency motion to provide aid and support to Ukraine and Ukrainian people in King County.

This motion requests that the County develop plans that will give support to Ukraine by divesting in goods and services that benefit the Russian Federation and its leaders; providing surplus medical supplies that the County has on hand; allowing employees of the County to support the relief efforts in Ukraine through the Employee Giving Program; and working with federal, state and local governments and non-profit partners, to provide support for Ukrainian refugees.

“People all over the world have been inspired by the bravery and heroism of everyday Ukrainians fighting for freedom and democracy,” Dembowski said. 
“That’s why I’m so pleased to co-sponsor legislation to support our local Ukrainian community, potential refugees from the war in Ukraine, and to ensure King County is doing all that we can to support efforts to bring peace to the people of Ukraine. 
"I’m especially pleased that our King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission will be consulted in the development of our response. I look forward to moving this legislation expeditiously through our Council.”

The legislation will be referred to committee in the coming weeks.



Read more...

King County Council approves new leadership, committee structure and assignments

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

King County Councilmember
Rod Dembowski
The King County Council on Tuesday January 11, 2022 approved 2022 leaders and membership for the seven council committees, three regional committees, the Board of Health and the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors and Executive Committee.

Councilmember Claudia Balducci will remain Chair of the Council, while Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Dave Upthegrove were named as Vice Chairs.

“This looks to be another challenging year at the King County Council, when we will once again need to work together with great flexibility to meet the evolving and emergent needs of our community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” Balducci said. 
“In 2022, we will continue to deliver the services and value we provide as a regional and local government.”

Additionally, the Mobility and Environment Committee was restructured as the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee and the Local Services became the Local Services and Land Use Committee.

Rod Dembowski, who represents Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, north Kirkland, NE Seattle is on three of the council committees: Chair of Transportation, Economy and Environment; a member of Budget and Fiscal Management; and Law, Justice, Health and Human Services. He is a member of Regional Policy and Regional Transit and an alternate to the Board of Health.

Here’s a full breakdown of committee membership:
  1. Committee of the Whole: Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Chair; Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Vice Chair; Members: All CMs
  2. Budget and Fiscal Management: Councilmember Joe McDermott, Chair; Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, Vice Chair; Members: CMs Dembowski, Zahilay, Perry, Kohl-Welles, Balducci
  3. Transportation, Economy and Environment: Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Chair; Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Vice Chair; Members: CMs Zahilay, Perry, Kohl-Welles, Upthegrove, Balducci, McDermott
  4. Local Services and Land Use: Councilmember Sarah Perry, Chair; Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Vice Chair; Members: CMs Zahilay, McDermott, Dunn
  5. Law, Justice, Health and Human Services: Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Chair; Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Vice Chair; Members: CMs Dembowski, Perry, Balducci, Dunn
  6. Government Accountability and Oversight: Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Chair; Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Vice Chair; Members: CMs Balducci, McDermott, Dunn
  7. Employment and Administration: Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Chair; Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Vice Chair; Members: All CMs
  • Regional Policy: Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Chair; Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, alternate; Members: CMs Dembowski, Balducci
  • Regional Water Quality: Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Chair; Members: CMs Perry, Upthegrove
  • Regional Transit: Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, Chair; Councilmember Claudia Balducci, alternate; Members: CMs Dembowski, McDermott
  • Board of Health: Councilmember Rod Dembowski, alternate; Members: CMs Zahilay, Kohl-Welles, McDermott
Additionally, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove will Chair the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors and Councilmember Reagan Dunn will be Vice Chair.


Read more...

Massive Health Through Housing measure approved by King County Council

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

The former Holiday Inn America at 13300 Aurora was
previously purchased with Health Through Housing
funds and is in operation now. Photo courtesy King County.
The King County Council has passed an implementation plan for King County’s Health through Housing program, which aims to house up to 1,600 people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Health through Housing is a regional approach to homelessness that will purchase facilities with single-occupancy units (such as hotels and nursing homes) and turn them into emergency supportive housing and permanent supportive housing.

It is funded with a 0.1% sales tax that the King County Council passed in 2020.

In 2021, Health through Housing expenditures went to purchase nine properties in Seattle, Renton, Redmond, Auburn, and Federal Way. 

King County anticipates acquiring three additional locations. The implementation plan passed on Tuesday will govern expenditures of Health through Housing dollars from 2022 to 2028.

The paramount goal of the implementation plan is the creation and ongoing operation of 1,600 units of affordable housing with related services for households in King County that are experiencing chronic homelessness or are at risk of experiencing chronic homelessness. 

In addition, it will reduce racial and ethnic disproportionality among people experiencing chronic homelessness in King County and it will create and operate a mobile behavioral health intervention.

“Health Through Housing is a game changer and an investment in making major progress toward combating our county’s homelessness crisis,” said King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

 “Not only does this program show our communities we are taking thoughtful and cost-effective action, but goes beyond that by providing actual housing with dignity. A kitchen, a bathroom, a quiet and safe living space — along with supportive services — are all essential to promoting safety and support for houseless individuals as they exit out of the brutal cycle of poverty.”

The plan anticipates expending $333.7 million for capital financing and site improvements, $309.5 million for emergency and permanent supportive housing operations, $67.2 million for behavioral health services outside of Health through Housing sites, $3.7 million to build capacity of agencies who represent communities disproportionately experiencing chronic homelessness, and $5.5 million for evaluation and performance measurement.

It establishes the Health through Housing Advisory Committee, which will advise the Executive and Council on Health through Housing related matters, advise DCHS on Health through Housing implementation, review performance data, and report annually on the expenditures, accomplishments, and effectiveness of Health through Housing. 

The Advisory Committee will also collaborate with program staff and providers to establish performance measures, which will be shared publicly through an online dashboard.

The Council passed the measure unanimously.



Read more...

King county council passes $672 million supplemental budget, funding climate projects, gun violence reduction and key service restorations

Wednesday, November 24, 2021


The King County Council on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 approved a $672 million supplemental budget. The approved 2021 mid-biennial supplemental adds funding for climate equity projects, gun violence reduction, bus service restorations, tiny home villages, waterfront shuttle service, bike helmet awareness, economic recovery, and much more.

Councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the budget.
“Over the past two years, we’ve been able to make important and equitable investments in public health, transit, housing, and public safety, and this mid-biennial budget continues these across the County,” said Councilmember and Budget Chair Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

“These new investments will be transformative for folks whose jobs are being restored, individuals who will be able to obtain shelter and permanent supportive housing, those living with mental illness and drug dependency or in need of opioid addiction services, and for families utilizing the Best Starts for Kids programs.
"And new climate equity projects will support those disproportionately impacted by climate change.”

With more promising revenue forecasts since adoption of the 2021-22 biennial budget last November, the Council was able to restore a number of cuts that were made at the time, including in the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency program, in public transit and more.

Councilmember and Vice Chair of Budget and Fiscal Management Committee Rod Dembowski:
“I’m very pleased with the significant investment this budget makes in speeding up our bus electrification initiative, as well as an initial climate bond for important capital projects to address climate change and its impacts. 
"We must do a lot more, and do it more quickly to address climate change and I hope we can send to the voters a major climate bond proposal in 2022 that builds on this initial work.”
The following are some key investments in the adopted budget:
  • $4 million to restore reductions and eliminate furloughs for 2022 which were included in last November’s 2021-2022 adopted biennial budget to meet target reductions due to the recession;
  • $20 million of Climate Equity Capital bond funds for projects identified with community partners to support frontline communities disproportionately affected by climate change and increase opportunities for those communities to benefit from emissions reductions and energy efficiency;
  • $3.1 million for expanded regional gun violence and peacekeeping efforts, including additional community outreach, violence interrupters, and life coaches;
  • $4.3 million for the new adult felony Community Diversion Program, including resources for a loss recovery fund that provides financial supports for harmed parties; assessment and referral staff; and community-based service contracts;
  • $4 million in underspent funds for hiring and retention bonuses for commissioned King County Sheriff’s officers to help fill open positions in furthering public safety;
  • $17.4 million in Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) to restore program cuts and some program expansion;
  • $126 million for Best Starts for Kids (BSK) funds, consistent with the passage of the renewed BSK levy by voters in August 2020 and the implementation plan;
  • $18.6 million for bus service restorations including 241,000 more transit service hours and flexible services increases; and
  • $80.5 million for accelerating the planned appropriation for building electric bus charging capacity for 105 battery electric buses at Metro's Interim Base, an Access electric vehicle pilot, and base electrification planning.
Full details of the budget can be found online here.



Read more...

Rod Dembowski: Light link rail station opens October 2 at Northgate; affordable housing by station

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Site of affordable housing adjacent to Northgate Station

On the west side of District 1, there have been many exciting developments at Northgate. As you may know on October 2nd the Link light rail station at Northgate will open. Riders will now be able to get from Northgate to downtown Seattle in 14 (traffic-free) minutes.

As part of the County’s effort to build housing at or near transit hubs, just this week the County announced a proposed lease agreement to build 232 new affordable housing units adjacent to the light rail station.

All units will be affordable to households earning 60 percent or less of the area median income in 2021, or $69,400 for a family of four. The development will provide a mix of unit sizes including at least 52 two- or three-bedroom units. 

Additionally, the site will have childcare to help support working families. My staff worked closely with Metro to bring this project online, and more information can be found here.

These exciting developments at Northgate are in addition to the Seattle Kraken opening their Kraken Community Iceplex earlier this month. The Iceplex is housed at the former Northgate Mall, and includes three NHL-sized ice rinks. The beautiful new facility will host youth and amateur hockey for the public.

--County Councilmember Rod Dembowski



Read more...

King County is crafting new council districts

Friday, September 17, 2021

The goal is for the 9 council districts to have 252,186 people each. Six of the current districts are too small and the three across the middle of the county are too large.

New King County Council districts are starting to take shape. Give us your opinion about the new map at an upcoming Zoom town hall. Sign up here: https://kingcounty.gov/districting

The 2021 King County Districting Committee is responsible for redrawing King County Council Districts using 2020 Census data. By law, district boundaries must be realigned every 10 years to reflect changes in population distribution.

This means that your current King County Council District and Councilmember may change. Find out how you can get involved and and contact the committee about how district boundary changes might impact you and your community on our participate page.

The target average is 252,186 in each council district. District 1, which includes all of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and a portion of Seattle (Lake City, Wedgwood), Bothell, Woodinville, must expand by 7,796 people.

This summer, the committee is holding a series of community listening sessions. The committee will hold town hall meetings in the fall to review draft maps. Learn more here.

The King County Districting Committee is an independent, non-partisan committee made up of volunteers that includes four members appointed by the King County Council and a fifth member selected by the committee who also serves as chair.

Regular meetings of the Districting Committee are held on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. More details are available here.

The committee welcomes your questions, input, and public comment throughout the redistricting process at districting@kingcounty.gov



Read more...

Dembowski: County council approves new requirement for electrical vehicle charging

Monday, August 2, 2021

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
On Tuesday July 13, 2020 the County Council approved legislation cosponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski adding requirements for most new developments in unincorporated King County to include charging stations and dedicated parking for electric vehicles, helping to advance a key goal of the Council’s Strategic Climate Action Plan. 

The pace of transportation electrification is growing exponentially. This legislation is essential to build the infrastructure King County needs to lead the nation in decarbonizing our transportation network. As we are now seeing, our planet can't wait. 

More information on this legislation can be found here and you can read more about the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan here.

This does not apply in areas governed by individual cities. 


Read more...

New Law Enforcement Oversight Director appointed for King County: Tamer Abouzeid

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Tamer Abouzeid picked as new director of the
Office of Law Enforcement Oversight for King County
The King County Council has appointed Tamer Abouzeid, an attorney, mediator, community organizer and policy professional, to serve as the new director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. 

He was selected by the council Tuesday afternoon.

Abouzeid is currently an attorney at the Chicago office of a large civil rights organization, focusing on issues of discrimination and policing, and also acts as legal counsel to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. 

He previously worked at Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigating allegations of misconduct against Chicago police officers.

Abouzeid will officially take over the position effective September 20, 2021.

Council Chair Claudia Balducci stated
“The challenge before our Office of Law Enforcement is steep: build a trusting relationship with and among the diverse communities we serve and our Sheriff’s Office so that we can provide true public safety to all. 
"This will take perseverance, listening, and a focus on common interests so that we provide equitable, fair and effective policing in King County. 
"Tamer Abouzeid brings the combination of experience and drive needed to rise to these challenges. I am delighted to welcome him as our incoming Director of OLEO.” 

 

Read more...

Executive Constantine transmits Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan to the King County Council

Thursday, July 29, 2021

King County Executive
Dow Constantine
As King County voters consider renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy this August, King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted the initiative’s implementation plan to the King County Council, outlining proposed investments in promotion, prevention, and early intervention programs and services for children, youth, and young adults.

The proposed implementation plan continues the commitment of the original Best Starts for Kids levy, passed by voters in 2015, to put every child and youth in King County on the path toward life-long success.

"Best Starts for Kids (King county Prop 1) is a groundbreaking, community-driven and science-informed initiative that is helping our children, youth, young adults, and their families realize their full potential to be healthy, happy, safe, and thriving," said Executive Constantine. 
"If approved by the voters, the new Best Starts for Kids levy will expand investments for our children now and define our region’s health, prosperity, and equity for generations to come."

See the full web version



Read more...

County Council approves more than $389 million for courts backlog, community supports, rental assistance, and more in latest round of emergency COVID funding

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Top right: Rod Dembowski represents north King county

The King County Council on Tuesday approved its latest round of emergency COVID-19 funding, a supplemental budget totaling more than $389 million.

This, the eighth round of COVID funding since last March, brings King County’s total emergency funding for the pandemic to more than $1.4 billion.

“Facing historic backlogs and delays in the courts due to the coronavirus pandemic, this eighth COVID budget allocates the resources to ensure access to justice -- that crime victims, such as survivors of physical and sexual assault and domestic violence, may still seek resolution, that citizens may utilize civil legal aid and the courts to resolve disputes, and that individuals accused of a crime may still access a speedy trial,” said Councilmember Kohl-Welles. 
 
The funding covers a variety of programs and operations that address both direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic, including health, housing, economic impacts, legal system backlogs and more.

The following is a breakdown of spending in the approved budget.

It appropriates $67 million of the remaining $70 million of the county’s Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (included in American Rescue Plan Act—ARPA-- funding) allocation for the following:

  • Legal System Backlog $42.5 million
  • Public Health Response to the pandemic $14.6 million
  • Community Supports, including Civil Legal Aid and Tiny House Villages $3.7 million
  • Economic Recovery / Workforce Development $5.6 million
  • County Operations in response to the pandemic $0.9 million

The approved budget also appropriates an additional $321 million, funded by various federal and state grants (most of which are also supported by ARPA) and the county’s General Fund for the following:
  • Community Supports (Community Development Block Grants, HOME Grants, Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program, Immigrant Community Supports) $279.6 million
  • Vaccination Efforts (Jail Health, Mass Vaccination Program, Partner Agencies) $27.7 million
  • Public Health Response to the pandemic $11.3 million
  • County Operations in response to the pandemic $2.4 million

Councilmember Rod Dembowski stated, 
 “This eighth COVID-19 response budget prioritizes fundamental human and community needs. It brings our total rental support appropriations during the pandemic emergency to approximately $350 million. It helps ensure access to justice. And it continues to prioritize our public health response to the pandemic and its impacts.”



Read more...

Dembowski honors American Legion Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 with a $20,000 grant

Friday, July 16, 2021

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski presents a check to Post 227 members while Shoreline Councilmembers Chris Roberts and Betsy Robertson look on. Photo courtesy King County

King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski secured a $20,000 King County grant for the American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline.

This old stove has seen many pancake breakfasts.
Photo courtesy King County
The funds will be used to update the Post’s kitchen (their stove is currently from 1951), renovate an office, and enhance a fire exit. 

The funds are made possible thanks to King County’s Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.

“It was an honor to present a $20,000 grant to the American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
“The men and women of Post 227 are incredible community leaders who donate their time to help others. 
"They open their doors to those seeking counseling, community groups, and host Red Cross blood drives. The improvements will make this treasured community asset an even more welcoming space.  
"It was an especially joyous event for me, as I was accompanied by my father Al Dembowski, a Korean War veteran.”

Councilmember Dembowski was also joined by Shoreline City Councilmembers Betsy Robertson and Chris Roberts.



Read more...

Councilmember Dembowski delivers van to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, surprises Center with $20,000 grant

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Senior Center board president Ginny Scantlebury and
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
Photo courtesy King County 
On Wednesday, July 15, 2021 King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski delivered a “retired County vanpool” 7-passenger Dodge Caravan to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center on 185th in Shoreline 

He also surprised the Senior Center with a $20,000 grant from King County.

“Over the course of the pandemic I have had the opportunity to work closely with the tireless leadership and dedicated volunteers at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center,” Councilmember Rod Dembowski said.
“They continue to provide essential services, such as protecting vulnerable seniors from COVID-19, feeding those in need, and vaccinating the public. 
"Their work inspires me and countless others in the community. I am honored to help advance their work by securing this grant, and delivering their new van.”

Councilmember Dembowski delivers a van to the Senior Center
Photo courtesy King County

King County Metro retired the 2013 van earlier this year. Metro retires vehicles in its vanpool fleet after they reach the end of their service life – typically after six years. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus and donated by the King County Council to local nonprofits.

The County’s Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Council District funds made the grant Dembowski secured possible.

The $20,000 “get active” grant money can be used for their senior activities, e.g. their yoga, tai chi, Hula and similar activity programs.





Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP