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

County Executive: Progress in improving conditions for both people in custody and for staff

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Photo courtesy King County
Two months after Executive Constantine appointed a Special Deputy to provide additional support in implementing critical actions at King County’s correctional facilities, the County has made great progress in improving conditions for people in custody and staff.

Most immediately, actions include a set of in-person activities that are returning for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to better connect people in custody with support services and their loved ones. Other changes implemented thus far are designed to improve safety.

Newly approved labor agreements, meanwhile, seek to honor the vital work performed by corrections officers and juvenile detention officers under difficult conditions.

“Thanks to the urgent, concerted action of Jail leadership and employees, we have successfully advanced multiple critical improvements at our correctional facilities,” said Executive Constantine. 
“King County is committed to improving the living conditions of those in custody and increasing support for our workforce as we recover from the challenges of the pandemic.”


--From the office of Dow Constantine


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Plan now if you have business with King County Records and Licensing Services

Friday, October 28, 2022

King Street Center
King County Records and Licensing Services is moving to a new location in Pioneer Square, King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson Street.

If you have documents to record (marriage licenses, real estate deeds, mortgages, etc.), need to apply for a marriage license, or need to pay real estate excise taxes, plan ahead. Due to the move, the Recorder’s Office will be minimally staffed weekdays from November 14 - 25, 2022.

The Licensing Services Office anticipates minor services delays during the move. Licensing Services includes: Taxi, For-Hire and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
Vehicle and Vessel Licensing

Here are some tips to manage during the move:
  • Consider doing your business with Records and Licensing before November 10 or after November 25 and plan for possible delays. The best way to do business with Records and Licensing is online.The Recorder’s Office is online but allow for delays.
  • You can renew license tabs online.
  • Access For-Hire Transportation Licensing services (Taxicab, Flat-Rate For-Hire, TNC) online.For vehicle and vessel licensing needs (tabs, titles, etc.), consider visiting one of the 21 conveniently located Local Licensing Offices

The drop box at the Administration Building (500 Fourth Avenue) will close permanently on November 14. The new drop box will be open starting November 21 at: 201 S Jackson St, Seattle WA 98104 on the King Street side of the building between the Metro Pass Sales office and the building entrance. 

Do not mail physical documents to Records and Licensing from November 14 - 25. Starting November 28, physical records can be received by U.S. mail at:

King County Recorder’s Office
King Street Center
201 S. Jackson Street
M/S KSC-ES-0204
Seattle, WA 98104

King County Licensing Office
King Street Center
201 S. Jackson Street
M/S KSC-ES-0206
Seattle, WA 98104

Services will continue to be provided online and via U.S. mail until the grand re-opening in January 2023. Check our Records and Licensing Services (RALS) for additional information.

Background and services

The most popular services of the King County Recorder's Office are online records search and marriage licensing. The office also conducts the accurate recording of documents, such as real estate deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, and registered land (Torrens), as well as their preservation and reproductions (copies). They are also responsible for collecting real estate excise taxes.

The most popular services of the King County Licensing Office are Vehicle/Vessel Licensing (including titles, registration/car tabs, and mobile homes), For-Hire Licenses, TNC Permits, and Process Server Licenses.



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Executive Constantine announces proposed investments to support a robust public safety plan for King County

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

County Executive Dow Constantine
King County Executive Dow Constantine shared new public safety investments today focused on four key themes that will support a robust public safety network. 

Joined by the King County Sheriff and directors from Public Health, Metro, and the departments of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) and Community and Human Services (DCHS), Executive Constantine laid out a plan for how King County can provide genuine and just safety for people in all its communities.

The investments, which are part of the Executive’s biennium budget proposal set to be announced next week, will fund programming across the five departments and focus on reducing crime, gun violence, and behavioral health crises.

“The health of our communities depends on the ability of every person to live a safe and productive life, and starts with knowing that when you call for help, it will be there. To deliver genuine community safety and uphold our highest values, we must invest in the programming and workforce that will both stop immediate harm and get to root causes to prevent future offenses,” said Executive Constantine. 
“By breaking down silos, working with community-based organizations, and broadening our options beyond just the traditional responses, we can help end harmful cycles and implement new partnerships that bring about systemic change.”

The plan’s four themes include:
  1. Deploying a highly trained and coordinated safety network by filling 200 key county vacancies and providing the latest training, supporting community safety programming, and reimagining the Sheriff’s Office.
  2. Ensuring safe and appropriate places for people in crisis by expanding behavioral health, restoring jail services, identifying youth detention replacements, and seeking alternative options for the Seattle jail.
  3. Being data-informed and responsive to community needs by prioritizing diversion and intervention programs in hotspots and preventing repeat offenses; and
  4. Providing accountability and victim support by reducing the pandemic-created criminal legal backlog, supporting victim restitution, and partnering with other governments in safety planning and implementation.
More information here



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King County welcomes Simon P. Foster as new Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Division Director

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Simon Foster, Division Director for King County
Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) proudly announces and warmly welcomes Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development.

Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. 

Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. 

Foster most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division during the pandemic and oversaw outreach, social service programs, and domestic violence outreach services.

“I am thrilled to step into this role and serve the people of King County on some of the most complex and pressing issues in our region,” said Foster. “Throughout my career, I have prioritized building connections—connections with community and connections between industries and organizations to get results. 

"The housing affordability crisis coupled with the homelessness crisis impacts every sector in our region, and we are collectively responsible for sustainable, long-term solutions. 

"King County can’t solve these issues alone, and I look forward to working with the team, partnering with city and state leaders, communities, philanthropic organizations, providers and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to further our progress.”

In this role, Foster will oversee the Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development Division within DCHS that directly funds programs and provides services around housing stability. 

This division’s work includes the Health Through Housing Initiative, a regional approach to address chronic homelessness at a countywide scale, oversees implementation of Anti-Displacement Strategies for the Skyway-West Hill and North Highline neighborhoods, the County’s Housing Repair Program, staffs the Affordable Housing Committee, and manages the transit-oriented affordable housing bond program. 

The division is primarily focused on growing affordable housing stock, strengthening housing stability, and reducing displacement of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color across the county.

DCHS oversees a wide range of programs ranging from youth and young adults to seniors and veterans

The department funds services for children, people with developmental disabilities, housing and community development, homelessness services, behavioral health, veterans' services, help for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and education and employment programs for youth and adults.



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Executive Constantine announces coalition to tackle behavioral health crisis in King County

Monday, August 15, 2022

King County Executive Dow Constantine

King County Executive Dow Constantine, joined by local politicians, the KC Sheriff and leaders in behavioral health and crisis response, announced a coalition to develop a response to the degrading state of behavioral health care in King County.

The coalition will develop a broad policy proposal alongside Executive Constantine’s budget this fall that will prioritize behavioral health, increase resources, strengthen the workforce, and call on local agencies, jurisdictions, and service providers to develop solutions in partnership.

“The health of our families and communities - and the well being of valued service providers - depends on creating solutions to meet the rising need for behavioral health care and provide timely support for people in crisis,” said Executive Constantine. 

“An ongoing pandemic, long-standing racial injustice, increasing levels of fatal drug use, and underfunding of human services have left people to fend for themselves, in homes and on the street, or consigned them to jails and emergency rooms. This newly formed coalition will work with all sectors, in all corners of the county, to confront this crisis with the urgency and scale required.”

More information here



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Executive Constantine announces King County’s first-ever Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy

Thursday, July 28, 2022


King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced the region’s first-ever Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy, a set of 12 recommended actions to improve preparedness, response, and recovery as the potential for wildfire increases in Western Washington due to climate change.

The state Department of Natural Resources recently updated maps that significantly expand the wildland-urban interface in King County, areas where people and infrastructure are at greater risk when wildfires occur. More than 350,000 people – about 15% of King County’s population – live in the wildland-urban interface.

King County had already started developing its Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy as part of its 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, enhancing community preparedness as the region experiences hotter, drier summers.

“As climate change increases the odds of a devastating wildfire occurring on our side of the Cascades, we are taking immediate action to better protect people, homes, and infrastructure,” said Executive Constantine. “Our experts and partners have delivered a solid set of recommendations that will strengthen our region’s wildfire resilience, response, and recovery.”
More information here



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King county rolls out battery-electric heavy duty trucks

Friday, June 10, 2022

Battery-electric heavy duty truck for King county solid waste division
Photo courtesy King county

King County became the first organization in the state to roll out a new model of battery-electric heavy-duty trucks manufactured at Kenworth’s assembly plant in Renton, opening a new market for zero-emission fleets.

It will be one of the first Class 8 battery-electric trucks in North America operated by a waste management agency. Along with King County Metro’s progress toward electrifying its bus fleet, King County is a leader in the transition to zero-emission vehicles that reduce air and noise pollution.

“We are once again catalyzing new markets to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets, this time with reliable heavy-duty trucks built right here in King County,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“By leveraging the purchasing power of one of the nation’s largest counties, we are proving to manufacturers that there is strong demand for vehicles that cut greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution.”

King County’s Solid Waste Division will use the new zero-emission commercial truck to haul materials from its Enumclaw Recycling and Transfer Station to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill in Maple Valley. 

The pilot project will provide staff members with operational experience while measuring the performance of the battery-powered tractor-trailer combination for transferring solid waste.




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Executive Constantine announces plan to rapidly accelerate protection of the last, best 65,000 acres of forests, trails, rivers, farmland, and greenspace

Sunday, May 22, 2022

King county executive Dow Constantine
King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced a proposal for the November ballot that would rapidly accelerate the county’s capacity to protect open spaces, including forests, trails, river corridors, farmland, and urban greenspace.

The proposal – which would cost the owner of a median-value home less than $2 more per month – would fully restore the local Conservation Futures Program to its original rate in 2023. 

It would accelerate the Land Conservation Initiative, a regional partnership of communities, cities, farmers, businesses, and environmental leaders to protect 65,000 acres of the highest conservation-value open space.

If approved by the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, the County Council will vote this summer on whether to put the proposal on the November ballot.

"This is our generation’s moment to protect the last, best places - forests, trails, rivers, farmland, and greenspace - before they are lost forever,” said Executive Constantine. 
“By accelerating land conservation throughout King County, we will confront climate change by protecting mature forests, improve habitat for native salmon, strengthen our local food economy, provide more recreational opportunities, and ensure more equitable access to the outdoors.”
More information here



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Executive Constantine outlines new community-led Metro safety proposal to King County Council

Sunday, February 20, 2022

Guided by Executive Constantine’s declaration that racism is a public health crisis in 2020, King County Metro launched the Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative with two goals in mind: 
  1. to create a new vision for Metro’s safety and security functions, 
  2. to eliminate disproportionately negative outcomes of safety and security policies and practices on customers and employees, especially for Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC).
The initial SaFE Reform report was transmitted to the King County Council last week.

Metro worked with diverse community-based organizations and engaged with roughly 8,000 individuals—including community members, customers, and Metro and Metro Transit Police employees—throughout a year-long, four-phase engagement process. 

Together, these stakeholders developed a vision statement of a, “safe, accessible, and equitable transit that is co-created to support community well-being,” supported by several concepts outlined in the SaFE Report transmitted to the Council.

Community members identified three consistent themes
  • First, community members expressed a clear desire for an increased presence, a timely and appropriate response if a danger arises, and that support shows up in an equitable way. 
  • Second, Metro should make the expectations of its Code of Conduct clear and should ensure that small transgressions are not a pathway into the criminal legal system. 
  • And third, Metro should partner with community-based organizations to improve non-transit resources available to customers, and assist customers in crises related to fares, homelessness, mental health, etc., at various locations throughout the transit system.

The proposed initial concepts outlined in the report reflect the robust SaFE Reform Initiative work that is still underway with community. Each of the proposed initial concepts requires additional engagement with BIPOC community members, community-based organizations, bus riders, and employees to identify specific costs, features, functions, and timelines. Metro will continue working with both internal and external stakeholders to do this work in the weeks and months ahead.

Near-term actions to address safety on buses

Since last summer, in response to increased concerns onboard coaches, Metro increased security personnel, specifically focusing on routes with higher reports of incidents. Metro is in the process of hiring more than 50 additional Transit Security Officers to provide 24/7 visibility and support across a broader range of routes. Metro continues to monitor and adjust security deployment to support the ongoing safety of both operators and riders.

However, some inappropriate behaviors are taking place that can impact the health and safety of employees and other transit users. 

In the coming weeks, Metro is also utilizing community feedback from the SaFE Reform Initiative to implement near-term updates to policies and practices related to inappropriate conduct and misuse of the transit system. Metro is working with Metro Transit Police and service providers to implement new policies to address drinking, illegal drug use, and smoking on transit.

Additionally, Metro is developing a pilot program in response to a small number of instances of customers who do not deboard when their bus has completed its route and is set to return to base. Metro’s approach to these riders continues to be guided by compassion and aims to connect those in need of behavioral, housing, and social support with those opportunities.

In cases where individuals have rejected those resources and services, and continue to affect Metro’s ability to provide on-time transit service or the safety of our operators, Metro Transit Police will assist in removing these individuals from the bus. Metro will monitor the pilot and, in coordination with employees and community partners as part of the SaFE Reform effort, determine refinements and future steps.

While the SaFE Reform report acknowledges the limited ability of transit to affect broader societal upstream problems, the proposed initial concepts in the document are crafted to contribute to the well-being of Metro customers and employees. 

King County and Metro continue to develop these policy improvements with community members, employees, labor partners, and other King County departments to increase safety today, and to engage with transit riders to shape the policies of the future. 

Together, Metro will continue to advance the Executive’s True North vision of making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.


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King County confirms purchase of additional 400,000 COVID-19 test kits, 700,000 in total secured

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Executive Constantine announced Wednesday the purchase of an additional 400,000 kits for distribution by Public Health – Seattle and King County. This brings the total purchase to 700,000 following last week’s initial announcement of 300,000 purchased kits.

“We’ll be working with partners to get these kits into the community as soon as they arrive, but demand will clearly outpace the supply. 
"As state and federal resources are distributed, we’re doing everything we can to increase testing capacity as quickly as possible,” said Executive Constantine. 
“With this surge in cases, we must do all we can to expand access to testing across the region. These additional 400,000 kits will help ensure residents have the tools they need to protect themselves, their families, and the community.”


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King County purchases 300,000 COVID-19 test kits for residents

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced a purchase of 300,000 COVID-19 home testing kits for King County residents today, with the first 100,000 kits scheduled to arrive in the next two weeks. 

The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks is increasing demand for COVID testing, and the home tests will supplement existing testing capacity provided by Public Health – Seattle and King County and its partners.

The first 100,000 kits are scheduled to be delivered on the week of January 10th, with the remaining shipments following soon after. King County is working to procure additional kits, but has only been able to confirm purchase of the initial 300,000. Distribution of these testing kits will prioritize areas of the county and communities that are in the most need. 

Public Health is putting plans into place to get the tests to community-based organizations, community health centers, senior centers, libraries, and other congregate locations as soon as the supplies arrive. As more kits are disbursed by the federal government, King County will assess whether distribution priorities can be adjusted to factor in those additional supplies.

"Having test results in minutes, not hours, is an important part of keeping people safe and healthy during this surge of cases. These kits will help residents make swifter and more informed decisions on how to prevent further infections, and know whether to stay home," said Executive Constantine. 
"We know the demand for tests has increased in recent weeks and supplies are constrained, and more help is on the way from the federal and state governments. But we can't wait. These kits will help us add capacity to our existing testing network, and help communities hardest hit by the pandemic."

More information here



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Happy Birthday, King County

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

King county originally had oceanfront property
December 22, 2021 marks 169 years since King County was established in the Oregon Territory.

Why Oregon? Congress did not create the Washington Territory until March 1853.

King County originally stretched from the Cascades to the Pacific, before shrinking to the current boundaries in 1867.

--@King County


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Executive Constantine announces changes to leadership team for 2022

Thursday, December 16, 2021

King County Executive Dow Constantine
Heading into 2022, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced several promotions and changes to the leadership of his office, including naming April Putney as Deputy Executive. 

With reelection to a fourth term, Executive Constantine is focusing on four major priorities: 

  1. housing individuals who are chronically homeless, 
  2. battling the climate crisis, 
  3. becoming an anti-racist government, and 
  4. transforming the criminal legal system and public safety.

"Together we’ve achieved so much for King County, but now is no time to slow down. It will take our entire government working together, in tandem with community, to ensure that we make more than mere progress, but create transformational change to achieve our True North: ensuring King County will be a welcoming community where every person can thrive," said Executive Constantine. 
"The work ahead has never been more important, and I’m pleased to have these and other talented leaders on our team stepping into new roles and greater responsibilities to serve the people of Martin Luther King Jr. County."

April Putney will serve as Deputy Executive, and will provide strategic direction and coordination for Executive Constantine’s priorities, and advise on emerging issues, policy development and external and governmental relations, and communications. Putney currently serves as Chief of Staff.

Shannon Braddock will serve as Chief of Staff, overseeing Executive Department policy priorities and manage Executive Office staff, and will serve on the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic support across the organization. Braddock currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Karan Gill will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, and will oversee governmental and external relations for the Executive Department and County. Gill currently serves as Director of Council Relations.

Celia Jackson will serve as Director of Criminal Legal System Transformation, overseeing Executive Constantine’s priorities for transforming the criminal legal system so that it is anti-racist, pro-equity, and just for all. Jackson currently serves as Director of State Relations.

Chase Gallagher will serve as Director of Communications, developing and executing strategic communications and coordinating with King County departments on internal and external messaging. Gallagher currently serves as Interim Communications Director.

The appointments will be effective January 1, 2022.



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Executive Constantine shares information about Best Starts for Kids at National Association of County Officials conference

Thursday, December 2, 2021

King County Executive Dow Constantine (right) in Georgia

King County Executive Dow Constantine shared some of the successes and lessons learned through Best Starts for Kids, the nation’s most comprehensive early-childhood investment programs, this week at a National Association of County Officials conference in Decatur, Ga.

Speaking at the Prenatal-to-Three County Leaders Academy, Executive Constantine joined a panel to discuss how to ensure equitable recovery for child care in the post-COVID era.

The invite-only convening brought together 22 county government leaders and experts from across the nation who are leading with innovative and bold approaches to investments and supports for young children and families, from pregnancy through young adulthood. 

With voters approving the renewal of Best Starts for Kids in August, the six-year levy includes more than 3,000 new affordable slots for childcare, helping ensure more women and families can return to the work force after having children.

“When we promote healthy growth for all children, prevent the things that may cause them to stumble, and intervene early when kids and families need support, we set young people on a course for lifelong success,” said Executive Constantine. 
“The strength in our King County community is shown in the way we’ve moved through the crises of the past year together—and it will be foundational to our success in the months and years ahead.”
More information here



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Executive Constantine and Mayor Durkan announce land swap for City Hall Park

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

City Hall Park from google maps
King County and the City of Seattle have transmitted legislation to complete a land swap transaction that will transfer ownership of City Hall Park to King County in exchange for 13 county-owned properties. 

The swaps will allow the County to complete its downtown Civic Campus, and will further the City’s goal to expand and protect green space and public parkland particularly South Park.

In exchange for the transfer of the 0.56-acre City Hall Park located just south of the King County Courthouse and the City’s agreement to vacate the roads surrounding the property, King County will transfer approximately 13 parcels of land totaling 1.35 acres. 

The new parcels include a 0.4-acre lot adjacent to the South Park Bridge and Cesar Chavez Park, as well as several smaller parcels near city parks. Many of the parcels in the transfer are located adjacent to natural areas, and their acquisition will increase green space protection and enlarge the environmental canvas for future restoration projects.

“Ensuring public lands continue to be used for the public good is an important mission not just in open spaces, but within our urban centers as well,” said Executive Constantine. 
“City Hall Park will allow King County to map out a vision for a complete downtown Civic Campus, including exploring reopening the historic Courthouse entrance and engaging the surrounding neighborhoods, while keeping the land for public use.”

See the full web version



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95% of King County employees are vaccinated

Friday, November 19, 2021

King County Executive Dow Constantine's office reports that as of November 16, 2021 more than 95% of King County's 14,806 employees are vaccinated.
 
  • 14,088 are vaccinated (95%)
  • 569 are in the accommodation process
  • 3 are not in compliance
  • 48 employees have separated for noncompliance

For the 569 in the accommodation process, if an exemption is determined to not be able to be accommodated, the employee would have two weeks to begin the vaccination process or they will be separated from the county.

These requests are reviewed on an individual basis, weighing all the unique circumstances of the exemption request and the duties of the employee’s job.



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King County Air Support getting ready for winter search and rescue work

Friday, October 22, 2021


The King County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit (ASU) is a critical resource supporting both search and rescue efforts and public safety agencies throughout our region. ASU is comprised of four commissioned pilots and five helicopters based at the Renton Municipal Airport.


These photos capture their recent training exercise near the Bandera Airport. With the assistance of the King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA) and King County Medic One, the team created different scenarios where a hoist rescue would be needed. 

Often winter rescues involve steep, snowy or icy terrain that makes a foot rescue very difficult. That's when our highly trained ASU members enter the picture for a hoist rescue.


Guardian Two is the Bell UH1 'Huey' helicopter captured here. With a maximum speed of 125 knots, and the capacity to carry a nine person crew, it is the helicopter most often used for regional SAR missions.

Take a look at that hilltop. If the dusting of snow is any indication we can expect King County Air Support, and other first responders, to have a busy winter season.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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King County simplifies and improves Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program

Friday, October 8, 2021

arian malek khosravi on unsplash
King County has simplified and improved its Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program in recent weeks, increasing payments that will keep King County residents safe in their homes and prevent homelessness. 

The number of households receiving rent payments increased for the fourth week in a row, paying $7.7 million last week and reaching a total of $46.3 million in payments in 2021. 

Last week’s $7.7 million in payments is the largest amount processed in one week so far.

A total of 4,656 tenants have had their rent paid, and more than 14,172 tenants have applications being processed. King County has also launched a new program designed to intervene in eviction proceedings. 

This year’s payments are in addition to the more than $37 million distributed in 2020.

“King County is committed to supporting tenants and local property owners alike to get through the financial hardships of this lingering pandemic,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“We moved with urgency to implement new federal rules and reassigned dozens of staff to process a flood of applications. 
"Today, our community partnerships are strong, our data system is working well, and our team is getting millions of dollars out weekly to stabilize both landlords and tenants across the county.”
More information here



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King county prepares to welcome Afghan refugees

Thursday, September 23, 2021


King County prepares to welcome Afghan refugees with temporary housing and community investments: King County Executive Dow Constantine announced on Wednesday a set of investments to support the anticipated influx of Afghan refugees arriving in King County.

This includes temporary housing at the Extended Stay America in Federal Way, which the County purchased in July to house people experiencing chronic homelessness in South King County. It will be repurposed in the short-term for arriving Afghan refugees. 

King County has pledged to work with local, state, and federal partners and the Afghan-American community to enable Afghans looking for refuge to resettle in the county and begin life in America. 

The investments include:
  • Partnering with World Relief, the International Rescue Committee, and other local resettlement agencies to make available temporary housing for individuals and families while they await placement in permanent housing. The County will also provide staffing support.
  • Utilizing $250,000 from the Office of Equity and Social Justice’s language access program to provide language supports such as translation, interpretation, and more.
  • Utilizing $250,000 from the Department of Community and Human Services to provide one-time grants to community-based organizations who are supporting Afghan resettlement efforts. These grants can be used to support emerging needs and ease capacity constraints so that our community partners can do what they do best


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King County requires masks outdoors at events with more than 500 people

Friday, September 3, 2021

King County, like much of the nation, is in the midst of a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious Delta variant. 

Therefore, Public Therefore, Public Health – Seattle and King County is issuing a Local Health Officer Order that requires face masks at any outdoor event with 500 or more people in attendance. 

This requirement applies to all vaccinated and unvaccinated people, 5 years of age and older.

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