Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Local Services


*October 2023*




Call for Alan Painter Grant applications to begin next week
Woman playing a näverlur at Neely Mansion

Photo: Sheila Bartanen plays a lur horn during Swedish Heritage Day at Neely Mansion near Auburn in August. The event was sponsored in part by a 2023 Alan M. Painter grant from King County Local Services.

The grants support community projects that allow residents in unincorporated King County to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities and the county, which is their local government.

Applications for 2024 grants will be accepted from Oct. 1 until 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15.

Learn more and download the application form on the Local Services website [ [link removed] ] (under the Grants tab).




*Local Services*

Participatory Budgeting

Second round of Participatory Budgeting is now asking community members for project ideas 

Do you live, work, worship, or attend school in—or have a strong connection to—East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway/West Hill, or White Center/North Highline?

If so, King County wants your ideas about how investments should be made in your community.

The community-led Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee has decided how $11.75 million will be divided among these communities [ [link removed] ], and needs your ideas about how that money should be spent!

Learn more and submit your ideas at PublicInput.com/YourVoiceYourChoice [ [link removed] ]. You can also submit ideas by email (to [email protected]), by phone (call 206-477-3800), or on paper at in-person events. *Questions?* Reach out to [email protected] or 206-477-3800.

Made possible by community: Shop Skyway

Angel City Soul Food [ [link removed] ]

"Local Services is checking in with some of the recipients of King County's first Participatory Budgeting funds to see how those funds—provided through a community vote held in 2022—have helped."

*Grant winner: *Shop Skyway

*Amount: *$25,000

*Project:* Free consulting services and technical assistance to modernize Skyway businesses. Includes educational workshops, webinars, and consultations on how a business can operate and succeed.

The funds allowed consultants to work with business owners without charging them anything. "That is not something that typically happens in a business ecosystem,” said Principal Business Consultant Jawan Harris. “We were able to work with each business without worrying about their capital constraints." Harris said his group spent about 10 hours with each business, which was enough to make a difference for those businesses.

Learn more and see a video about the program [ [link removed] ] on the King County Local Blog

 



Local Services to accept applications for Storefront Repair Grants starting October 1

Broken window

Businesses in unincorporated King County can apply for funding to repair damage caused by vandalism or break-ins that have occurred since March 2020.

The Local Services Storefront Repair Program is intended to address vandalism and enhance security in business districts that are inside King County and outside city limits. The program serves small businesses (10 employees or less) by providing a one-time grant up to $5,000 to repair damage inflicted to the street side (frontage) of commercial buildings that are occupied by an operating business. Retail, grocery, food service, and personal, professional or medical services are eligible to apply.

Eligible expenses include repair or replacement of windows, doors, exterior lighting, signs or awnings; replacement of security screens or bars; graffiti removal, security cameras; and insurance claim deductibles. 

Find out if your business is eligible and/or apply for a grant. [ [link removed] ] If you have questions or need assistance with an application, send email to [email protected].

Applications will be accepted through *December 31, 2023*, or until the funds are used up.



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*Road Services*

*Road services winds up construction season with Redmond Ridge Roundabout*

Redmond Ridge Roundabout

Fall may have arrived with the recent rains, but there's one road construction project that just got rolling: the installation of a traffic-calming roundabout at the intersection of Redmond Ridge Drive NE and NE Alder Crest Drive. This project, which kicked off in September and will extend through late fall, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety in the Redmond Ridge community.

Drivers can expect some lane restrictions through the intersection from 7 am to 4 pm on weekdays, and a two-week full intersection closure at the end of the month. (Emergency vehicles will still have access during this period.) Please plan for possible delays and adjust your trips accordingly. 

Visit the project website to learn more. [ [link removed] ]



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*Taxes*

Property taxes
Property taxes are due October 31

Do you pay your property taxes [ [link removed] ] directly, instead of through a mortgage lender? The deadline for the second half payment is Monday, October 31. Late fees will apply after that date. To review current amounts due, please use our safe and secure online eCommerce System [ [link removed] ].

There are several options available to make your payment.

► Pay online using our eCommerce system [ [link removed] ]. While there, you can also sign up to receive text or email reminders about tax due dates.

► Pay by mail: King County Treasury Operations, 201 S. Jackson Street, Suite 710, Seattle, WA 98104.

► Pay in person: King County Customer Service Center, 201 S. Jackson Street, Second Floor (East Lobby), Seattle, WA 98104. Open 8:30 am – 4:30 pm weekdays.

► Pay via secure drop box, 201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104 [ [link removed] ]. Corner of Second Avenue nearer to S. Jackson Street, inside the security gates. Open 8:30 am – 4:30 pm weekdays. As a reminder, *never leave cash in the drop box*. 



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*Animal services*

Collar ID
*Reminder: does your pet have “collar ID”?*

A pet license tag from Regional Animal Services of King County provides identification that protects pets 24/7 if they get lost. It also helps fund King County's animal care and control program and supports the protection of people and pets in your community.

And it's the law—cats and dogs are legally required to be licensed in King County. RASKC (Regional Animal Services of King County) licenses pets in unincorporated areas of King County as well as 24 contracting cities.

Get your pet's Collar ID today at kingcounty.gov/LicenseMyPet [ [link removed] ] or stop by any of the dozens of pet license partner locations [ [link removed] ] throughout King County.



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*Natural Resources and Parks*

It's (restoration) tricks and treats at Cemetery Pond wetland!

Cemetery Pond

You're invited to a work party at Cemetery Pond on Saturday, October 28, from 9 am to 1 pm. Join the King County project team and other volunteers to remove invasive weeds and clean up part of this 13-acre wetland area. You can also get answers to some not-so-scary questions, like...

...How did Cemetery Pond wetland get its name?
...How does King County plan to improve water quality and water retention and restore habitat for the Cemetery Pond wetland and provide amenities?

Follow the King County event signs to the gathering spot at SE 128th St and 165th Avenue SE in Renton (see map [ [link removed] ]).

Learn more about King County's project to restore and protect Cemetery Pond [ [link removed] ]

 



Preparing for our flood season (October to April)

Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Even minor flooding can close roads and require costly cleanup and repairs. Here’s how you can prepare and keep yourself and your property safe this flood season.

*► Learn your flood risk* for where you live, work, or commute by entering any address at gov/FloodMap [ [link removed] ].

*► Buy flood insurance.* Standard homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4727 with questions or visit floodsmart.gov [ [link removed] ] to learn more and find an insurance agent.

*► Build an emergency kit.* Include a flashlight, radio, water, medical necessities, and supplies for children or pets.

*► Move hazardous chemicals* out of flood-prone areas or dispose of them at one of the County’s [ [link removed] ]hazardous waste sites [ [link removed] ]. This keeps chemicals that can harm people and the environment out of floodwater.

*Clear storm drains and gutters* of fallen leaves and other debris to prevent flooding.

► Before you build or make a repair in a flood-prone area, *make sure you have the required permits.* Getting the right permits [ [link removed] ] makes our flood-prone areas less dangerous for people who live and work there.

Learn more about how you can prepare on the Keeping King County Green blog. [ [link removed] ]

 



Noxious weeds can contribute to fire danger

Noxious weeds and fire danger

All plants burn, but some are more hazardous than others. Noxious weeds in King County contribute to fire danger. Plants that accumulate a lot of dry matter, have more oils, or climb into trees are all examples of what to watch for when trying to make your living space safer against fires.⁠

⁠Learn which species to watch for and more actions you can take to be fire wise around your home in this blog post [ [link removed] ].

 



Cedar Hills Regional Landfill community meeting Oct. 11

Join representatives of the King County Solid Waste Division and Bio Energy Washington to ask questions and learn about the latest activities at the county’s regional landfill and the landfill gas-to-energy facility.

*When: *Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

*Where: *Maywood Middle School, 14490 168th Avenue SE, Renton

Learn more about the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill on the King County website [ [link removed] ]

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*Emergency management*

ShakeOut. Don't Freak Out.
Be prepared, not scared

For many of us, October is “spooky season” as we celebrate the start of autumn and look forward to Halloween. But did you know that October is also Earthquake Readiness and Flood Preparedness month in King County? While these potential hazards are very different, you prepare for either by taking some basic steps:

► *Make an emergency plan* with your family that includes how you will communicate and what you will do if you need to evacuate.

*► Build an emergency kit* to ensure that you have some essential supplies on hand, no matter what happens.

*► Stay informed*. Sign up for emergency alerts with Alert King County by visiting gov/alert [ [link removed] ].

For earthquake readiness, practice responding to an earthquake. Register to participate in the world’s biggest earthquake drill at ShakeOut.org/Washington [ [link removed] ] and Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 a.m. on October 19.  

For flood preparedness, get to know your flood risk and learn how you can be ready for flood season at kingcounty.gov/FloodServices [ [link removed] ].



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*Health*

Youth Mental Health First Aid training in Fall City on Oct. 21

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing behavioral health challenges or is in crisis.

Primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, the course introduces common mental health challenges for youths, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

*Please note:* Participants must complete a two-hour self-paced online training at least 48 hours before this instructor-led training. The link will be shared several days before the training via email.

*When:* Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 am - 3:30 pm

*Where:* Fall City Fire Department Community Room, 4301 334th Place SE, Fall City

Learn more and register [ [link removed] ]



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*Rural Area news*

*25th Annual Model Train Show to be held Oct. 21-22 in Ravensdale*

Model train

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council will hold its 25th Annual Model Train Show at Gracie Hansen Community Center in Ravensdale on Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 from 10 am to 4 pm. Suggested donation (sorry, no credit cards) is: Adults—$5.00 and Children (age 3-11)—$2.00. There will be operating model trains, trains, and more trains featuring creative operating layouts in most gauges! Attendees can bring their own trains (Lionel / HO / other) to run on all our tracks (with approval of participating clubs).

The show is held in a full-sized gymnasium filled with many operating model trains and train-related items. Model train clubs from the Pacific Northwest make this a family-fun and very memorable event for all. Attendees can enjoy trains of most scales, including an entire village and trains made entirely of Legos. Wander around and enjoy the trains at your own pace. There also will be displays from the Black Diamond Museum depicting various aspects of our regional history.

—"Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

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**Joint Team of unincorporated area councils, associations, and organizations submits comments on King County’s Comprehensive Plan update**

As part of its ongoing work on the King County Comprehensive Plan update*,* the joint team reviewed King County Code changes proposed in the public review draft. On August 29, the team submitted Code Comments [ [link removed] ] to Comprehensive Plan Manager Chris Jensen. Topics included the following "King County Code Titles".

*21A.04 Zones, Maps and Designations
*• Neighborhood Business Zone (Mixed Use)—21A.04.090
• Community Business Zone (Mixed Use)—21A.04.100

*21A.08 Permitted Uses (Land uses)
*• Residential (Mixed Use)—21A.08.030
• Residential (Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes)—21A.08.030
• Recreational/Cultural (Mixed Use)—21A.08.040
• Recreational/Cultural(Destination Resorts)—21A.08.040
• Manufacturing (Materials Processing Facilities)—21A.08.080

*21A.12 Development Standards - Density and Dimensions
*• Resource/Commercial/Industrial Zones—NB Zone—21A.12.040*
*

*21A.22 Development Standards - Mineral Extraction
*• Mining Operations—Site Design Standards/Reclamation—21A.22.060

The King County Executive will submit his recommended plan to the King County Council in December.

—"Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Coordinator, Joint Rural Area Team"

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Community organizations

:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton

See blog [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association

Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
 Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill <[email protected]>.

:: Fall City Community Association

First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 pm)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City

The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org [ [link removed] ] or email send email <[email protected]>. 

:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom 

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, October 2, 7-9:30 pm – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st St (across from the King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)

Guest speakers Lynn Schneider and Ben Lennon, from Public Health-Seattle & King County will discuss state-proposed changes to the minimum standards set by Chapter 246-272A Washington Administrative Code that regulates minimum requirements for septic system design, construction, and maintenance requirements.

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for the agenda and Zoom information, which will be posted several days before the meeting.

*:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association*

The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba <[email protected]>.

:: Skywest Tool Library

Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email [email protected]. 

*:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council*

For information, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

*:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce*

Send email <[email protected]> or [ [link removed] ]visit the website [ [link removed] ].

:: Vashon-Maury Community Council

Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website [ [link removed] ].

:: West Hill Community Association

Meetings are in person or via Zoom [ [link removed] ]
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email <[email protected]> or visit the website [ [link removed] ] <[email protected]>.




"Unincorporated Area Community News" is published monthly by the King County Department of Local Services. To subscribe, visit our website [ [link removed] ]. Please direct questions or comments to Anna Clemenger, ([email protected] or 206-477-3839).

*Contact King County Local Services*

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-477-3800 (Relay 711)
Website: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

"Para solicitar esta información en Español, sírvase llamar al 206-477-3800
""o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a [email protected]"

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