Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Local Services


*May 2024*




Summer’s coming...so let's talk about wildfire awareness
Bolt Creek Wildfire

"Photo: crews battle to control the Bolt Creek wildfire in October 2022."

Our summers have grown longer and hotter in recent years, and the threat of wildfires has spread to the west side of the Cascades—and here to King County.

It may be cool and rainy now, but May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, a good time to learn about wildfire risks and ways to stay safe when things heat up.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, [ [link removed] ] about 68% of wildfires are started by people, and those fires burn an average of 2.8 million acres each year. Wildland fires threaten homes in areas where homes and forests overlap.

Here are some tips to prevent human-caused wildfire and protect your home if you’re in a vulnerable area:

► If your home is built in or near the forest, create fire-defensible space (free of plants and burnable materials) immediately around your home.
► Know the outdoor burning rules and follow burn bans when they are issued. (See King County's fire safety web page [ [link removed] ] for burn ban status and rules for outdoor burning.)
► Have a plan ready and know when it's time to leave. See Ready, Set, Go! [ [link removed] ], a poster with information about wildfire evacuation levels, how to prepare, and what to bring when you evacuate.

Learn more on King County's fire emergency preparedness website [ [link removed] ]




*Road Services*

Summer construction in the Snoqualmie River Valley

Warmer days are coming, and so is road construction season. Road Services is planning several major projects to upgrade infrastructure this year. (All dates below are subject to change due to weather or the availability of crews and materials.)

**► *May* – Crews will replace a retaining wall under the NE Tolt Hill Road Bridge. Full-time (24/7) single lane restrictions on the bridge will be managed by a temporary traffic signal. This work is scheduled to last for three months. See the project web page [ [link removed] ]

***► **Late June* – The county will replace the 100-year-old Ames Lake Trestle Bridge on Ames Lake-Carnation Road NE. The new bridge will allow access for all vehicles and the project will improve sight distance by widening and straightening the road. The road will be closed for up to eight months. See the project web page [ [link removed] ]

***► **July* – Crews will repair slide damage on 244th Ave NE near Sammamish. The road will be fully closed while they replace a damaged retaining wall below the north side of 244th Avenue NE near Redmond Fall City Road/SR-203. See the project web page [ [link removed] ]

***► **Mid-July* – Road Services will remove the top half-inch of worn-out concrete on the Duvall-Slough Bridge deck (on NE Woodinville Duvall Road) and replace it with one-and-a-half inches of new concrete. The project will also rebuild both bridge approaches and repair two bridge expansion joints. This work will protect and extend the life of the bridge for 30 years or longer. The bridge will be closed for six weeks. See the project web page [ [link removed] ]

***► **Dates TBD* – Crews will put down fresh paving on NE Cherry Valley Road and NE Novelty Hill Road. Paving requires extended periods of sunshine, so Road Services is monitoring the weather closely before deciding on exact work dates. See the paving web page [ [link removed] ]

To stay on schedule, these major projects require a harmony of moving parts—crews, engineers, project managers, and many others. Road Services is committed to working with its own team and the communities it serves to make these improvements as streamlined and efficient as possible.

See a map showing these project locations [ [link removed] ] on the Road Services website.

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*Natural Resources and Parks*

Quit a plastic habit – start with a single choice

Plastic Habit (AI-generated image)

Did Earth Day recharge your (solar) batteries for positive action?

Puget Sound Starts Here invites you to try to reduce plastic pollution with Every Single Use Counts: 12 Plastic Habits to Quit for a Healthier Puget Sound and Future [ [link removed] ]. Use the suggestions on this blog post to spark your own path toward better health, saving money, and protecting the planet. Questions? Send email to Parker Lynas <[email protected]>.

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""The image used with this article was generated using AI.

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South County Recycling and Transfer Station update
Construction work

"A construction crew works on a retaining wall for the new South County Recycling and Transfer Station in January."

King County is building a new recycling and transfer station just north of the existing Algona Transfer Station. The new facility will include areas for commercial and public recycling drop-off, hazardous waste disposal, and an administrative office. The existing Algona Transfer Station will remain open during construction.

Crews have completed initial work, including building site retaining walls to prevent soil erosion and a vault to manage stormwater runoff. They also improved the site's habitat—including creating a new stream channel and uncovering a tributary of Algona Creek that was previously piped underground.

This spring and summer, they will work on road improvements and a new culvert under West Valley Highway S, which may include temporary lane closures and detours. You can sign up for email updates on the project website [ [link removed] ].

024-2025 Re+ Circular Economy Grants support projects that minimize waste. Apply by 3 pm on May 29!

Circular Economy

The Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program supports projects that create a more circular economy where waste is minimized, materials are kept in use longer, and natural systems are regenerated. The grant focus areas include waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and organics recycling. There is approximately $2.2 million in grant funding available this year, and individual awards can range from $20,000-$300,000 per organization.

*Learn more*

More information including grant guidelines, evaluation criteria, and applicant resources is available on King County's Re+ Circular Economy Grants 2024-2025 [ [link removed] ] website.



Volunteers, educators needed for StormFest, June 4-6

StormFest

Community members are needed to volunteer at StormFest, an interactive festival for Highline Public Schools 6th-graders to learn about stormwater and management strategies. No experience is needed—training will be provided.

*Where:* Des Moines Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Avenue S
*When:* June 4, 5, and 6 plus a half-day training on May 29
*Learn more:* visit Stormfest (City of Burien website) [ [link removed] ]or watch this YouTube video [ [link removed] ]
*Questions?* Send email <[email protected]> or call 425-686-8107



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Online sessions to offer info and collect feedback about King Conservation District

Forest, stream, and salmon

King Conservation District is a publicly funded special-purpose district that promotes sustainable use of natural resources through voluntary stewardship in King County. The district provides technical assistance to private residents in forest management, farm conservation planning, wildfire preparedness, and streamside and shoreline enhancement.

The district also works with cities and other organizations to support community gardens, urban forest canopy, and local food systems. You don’t have to go it alone—your local conservation district can help.

Since 2013, most of the district's funding has come from an interlocal agreement with King County. The current agreement expires at the end of 2024, and the district is working with program participants, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to update its program of work and secure a three-year agreement with King County to continue funding it conservation services.

The district is hosting two Zoom sessions where members of the public can learn about its rate renewal effort and provide feedback:

**► *May 16, 6-7 pm* (register here [ [link removed] ])
**► *May 21, noon to 1 pm* (register here [ [link removed] ])

Members of the public can also submit comments through an online form [ [link removed] ].

Learn more on the King Conservation District website [ [link removed] ].



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*Animal services*

Dog adoption
Dog adoption special

April showers bring May flowers...and also lots of dogs who are waiting for "furever" homes at Regional Animal Services of King County. Come pick your flower today!

Now through May 31, when you adopt a medium or large breed adult dog (six months or older, 25 pounds or more), you can choose your adoption fee. The May special offers adoption fees of $25, $50, $75, and $100 for adult dogs. Note that a pet license fee may still apply.

See all of the adoptable animals online [ [link removed] ], or visit the King County Pet Adoption Center during open adoption hours (weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. or weekends from noon to 4 p.m.).



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*Airport*

*Apply to join King the County International Airport/Boeing Field Airport Roundtable*

King County International Airport

The King County Airport Roundtable [ [link removed] ] is an advisory board that makes recommendations to the airport's administrators, the King County Executive, and the King County Council. Its membership includes representatives of aviation-related businesses and communities interested in airport issues.

The Roundtable currently has two open positions: one for a member from the Beacon Hill area and one from South Park.

The board meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held both in person at the airport terminal and virtually on Zoom. If you live in Beacon Hill or South Park and would like to apply, fill out an application online [ [link removed] ].

See the King County International Airport website [ [link removed] ]



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*Community and Human Services*

Funding is available for organizations that offer employment training, placement, and supports​

Welcome aboard

King County Community and Human Services is requesting proposals for providing employment training, placement, and supports with funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.

The levy seeks to fund programs and services that prepare unemployed and underemployed job seekers from marginalized populations for employment, connect them with job opportunities, and support them in succeeding as employees.

*► Available funding* – up to $3,798,104
*► Investment period* – August 1, 2024​ – ​December 31, 2026 (subject to change)
*► Questions? *Contact Maria Pintar by email <[email protected]> or call 206-477-8680

*Applications are due by 2 p.m. on May 31* 

Learn more and apply. [ [link removed] ]



Join an online community planning session on senior villages

Senior woman

You are invited to a virtual community planning session sponsored by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy to share plans and provide feedback on an upcoming funding opportunity for senior villages.

This investment will help seniors remain in their communities and age in place through the support of their community members or senior villages.

**► *When:* Thursday, May 2, 3 – 4:30 pm on Zoom
**► ***Learn more and register to attend* [ [link removed] ]

 



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Reminder
Reminder

**► *Flood reduction grant applications are due May 31.* The King County Flood Control District has $12 million in grant funding available for small and medium local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding. Learn more and apply [ [link removed] ]

**► *Catch the Wastemobile* at a location near you! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2024 schedule [ [link removed] ].



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*Renton news*

Annual plant sale on May 4-5 to support Cemetery Pond wetland restoration in Renton

The Community Alliance to Reach out and Engage (CARE) will offer a wide selection of Pacific Northwest native plants, trees, mature rescued plants, herbaceous perennials, shrubs in various sizes, and both ornamental and edible plants at its yearly plant sale event. Visitors can also learn about the current project design for the wetland and share ideas for trails, beaches, educational signs, and other improvements planned for the site.

**► *When:* Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5, 9 am to 5 pm
**► Where:** 6220 SE 2nd Place, Renton
**► Questions:** send email <[email protected]>
**► Learn **about the Cemetery Pond Wetland Protection and Restoration project [ [link removed] ] on the King County website

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*Skyway news*

Skyway Coalition invites community members to three upcoming events

1. *Skyway Resource Center Pop-Up,* *May 17 from 3 to 5 pm*—Get free resources, including diapers, transportation resources, health insurance enrollment and support, personal protective equipment, food resources, and more. All are welcome!
*Where:* King County Fire District #20 Administrative Building parking lot, 12424 76th Avenue S
Lea [ [link removed] ]rn more/RSVP [ [link removed] ]

Skyway Coalition

2. The *Skyway Farmers Market and Bazaar,* *May 26 from 11 am to 2 pm*—free admission, offers free food and resources, vendors who accept EBT/SNAP, artisans, games, a DJ, and more. *Where:* King County Fire District #20 Administrative Building parking lot, 12424 76th Avenue S
Lea [ [link removed] ]rn more/RSVP [ [link removed] ]

3. *Brooks Village Open Houses*—Enjoy free food and a chance to win prizes while learning about this 14-acre natural area and affordable housing site near Grocery Outlet. Translation and interpretation, childcare, transportation, and other access assistance is available on request. The next events are on *June 2 and June 11*.
Learn more/RSVP [ [link removed] ]



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*Rural Area news*

Joint Rural Area Team provides comments on 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Update

On March 29, the Joint Team submitted detailed comments on the King County Executive's Critical Areas Update, to be included as part of the plan update. These comments can be viewed on the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council website [ [link removed] ].

On April 3 and 17, several Joint Team organizations provided oral testimonies before the King County Council's Local Services and Land Use Committee on the King County Executive's Recommended Comprehensive Plan Update [ [link removed] ]. Topics included parks, open space, and cultural resources; transportation; regional trails; services, facilities, and utilities; economic development; implementation, amendments, and evaluation; and development regulations.

—"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, May 6, 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)

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]>.

:: Skyway Business Collective

The Skyway Business Collective aims to drive economic growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners living or working in Skyway, and to create a supportive and inclusive space for  small businesses to grow, connect, and thrive through *free professional services* tailored to the business's needs. Learn more at www.skywaybusinesscollective.org [ [link removed] ]

:: Skyway Coalition

See the coalition's website [ [link removed] ].

:: 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 about the council, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page [ [link removed] ] and/or website [ [link removed] ]. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)

*:: 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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