Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*March 2025*




Phase 2 project diagram [ [link removed] ]

*Road Services*

Road work is coming to 16th Avenue SW in White Center

Beginning on Monday, March 3, Road Services crews will be working to replace a worn-out drainage pipe under SW 104th Street between 15th Avenue SW and 17th Avenue SW.

The work will include a two-week full closure of 16th Avenue SW near the White Center business district.

This and other work in March and April will help prepare the area for curb extensions and other pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements that are coming later this year.

Learn more on the King County Local Blog [ [link removed] ] or visit the King County Road Services project website [ [link removed] ]. You can also sign up for Road Alerts [ [link removed] ] to get emails or text messages about this project and others in White Center.





*Local Services*

What minimum wage applies to me?

New interactive map shows your minimum wage jurisdiction

Minimum Wage Lookup [ [link removed] ]

A new minimum wage of $20.29 went into effect January 1 in unincorporated parts of King County. There are temporary exceptions for smaller businesses, as detailed on the Local Services website.

Both employers and employees have been reaching out to ask whether their businesses are in unincorporated King County or another jurisdiction that might have a different minimum wage.

So the county developed an interactive map that anyone can use to learn the jurisdiction of any workplace in King County. Just enter the business address and the map will show what jurisdiction the business is in and provide a link to that jurisdiction's minimum wage information.

People have also asked about rates for workers at independently owned and operated franchises, workers who deliver products to and from unincorporated King County, and the sliding pay scale for very small family-owned businesses. Local Services is developing a list of questions and answers to post on its minimum wage website in March.

*Go to the website [ [link removed] ]  Go to the map [ [link removed] ]*

 

Got a question you'd like answered? Send it to [email protected] <[email protected]>.



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What’s important to you about your community’s future?

Community conversations are now underway in Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River
Photos from the Feb. 19 meeting

"Photo: community members talk with King County planners at the February 19 event"

On February 19, an estimated 25-30 people* *took part in King County's first community conversation about the future of the unincorporated Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River area. County planners are hosting a series of these events to help develop a 20-year plan for the area.

Residents and other community members are invited to any or all of the remaining in-person Wednesday meetings, which will be held at the Hobart Community Church from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the dates below.

*► March 5* – Environment, parks, open space, and cultural resources
*► March 19* – Economic development, housing, and human services
*► April 2* – Land use, zoning, services, and utilities
*► April 16* – Transportation

Learn more about this subarea planning process on the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan community engagement site [ [link removed] ], which includes a summary of what planners heard at the February 19 event [ [link removed] ].

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Fall City Septic project enters a new phase
Fall City Septic Project

"Photo: Treatment tanks are secured in position in early February."

The Fall City septic project has entered a new phase. Contractor crews are building out the treatment plant in Bernard Park, including setting and securing six large storage tanks and building connections to and from the main sewer line. Most work through March will take place behind a construction fence, so it should not affect traffic.  

Crews are working toward a June 1 deadline for the next phase of construction. *All affected property owners must complete required work on their property before contractors can start sewer hook-ups in June/July. *

Watch the project website [ [link removed] ] for updates, including information about the much-awaited "First Flush" coming this summer!

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*Natural Resources and Parks*

Firefighting foam
For local fire departments:
free disposal of AFFF

Aqueous film-forming firefighting foam (AFFF) contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as PFAS – which are harmful to the health of humans and wildlife.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is accepting applications for disposal of AFFF through April 30. Questions? Contact Sam Smith, 425-324-0328 or by email <[email protected]>.

*Learn more and apply [ [link removed] ]*



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The 2025 Wastemobile season has begun!

Wastemobile

The 2025 Wastemobile season kicked off its 21‑event schedule in Bothell on February 21.

This free hazardous waste collection service will travel throughout King County through October, making it easy and safe for you to drop off unwanted household hazardous waste.

 

*What can you bring?*

Common items collected at these events include oil-based paints, pesticides, automotive products, cleaners, and batteries. Be sure to check out the full list of accepted items and quantity limits for residents [ [link removed] ] and eligible businesses [ [link removed] ] on the Hazardous Waste Management Program website.

All Wastemobile events operate Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm each day. See the complete 2025 Wastemobile schedule online [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Call the Hazardous Waste Helpline at 206-296-4692.



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*Emergency preparedness*

*National Tsunami Awareness Week is coming March 24*

Tsunami Evacuation

Did you know that tsunamis—giant waves caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions—are one of the hazards King County and its residents should prepare for? They don't happen often, but when they do they can cause catastrophic damage to coastal communities.

National Tsunami Awareness Week, March 24-30, is a good time to learn about the risks of tsunamis and get prepared. Even if you don’t live in a susceptible area, you may visit the Washington or Oregon coast or other vulnerable areas.

The best way to prepare for any emergency is to build a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. Doing these things may help save your life and property.

**► *Stay informed.* Sign up for ALERT King County [ [link removed] ], a free service that sends emergency notifications by text and email (now available in 27 languages). You can also find out about hazards where you live at hazardready.org [ [link removed] ].

**► *Make a plan. *Use the online, fillable workbook, Get Ready King County [ [link removed] ], developed by King County Emergency Management.



Learn more about tsunami preparedness on the King County website [ [link removed] ].

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Property tax

*Treasury*

*Property tax details are now available*

Property owners in King County can go online now to view their 2025 property tax details, pay their taxes, look up their property information, and sign up for email or text reminders. 

Hard copies of property tax statements were mailed on February 14 to those who pay their property taxes themselves (instead of through a mortgage lender). You don't need a paper statement to pay property taxes.

*First-half payments are due April 30.* Payments can be made online, by mail, and by drop box.

Find your tax details and payment options [ [link removed] ]

Customer service representatives are available to help on weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm by phone (206-263-2890) or by email <[email protected]>.

For information on tax exemption and deferral programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or other qualifying conditions, visit the King County Assessor's Office website [ [link removed] ], call 206-296-3920, or send email to [email protected].



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*Public Health*

Applications are now live for Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot

Child care [ [link removed] ]

Child care facilities can now apply to join the Best Starts Child Care Wage Boost Pilot [ [link removed] ]. *Applications close March 7. *

Eligible facilities will be chosen by lottery, and workers at selected facilities can enroll to receive a quarterly payment to increase their income through 2027. An estimated 1,400 child care workers will receive the Best Starts Wage Boost. Full-time workers will receive $2,080 quarterly and part-time workers will receive $1,040 quarterly. 

Learn more on the Best Starts Wage Boost website [ [link removed] ].



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*Community and Human Services*

Nonprofit Wage and Benefits Survey

King County is asking nonprofits in the region to take a survey about nonprofit wages and benefits. Executive directors, human resources staffers, and finance managers with access to information about staff compensation at a nonprofit are invited to take the survey. The data it produces will improve the community's understanding of pay disparities and employee experiences in the nonprofit sector.

The survey is funded through the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy [ [link removed] ].

*Learn more [ [link removed] ]  Take the survey [ [link removed] ]*

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Funding is available for veteran community-building activities

Activity in a park

The King County Department of Community and Human Services is seeking to fund events and activities that increase social engagement and connection for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.

The Vets Engaged program strives to reduce veterans’ feelings of isolation by providing opportunities for them and their families to socialize. The goal is to help address the inequities these people may face while creatively building community.

Organizations and other entities may apply for small short-term grants at set amounts of $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000. Application closing and review dates will roll throughout the year, with a *deadline of 2 p.m. on May 30 for an award that would start August 1. *Questions? Email Katie Mahoney <[email protected]>.*

*

*Learn more and apply [ [link removed] ]

*


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*Airport*

Learn about the airport noise study at King County International Airport on March 20
Close-up of jet at King County International Airport

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming open house at King County International Airport-Boeing Field about the airport's Vision 2045 Airport Plan and Part 150 Study.

Learn about the airport's draft noise exposure maps and provide input on the maps and the noise compatibility program that will identify actions to reduce airport noise and promote compatible land uses near the airport. Attendees will also be able to meet with project team members and ask questions about the study and the Vision 2045 Airport Plan.

*Event details*

*Date:* Thursday, March 20
*Time:* 5:30 – 7:30 pm
*Place:* KCIA Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Avenue S
*Parking and transit: *Parking is available in the service station lot and on nearby streets. A King County Metro bus stop at Ellis Avenue S and S Warsaw Street, across from the Flight Service Station, is served by routes 124 and 60.
*Accommodation:* Language interpreters will be available for Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. To request other accommodation at the open house, send email <[email protected]> or call 206-296-7380.

View the preliminary draft noise exposure maps online [ [link removed] ]

Learn more about the Vision 2045 airport plan and Part 150 study [ [link removed] ]

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Foster dog

*Animal services*

*Experienced dog lovers needed as foster parents*

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) needs more dog foster parents, especially people who are skilled at handling dogs with behavior issues. 

One of the most valuable ways to volunteer with RASKC is to open your heart and home on a temporary basis to an animal that is waiting to be adopted. Your home might be the perfect place for these animals to receive the one-on-one comfort and attention they need. Fostering is a great way to involve the whole family or household in volunteering. RASKC provides food, supplies, and veterinary care while the animals are being fostered. If you’re interested in volunteering, get more information and complete the online new volunteer orientation.

Go to “Getting started” on RASKC’s Volunteer Program page [ [link removed] ].



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*Washington State University Extension*

*Learning opportunity for Vashon forest and woodland owners*

The *Vashon Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course* [ [link removed] ] *starts April 14.* Learn everything you need to know about caring for your forest, including how to write your own personalized forest stewardship plan that could help otherwise qualifying landowners save money on property taxes through King County's PBRS program [ [link removed] ]. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a service forester. Cost: $175. Pre-registration is required.

WSU Forestry
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*Rural Area news*

**King County Critical Areas Ordinance update**

At its February 3 monthly meeting, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council hosted the Joint Rural Team’s Environmental Focal, Terry Lavender, who discussed King County's Critical Areas Ordinance update—the last unfinished part of the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Update. See the article on the council's website [ [link removed] ] for details and links to the county's documents.

—"Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Regional Coordinator, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council"

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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 p.m.)
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, March 3, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)

Officials from Reserve Silica in Ravensdale—an old coal and sand mine that has been in reclamation—will be on hand to answer questions from the council. Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each 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] ].

*:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council*

For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson <[email protected]> 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: kingcounty.gov/local-services [ [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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