Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*July 2025*




*Emergency preparedness*

Too much of a good thing? Be ready for extreme heat this summer

Drink plenty of water

Just when you think it's safe to pack away your rain gear for the season, here come soaring temperatures. Sure, it feels pretty good to dry out at last, but remember—heat can bring increased health risks, especially to those in vulnerable groups.

Here are some suggestions:

*Before heat is in the forecast*

► Identify places where you might go in a heat emergency to stay cool if your home isn’t air conditioned. Shopping malls, libraries, movie theaters, and community centers can be good options.
► It’s not enough to just prepare for yourself. Checking in on your neighbors is an important part of every emergency plan. Exchanging contact information with your neighbors now is a great place to start.

*When it gets hot*

► If you're outside, drink fluids, wear a hat, and rest often in shady areas during the heat of the day.
► Pay close attention to your body for signs of heat exhaustion. These may include sweating, clammy skin, weakness, vomiting, and other symptoms. (Learn more on King County's Extreme Heat Preparedness website [ [link removed] ].)
► If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion, move to a cooler location, apply cool, wet cloths, and sip cool fluids. If symptoms get worse or don’t improve after an hour, seek immediate medical attention.

*Learn more*

► kingcounty.gov/heat [ [link removed] ]
► Sign up for emergency alerts from King County [ [link removed] ]
► Find heat forecasts for your location on the National Weather Service's HeatRisk map [ [link removed] ].

Have a safe summer!





* * * Important reminders * * *

* The *use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited* in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and East Renton.
* There is now a *Stage 1 Burn Ban* in unincorporated King County.

Learn more on King County's Fire Safety web page (kingcounty.gov/fire [ [link removed] ])

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*Road Services*

Road work ahead

Road work
Night paving in White Center

Starting in mid-July, crews will work at night to repave 16th Avenue SW, the SW White Center Cutoff, and part of SW 100th Street. The work will be done on weeknights only, between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., to minimize traffic delays and keep street parking available during the day.

► Sign up for email or text Road Alerts [ [link removed] ] to learn more about road projects in White Center.



Corroded culvert
Road closures for drainage repairs

This summer, King County Road Services will build several major drainage repair projects that require full road closures to replace aging culverts. These improvements are needed to protect roadways, restore proper water flow, and support fish passage.

"_____"

"Photo: Severely corroded metal
""culverts can cause the roadways
above them to sink and shift."

► *Vashon Island:* Starting Monday, July 7, crews will close 141st Avenue SW [ [link removed] ] between SW 216th Street and SW 220th Street  to replace a deteriorating pipe in a ravine that's causing the road to sink and shift. A new, larger pipe will be installed and the road will be rebuilt with improved stability and drainage.



► *Southeast of Enumclaw:* Starting July 11, SE 472nd Street [ [link removed] ] between 261st Avenue SE and 268th Avenue SE will be closed for up to eight weeks to remove a severely rusted metal culvert and install a much larger concrete box culvert. The new culvert will stabilize the road and will be much less expensive and easier to maintain. 

► *Near Carnation:* Starting in mid-July, county crews will fix a broken pipe under NE 24th Street [ [link removed] ] to stop flooding and help fish swim through. They’ll build a temporary gravel lane so cars can keep moving while they work. The project will take about 10 weeks, with some full closures when big equipment is used.

► *Near Auburn:* In mid-August, King County will close SE 384th Street [ [link removed] ] near 176th Avenue SE for about eight weeks to replace an old pipe that causes flooding during heavy rain. Crews will dig up the road and install a much bigger concrete box culvert to help water flow better and keep the road safe.

Please remember to drive carefully when passing work zones—your patience is appreciated!

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*Local Services*

Help Local Services improve communications with you

Survey

The King County Department of Local Services is like a city hall for the unincorporated parts of King County. These areas include Skyway, White Center, the Snoqualmie Valley, greater Maple Valley, the Enumclaw Plateau, Fairwood, northwest King County, and Vashon Island, with a combined area larger than the state of Rhode Island and some 250,000 residents.

If you live, work, and/or do business in these areas, Local Services wants to connect with you to…

► Share information about King County services and programs
► Tell you about the department's Road Services and Permitting divisions
► Give you information about what to do and where to get help in emergencies
► Share updates about King County work in your area
► Listen to your needs and concerns

Please go to this site: We're here for you - PublicInput [ [link removed] ] and take a 5-to-10-minute survey to share your thoughts with us. Your answers will be anonymous—no one will be able to identify you or know how you answered any question.

To learn more, contact Chrissy Russillo at [email protected] or 206-263-1892.



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County and community join to support events in White Center/North Highline

White Center

The King County Department of Local Services has announced $200,000 in participatory budgeting grants for five community events in the White Center/North Highline unincorporated area.

Community members voted during the 2023-2024 participatory budgeting process to allocate county funding to events and festivals that uplift cultural celebration, connection, and visibility in the area. A review panel made up of community members and Local Services staff members chose events to fund through a competitive process.

Find more information, including a list and descriptions of the events chosen to receive funding, on the King County Local blog [ [link removed] ].



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Home repair funds are available for residents in unincorporated Skyway/West Hill and East Renton

Home repair

As part of King County's Participatory Budgeting program, residents in Skyway/West Hill and East Renton voted to provide funds to repair homes for income-qualified owners in these areas. The funds—$300,000 for Skyway and $100,000 for East Renton—are available to cover roof repair or replacement; plumbing, electrical, or furnace repairs; painting, drywall, weatherization, home access modifications, and more.

*Call 206-263-9095* to learn about the process, who is eligible, and how to get services. Let them know you heard about the repair program through Participatory Budgeting!



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*Natural Resources and Parks*

County is taking public comments on Channel Migration Zone public rule change
Snoqualmie river

"Photo: visible erosion on a bank of the Snoqualmie River."

King County recently finished a draft study and map of channel migration zones in the lower Snoqualmie River, and is amending a public rule for this area as a result. Channel migration is a natural but potentially dangerous process in which river channels move across their floodplains, either gradually due to erosion or suddenly when a river jumps course.

The Lower Snoqualmie River Channel Migration Zone Study and Map identify channel migration hazard areas along 33 miles of the river, from just below Snoqualmie Falls downstream to the King-Snohomish county line. Once the public rule amendment is adopted, the mapped hazard areas will be regulated under King County Code to reduce flood risks to the public.

The county's Water and Land Resources Division is taking public comments on the rule amendment through August 6. Learn more about the draft map and study, and about opportunities to comment, on the King County website [ [link removed] ] and on the county's Public Engagement Hub [ [link removed] ].

If you have questions about the study or map, email Andrew Gendaszek <[email protected]> or call 206-477-8926.

 

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*Metro Transit*

King County and state lawmakers partner to keep midday service on Vashon Water Taxi
Water Taxi at Vashon dock

"Photo: A bird's eye view of the King County Water Taxi at the Vashon dock."

As King County Metro approaches the first anniversary of midday Water Taxi sailings to Vashon Island, King County has secured funding from the state Legislature to continue the service at least through June 2027.

Read more on the Metro Matters Blog [ [link removed] ]

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Metro delivers bike lanes, crosswalks, lights and sidewalks in White Center
A new crosswalk in White Center

"Photo: People walking and rolling on Southwest 100th Street in White Center can now travel more safely thanks to new crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes."

Four blocks of new pedestrian and bike pathways in White Center are now open, making it easier and safer for people to travel between the Greenbridge community and the RapidRide H Line station. The work included new bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks, new curb extensions and upgraded curb ramps, more crosswalk signals, a new flashing pedestrian crosswalk system at the White Center Pond Natural Area crossing, new lighting for pedestrians, and new sidewalk segments.

Read more on the Metro Matters Blog [ [link removed] ]

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*Public Health*

A new environmental health permit system is coming in September

Public Health’s Environmental Health Services Division is transitioning to a new permitting system—the Public Health Permit Center—in September. This online services portal will include on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permitting and plan review, and more. Learn more on the King County website [ [link removed] ] (the web page includes in-language resources in Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese).

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Need help at King County? We're here for you.

How to get help

Do you have a question about King County services or programs, but aren't sure which agency or office to contact?

Two of King County’s True North Values [ [link removed] ] are solving problems and focusing on the customer. But with the county's many departments, divisions, and programs, navigating to the right resource can sometimes be a challenge.

If you're in unincorporated King County, you can reach out to the *Department of Local Services* by email ([email protected]) or phone (206-477-3800), or visit one of their Community Liaisons during Community Office Hours [ [link removed] ] near you. Even if your question is related to another King County agency, Local Services will be glad to help you find the right person or agency to respond.

And there's another way for anyone—in any part of the county—to reach out for help. The county's *Executive Customer Service Team* has a simple Contact Us form [ [link removed] ] on the King County website that you can use to ask a question, make a complaint, compliment someone for a job well done, and more (there's an "other" category). The page with the form also lists phone numbers you can call or text for assistance. But please don't attach pictures to your text or email—the system can't accept them.



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*Animal services*

The Fourth of July: a pet’s least-favorite holiday

Frightened dog

About half of all lost pets go missing around the Fourth of July. Although the use of consumer fireworks is banned in King County and many neighboring cities, your neighbors may be unaware of the ban and your pets may be distressed by the noise and explosions. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your dog, cat, or other animals safe.

Before the fireworks begin

*• Exercise your pets in the daytime,* before fireworks begin. This can help tire them out so they sleep through the noise later on.

*• Check your pet's license, ID tag, and/or microchip* to make sure the information is up to date in case your pet escapes. Pets with ID are much more likely to be returned to their owners.

*• Create a safe space in your home.* Set up a quiet, comfortable room with familiar bedding and toys where your pet(s) can relax. Consider using a white noise machine, a fan, or soft music to mask some of the noise from outside. Cats often like a covered crate or a space under a bed where they can hide.

*• Check with your veterinarian* about calming aids that could help, and have them on hand before Independence Day.



Frightened cat
During the fireworks

*• Keep your pet indoors.* If they’re normally kept outside, consider bringing them into a well-ventilated garage, shed, or basement. Don’t leave them outdoors, as they could hurt themselves trying to escape.

*• Close windows and curtains* to block flashes and reduce outside noise. Keep pets occupied with their favorite toys, chews, or treat puzzles.

*• Stay calm*, and don’t yell at or scold your pets if they seem frightened.

*• Don’t assume that your pet won’t react* to fireworks just because you haven’t had problems in the past. Sometimes pets become sensitive to loud noises later in life.

*• Never* bring a pet to a fireworks display.

After the holiday

If your pet does escape, Regional Animal Services of King County is ready to assist you. Staff members and volunteers at the King County Pet Adoption Center in Kent can help owners search the stray pet kennels, file a missing pet report, and more.

If you’ve lost a pet, you can find tips and information at kingcounty.gov/LostAPet [ [link removed] ], including photos and descriptions of pets that have been found. Owners should also check with other local shelters, and check back often, as spooked pets may travel long distances before being captured.

If you find a stray pet, visit kingcounty.gov/FoundAPet [ [link removed] ] for tips on how to reunite a lost pet with their family.

*Learn more on the Tails From RASKC blog [ [link removed] ]
*



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There's still time to get a hot deal on a cool pet at Regional Animal Services!
Dogs and cat in a car

What better way to spend long, summer days than with a new pet from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)?

Now through July 31, RASKC will have daily pet adoption specials, with a theme for each day of the week. Enjoy these pawsitively awesome discounts on dogs, cats, and all adoptable pets.

*► Senior Sundays*: $30 adoption fee for all pets over five years old, or for pet adopters 65+
*► Mixed Breed Mondays*: $30 adoption fee for all mixed breed dogs
*► Toe Bean Tuesdays*: $30 adoption fee for all cats
*► Black and Gray Wednesdays*: $30 adoption fee for all pets with black or gray coats
*► Thirty-Buck Thursdays*: Every cat or dog, one adoption fee: $30
*► Feline Fridays*: $50 adoption fee for kittens under six months
*► Staff Pick Saturdays*: $30 adoption fee for select dogs

See all the great pets looking for great homes like yours on RASKC’s Adopt A Pet page [ [link removed] ]!

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Reminder
Reminders

**►** *Sign up for the "Septic Matters" newsletter:* Get guidance and tips for people with septic systems in King County delivered to your inbox every season! Sign up here [ [link removed] ] and/or check out the Summer 2025 edition [ [link removed] ] if you missed it.

**► *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 2025 schedule [ [link removed] ] — which continues through October 26.

**► **WSU University Extension offers a *Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Course for King County property owners *on Tuesdays starting September 23 in Preston. Everything you need to know about caring for your wooded property, including how to write a forest stewardship plan that could help you save money on property taxes through King County's PBRS program. Participants will receive a site visit by a professional forester. Cost: $160. Space is limited and pre-registration is required [ [link removed] ].



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*Rural area news*

Joint Transportation Initiative Forum

On June 5, five rural area organizations in southeast King County met with Andrew Kim, Deputy Director of the Department of Local Services' Road services Division, and several members of his staff. Discussion focused on questions submitted in advance on topics including planning, funding, maintenance, and haul-route agreements. After the meeting, Kim sent some further detailed responses with an agreement that there will be follow-up on some of the more complex questions.

—"Submitted by Susan Harvey, Chair of the Joint Transportation Initiative"

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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, July 7, 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)

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 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] ].

:: 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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