Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*August 2025*




King County Sheriff badge
Sheriff’s Office restores deputy staffing levels in unincorporated King County after council action

As of Monday, July 28, the King County Sheriff’s Office has increased minimum deputy staffing levels in unincorporated King County, restoring service to standard levels in both the North and Southeast precincts.

This staffing restoration comes less than two weeks after the King County Council approved a supplemental budget that included $845,000 in funding proposed by Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Reagan Dunn to reverse earlier staffing reductions due to budget shortfalls.

In March, the Sheriff’s Office reduced minimum staffing levels in response to unanticipated overtime costs—a staffing reduction that stretched already limited resources and increased emergency response times in rural and suburban parts of the county.

Read the King County Council's news release [ [link removed] ]





*Road Services*

Road work ahead

Bridge guardrail upgrades in unincorporated King County
Crew installs new guardrail

"Crews install new guardrail on Veazie Bridge on Veazie Cumberland Road SE."

This summer King County is upgrading guardrails on seven bridges in unincorporated areas near Duvall, Black Diamond, Cumberland, Fairwood, and Renton.

The new railings are designed to keep vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians from accidentally going over the side into a ravine or body of water. They're built to absorb impact and prevent serious injuries. Many of the county's older bridges have rails that are outdated—made of wood, or too low, or damaged from crashes. So crews are replacing them with systems built to today’s safety standards.

Upgrading these rails helps keep everyone safer, especially in rural parts of the county where bridges often cross steep ravines or fast-moving creeks. It’s one of the many ways King County is working behind the scenes to keep roads safe and communities connected.

Visit kingcounty.gov/bridge-guardrail [ [link removed] ] to see a full list of bridges in unincorporated King County that will get new guardrails this year. Sign up for Road Alerts [ [link removed] ] to receive an email or text message when road work is happening in your community.

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Night paving and more on 16th Avenue SW in White Center

Paving work

Folks in White Center may have noticed after-hours construction along the business corridor. King County is grinding out old asphalt and laying down fresh pavement on weekdays between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. in the following areas:

► 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street
► SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th Street and 17th Avenue SW
► SW 100th Street between 14th Avenue SW and just west of 11th Avenue SW

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"Photo: view of paving work on SW 100th Street at 14th Avenue SW (looking west)."

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Working at night keeps traffic flowing during the day and lets local businesses stay open with street parking intact. It can be noisy, but free earplugs are available (while supplies last) at the White Center Library [ [link removed] ], the White Center Food Bank [ [link removed] ], and the Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park [ [link removed] ].

This work should wrap up in early August, and will be followed in late summer/early fall with work to add pedestrian upgrades on 16th Avenue SW. These will include bike lanes, a center turn lane, curb extensions, flashing crosswalk lights, and better signs.

Learn more on the project website [ [link removed] ]



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Sun

*Public Health*

Stay safe from heat and wildfire smoke this summer

Extreme heat and wildfire smoke can harm everyone’s health. People who are 18 and younger, 65 and older, who are pregnant, or who have certain health conditions (including asthma and diabetes) are at especially high risk.

As days get hotter, here are four steps to help prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke and heat:

*1. Check smoke and heat forecasts every day.
**•* Check local air quality and wildfire smoke forecasts at *AirNow.gov* [ [link removed] ].
*•* Check local heat risk and 7-day heat forecasts [ [link removed] ] from the National Weather Service. 
*•* Weather apps and local news stations can also provide updates on heat risk and air quality.

*2. Move indoors on hot or smoky days.
• *Make sure to drink plenty of water.

*3. Cool down indoor spaces on hot days and improve indoor air quality on smoky days.
**•* Use fans or an air conditioner when it’s hot, and cover windows with curtains or blinds.
*•* Close windows and doors when it’s smoky. If it’s too hot inside the building, it’s better to open the windows for a short time than to overheat. Listen to your body and how you’re feeling. 
*•* Consider getting a HEPA air filter and making a clean-air room, keeping doors to other rooms closed as much as possible.

*4. Watch for symptoms of smoke and heat exposure
**• Wildfire smoke exposure symptoms:* coughing, headache, sore throat, burning eyes, or wheezing. If someone has these symptoms, limit time outdoors, avoid vigorous physical activity and stay in an indoor space that has cleaner air.
*• Heat exhaustion symptoms:* headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, or high body temperature. If someone has these symptoms, move them to a cooler place and give them liquids to drink. Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks. Cool them with a cold washcloth or have them take a cold shower or bath. Get medical attention immediately if they do not feel better.
*• Call or text 911 for emergency assistance* if someone has shortness of breath; chest pain; confusion; altered mental status; slurred speech; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; rapid pulse; seizures; or very high body temperature (above 103°F).

*For more information and resources in several languages
**• *Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: kingcounty.gov/WildFireSmoke [ [link removed] ]
*• *Hot Weather Preparedness: kingcounty.gov/BeatTheHeat [ [link removed] ]



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New Environmental Health Permit system is coming in  September 

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

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Party flags

*Emergency preparedness*

You’re invited to National Night Out on August 5

Many communities in King County, including several in and near unincorporated areas, will host National Night Out [ [link removed] ] events on August 5. The King County Office of Emergency Management invites you to stop by and talk with staffers, police, and other first responders at the ones listed below.

*Carnation* – Tolt Commons (31999 E Bird Street), 5 to 7 p.m.
*Covington* – Multiple neighborhood events around the community
*Milton* – Faith Family Church (1702 Milton Way), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
*Pacific* – Clint Steiger Memorial Park (100 3rd Avenue SE), 5 to 8 p.m.



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*Natural Resources and Parks*

Planning for clean water with your help

Map showing White Center, Boulevard Park, and Bryn Mawr-Skyway

King County is making a list of priority flooding and drainage problems to fix in the White Center, Boulevard Park, and Bryn Mawr-Skyway areas (shown on the map).

If you have information on flooding, potholes, erosion, and/or septic problems in these areas, please* take a five-minute survey [ [link removed] ] by August 17* to help the county understand what needs to be addressed. Those who take the survey can also sign up for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

The survey is also available in Spanish [ [link removed] ] and Vietnamese [ [link removed] ].



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Conservation Futures Advisory Committee seeks new members
Conservation Futures Advisory Committee

"Photo: members of the Conservation Futures Advisory Committee on a field visit in spring 2023"

King County is seeking volunteers to fill three positions on its Conservation Futures Advisory Committee. The committee recommends Conservation Futures grant funding to help local governments and nonprofits purchase parks and open spaces throughout King County. Applicants must live in King County Council District 1, 2, 3, 6, or 8 (confirm your district here [ [link removed] ]).

Learn more, including how to apply, at kingcounty.gov/CFT [ [link removed] ] or email Conservation Futures program coordinator Ingrid Lundin <[email protected]> for more information. *Apply by* *August 15, 2025*.

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Refuge Outdoor Festival returns to King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground August 22-24

Refuge Outdoor Festival

King County Parks welcomes the Refuge Outdoor Festival back to Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation for its eighth year, offering a weekend of workshops, outdoor recreation, art, music, and community in nature designed by and for people who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

In a climate of shrinking public investment in outdoor recreation, organizers view the festival’s continued presence as a reflection of deep community resilience.

“We’re proud to continue hosting the Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground and to support events that reflect the diversity and strength of our communities,” said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez. “It’s especially inspiring to see young leaders at the center of this work, shaping the future of the outdoors.”

Learn more on the festival website [ [link removed] ]



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*Public safety*

Sheriff's Office partners with Muckleshoot Tribe on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons

Detective John Free

In 2023, the King County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Police Department, established a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons (MMIWP) Cold Case detective position, supported by a grant from the Department of Justice. 

This initiative represents a pioneering effort in law enforcement, making the King County Sheriff's Office and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Police Department national leaders in addressing the critical issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and persons. 

In January 2024, Detective John Free was selected for the role of MMIWP Cold Case detective. In 28 years with the Sheriff's Office, Free previously served in the Major Crimes Unit and brings a wealth of experience to this specialized position.

Throughout the past year and a half, Detective Free has collaborated with various tribal agencies throughout the state on homicide and missing persons cases, including providing support to the Washington State Attorney General's MMIWP Cold Case Unit. He has also developed community training and outreach programs tailored to Muckleshoot residents, focusing on both the resolution and prevention of MMIWP cases.

He also conducts Human Trafficking Awareness training for hospitality staff at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort and other venues. Recognizing the importance of trust and communication within the Indigenous community, Detective Free has made it a priority to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and community members. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where information can be shared more freely, ultimately contributing to the resolution of MMIWP cases.

Learn more about the statewide program to address these cases on the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force [ [link removed] ] website. 

"This article was excerpted with minor edits from one originally published in the King County Sheriff's Office Employee News on July 11, 2025."



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*Metro Transit*

Major I-5 lane closures are underway – taking transit is one way to avoid the stress!

Revive I-5 project map (WSDOT) [ [link removed] ]

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) began major repair work on the northbound Ship Canal Bridge in mid-July, when all northbound lanes across the bridge closed for a weekend. Two northbound lanes of the freeway will remain closed from July 18 to August 18, and there will be a second *full closure of all northbound lanes* from Friday night, August 15, to Monday morning, August 18.

The Express Lanes are staying open northbound around the clock until the morning of August 18 to help keep northbound traffic moving. But you'll want to think twice about hopping on I-5 north like it's a normal day. There are options, and now is a good time to consider using them.

Taking the bus or light rail is hands-down the least stressful way to navigate around the construction zones. No parking hassles, no personally navigating stop-and-go traffic—just sit back and ride. And remember: youths 18 and under ride free on transit [ [link removed] ]!

Learn more on the Metro Matters blog [ [link removed] ]   |   Visit the WSDOT Revive I-5 project website [ [link removed] ]



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Help Metro make changes to transit in south King County

South Link Connections

As soon as 2026, Sound Transit will open three new Link light rail stations in Kent/Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way. Based on community feedback, Metro is proposing some changes to transit and still needs your input.

The proposed transit updates include: 

► Suggested changes to service in Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and parts of unincorporated King County.

► New connections to Link light rail, more frequent service, and added trips on nights and  weekends.

Metro routes that may be affected include: RapidRide A Line, 121, 122, 123, 154, 156, 157, 162, 165, 177, 178, 179, 181, 182, 182, 187, 190, 193, 197, 631, 901, and 903.

Visit South Link Connections [ [link removed] ] to learn more, take the survey, or register for an upcoming online information session.



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*Airport*

King County International Airport/Boeing Field

Save the date: Vision 2045 Open House

Are you interested in the future of King County International Airport-Boeing Field? The Vision 2045 Airport Plan will evaluate how King County International Airport/Boeing Field can evolve and adapt to meet future aviation demand and become a world-class airport.

This planning process will result in an airport plan that will serve airport users and members of the surrounding communities for the next 20 years. The open house will be on *Thursday, September 25* at the Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Avenue S in Seattle. The time hasn’t yet been set but will be posted on the project website [ [link removed] ]. This open house will focus on gathering public input on the airport plan’s draft alternatives.

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*Animal services*

“Clear the Shelters” adoption deals run throughout this month

Ramsey

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is joining hundreds of animal shelters nationwide to offer reduced adoption fees on all pets during the month of August. *The fee to adopt a cat or dog is just $30*—the cost of a pet license.

The initiative, now in its eleventh year, promotes pet adoptions and helps raise funds for participating shelters and rescues across the nation. The 2024 "Clear The Shelters" campaign set a single-year adoption record by helping nearly 170,000 pets find new homes.

The King County Pet Adoption Center is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. Profiles of all the adoptable pets available at RASKC are posted online at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet [ [link removed] ].

Learn more about Clear the Shelters or find a list of participating shelters and details about local events at ClearTheShelters.com [ [link removed] ] (or the Spanish-language site, DesocuparlosAlbergues.com [ [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*

Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

On July 7, the Joint Team [ [link removed] ] submitted Comments to the King County Solid Waste Division on its Long-Term Disposal Options Study. The comments specifically address the following proposed disposal options: waste export by rail, mass burn, gasification, pyrolysis, and refuse-derived fuel. They also identify potential environmental and community impacts of concern for King County to consider in the development of an Environmental Impact Statement, including the siting of any future facilities, composting growth, and recycling efficiencies.

—"Submitted by the Joint Team (urban & rural unincorporated area organizations) Coordinator"

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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, August 4, 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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