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Department of Local Services
Alan M. Painter Grant program is now accepting applications for funding in 2026
This popular program supports projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance unincorporated communities. Funded projects benefit all community members, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Funds may not be used for political activities.
A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2026, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for chosen projects will begin in March 2026.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
This year, 45 projects and programs received money, including design and installation of a "Welcome to Skyway" sign, Fall City Days cultural activities and signs, and chairs for the Federal Way Senior Center.
• Read more on the King County Local blog
• Learn more and find application materials on the King County website
Photo: Spectators watching a demonstration at the 2025 Japan Festival on Vashon Island, which received an Alan Painter grant.
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Road Services
 Stay safe during stormy weather!
The rainy season is just around the corner. You can help prevent flooding in your neighborhood by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains near your home or along the road. If a drain is clogged deep down, or you see a flooded street, call King County's 24/7 Road Helpline at 206‑477‑8100. You can pick up free sandbags to help protect your home from floodwater—check out the county's video to learn more.
When it’s rainy and the roads are wet, remember: Turn around, don’t drown. Driving through floodwater is dangerous!
• Just 6 inches of water can make you lose control of your car.
• 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Floods can hide broken pavement and strong currents.
If you see a “Road Closed” sign, don’t move it or drive around it! Water may be further down the road, even if you can’t see it. It’s not worth the risk—stay safe and find another way to get where you're going.
King County Road Services keeps track of major road issues like closures and flooding. You can always check their MyCommute map, Road Alerts, or social media for updates on roads in unincorporated areas.
And here′s more useful information from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks:
Don’t get caught off guard this flood season
With 6 main rivers and several tributaries, flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Just a few inches of floodwater can cause damage to your home and unsafe driving conditions. Here are some ways to 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 kingcounty.gov/FloodMap.
► Buy flood insurance. Standard homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4812 with questions or visit floodsmart.gov 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. Visit makeitthrough.com to help you prepare for any disaster.
► Move hazardous chemicals out of flood-prone areas or dispose of them at one of the county’s hazardous waste sites to keep 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. Get help using “Report a Problem” at kingcounty.gov/Stormwater.
► Before you build or make a repair in a flood-prone area, make sure you have the required permits. Getting the right permits makes our flood-prone areas less dangerous for people who live and work there.
Meanwhile, Road Services crews are heading out to practice for winter snow and ice
Road Service crews will be practicing for winter snow and ice in early/mid-October. You may see plows on the road, but don’t be alarmed—we don't expect to see winter weather yet!
During training, crews get hands-on practice for the work they'll do during winter storms. They drive plows through tight spots, learn how to use all the controls, and get to know the roads they’ll be working on. These practice runs also help them spot any tricky areas or hazards ahead of time. It's also a chance to make sure all equipment, like snowplows and de-icing tools, is working properly and ready to go when the real storms hit.
If you'd like a preview of what happens on county roads when we do get snow and ice, visit the Road Services Snow and Ice web page.
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Permitting
Have you ever wondered what King County′s code enforcement officers do?
Business news
Low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses and organizations hurt by the White River Bridge closure
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and nonprofits hurt by the White River Bridge closure. These Economic Injury Disaster Loans can be for up to $2M, with interest rates as low as 4% and terms up to 30 years with no payments due in the first year.
Small Business Administration staff members will be available for in-person support at locations in both Buckley and Enumclaw (see dates and times below). Walk right in or set up an appointment at appointment.sba.gov. The administration's general customer service can be reached at 800‑659‑2955 or [email protected].
Enumclaw
Green River College – Enumclaw Campus Conference Room 19
1414 Griffin Avenue, Enumclaw
Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at close of business on Thursday, October 9
Buckley
Multi-Purpose Center (Formerly Buckley City Hall)
811 Main Street, Buckley
Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at close of business on Thursday, October 9
New website offers business resources
As part of its Economic Development Program, King County's Department of Local Services has created a website with links to resources for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in unincorporated King County.
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Public Health
Rebates for homeowners doing septic maintenance
Homeowners working with a contractor to get maintenance on their septic systems may be eligible for financial help from King County. Rebates of up to $500 per property are available for regular septic maintenance, including inspections, pumping, and riser installation. Eligible households must have incomes at or below 80% of King County's median income to be eligible for the rebate.
Learn more on the program website
King County’s new environmental health permit system is almost here!
Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Environmental Health Services is transitioning to a new permitting system in October. The system, called the Public Health Permit Center, will include food business permits, on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permitting/plan review, and more.
Environmental health permitting system services will be temporarily closed for about one week before the launch of the new system. During this temporary closure, customers will not be able to submit new applications or make payments.
For the most up-to-date information about the Public Health Permit Center, including the final launch date and dates for the temporary system closure, see the Public Health website (which includes resources in Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese).
Emergency preparedness
The Great ShakeOut is coming!
You’re invited to join others around the country in The Great Shake Out, an earthquake preparedness drill, at 10:16 a.m. on October 16. This annual event encourages everyone to practice their “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” skills.
Washington is at high risk for earthquakes, in part because of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It's not a question of if a quake will happen, but when it will happen. Here are some tips to prepare for and respond to an earthquake:
Before an earthquake happens
► Consider securing furniture to the walls and strapping down large items that could fall and injure someone.
► Sign up for ALERT King County at kingcounty.gov/alert.
During an earthquake
► DROP to the floor, COVER your head and neck, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
 ► Do not try to run outside of the building during an earthquake. Most injuries are caused by falling objects and debris. If indoors, avoid exterior walls, windows, and tall furniture.
After an earthquake
► Look for hazards caused by the shaking, like glass, fire, or chemicals. Leave the area if it is unsafe.
Find more information on earthquakes and how to prepare for them on the King County website (kingcounty.gov/earthquake).
Natural Resources and Parks
Snoqualmie Watershed Forum seeks local resident to help guide salmon recovery—apply by November 2
The Snoqualmie Watershed Forum is seeking a resident of King County Council District 3 who lives in the Snoqualmie or South Fork Skykomish basin to participate in a salmon recovery committee for a four-year term. This is an excellent opportunity for a resident with an interest in salmon and watershed habitat protection and restoration to contribute locally. For more details and to apply, visit the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum web page.
The Snoqualmie Watershed Forum meets six times per year.
 Photo: Forum members tour a future habitat restoration site along the Snoqualmie River in July 2024.
Do something “grande” for the environment...bring
your own cup!
King County has partnered with businesses throughout the county to help reduce waste from single-use cups. Join the Bring Your Own Cup campaign by bringing your own reusable cup to coffee shops—and celebrate reuse efforts in your community!
Bringing your own cup helps you:
• Prevent waste and environmental impacts of creating and managing waste
• Reduce litter in our communities, roadways, rivers and oceans
• Save money by enjoying discounts offered by your favorite coffee shops and cafes
Learn more and find reusable-cup-friendly coffeeshops throughout unincorporated King County on the King County website.
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Metro transit
Metro is studying transit improvements on Route 106
Take the survey today—it closes October 3!
King County Metro Transit is collaborating with the Seattle Department of Transportation, King County Road Services, and the City of Renton to study transit improvements for Route 106. The goal is to reduce bus travel times, improve reliability, and improve the overall customer experience.
Route 106 serves 5,000 riders each weekday and runs every 10-15 minutes most of the day between downtown Renton and the International District in downtown Seattle. It connects many neighborhoods with residents who rely on transit for work, school, and essential services.
The goal of the study is to identify investments that will…
• Reduce bus travel times by 10-15% during busy commute times
• Improve service to allow buses to have more reliable trips through the corridor
• Improve connections to other transit service in the area
• Benefit existing transit riders and encourage more ridership
Find detailed information and a link to the survey on the Metro Matters Blog
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King County adds Saturday sailings for Vashon Water Taxi
Starting October 11, the water taxi will operate eight extra round trips between Pier 50 in downtown Seattle and the Vashon Ferry Terminal. The fall and winter schedule for Vashon will include new Saturday service plus an additional sailing on Friday night that leaves Pier 50 at 7:30 p.m. This added service is pilot program, funded to run for one year.
Learn more and see the new schedule on the Water Taxi blog
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Treasury
Property taxes are due on October 31
Do you pay your property taxes directly, instead of through a mortgage lender? The deadline for your second half payment is Friday, October 31. Late fees will apply after that date. To review current amounts due, please use King County's safe and secure online eCommerce System.
There are several options available to make your payment.
► Pay online using our eCommerce system. 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), in downtown Seattle. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
► Pay via secure drop box at the corner of Second Avenue and S Jackson Street, inside the security gates. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. (As a reminder, never leave cash in the drop box).
Learn more on the King County Property Tax website
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Animal services
Love your pet(s)? License them!
Reminders
► Free dental services for kids enrolled in Medicaid will be offered on October 4 and December 6 at the Skyway Resource Center. Call or email to see if your child is eligible for an appointment: 1-800-756-5437 or [email protected].
► 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 and/or check out the Summer 2025 edition 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 — which continues through October 26.
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:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog 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.
:: 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 or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, October 6, 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)
Guest Speakers include staff members from the King County Department of of Local Services to discuss the ongoing development of the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area Subarea Plan.
Visit the website 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.
:: 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.
:: Skyway Coalition
See the coalition's website.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson or visit the Facebook page and/or website.
:: 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.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
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 or visit the website.
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