Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*January 2026*




Recovering from a flood? King County has a web page with information and resources for you

Flooded road and properties ________________________________________________________________________

"Photo: water over the road affects properties along West Old Cascade Highway near Skykomish"

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*Whether you rent or own, property damage caused by flooding can feel overwhelming and stressful.*

King County has put together a flood recovery page with resources to help you navigate the next steps as safely and easily as possible.

The page has detailed information on health and safety when entering flooded property, what to do if your flooded property has a septic system, who to call if you need assistance with damage from the floods, and links to surveys to help King County estimate how much damage has happened in our area (to help us figure out if we can apply for disaster assistance for impacted people and property).

The page also has damage level definitions, instructions for documenting damage and filing an insurance claim, how to find out if you need a permit to repair your property, what to do with used sandbags, and much more!

kingcounty.gov/flood-recovery [ [link removed] ]

 

*Related: *see below for new information about applying for disaster assistance
and where and when to dispose of storm debris.





*Emergency Management*

King County Disaster Assistance Centers open January 2 – 5

Beginning this Friday and running through Monday, King County will open Disaster Assistance Centers in Auburn, Issaquah, and Carnation. These centers will help community members impacted by the recent flooding to apply for Washington State’s Individual Assistance Programs.

*Auburn Library,* 1102 Auburn Way S
• Friday, January 2, 10 am - 6 pm
• Saturday, January 3, 1 pm - 6 pm

*King County Library System Administrative Office,* 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah
• Sunday, January 4, 11 am - 6 pm

*Carnation Library,* 4804 Tolt Avenue
• Monday, January 5,  11 am - 5 pm

If your home received major damage from the flooding, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Additional resources will also be available to residents and businesses. Documentation you will need includes personal ID, proof of King County residency, proof of income, and proof of damage (pictures).

*Affected residents will also be able to apply online if they are unable to make it in person to these events.*

Details will be added to this King County Emergency News blog post [ [link removed] ] as they become available.

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*Natural Resources and Parks*

New dates, locations added for free storm debris drop-off

King County's Solid Waste Division has set additional dates and locations for *free drop-off of storm debris:*

• Temporary drop sites in *Ravensdale* and *Issaquah-Fall City* will accept debris on Saturday and Sunday, January 3 and 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• A new temporary *Skykomish Drop Box* will accept debris drop-off on Friday, January 2, Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• *Algona Recycling and Transfer Station* will accept free drop-off on Sunday, January 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• The *Bow Lake, Shoreline,* and *Enumclaw* recycling and transfer stations have new dates for free drop-off (two Saturdays - January 3 and 10, and two Sundays - January 4 and 11).

For addresses and other details, such as what items are and are not accepted at transfer stations and drop sites and how to manage hazardous waste, see this bulletin [ [link removed] ]. Note that trailers "will not "be allowed at temporary drop-off sites. Please bring ID and watch for staff members and flaggers who will guide you on where to unload. Staff members cannot help you unload items. Waste compliance staffers will be onsite to answer questions about what items are acceptable.

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*Road Services*

King County responds to historic flooding
December 2025 flooding
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"Photo: Road Services Special Operations units responded to severe flooding in the city of Pacific by filling and installing giant sandbags, called Super Sacks. "

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In December, a series of storms brought heavy rain, flooding, and widespread damage to western Washington. In unincorporated King County alone, 57 roads were closed due to flooding, slides, and washouts. Most of those roads have reopened, but six are still closed because they require major repairs or stabilization.

The King County Road Services Division worked around the clock to respond during the storm and its aftermath. Crews operated in shifts to clear debris, restore access, and protect critical infrastructure. Specialized teams inspected bridges for safety, while other crews jumped into action in the middle of the night to repair broken levees and prevent further flooding.

This massive effort was possible thanks to strong partnerships. The King County Office of Emergency Management and Department of Natural Resources and Parks, along with many local cities and other agencies, provided mutual aid, supplies, and support for residents during this challenging time. Their collaboration helped keep communities safe and connected.

As one example, the King County Road Services Division and Finance and Business Operations Division have expedited a construction contract to install a temporary bridge just downstream from the historic Baring Bridge. The existing bridge, which was damaged by the recent storms and flooding, serves as the only access for about 170 properties. Learn more on the King County Local blog [ [link removed] ]

Recovery work is ongoing and will continue for some time. You can learn more about the Road Services Division’s response on the King County Local blog [ [link removed] ].

Here are some ways to stay aware of Road Services work in your community:
• Check MyCommute [ [link removed] ]
• Register for Road Alerts [ [link removed] ]
• Sign up for Alert King County notifications [ [link removed] ]

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*Local Services*

Minimum wage
Minimum wage in unincorporated King County goes up on January 1

On New Year's Day, the minimum hourly wage in unincorporated King County will increase from $20.29 to $20.82 due to a yearly adjustment for inflation.

Smaller businesses will still have temporary exceptions, but those exceptions are being reduced each year as the new wage is phased in. Eventually, all businesses in unincorporated King County will pay the same minimum wage to all of their workers, and that wage will continue to be adjusted each year for inflation.

Here's a table showing the 2026 minimum wage exceptions:

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If the employer
has…
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The 2026 minimum wage is…
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15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of less than $2 million

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*$18.32* per hour
($2.50 less)

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15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of $2 million or more

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*$19.82* per hour
($1.00 less)

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More than 15 employees but fewer than 500 employees and gross revenue of any amount

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*$19.82* per hour
($1.00 less)

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Learn more on the King County website [ [link removed] ]

 



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*Public Health*

New Environmental Health permitting system is now available

Public Health—Seattle & King County’s Environmental Health Services Division launched its new permitting system, called the *Public Health Permit Center,* on December 10. The new system is used for food business permits, on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permits, and more. If you have environmental health permitting needs, make your account now in the new system [ [link removed] ]. Find guidance, including information on how to register, on the Public Health website [ [link removed] ]. 

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How King County works with community volunteers to share septic information on Vashon Island

Vashon Septic Team [ [link removed] ]

The Vashon-Maury Island Community Septic Team began volunteering with King County several years ago to share septic system resources with residents. The team takes a "neighbors talking to neighbors" approach, helping residents get answers to their septic system questions quickly and easily.

Watch a video about the team and its work on YouTube [ [link removed] ]



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*Metro Transit*

Metro, the Water Taxi, and other regional transit agencies offer free rides on New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve fireworks at the Space Needle

On December 31, riders will be able to travel without paying fares on King County Metro, the Water Taxi, and many other transit services around the region.

“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”

Metro buses will operate on their weekday schedules and be fare-free from 3 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 3 a.m. Thursday, January 1. The water taxi will operate fare-free on December 31. Both water taxi routes will be out of service on the January 1 holiday.

To learn more about service on other regional transit agencies, see this post on the Metro Matters Blog [ [link removed] ].



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*WSU Extension Forestry*

Winter forest

A day of learning for King County forest and woodland owners

The *2026 Forest Owners Winter School* will be held February 21 at Green River College in Auburn. This learning event is designed to let you attend multiple forest stewardship workshops on the same day, with topics including wildlife, forest health, invasive weed control, and much more. Cost: $25 per individual or $40 per couple. Sponsored by Washington State University Extension, King Conservation District, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and Green River College. *Pre-registration is required.* Details and registration [ [link removed] ]

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Reminders
Reminder

*►* The King County Conservation Futures grant round is open, with applications due on February 9 for awards of funding for 2027. Visit the Conservation Futures application page [ [link removed] ] for key information, or email [email protected] with questions.



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*Rural Area news*

King County Comprehensive Plan docket item requests

On December 19, the Joint Team of Rural and Urban Unincorporated Area Organizations submitted two King County Comprehensive Plan docket item requests to the King County Executive’s Office: (1) Local Agricultural and Forest Product Processing [ [link removed] ], which seeks to ensure that agricultural and forest product processing remains local (i.e., only products produced in King County are accepted) and (2) Mining Operation Periodic Reviews [ [link removed] ], which seeks to ensure that mine site reclamation is subject to policy- and code-required periodic reviews.

—"Submitted by Joint Team (Urban and 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, January 5, 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 will be King County Department of Local Services subarea planners on the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan and Tahoma School District board members on the upcoming February school levy.

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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