Community Investment Budget Committee creates framework for participatory budgeting process, divides funds among five urban unincorporated areas
The group reached this milestone after months of meeting online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members had to build trust, create structure, establish values, and immerse themselves in King County’s Equity and Social Justice strategies.

King County Executive, Local Services meet with White Center community to discuss public safety
Executive Dow Constantine recapped the county’s efforts to date to help businesses hurt by a string of recent fires in the urban area’s commercial core. He also outlined next steps the county will take to improve public safety.

King County Executive pays tribute to Mukai family during honorary street designation ceremony on Vashon Island
Executive Dow Constantine said during Friday’s dedication that “Mukai Way” should be a reminder of the contributions Japanese Americans made to the island in the years before World War II.

Community project organizers in unincorporated King County can now apply for 2022 “Alan M. Painter Grant Program”
The grants—formerly known as Community Service Area grants—fund community projects that allow residents of the unincorporated areas to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities.

County seeks public input on draft subarea plans for Skyway-West Hill and North Highline
The 20-year plans express and establish policies for each community’s vision of the future. Over the next month, residents can also get updated on King County’s Anti-Displacement Strategy Report for these two urban unincorporated areas.

Metro, Local Services introduce Community Van Program to Skyway
The Skyway Community Van will provide residents with 24/7, reservation-based transportation for group trips. Metro provides the vans, and volunteer drivers are managed by a local Community Van Coordinator.

Amid high temperatures and dry conditions, King County Fire Marshal issues Stage 2 burn ban prohibiting outdoor recreational fires
King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County, which prohibits all outdoor recreational fires. Outdoor cooking and heating appliances are restricted to approved manufactured gas and charcoal units only.

“Revive and thrive”: Small businesses in unincorporated King County hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for grants of up to $25,000
As part of King County’s initiative to help our region recover from the pandemic, the King County Council has dedicated $4.5 million to help small business owners in unincorporated areas.

With extremely dry conditions, King County Fire Marshal strongly urges residents to avoid discharging fireworks this year
While the weather has returned to more typical cool and cloudy weather, King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts says the safest thing residents can do is avoid discharging fireworks this year, given the recent hot, dry weather.

King County, White Center Community Development Association to open cooling station for any resident
With high temperatures expected to soar past 100 degrees through the early part of next week, the county will make 20 air-conditioned units available from 4 p.m., Saturday to 10 a.m., Wednesday. Overnight stays will be available.

With high temperatures forecast through the weekend, Fire Marshal issues Stage 1 fire safety burn ban starting Thursday, June 24
King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 1 fire safety burn ban for the unincorporated areas of King County starting Thursday. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Starting next year, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County will be prohibited
The King County Council’s vote last week means the consumer fireworks ban goes into effect during the 2022 Fourth of July fireworks season. Residents will still be able to enjoy approved public fireworks displays.

King County Local Services awards 2021 Community Engagement Grants
Forty-three volunteer-led community events and projects will be supported in unincorporated King County communities with Community Engagement Grants of up to $4,000.

King County to residents of its urban unincorporated areas: Help us decide how to spend $10 million in your neighborhoods
King County needs residents of the Skyway/West Hill, North Highline/White Center, East Renton Plateau, Fairwood, and East Federal Way areas to serve on a new committee that will help the county spend money for capital improvements in their communities. To learn more or apply, visit https://kingcounty.gov/urbanchoices.

Local Services asks residents and businesses of unincorporated King County: What are your priorities for your community?
Last year, King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Council told the Department of Local Services to collaborate with those who live and work in unincorporated areas to create community needs lists. These are lists of projects for King County to complete in support of each community’s vision.

King County Local Services offers free help to eligible, low-income RV residents to properly dispose of waste without leaving Vashon Island
A partnership between Local Services and homelessness advocates will help eligible residents who are unable to leave the island dispose of their waste. Starting today, the county will work with Honey Bucket, which will collect and properly dispose of RV residents’ waste every month.