2016 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

November 28, 2016
Fiscal Options for Public Safety, Public Health and Housing Highlight King County’s Legislative Agenda
“In a time of uncertainty for many in our community, we are advocating that state laws be strengthened to provide support to organizations and programs that deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity, improve access to voting, and ensure access to affordable health care coverage and affordable housing for all King County residents.”

November 16, 2016
Dembowski Secures Sports & Recreation Grants for Shoreline
“Our community’s kids and adults need places to play and recreate. Current sports and recreation facilities are not adequate to meet today’s demand. I have heard the concerns and am pleased that King County will be able to partner with Shoreline, as well as other North King County cities and non-profits to provide expanded recreation opportunities for both youth and adults.”

November 16, 2016
Dembowski Secures Over $1 Million in Sports & Recreation Grants for North King County
“Our community’s kids and adults need places to play and recreate. North King County sports and recreation facilities are not adequate to meet today’s demand. I have heard the concerns and am pleased that King County will be able to partner with North King County cities and non-profits to provide expanded recreation opportunities for both youth and adults in north King County.”

November 14, 2016
Commitment to public safety, homelessness and transportation highlight King County Budget
“With $7 Million of historic new investments to meaningfully tackle homelessness and serve our most vulnerable neighbors, we are delivering on that goal.”

November 14, 2016
Councilmembers Balducci and Dembowski help craft adopted County Budget
“My top priority in this budget was to increase shelter and affordable housing to make a serious dent in our region’s homelessness crisis.”

October 24, 2016
Increasing access to justice: King County Council celebrates Pro Bono Week
“When I was an attorney in private practice, I volunteered my time on a number of pro bono cases, including those on behalf of domestic violence survivors. The cases were some of the most difficult, yet most enriching experiences of my career, and have given me a deep appreciation for all attorneys in our community who volunteer to represent others.”

October 20, 2016
Public presents their budget priorities at public meetings on 2017-2018 County Budget
“King County’s budget choices have very real impacts on the lives and livelihoods of residents from all of our communities, made all the more clear by the compelling public testimony offered over the past two weeks. As a member of the Council’s Budget Leadership Team, my top priority in this budget is to increase shelter and affordable housing to make a serious dent in our region’s homelessness crisis.”

October 20, 2016
Dembowski, Fain selected for national leadership fellowship
“I'm honored to have been selected to learn from other leaders around the country and to think more about how, working together, we can better deliver on the American promise of opportunity for everyone.”

October 3, 2016
County recognizes and celebrates value of workers with disabilities
“Our Supported Employment Division does an outstanding job connecting workers with disabilities with employers needing great employees. This work is an important part of our mission to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

September 26, 2016
Three panels will direct County Council’s review of Executive’s Proposed Biennial Budget
“I will work to ensure that our expected $30 million additional investment in Metro Transit will bring more bus service to underserved communities to keep our County moving, enhance passenger and driver safety, and aggressively push forward my initiative to convert our bus fleet to a zero emissions/carbon-neutral system. I am also excited to double down on our parks and open space conservation efforts. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues.”

September 19, 2016
County Council approves “transformative” implementation plan for Best Starts for Kids
“Today’s action approving the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan marks a significant milestone for funding preventative Health and Human Services, my top priority when coming to the County Council.”

September 15, 2016
Board of Health members tour new Mobile Medical Van
This mobile clinic, funded by the City of Seattle, is one of two that deliver health services to residents of King County, including residents experiencing homelessness.

September 7, 2016
Council committee approves blueprint for Best Starts for Kids
“Today’s action by the Council’s HHHS Committee marks a significant milestone for our collective work to improve opportunities for King County’s children and youth. I’m grateful for the strong community partnership that brought us to this happy day.”

September 6, 2016
Measures to prevent lead poisoning in King County
“I strongly support this effort to address environmental health hazards for children in King County. Preventing lead exposure is critical to childhood development and is consistent with our goals on the Board of Health.”

August 23, 2016
Citizens Vote With Their Feet, Support New Ballot Drop Box Locations
“The strong endorsement by voters of this initiative confirms its importance. I'm also very pleased to see the significant number of ballots returned in communities that have historically faced higher barriers to civic participation.”

July 15, 2016
Landmark report presents recommendations on giving immigrants and refugees greater voice
“Our country was founded on the principles of democracy, fairness and justice, and these values must continue to guide us, now more than ever. As a result of conversations with community members who saw a need for the county to play a greater role in responding to our area’s rapidly changing demographics, Councilmember Gossett and I brought forward the motion that established the task force that put forth these recommendations.”

July 25, 2016
Dembowski statement on marijuana legislation
“I believe that we need more time and a lot more work to get the zoning rules right in order to ensure that voter-approved I-502 succeeds, that burdens and benefits are equitably shared, in a way that is compatible with surrounding uses, just like any other legal industry.”

July 25, 2016
County Council approves WaterWorks project grants
“The WaterWorks program funds projects that do vital work to restore, clean, and protect our local waters.”

June 6, 2016
County Council recognizes LGBTQ Pride Month
“I am honored today to celebrate our region’s LGBTQ community. While we have seen immense progress and success in the past few years, the fight for equality and inclusion is not over. We must continue our work to advance the cause of equal opportunity for everyone.”

May 23, 2016
County Council recognizes Barbara Langdon for her work in supporting survivors of domestic violence
“Barbara Langdon has devoted her career to supporting domestic violence survivors. Her leadership at LifeWire has made immensely impactful differences in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am honored today to recognize her service.”

May 23, 2016
County Council recognizes effort to provide instruments to students
“I am thrilled to recognize the work of Music4Life in providing instruments to children in King County. Music helps students thrive in all academic disciplines, and as the parent of two children who play instruments, I know the positive impact music education makes in young students’ lives.”

May 2, 2016
43 additional ballot drop off locations will be available to county voters this fall
“Voters want more drop boxes, and King County is delivering. Our goal is to increase convenience and lower barriers to voting. This new plan is a big step forward in improving access.”

May 2, 2016
Council approves new ballot drop off boxes in District 1

April 25, 2016
Metro Transit examines greening its fleet
“For decades, Metro has been a national leader in reducing the overall impact transportation has on our air quality by implementing cutting edge technology and reducing single occupant car trips. I believe we must continue to lead, and push forward aggressively by pursuing a carbon-neutral or zero emissions bus fleet. This motion lays the groundwork to do that, as our region grows and the demands on our transit system increase.”

March 29, 2016
Future of transit focus of joint committee meeting
“Our transit division is an extraordinary tool to enhance mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In developing the carbon-neutral transit motion with Councilmember O’Brien, it is our hope to lead the nation toward a carbon neutral transit system as expeditiously as possible.”

March 28, 2016
Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski responds to today’s State of the County Address
“I look forward to working with him to advance this essential work.”

March 28, 2016
Council leadership responds to State of the County Address
“Executive Constantine laid out a compelling case to build the transportation infrastructure we need to support the vibrant growth coming to Puget Sound in the coming decades.” 

March 21, 2016
County Council acts to enhance transit system safety
“I called for this legislation as recent assaults on Metro buses have made it clear to me that more can be done to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers. I believe a review of safety and security measures on our buses will provide Metro an opportunity to use all the tools available to make Metro the safest transit agency in the nation.”

March 21, 2016
King County residents receive MLK Medal of Distinguished Service
“Margaret Walkky and Steve Bearden embody the spirit of service that King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., worked to instill in our nation. Since 1999, they have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of homeless individuals in our region. With the mission to cook the very best and most delicious meals for those most in need, they have not only nourished the lives of our most venerable neighbors, but they have no doubt inspired countless others to serve as well. For their service, I am honored to present them the inaugural MLK Medal of Distinguished Service”

March 21, 2016
“Retiring” County employees prepare for new careers
“It is very rewarding to be given the opportunity to support such wonderful organizations, and to know that the vans are going to be put to good use serving our community.”
 
March 9, 2016
Council Committee presents timeline for reviewing updates to King County land use policies
“I look forward to working with my colleagues and hearing from the public as we begin review the Executive’s proposed 2016 comprehensive plan update over the coming months. We intend to hold a thoughtful and open process for all members of the community to learn more about and comment on the proposal.”

March 7, 2016
Celebrating their strength: King County proclaims March “Women’s History Month”
“I am proud to provide leadership on these issues at the County, including fighting for a nation-leading paid parental leave program, sponsoring the King County Women’s Advisory Board’s recommendations for improving wage equity and promoting a family-friendly workplace, and sponsoring the 100% Talent gender equity initiative for King County.”

February 16, 2016
County Council recognizes history and contributions of African-Americans
“As policymakers who work to improve the lives of everyone in our community, I believe we must know the history of every community that together forms the strong and vibrant fabric of America. Black History Month helps us all learn America's history.”

February 10, 2016
King County Partners with Forterra, Bothell Residents to Preserve Wayne Golf Course
“Following news of a proposed development for the site early January of last year, I began meeting and working with local residents to protect this special land from developers. King County has prioritized protection of the land since the early 1990’s and I felt strongly that we should finish the vision to protect all of the property, including its more than 4,500 feet of shoreline along the Sammamish River.”

January 25, 2016
Council approves members of King County Children and Youth Advisory Board
“I am thrilled to see this recommendation from King County’s Youth Action Plan for reforming governance of our kids programs come to life. We are lucky to have such talented and accomplished board members to help steer us toward our goals. Today’s confirmation vote marks an important milestone in our re-invigorated efforts to improve the lives of kids throughout King County.”  

January 19, 2016
McDermott, Dembowski and Dunn to lead County Council in 2016
“I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to serve as Vice-Chair of the Council.”