March 2011

Dear Neighbor,

The month of March brings with it some exciting opportunities and changes for South King County residents! In this e-newsletter, I’ve outlined several ways for you to get involved with local government issues that impact you. You’ll also read about the County’s transition to a biennial budgeting system and learn about the changing face of South King County.

Sincerely,

Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember - District 5

Sound Transit Citizen Oversight Panel

King Conservation District Board

Lake to Sound Trail Open House

Council Transition to Biennial Budgeting

The Face of South King County Has Shifted!

King County Councilmember
Julia Patterson
www.kingcounty.gov/patterson
julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov

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Members Needed for Sound Transit Citizen Oversight Panel

Are you interested in getting more involved with public transportation and light rail issues? South King County voices are needed on Sound Transit’s Citizen Oversight Panel! This 15-member panel of citizen volunteers monitors and reports on Sound Transit performance and helps ensure the success of transit planning, investments and improvements through vigilance, continuous feedback, and constructive suggestions. If you or someone you know would like to apply, email kathy.albert@soundtransit.org as soon as possible. The application process will close soon.

Voting Ends March 15 for King Conservation District Board

The King Conservation District (King CD) is holding a public election for the Board of Supervisor position #2. This election features new, convenient and secure on-line voting. Voters may vote from their home, business or other computer locations around the County. The King CD’s mission is to promote the sustainable uses of natural resources through responsible stewardship. This is accomplished through several programs throughout King County including Farm Management Services, Fish & Wildlife Habitat Enhancements, Landowner Incentives programs and more. For more information about King CD visit www.kingcd.org.

Lake to Sound Trail Open House is March 16

Attend an open house to learn about recent progress on the Lake to Sound Trail, the 16-mile regional trail connecting five South King County cities between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. King County and the cities of SeaTac and Burien are now in the design process of a 1.45 mile segment of the trail along Des Moines Memorial Drive from S 156th Street. The open house will take place on Wednesday, March 16 at 5:00 pm at the Burien Community Center. I hope you will attend to learn more about the trail, meet the project team, and provide your input on the design process.

Council Adopts Schedule for Transition to Biennial Budgeting

On February 28, the Council adopted legislation I sponsored, which brings us one step closer to implementing the will of the voters by identifying the schedule of when County agencies will transition to a biennial budgeting process. Moving to a biennial budget, or a two-year budget, extends the planning period and is a useful way for County departments to further examine and define their budgets. It also allows the Executive and Council to improve program evaluation, enhance performance management and encapsulate cost-savings during the budget process.

The Face of South King County Has Shifted!

New census data released in recent weeks shows that minority and immigrant populations in South King County have grown significantly (pdf) over the past decade. In fact, the communities that have seen the highest increase include the cities of SeaTac, Renton, Kent and Tukwila, which encompasses the majority of my 5th Council District! The Census Bureau will continue to release data on a rolling basis throughout the month of March, but you can now preview census data being released for Washington State. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to learning more about what these changes mean for South King County.