E-mail news from Larry Phillips, Metropolitan King County Council

Hot topics

Eat Local for Thanksgiving! Puget Sound Fresh is raising awareness about the environmental, community, and health benefits of eating local produce.

King County faces an unprecedented $90 million shortfall in its 2009 budget. The King County Council is hosting a series of public meetings to learn about citizens' budget priorities.

What’s happening in King County

Comprehensive Plan Update Helps Farmers, Environment

The King County Council adopted updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan that include expanding opportunities for farmers to sell what they produce, more flexibility in the use of innovative development tools, and an aggressive schedule to reduce greenhouse gases. Read more.

Council Releases Dedicated Funds to Break the Cycle of Mental Illness and Chemical Dependency

The King County Council took a major step to break the cycle of mental illness and chemical dependency, protect the public and save lives by releasing an estimated $50 million a year in sales tax revenues that can only be used for mental health and chemical dependency services. Read more.

12 Things King County Can Do Now to Narrow Budget Shortfall

With what is now projected to be a $90 million shortfall in the general fund for 2009, the King County Council's budget leadership team called on the County Executive to take immediate steps to cut non-essential expenses in order to narrow the budget gap. We offered the Executive a list of 12 areas to find savings. Read more.

Council Approves Increased Bus Service During Viaduct Construction

The King County Council approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation that will provide up to $32 million for increased bus and other services during construction to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. The bus service will be primarily directed to the Ballard, Aurora, and West Seattle neighborhoods. Read more.

Phillips Promotes Light Rail Safety in Rainier Valley

I attended the Rainier Valley Safety Street Fair on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue (MLK) to encourage citizens to "stay safe and sound around light rail." MLK was recently reconfigured to accommodate light rail trains, and light rail testing is now underway. Learn more about light rail safety.

Food Lifeline Presents Councilmember Phillips with Special Recognition Award

In recognition of my support for Food Lifeline and their mission of feeding hungry families in Western Washington, Food Lifeline presented me with a Special Recognition Award at the 10th Anniversary Bag Hunger Luncheon. Read More. Learn more about Food Lifeline.

In the community

	I take a test ride on a Central Link light rail train with Senator Patty Murray, Mayor Greg Nickels, and others. The line will open in 2009.
	Travis Commodore, Ed Prince, and I attend the Seattle Works Seattle Swank fundraiser.
	I learn about issues facing the Broadway business district on a tour with the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.