Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the archives.

Engage with King County

Calendar

Jan. 14
King County's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration

Jan. 21
Board of Health meeting

Jan. 25 & 28
Large wood public meetings

Feb. 9
Special Election

Input requested on ‘rural economic indicators’

Continuing its support of the rural economy, King County is developing a system to monitor the different sectors of the rural economy. Over the next few months, the county will be seeking input from citizens and from members of the rural Unincorporated Area Councils and Agriculture and Rural Forestry Commissions on development of rural economic indicators. For more information, contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator, at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.

Pet business regulations

Regulations governing pet-related businesses are being discussed and voted on at the next Board of Health meeting, Jan. 21, in Room 1001 on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave. in Seattle. Public comment is always welcome. Find the meeting agenda and more details on the Web site.

King County sets public meetings to gather input on proposed rule for wood placement in rivers

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks wants public input on a draft rule related to recreational safety and placing large wood in rivers for fish and wildlife and stream bank stabilization projects. Two public hearings are set: Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. – noon at the King County Library Service Center in Issaquah, and Jan. 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Mercer View Community Center on Mercer Island, where the public can learn more about the proposed rule and provide comments.

King County’s 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration

Join us Jan. 14 at noon at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle for this free public event. The keynote speech will be delivered by civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. There will be a special musical performance by Dr. Quinton Morris.

News

New hours at solid waste transfer stations

As a cost-saving measure, King County has changed the operating hours at five of its eight solid waste transfer stations in response to a continued decline in garbage volumes. Since 2007, the Solid Waste Division has seen a decrease of approximately 15 percent in the amount of waste brought to its transfer facilities, along with a corresponding decrease in revenue that operates the entire system. For more information, including solid waste transfer station hours, visit the Web site.

King County Housing Repair Program

Do you need a new roof, electrical or other repairs to your home this year? If you are a low- to moderate-income King County homeowner, the King County Housing Repair Program may be able to help! We offer no-interest loans with no monthly payments for repairs and disability modifications. To find out more call 206-263-9095 or visit the Web site.

H1N1 vaccine update

The best way to protect yourself from H1N1 influenza is with a vaccine that is now widely available in King County. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy or visit the Web site

Roads and Transit better prepared for winter response

The record snow and flooding of late 2008 and early 2009 snarled transportation in King County. The lessons learned from those events have prompted both Metro Transit and the King County Road Services Division to respond with better communication tools and more equipment to keep the region moving. For more information about what is new this winter, watch a video report.

License your pet

There is no time like the present to license your pet. It's easy and gives your pet an inexpensive insurance policy for their safety and protection. Plus, it's the law and licensing fees support animal care and control in King County. Visit the Web site for more information.

Reminder: Keep development plans and permits displayed onsite

Undergoing a building or land-use development project in 2010? Please make sure that all permits and final approved plans for both building and land-use permits are displayed prominently onsite. Maintaining these records onsite is the responsibility of the applicant and/or contractor. For more information, visit the
DDES Web site.

Vote by mail

King County votes entirely by mail – make sure you’re ready to vote this year by confirming that your registration information is up-to-date on the Elections Web site.

News and updates for property owners and permit customers

DDES publishes four newsletters each year, featuring the newest customer service initiatives, updates on permit procedures, notifications on DDES workshops and code updates. To read the latest edition, see the DDES Web site or pick up a copy at the DDES Permit Center.

Community news

Greater Maple Valley

Citizens' Advisory Survey

Results of the bi-annual Citizens’ Advisory Survey have been tabulated. Among other results, voters prioritized six key King County-supplied services: 1. Public safety (law enforcement); 2. Transportation (roads, transit); 3. Public health (emergency services, mental health); 4. Flood control and emergency management; 5. Parks and open space; and 6. Social services (affordable housing, senior services). Detailed results, which will be provided to King County officials, can be found on Greater Maple Valley Area Council’s Citizens’ Survey page after Jan. 11. Past survey results also are available.

North Highline

Puget Sound Park

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Burien Mayor Joan McGilton have announced an agreement for the county to transfer ownership of Puget Sound Park to the city. Voters in the southern portion of the North Highline Potential Annexation Area approved their annexation by Burien in August 2009. Under the annexation process, Burien would receive six parks from the county. The proposed interlocal agreement must be approved by both the Burien City Council and the King County Council.

If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.