Unincorporated Area Community News
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
King County seeks applicants for Rural Forest Commission positions
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is looking for volunteers to serve on the Rural Forest Commission and advise the King County Executive and County Council on matters pertaining to forestland and forestry. Created in 1997, the commission advises King County on policies and programs affecting rural forestry; works to identify strategies to conserve forestlands; and promotes the practice of forestry in rural areas.
Puget Sound is in trouble. You are the solution!
Stormwater is a significant pollution source in our nation’s waters and the most significant contributor to reduced water quality in Puget Sound. To learn more about stormwater, its impacts on the environment, how King County is addressing the issue, and how you can help minimize impacts on our local waters, please visit the Stormwater Management public involvement website.
News
State of the County
King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered the State of the County speech on Monday, February 28, as part of a special King County Council Committee of the Whole Meeting. The speech took place in Kent at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center to highlight that we are a truly regional government, with many city centers, and that we are One King County. King County TV (KCTV) has now posted the video online, and a transcript of the speech. For additional viewing opportunities, check the KCTV online schedule.
Safety upgrades to Snoqualmie Valley Trail require long-term closure in Carnation
Replacing the aging approaches to the Tolt River bridge on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail will improve public safety by increasing the currently restricted pedestrian capacity on the bridge and by allowing access to this stretch of trail by utility and emergency vehicles. The work will require a short stretch of the trail in Carnation to be closed.
It pays to be an informed voter!
Get ready for the April 26 Special Election. Visit King County Elections online to read about what is on the ballot and to update your registration. For information on the King Conservation District (KCD) election, visit the KCD website.
Free fair housing workshops scheduled
The King County Office of Civil Rights and other fair housing agencies will host two free fair housing trainings April 27, in downtown Seattle at the Jackson Federal Building. The Fair Housing Basics Workshop runs from 9 a.m. – noon, and the Advanced Fair Housing Seminar, featuring "Fair Housing Jeopardy" is from 1-3 p.m. Advance registration is required. Call 206-296-7592. For details and directions visit the website.
Don’t forget to license your pet
Cats and dogs are required to be licensed, even if they never go outside. King County is now issuing permanent, stainless steel pet license tags that are intended to last a lifetime. For more information or to apply for a license online visit the website.
10-year vision for Metro services, investments
King County Executive Dow Constantine has unveiled a proposal that will guide Metro Transit services, products and investments over the next decade. Learn more about the Strategic Plan for Public Transportation online.
Big Novelty Hill Road project may start later this month
King County is beginning a two-year project to make improvements east of Redmond on Northeast Novelty Hill Road, 195th/196th Avenue Northeast, and Northeast Union Hill Road. Work could begin in late March or early April.
King County launches annual roadside weed control program
The King County Road Services Division is scheduled to begin its roadside weed control program in unincorporated areas of the county and in the City of Burien beginning April 4.
‘Like’ King County Parks on Facebook
Keep up with what’s happening at King County Parks on Facebook.
King County Parks second-annual Big Backyard 5K, presented by Group Health
Come run, or walk, your big backyard off at the 2011 Big Backyard 5K on Sunday, May 22 at Marymoor Park. Register in March and get a free water bottle! For more information and to register, visit the event website.
Community news
Four Creeks/May Valley
Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting
March 16, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton
Greater Maple Valley
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
The GMVUAC Growth Management Committee Chair testified before the Growth Management Planning Council to inform its 2011 update of the countywide planning policies. Impacts to rural communities when urban facilities such as schools, stormwater facilities or sewers are located in the rural area strictly to serve adjacent urban development were detailed. Additional comments were provided on transportation impacts, especially related to transportation concurrency testing. Some state highways are exempt from transportation concurrency testing and completion of transportation projects to serve development need only be identified on a six year funding plan.
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings
March 7 & April 4, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley
North Highline
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
April 7, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle
Upper Bear Creek
Upper Bear Creek Community Council meeting
March 22, 7:30 p.m., Woodinville Water District Office, 17238 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd. in Woodinville
Vashon
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meetings
March 7, March 21 & April 4, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.
West Hill
West Hill Community Council Board meetings
March 9 & April 13, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle
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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.