Welcome to Community News! You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at the
UA News website. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the
archives.
Engage with King County
How would you prioritize King County's environmental goals?
King County wants to hear from you and what you think our environmental priorities should be. Take a quick survey to help us shape our vision for a greener King County.
Take part in improving your community
Last call to get your applications in for a
2015 Community Service Area (CSA) Grant
that could be worth up to $5,000. The deadline for applications from unincorporated area residents for projects in their community is Dec. 8, and awards will be announced in March.
News
King County Council approves first-ever biennial budget
The King County Council approved the
2015-16 county budget
on Nov. 17. The adopted budget includes the following new items of interest to residents of unincorporated King County:
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Creation of a Domestic Violence unit in the King County Sheriff’s office including two detectives and a community service officer;
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Additional funding to support County roads;
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Collaborative funding to maintain community health centers in Federal Way, Auburn, White Center for the next two years and Northshore for another year;
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Maintenance of current levels of transit services, including increased funding for transit’s alternative services delivery program;
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Maintaining resources to work on land-use abatement cases; and
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Additional funding for noxious weed control.
These initiatives are in addition to items already supported in the 2015-16 budget including:
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No increase in fees for solid waste or surface water management;
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Maintaining current numbers of Sheriff’s deputies and sergeants, and continued support for Sheriff’s storefront offices in West Hill, North Highline and Maple Valley;
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Investments in upgraded play structures at Five Mile Lake, Maplewood, Lakewood and Skyway parks;
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The Department of Permitting and Environmental Review will provide strategic plan update support for Skyway, Vashon Island and other local subareas;
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Community-building grant opportunities will continue to be offered by the Unincorporated Community Service Area Program.
Renewed effort to get everyone in King County insured, as second season is underway
The next open enrollment period to renew or sign up for low-cost private insurance began Nov. 15 and ends Feb. 15. For more information, visit the
website. You may be eligible for free health insurance, depending on your income. If you qualify for Washington Apple Health (also called Medicaid), enrollment is open all year and you can
sign up any time.
Local Food Economy Initiative
The Kitchen Cabinet, Executive Constantine’s advisory panel for his Local Food Economy Initiative, has released draft targets, strategies, and action items. The panel’s final report is expected early in 2015; read the draft documents on the
website.
Environmental health fees at farmers markets
King County’s food safety inspection program
has been effective in reducing food safety violations. A recent review found that the
cost of providing inspections, supported by fees from farmers market vendors, is actually higher than current fees, so an increase is being considered. Produce sellers are typically exempt from permits, but market coordinators and food stalls that sell ready-to-eat foods require them. The King County Council has directed Public Health to find ways to reduce the impact of fee increases, and the agency is working with the community and stakeholders to find solutions for keeping fees lower.
Metro to deliver more customized alternatives to bus service to meet local transit needs
The County’s new 2015-16 budget provides Metro Transit with greater flexibility to meet the specific transit needs of local communities. The budget includes additional funding to expand cost-effective alternatives, such as shuttles, rideshares, community vans and bicycles. For more information, visit the
website.
Be prepared for winter weather
This winter will again bring challenges for transportation in unincorporated King County. If there is a region-wide snow and ice storm, the County will only be able to plow half as many roads as it has in the past, so there is a greater change you could become snowbound or disconnected from the road network. Learn more about snow routes, preparedness and alerts on the
website.
The Wastemobile
While the roving service that goes from city to city to collect hazardous waste has stopped for the winter, year-round disposal services are available
at these locations
for households and
some small businesses
in King County.
Free Fair Housing Workshop
On Dec. 3, transitional and shelter housing management and social services staff are welcome to attend a Fair Housing 101 session from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in room 123 of the Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle. For details and directions, visit the workshop
website. Extensive free fair housing materials included. Please pre-register by
emailing
or calling 206-263-2446.
Community organizations receive grant awards
Two community organizations serving residents of urban unincorporated areas recently received grant funding through the Seattle Foundation and King County’s Communities of Opportunity to support local initiatives. Skyway Solutions and the White Center Community Development Association were two of 11 awards granted. For more information, visit the
website.
Environmental career opportunities at King County
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is a leading public agency that protects and preserves King County’s quality of life. If you want to make a difference in this region’s environmental quality, consider joining the DNRP team! There are many career opportunities to explore, visit the
King County Jobs website
for current openings.
Moved? Update your address at Elections
Now is a good time to
update your address, so you’ll receive a ballot for the next election. It’s easy to do online, or you can print and mail a paper form if you prefer.
Community Service Area news
Bear Creek/Sammamish Area
Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For more information visit
the
Upper Bear Creek Community Council website.
Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain Area
Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Dec. 22, 6:30 - 8 p.m., at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 12819 160th Ave. SE, in Renton. For more information, visit the
website.
Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Dec. 17, 7 - 9 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton. Visit the
Four Creeks UAC website
for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area
Ravensdale Park ballfield complex soon to be complete
Phase II of the Ravensdale Park ballfield complex is well underway. The
Ravensdale Park Foundation
is leveraging the funds they raised from the
King County Parks Community Partnerships and Grants
program, the State of Washington, and the City of Maple Valley to install two new multi-use synthetic turf fields and related infrastructure that will accommodate lacrosse, baseball, soccer, and football. The project is expected to be complete in January 2015.
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Dec. 1 & Jan. 5, 7 - 9:30 p.m., at the Fire Station, 231st St and SR-169 in Maple Valley. Check
the
Greater Maple Valley UAC website
for details.
This item submitted by the
GMVUAC.
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GMVUAC Operating Model Train Show
The area council’s annual Operating Model Train Show took place in mid-October at the Gracie Hansen Community Center in Ravensdale. The show was enjoyed by close to 700 visitors from all corners of the county and was a success for the local community.
Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Area
Fall City Community Association meeting
Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Fall City Fire Station, 33415 SE 42nd Place in Fall City. For more information visit the
Fall City Community Association website.
Southeast King County Area
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
For more information, visit us on
Facebook
and follow us on
Twitter.
Vashon/Maury Island Area
New picnic shelter at Maury Island Marine Park
Through the King County Parks Community Partnerships and Grants program, the Vashon Forest Stewards are in the process of installing a new picnic shelter at
Maury Island Marine Park.
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council General meeting
Dec. 15, 7 p.m., McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon. For more information, visit the
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council website.
West King County Area
Alajawan’ Hands Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 27 at noon, at the Skyway VFW, 7421 So. 126th St. in Seattle.
A free Thanksgiving dinner provided by community stakeholders in West Hill. Open to the public. Contact Ayanna Brown at
ayannabrown@alajawanshands.com.
Toys for Kids Run
Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m., Skyway VFW, 7421 So. 126th St. in Seattle.
A toy drive sponsored by the ADG Motorcycle Club and the Skyway VFW. To donate new unwrapped toys contact the Skyway VFW 206-772-9982.
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Dec. 4, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle. Monthly community meeting open to the public. Meet Deputy Julian Chivington, the new Store Front Deputy. Deputy Joe Winters will talk about the south end park patrol. CSA staff Bong Sto. Domingo will give a year-end report on the trash, graffiti and other activities of the White Center storefront. Check the
North Highline UAC website
for details.
Skyway Solutions
Community Celebration and Potluck
Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Secondary Learning Center, 7800 S 132nd St. in Seattle. Open to the public. Contact Michael Majeed 206-277-5547 or check the
website
for details.
Skyway Solutions Steering Committee meeting
Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Skyway Fire District Training Center, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle. Skyway Solutions is a committee of residents working with County staff to develop a proposed community plan. Open to the public. Check the
website
for details, or like
Skyway Solutions on Facebook.
West Hill Community Association Board meeting
Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Skyway Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle. Check the
West Hill Community Association website
or
Facebook
for details.
West Hill Business Association
Dec. 14, 9 a.m., Skyway VFW, 7421 So. 126th St. in Seattle. Open to the public. Monthly meeting of business and community members. Contact
Stephanie Rice.
If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact
Alan Painter
or call 206-477-4521.
