February 2014

In this newsletter:
1. State of the County and policy issues
2. DPER extended hours
3. Be prepared
4. New Rural Ombudsman
5. Earth Heroes
6. Big Backyard 5K
6. Youth sports facilities grants

Dear District 3 friend,

I trust that 2014 has been a good year thus far for each of you and your friends and families.

As always, this edition of my e-newsletter is filled with information about District 3 and County Happenings.

Two items are especially important to all residents of District 3. The first is that DPER is extending their hours – which is good news. The second is that we've hired a new Rural Ombudsman, Elizabeth Hill. She's an amazing lady who will do an awesome job advocating rural issues. Many of you may know her from her years in Duvall. I am so pleased to have her talents now working for King County. Her contact information is enclosed.

It is a pleasure to serve you and all the residents of Council District 3.

Best wishes,

Kathy Lambert

1. State of the County and policy issues

I am working with our State Legislators in Olympia to see that the county is properly funded for our many roles which include public safety, legal compliance and protecting our land.

County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his State of the County address recently. You can view it here: http://is.gd/StateoftheCounty2014

He highlighted several important accomplishments of the last four years:

• Reformed government
• Maintained the highest government credit rating
• Saved millions through county healthy incentive health care reforms
• Rebuilt infrastructure – Howard Hansen Dam, South Park Bridge, County computer and phone systems
• Protected forests and farmlands

He also laid out his vision for the future which includes ongoing work so that King County continues to be a great place to live with opportunity for all citizens and having the best-run county government in the country. Our county government has won several awards at the National Association of Counties for our innovations.

2. DPER extended hours

The Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER) has extended its customer service hours as of Monday, Feb. 3, 2014:

New hours:
7:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Closed to the public Wednesdays.

Benefits of customer service hours change:

• Open 4 more hours a week for customers
• Offers all services all day for customers. Every day except Wednesday, customers will receive free technical assistance from the staff for the entire day. The new schedule offers customers more options; it's less confusing and more consistent.
• Creates time to manage future online permitting projects.
• Inspections will continue to be performed every day.

3. Resolve to be better prepared in 2014

Check out FEMA's Are You Ready? Guide. This interactive course provides information on specific hazards, including steps to not only be reactive, but proactive in response to them. The guide also teaches you about evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disasters and more. Contact the King County Office Emergency Management for additional resources.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare.aspx

4. New Rural Ombudsman

The Rural Ombudsman's office works to resolve land-use and other issues affecting citizens and property owners in the rural and unincorporated areas in response to citizen complaints about the operation of county government. Contact the new Rural Ombudsman, Elizabeth Hill at elizabeth.hill@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1058.

I know her to be a fair and caring person and she will help work for positive solutions.

5. Nominations sought for King County's Earth Heroes at School awards program

King County wants to honor the very best students, teachers, staff, school volunteers, programs and even entire schools that contribute to student environmental education and environmental protection, through the County's Earth Heroes at School awards program. Nominations are due March 10, and winners will be honored at an event this spring. Earth Heroes can be nominated by colleagues, classmates and the public. Learn more and contact information

6. Big Backyard 5K – registration now open

Register here for the fifth-annual Big Backyard 5K presented by Group Health in support of King County Parks. The race is Sunday, June 1 at King County's Marymoor Park.

7. King County seeks applications for Youth Sports Facilities grants

King County's Youth Sports Facilities Grant (YSFG) Program has helped build or renovate hundreds of public sports amenities at minimal taxpayer expense. Applications for King County YSFG Program grants will be accepted until June 20, with letters of intent due May 2. For more information, and an application packet, visit the website.