King County Local

Jeff Wilson has helped address complicated infrastructure problems across the globe – Italy, Kazakhstan, even the Deepwater Horizon MC252 Oil Spill.

But the puzzle he’ll work to solve for King County Local Services sits here in his backyard.

The Program Manager and Fall City resident’s main goal is to help deliver a shared septic system to the unincorporated area near Snoqualmie, which business owners have requested for decades and say could unlock the potential of the area’s aging commercial buildings.

Continue reading Program Manager brings international experience in environmental infrastructure, marine project management to help develop shared septic system in Fall City

As a Skyway resident for nearly 25 years, Malcolm Lee sees the obvious: the diverse and vibrant community lacks a community center.

That’s why he’s so excited about his new role as Project Manager with Local Services. Malcolm’s objective is to leverage his experience as a resident and coordinating high-profile projects, along with a passion for uplifting culturally diverse communities, to help deliver a center to the urban unincorporated area south of Seattle.

Continue reading New Project Manager aims to deliver much-requested community center to Skyway

Wow, the Community Investment Budget Committee has been busy.

The group recently reached a milestone after months of meeting online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members had to build trust, create structure, establish values, and immerse themselves in King County’s Equity and Social Justice strategies.

Continue reading Community Investment Budget Committee creates framework for participatory budgeting process, divides funds among five urban unincorporated areas

Vashon Island residents: Do you need a simple, convenient way to get to where you need to go? If so, consider making the Vashon-Maury Community Van part of your daily routine.

The Vashon Community Van gives residents a way to reach any part of the island without taking their cars. The reservation-based rideshare program – which has been available on the island nearly four years – was developed to provide alternative travel options and help fill transportation gaps.

Continue reading Vashon’s Community Van service ready to connect island’s residents to the places they need to reach

Attn: Groups in unincorporated King County that are trying to bring together the community.

You can apply for grant money to help your event become reality, via the Alan M. Painter Grant Program.

The grants—formerly known as Community Service Area grants—fund community projects that allow residents of the unincorporated areas to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities.

Continue reading Community project organizers in unincorporated King County can now apply for 2022 “Alan M. Painter Grant Program”

It’s fitting that the grant program Alan Painter was so passionate about now bears his name.

Earlier this year, the King County Council approved renaming the Community Service Area Grant Program officially to the “Alan M. Painter Grant Program” as a tribute to his passion for the community.

Continue reading Community Service Area Grant Program now honors Alan Painter, former program manager and community proponent

By Jamie Holter

One of the highlights of summer 2021 was the restart of the King County Road Services Summer Internship Program that was put on hold in 2012 due to the economic downturn. This year, we welcomed six local undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in Engineering and Public Administration into our paid internship program.

Continue reading Thank you to our fantastic group of King County Road Services Summer 2021 Interns

A half-mile section of 107^th Avenue SW will display the honorary road name designation of “Mukai Way.” It pays tribute to the Mukai Family and the Japanese American immigrant community’s contributions to the island in the 20^th century.

On Aug. 17, the King County Council unanimously approved the designation. It also directed the Road Services Division to place signage recognizing the section of road, which is located off SW Bank Road. It’s also where the historic Mukai Farm & Garden property is located.

Local Services is planning a public ceremony to celebrate the designation.

Continue reading Vashon Island road will honor Mukai family

Thank you! Over 700 people completed the survey between March and April 2021! 

King County is acting on your input to develop new programs to increase access to mental health and substance use services in rural communities. We will convene community sessions this fall to share what we learned. New services and programs will launch in 2022. Stay tuned to the Department of Local Services newsletter for updates.

When we asked for your feedback, we promised to share a summary of what we heard. Here’s what you, your neighbors and your community had to say about wellness in your area.

Continue reading Update: King County Behavioral Health Rural Needs Survey