Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Fall has officially started and the Council is amidst a flurry of activity. Over the next several weeks, the Council will work on a set of amendments to the County’s two-year budget which Executive Constantine drafted and sent to us. The proposal includes essential funding for projects to support frontline communities in the fight against climate change as well as money to expand gun violence prevention programs.

After voters approved it in August, we are working out the logistics and the implementation plan for the next phase of Best Starts for Kids, to reach even more families across our county. This is a critical time to ensure our investments reflect our values and go to serve those who are most marginalized in our communities.

Jobs and Housing Program

I was thrilled to join Executive Constantine and the King County Department of Parks and Natural Resources on September 29 to celebrate the early success of the Jobs and Housing Program. The Council approved $36 million in May to support this effort that connects our neighbors experiencing homelessness to jobs and housing.

This program hosts events at emergency shelters to recruit participants for the King County Parks Beautification Crew. I was glad to support this funding because it is critical that we focus our financial recovery on helping those most harmed by COVID-19. Their work directly benefits residents of our district – the crew is working on our very own White Center Heights Park. Thank you to Kiro 7 for their coverage of this event.

Vaccine Guidance

Starting October 25, people attending recreational activities in most public places will be required to show proof they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This order, enacted by Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, applies to restaurants and bars, live music venues, movie theaters, gyms, collegiate and professional sports, and more. It is also a necessary step to ensure our public spaces are safer for everyone while our health care system is overburdened and the Delta variant spreads rapidly through our communities.

We also have updated information on booster shots. Those currently eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine received their second dose at least six months ago and:
• Live in long-term care settings or;
• Have underlying medical conditions or;
• Live or work in high-risk settings like first responders, teachers, food and agriculture workers, and more.

For those with further questions about vaccine guidance, I highly recommend the Public Health Insider Blog by Seattle and King County Public Health.

Redistricting Town Halls

Washington is deep in the process for drawing new districts after the 2020 Census – every district, from County Council to Congressional Districts, is up for changes. Our Council districts are starting to take shape and the King County Districting Committee wants to hear from you. They’ve organized a series of four Zoom town halls in the next month. Learn more on the King County District Committee’s website.

As always, I hope this information is useful for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do for District 8 residents.

Stay safe and healthy,

-Joe

Joe McDermott
King County Councilmember