Fall 2016

Dear Friends,

It's fall and we are all back to "normal" schedules! King County switched to a biennial budget 2 years ago and it is now budget season again for the 2017-2018 budget. I've included information about two budget hearings that will be held on October 13 and October 18. Please come and let us know your thoughts on our budget process and spending priorities.

I've also included information on how to apply for a Community Services Area grant if you live in the unincorporated areas of King County.

It's always a pleasure working for you - District 3.

Kathy Lambert

The Council recently recognized Diaper Need Awareness Week. We were honored to have the Executive Directors of both Eastside Baby Corner and Westside Baby attend this recognition. The need is great and they are doing so much. They donated almost 2 million diapers last year.

In this Issue:

      1. Budget hearings
      2. CSA grants
      3. Veterans and Human Services Levy renewal community meetings
      4. Great Washington Shakeout
      5. King County alerts

1. King County budget hearingss

This is your opportunity to come and talk about what services you would like from your local and regional government! You are invited to attend a public hearing on the proposed King County biennial budget. There are 2 remaining public meetings where you can offer feedback. If you cannot attend any of these meetings, please feel free to send me your comments at kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov

Thursday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Redmond City Hall
15670 NE 85th Street
Redmond, WA 98052

Tuesday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center, Courtroom 3F
401 Fourth Avenue North
Kent, WA 98032

2. Community Service Area (CSA) grant application period is now open

The 2017 funding application opportunity for community organizations (including homeowner associations) in unincorporated King County has begun. Once again, $60,000 will be available to organizations throughout unincorporated King County to support local community building initiatives. Local organizations will have a couple of months to identify potential projects and apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support local initiatives through King County's CSA Program.

In the last five years, 160 projects have been funded throughout unincorporated King County, including:

• Support for local senior centers and food banks;
• Investments in local tool libraries;
• Neighborhood cleanup initiatives;
• Community signage;
• Youth projects;
• Music and Movie nights in local parks; and
• National Night Out events.

Information about the 2017 application process, and a list of the 2016 and previous year awardees is available online, or by contacting Marissa Alegria, 206-477-4523.

3. Veterans and Human Services Levy renewal community meetings

There are 2 meetings coming up on the Eastside to talk about the renewal of this important levy. You can sign-up using the links below. Come and learn about the renewal and to express your thoughts about the services provided.

• Redmond Senior Center on October 20th (6:30 to 8:30 PM): www.redmondvhsl.eventbrite.com
• Issaquah (Blakely Hall Community Center) on October 25th (1:30 to 3:30 PM): www.issaquahvhsl.eventbrite.com

4. Great Washington ShakeOut

Are you ready for an earthquake? Plan now to join King County Emergency Management and their partners around the state for the Great Washington ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 20. At 10:20 a.m., or another time that is convenient for you, practice what you would do in an earthquake: DROP to the ground, take COVER under a desk or other sturdy furniture, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. For more earthquake preparedness tips, visit www.shakeout.org/washington.

5. Winter is coming – get alerts from King County

As the days get shorter, we know winter will soon be here. Get ready for storm season now by signing up for notifications from ALERT King County. This free service helps you stay informed about potential hazards and threats that impact your area. Sign up today at www.kingcounty.gov/alert.

Now is a good time to prepare your home, car and family for emergency situations. Even one product or food item a week in storage helps bring you closer to being prepared and self-sufficient in an emergency. Here's a great website with tips on getting prepared: www.ready.gov

It was great to see so many of you at the Summer Parades held across our district. This photo was taken in North Bend.