Dear Neighbor:

Happy New Year! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday season.  2011 was a challenging year in King County, but I am seeing some hopeful signs in the regional economy for 2012. As for me, my three goals remain: jobs...jobs...jobs!!!
           
The public and private sectors must work together to reduce unnecessary regulations and impediments to new job-producing businesses from moving to our area, and to help cut the red tape that strangles existing small businesses (which produce the majority of NEW jobs).  I want to double down our efforts for new jobs in 2012 and enhance residential real estate values in our region.

The growing population continues to present challenges to our county’s infrastructure.  There are two specific issues to look for in 2012: first, increasing transportation options for our King County residents; and second, working with local jurisdictions to address the problem of youth gang violence.

Every ten years, King County is responsible for moving county district lines to ensure each district is equal in population.  This process allows each citizen in this county to be represented fairly.  Just recently, the Redistricting Committee adopted its final plan that will take effect in 2012. 

The redistricting process is a reminder of how fast our area is growing, particularly in South King County.  Between 2000 and 2010, District 7 went from 192,000 residents to nearly 211,000 residents.  With lines being redrawn, over 214,000 people will fall in our district as King County approaches 2 million residents.  Included in this e-Newsletter, you will find details of which areas are affected by the new boundaries. 
           
Continuing to make District 7 a family-friendly community means preserving jobs that provide family-sustaining wages. Preserving the current jobs in our community is just the beginning. We must also provide an environment that attracts new businesses to create new jobs that will sustain our children’s futures. My New Year’s resolution is to encourage development of more new jobs for King county and enhance international trade.

Though times are difficult, I am optimistic about the year ahead.  I will continue working with my constituents to improve the way we provide services.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at (206) 296-1007 or email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov if you have a question, comment, or concern. Also, please visit my Facebook Fan page.

With Best Wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember

Features + Resources

County Redistricting

King County District 7 entered the 2011 redistricting phase with the need to expand by 3,599 residents to meet the average Council district target population of 214,583. Bordering Council Districts 5 and 9 needed to shrink by 658 and 11,523 residents, respectively. The result is a border without major changes, but some notable adjustments to bring the current population to 214,735.

The most significant changes are to the northern border of District 7 and the portions of Kent that are included. The new boundary mostly follows 272nd/277th Street east to Covington, rather than spiking north to the east of I-5 as it did before. Therefore, District 7 drops four of the precincts in the 33rd Legislative District part of Kent and gains several precincts in the 47th Legislative District part of Kent.

The new district boundary no longer includes Covington and Black Diamond precincts, but borders Covington and Maple Valley on the south and Black Diamond on the west. The boundary continues south from Black Diamond directly to the Pierce County border, splitting two precincts with District 9 west of Enumclaw.

These changes should not significantly alter the division of South King County communities, but it will change direct representation for several of the unincorporated areas, particularly in the Stacy, Winterwood, Grass Lake, Darwood, Plains, Boise, and Newaukum neighborhoods.

If you have any questions or concerns about the changes that are being made, please email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov.

Features and Resources

Community Event Calendar

In the community:

Good Eggs Meeting with King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. Read more

South King County Transit Summit at Highline College. Read more

Duclos Retires After 16 Years of Leading the Multi-Service Center. Read more

Reappointment of Patrick Osby to the King County Civil Rights Commission

Fusion Donation to House the Homeless

Meeting  with Korean Consul General

Event Calendar