Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on the statewide mandate to wear facial coverings, the King County Council’s latest COVID-19 emergency funding response, a payment plan for King County property taxes, additional free COVID-19 testing sites in King County, and more.

Washington Trivia

Where is the “graveyard” of the Pacific? (Answer at the bottom).



Facial Coverings Mandatory Statewide Effective Friday, June 26th

Governor Jay Inslee has announced a statewide mandate requiring facial coverings when in public effective this Friday, June 26th. Cases have been on the rise in Washington and wearing masks will save lives. The statewide order does include exemptions for children under 5 and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. You can read detailed coverage in the Seattle Times to learn more.

Council Approves Third Round of Emergency Funding

The King County Council has approved a third round of emergency funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. $86.2 million in funding has been provided for a variety of programs, headlined by a $27.2 million appropriation for food security, rental assistance, & homeless services. You can find out more here.



Council Approves Payment Plan for King County Property Taxes

The King County Council has unanimously approved a new form of property tax relief, which includes implementing a payment plan for 2020 property taxes. You can learn more about the program at this link.



KCLS Opens Book Returns and Launches Curbside to Go in Select Locations

The King County Library System (KCLS) is pleased to add two new services to select locations during the COVID-19 closures, including book returns and curbside to go. Book returns starts on Tuesday, June 23rd and Curbside to Go starts on Wednesday, July 1st. Visit www.kcls.org/reopening for more information on KCLS’ multiphase plan to expand services or call 425.462.9600 for questions.

Locations: Auburn; Bellevue; Bothell; Burien; Covington; Enumclaw; Fairwood; Federal Way; Kent; Kirkland; Mercer Island; North Bend; Renton Highlands; Sammamish; Shoreline; and Vashon. The Skykomish Library will follow on July 2—its book return will be open during the same hours as the other locations, while Curbside to Go will only be offered on Thursdays, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Last Call to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan

There is one week left for small businesses, nonprofits, independent contractors and other eligible borrowers to access a forgivable loan through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). More than $128 billion in PPP funds are still available. Applications must be submitted by the business and approved by a lender by the June 30th deadline to be eligible. Additional information about the PPP – including how to find a PPP lender, application forms, and the new simplified forgiveness and EZ forgiveness applications are available here.

The new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act offers more flexibility and longer timelines to maximize loan forgiveness, along with reductions to the minimum required use of proceeds for payroll costs.

Free-Open Access COVID-19 Testing Sites

There are several no-cost testing sites in King County that are open to anyone who cannot access COVID-19 testing through their regular health care provider. Most of these sites are nonprofit community health centers. Language interpretation services are available at most locations at no cost. For more information please call the King County COVID-19 Call Center (open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 7 PM), at 206-477-3977.

Deadline June 30: Transit Advisory Commission seeks new members

Metro’s Transit Advisory Commission is looking for new members. The group advises the King County Council and Executive on transit policy and helps shape our transportation services. Membership reflects the diverse communities we serve. Interested? Learn more and apply online at www.kingcounty.gov/TAC.



Emerald Downs Launches 2020 Season

Live racing returns as Emerald Downs begins its 25th season with a 10-race program today, June 24th. Racing will be conducted with no fans or spectators at this time. The season will be 44 races instead of 63, and many races will be held Wednesdays and Thursdays instead of the weekend. Read more at the Seattle Times feature here or visit Emerald Downs’ website.

Bellevue Chamber Webinar

Although I am not a member of the Bellevue Chamber, I respect their leadership and have appreciated the webinars they have been hosting over the course of the pandemic. On June 26th at 8:00 a.m., they will be hosting a webcast on “The Future of Work and Education”. If you are interested in the program, you can learn more about it and register here.

King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 133 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 9,502. In addition, Public Health reported -1 death, bringing the total in the county to 584. (Note: The negative one is an adjustment for a death previously attributed as a COVID death in King County.)

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answer: The mouth of the Columbia River is considered the graveyard of the Pacific. Even in modern times, an average of 5 to 6 boats sink a year.