News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes news about the Transit Town Hall with Sound Transit CEO Goran Sparrman, the King County Parks Grants, the Indian Independence Day Recognition, our upcoming FREE shredding event, the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey, King County Drug Court's 30th Anniversary, VSHSL funding opportunities, transit and travel updates, local events, and more.


Washington Trivia

These Washington athletes are competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Who are they?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Transit Town Hall with Sound Transit CEO Goran Sparrman

At this morning’s Transit Town Hall, South King County local community leaders, business owners, and residents had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman about Sound Transit’s ongoing and upcoming projects in South King County. Thank you, Goran, for your willingness to be a PARTNER, as well as a leader.



With South King County elected officials, Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, local community leaders, business owners and residents


King County Council Approves $5 Million in King County Parks Grants

Sixty-three projects throughout King County will receive a combined $5 million in King County Parks grant funding that will make it possible for more young people to stay healthy and connected, particularly in underserved communities.

Whether amateur or professional, sports bring people together. The opportunity to play and to engage in sports is something that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves. These grant programs provide the opportunity to improve the quality of life in our area by enhancing our parks and sports programs, and I am excited about the positive impact these programs will have in South King County. Read more here.




King County Council Recognizes India Day

What do India and Washington state have in common? A LOT! In the last recorded year, the total trade between our state and India was $1.3 billion! We also celebrate independence from the same country! And now, cricket, a sport that is booming in all regions of King County! Thanks to Indian Consul General Prakash Gupta for joining us in our recognition of India’s 78th National Independence Day!



With my King County Council colleagues and Indian Consul General Prakash Gupta


King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey

The King County Office of Emergency Management is updating its Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. There are 14 potential hazards identified in King County: avalanches, civil disturbances, cyber incidents, dam failures, earthquakes, floods, hazardous materials, health incidents, landslides, severe weather, terrorism, tsunamis, volcanoes, and wildfires. To make sure the hazards most concerning to you are properly addressed, please take a five-question survey.


King County Drug Court Celebrates 30 Years

King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) will hold an in-person 30th anniversary celebration on September 16 in the Presiding Courtroom of the King County Courthouse in Seattle to celebrate three decades of “Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities.” KCDDC graduates, current participants, current and prior judges, team members, service providers, and community leaders will be in attendance. Media and members of the community are welcome to attend. There will also be an option to watch via Zoom webinar. Click here for more information.


Transit Updates

ORCA Announces Limited-time Promotional Day Pass Fare

Beginning August 30, ORCA cardholders can take advantage of a new promotional day pass fare, offering significant savings for the next six months. For a limited time, the Adult ORCA Day Pass will be reduced from $8.00 to $6.00, while the reduced fare day pass (Seniors, ORCA LIFT for customers with lower incomes, and customers with disabilities) will drop from $4.00 to $2.00. To purchase an ORCA Day Pass, you will need to have a plastic ORCA card or digital ORCA card for Android users in Google Wallet. Adult ORCA cards cost $3.00 and ORCA LIFT and RRFP Senior and Disabled cards are free. Read more here.

Metro’s Fall Service Change

Beginning September 14, King County Metro will increase bus service, including on evenings and weekends. Metro’s new RapidRide G Line will serve Madison Valley, Capitol Hill, the Central District, First Hill and downtown Seattle. There will be additional bus connections to Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line northward extension to Lynnwood. Also, new Metro Flex on-demand service launches in the Northshore area. Click here for more information.

Sound Transit’s Fall Service Change

Changes to Sound Transit services started with the opening of the Link 1 Line extension to Lynnwood on August 30, followed by changes to ST Express service operated by Pierce Transit on September 1. Changes to ST Express routes operated by Community Transit, and the Link 2 Line will take effect on September 14, and Sounder N Line, on September 16. Click here for more information.

Alumni Corner

While our work is based on policies and programs, it is the people we work with who make the difference. Previously featured alumni included: Chris Cho, Tom Pierson, Bailey Stenson Gordon, Agnes Wooters, Jim Ferrell, Jackie Schneider, Megan Rage, Thomas Efrem, Jenny Faubion, Sue Park, Dani Cortez, Joey Schneider, Caroline Vadino, Brooks Meadowcroft, Nathan Angle, Max Hayes, Samantha Mills, Satchel Kolde, and Tyler Pichette.

This week’s featured District 7 alum is Greg Stock. Greg worked in my office in 2012 as a legislative aide. After working in my office, he got his real estate license and have been a broker for 11 years now.

“Pete was always so intentional with his words and truly cared about the people in his network. I always admired how real he was and it inspired me to be the same.”

In his free time, Greg likes to golf, snowboard, wake surf and travel. Asked about his long-term goals, he shared, “In a perfect world, I want to retire at 60 and get a condo in Maui!” Thank you, Greg!


VSHSL Funding Opportunities

Senior Health Promotion

The King County Department of Community and Human Services has funds available for programs that promote the health and well-being of seniors. The county will also fund one program or organization to provide technical support and consultation. Applications are due by 2 pm on Monday, September 9. Click here for more information or contact Virginia Weihs at vweihs@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3468.

Caregiver Connections and Support

Funding is also available for programs that support and connect caregivers by increasing their access to services, improving their skills, and understanding, and promoting their community connections and well-being. Applications are due by 2 pm on Tuesday, September 24. Click here for more information or contact Wendosen Gebremichael at wgebremi@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-5160.

July Travel Industry Update

In July, Seattle’s downtown hotel occupancy was at 86.7%, with 408,096 rooms sold and an average daily room rate (ADR) of $295, as well as a revenue of $120.5 million.

Downtown hotels saw 4.1% higher occupancy this July, compared to July 2023, and the Seattle market’s July occupancy rate ranked 4th among the top 25 reporting markets nationwide. They also broke a record on this front, selling more than 400,000 rooms for the first time since 2019, and by more than 8,000 rooms. Read more here.




Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federay Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance


MSC Helps Luncheon

Be inspired to create help, hope, and change in our community at the 11th Annual MSC Helps Luncheon on October 17, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center. Click here for more information.



Save The Date: September 14 Shredding Party




Local Services Contact Information

Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.

Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator. For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

While the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris concluded about a month ago, the 2024 Paralympic Games just began last week – the first time the city is hosting the Paralympics. With 11 athletes on the US Paralympic Team, Washington is one of the states with the most representation.

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