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Friends and Neighbors:
I can’t believe October is already coming to an end. The first days and weeks of November 2020 will be some of the most important in our local and national lives. That’s why it’s critical for us to engage in our democratic processes at every opportunity.
VOTE!
Our most basic democratic obligation to one another is to VOTE! Although it is too late to register to vote online, you can still register (and vote) in-person all the way through Election Day. King County Elections is operating a full voting center over at CenturyLink Field from October 31st - November 3rd where you can register, vote in person, or drop off your ballot. If Downtown Seattle is too far for you, there are also voting centers where you can register and vote in-person in Renton, Federal Way, Bellevue, Kent, Kenmore and at UW.
For full resources and information, including where to find your nearest ballot drop box, how to register in person, or to ensure that your ballot has been received, head on over to the King County Elections website!
Budget 2020
The King County Council is set to take a final vote on the 2021-2022 budget in mid-November. We’ve been hard at work ensuring that our priorities on community services, housing, participatory budgeting, criminal legal reform, digital equity and so much more are funded to meet the unprecedented crises we face in 2020 and beyond.
Every message and meeting from community has helped us organize around these priorities and there are still opportunities for you to make your voice heard! On Thursday November 12th from 9:30am-12:00pm and on Tuesday November 17th from 11:00am-12:30pm the Council will be hosting two major opportunities for open public comment related to the budget.
For full details on upcoming meetings including how to participate and view relevant documents, visit the King County Council’s website for our Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. Additionally, you can watch one of our most recent meetings that included a full presentation from King County Budget Director Dwight Dively by clicking here.
Skyway-West Hill Planning
I want to thank everyone who has participated in planning our community’s future by completing the community needs survey. Already the Department of Local Services has begun implementing your input and has now led to a second round of more specific community feedback. You can view the full overview of progress on the Skyway-West Hill Subarea Plan here or you can go directly to the new round of topic specific surveys at any of the links below:
• Healthy, Connected Neighborhood
• Smart, Sustainable Growth
• Thriving, Educated Youth and Community
• Economic Prosperity and Affordable Housing,
• Culture, Art & Innovation
Additionally, King County is working on a study of concrete actions we can take to develop and retain affordable housing in Skyway-West Hill and North Highline. You can learn more by visiting: www.publicinput.com/anti-displacement. This effort includes a workshop series, and we want you to get involved. The next workshops will be Saturday, November 7th; and Saturday, December 5th. Click here for more information.
Each of these opportunities, to vote, to make your voice heard on our budget, and to have your say on the future of our community, are all absolutely essential in ensuring our collective future is directed by the people. As always, please reach out to our office by emailing girmay.zahilay@kingcounty.gov so we can elevate your voice in these next critical weeks.
Connect with me on social media!
My team and I send email updates like the one you’re currently reading every couple of weeks, but for more frequent and daily updates, you should check out our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages. For the latest news, resources, and opportunities to engage with your King County government, follow me on the social media channels of your choice:
Facebook: facebook.com/Councilmember.Girmay
Instagram: @councilmember.girmay
Twitter: @GirmayZahilay
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Councilmember Girmay Zahilay
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