Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*September 2025*




Soon-to-be completed culvert replacement will stabilize NE 24th Street near Carnation
Paving above new box culvert

"Photo: Crews pave NE 24th Street atop the new box culvert that carries Langlois Creek under the road."

King County Road Services began work in July to replace a narrow metal culvert beneath NE 24th Street near Carnation. The new concrete box culvert is much larger than the old pipe, and will reduce flooding and boost habitat health on Langlois Creek. Box culverts are designed to mimic a natural stream bed, promoting gentle water flow under the road. They also support fish passage, improve road strength, and create healthier conditions for plants and wildlife.

Because NE 24th Street provides the only access to a number of homes, Road Services built a temporary one-lane bypass road next to the work zone so traffic to and from the neighborhood can continue during construction. The 10-week project is slated for completion in early fall. Learn more on the project website [ [link removed] ]




*Department of Local Services*

King County is kicking off a planning effort for Fairwood

Fairwood map

King County Local Services has started work on a 20-year plan for the Fairwood unincorporated area and is inviting the public to join in shaping the vision for this community.

The goal is to create a long-term vision for housing, parks and open space, transportation, economic development, and more.

Sign up for text or email updates on the community engagement website [ [link removed] ], where information about planning events will be posted as it becomes available*.*

Questions? Send email <[email protected]> or call 206-477-3800. Am I in the Fairwood area? [ [link removed] ]



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*Road Services*

Please share your thoughts about improving traffic safety in unincorporated King County

Road Services is working on a plan to improve traffic safety in unincorporated King County, and would like to hear from you. Your insight will help them build a clearer picture of what’s happening in your community, and will help King County apply for grants to improve traffic safety.

Help make county roads safer to drive, bike, walk, and roll on. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts at Traffic safety planning - PublicInput [ [link removed] ].

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*Public Health*

FREE dental services for Medicaid-enrolled kids

Boy in dentist chair

Do any of these apply to your children?
• On Medicaid (Apple Health)
• Suffering from tooth pain
• Sensitivity to heat/cold
• Cavities that need to be addressed
• Thumb/lip sucking
• Premature tooth loss
• Lack a dental care provider
• Gingivitis & gum disease

Free dental services will be offered for kids enrolled in Medicaid on three upcoming Saturdays:

*Dates: *September 6, October 4, December 6
*When:* 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Where: *Skyway Resource Center, 12610 76th Avenue S

Call or email to see if your child is eligible for an appointment:
*1-800-756-5437   * |    *[email protected]*.



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Did you know? All kids ages 0-18 in Washington State can get free vaccines!

Germs

Kids 18 and under in Washington can get all routinely recommended vaccines at no cost from a health care provider that participates in the Childhood Vaccine program.

Families might be charged an administration fee by the vaccine provider, but don't have to pay if they can't afford it.

If children receive other services at the same time, like a sports physical or well-child check, families might be charged an office visit fee. But they'll never be charged for the cost of the vaccine.

The Washington State Department of Health provides a full list of school and child care vaccination requirements in multiple languages [ [link removed] ] for families to check that children are up to date.

There are about 300 Childhood Vaccine Program providers in King County [ [link removed] ].



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Free workshop for shared well users

Many homes in King County—particularly in more rural areas—rely on Group B water systems,  small water systems that are shared by up to 14 homes. Public Health – Seattle & King County is hosting a free educational workshop for people using these water systems. The workshop will help participants understand how to operate, maintain, and protect their water and septic systems to protect their health and the environment and save money.

Register in advance at bit.ly/GroupBWorkshop [ [link removed] ] (space is limited)

*When:* Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m. to - 12 p.m.
*Where:* Green River College (12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn)

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Water sampling
Something in the water: How King County is finding and fixing poop pollution

In King County, water is the foundation of daily life, cultural traditions, and thriving ecosystems. But what happens when poop pollution contaminates our water and dangerous levels of bacteria threaten public health and culinary treasures?

Solving that problem requires more than infrastructure alone. Scientists, public health experts, and communities must work together to keep the waters and the people of King County safe and healthy—and that’s exactly what King County is doing. Learn more on the agency's Headwaters blog post [ [link removed] ].



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Updated timeline: King County’s new environmental health permit system is coming in October

King County Public Health’s Environmental Health Services will now be transitioning to a new permitting system in October. The Public Health Permit Center will include food business permits, on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permitting/ plan review, and more. Learn more on the Public Health website [ [link removed] ] (includes resources in Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese).

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*Emergency preparedness*

Fire storm
Take King County′s wildfire protection survey

With wildfires becoming an increasing issue in suburban and urban areas, King County is developing its first Community Wildfire Protection Plan [ [link removed] ] to reduce the risk of a destructive wildfire. To help make sure the plan addresses and reflects community priorities, please take 5-10 minutes to complete King County’s 2025 Wildfire Protection Survey, which is available in multiple languages. The survey closes at the end of September.

 

Take the survey [ [link removed] ]

 


There are many things you can do to prepare for and prevent fires, including reducing flammable material on and around your home [ [link removed] ], making an emergency plan [ [link removed] ], following local burn bans and regulations [ [link removed] ], and signing up for ALERT King County [ [link removed] ], a regional public information and notification service.

*Questions?* Send email to [email protected]

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Take steps to make it through a disaster

Build a kit

September is National Preparedness Month, a good time to prepare for emergencies and disasters that may affect you. King County Emergency Management wants you to make it through!

During disasters, services, stores, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings) may be unusable, unavailable, or unsafe. Four steps can help you prepare: 

*1. Make a plan*: An emergency plan [ [link removed] ] should include meeting places in case you and loved ones become separated and alternate methods of communication if one or more methods fail. Include important contact information like phone numbers and emails addresses.

*2. Build a kit:* Start with the essentials like nonperishable food and water, first aid, and cash in small bills. After that, consider your unique medical needs, the needs of your pets, and comfort items for children.

*3. Get involved:* Communities recover faster when they're prepared. The first step is meeting your neighbors. If you know you’ll need extra help in an emergency, reach out to neighbors to let them know your needs. You can also take first aid classes or join a Community Emergency Response Team [ [link removed] ].

*4. Stay informed:* Follow trusted news sources and look for emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. In a disaster or emergency, King County will update the Emergency News Blog [ [link removed] ] with any information that's pertinent to the public. Finally, sign up for Alert King County [ kingcounty.gov/alert ] to get emergency alerts.

Learn more about disaster preparedness at makeitthrough.org [ [link removed] ]



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*Natural Resources and Parks*

Apply now for the Re+ Seed grants powered by NextCycle Washington

King County's Solid Waste Division is now accepting applications for the next round of Re+ Seed Grants. The grants, powered by NextCycle Washington [ [link removed] ], provide funding and technical assistance for early-stage ideas that divert waste from landfills. Successful projects will be supported with up to $10,000 in funding along with access to mentors, consultants, and networking to support project execution and growth planning. King County’s Re+ Program will provide more than $120,000 in funding for this program.

Review the application packet [ [link removed] ] to learn more and apply through the grant portal [ [link removed] ]. *The application deadline is September 19*.

Questions? Send email to [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=Website%20comment>

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Surface Water Management Fee discount for property owners with low incomes – apply by September 15

If you qualify as a low-income household in unincorporated King County, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the annual surface water management fee for your primary residence.

Residents who are already approved for the King County Senior Citizen and People with Disabilities Reduction through the King County Assessor’s office *do not need to apply.*

Applications for this discount are open every year from August 1 through September 15.

*Learn more:*
• On the King County website [ [link removed] ]*
• Call 206-477-4800
• Email [email protected]

*Information about the discount is available on the website in English, Español [ [link removed] ] (Spanish),  한국어 [ [link removed] ] (Korean),
Af-Soomaali [ [link removed] ] (Somali), русский ( [ [link removed] ]Russian), 中文 [ [link removed] ] (Chinese), Tiếng Việt [ [link removed] ] (Vietnamese).

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*Metro transit*

Metro service change map
Metro adds more than 900 weekly bus trips

With Metro's latest service change on August 30, new and improved routes are serving Eastside communities and helping make connections to Sound Transit's 2 Line light rail stations easier.

Learn more on the Metro Matters blog [ [link removed] ]



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Seattle Waterfront Park [ [link removed] ]
Special Vashon Water Taxi service will bring riders to Waterfront Park celebration

Friends of Waterfront Park and the City of Seattle are hosting an all-day Grand Opening Celebration [ [link removed] ] for Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 6, with performers, exhibits, and food throughout the 20 acres of waterfront.

The King County Water Taxi will be sailing all day long that Saturday so people on Vashon can join the party.

“People from across the region enjoyed special weekend water taxi service to the Vashon Strawberry Festival back in July, and now it’s time for Vashon residents to have easy access to all the fun on the Seattle Waterfront this Saturday,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.

Learn more and check sailing times on the Metro Matters blog [ [link removed] ]



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Orca fare card
Metro increased fares on September 1

Adult fares have gone up on King County Metro buses, Metro Flex, both Seattle Streetcar lines, and both King County Water Taxi routes. ORCA LIFT fares on both Water Taxi routes also rose, but all other reduced fares for Senior, Disabled, Youth, and ORCA LIFT riders stayed the same. And youths aged 18 and under ride free with a Youth Transit Pass [ [link removed] ].

The new adult $3 fare brings the price of riding Metro buses, Metro Flex, and the Seattle Streetcar in alignment with Sound Transit’s flat fare on Link light rail and Express buses. The Metro Vanpool/Transit pass has gone from $99 to $108 to account for this new fare on regular transit service.

This is Metro’s first adult bus fare increase since the agency established a flat fare in 2018. See this Metro Matters blog post for more information [ [link removed] ].



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*Animal services*

Help enrich the lives of shelter dogs

Dog using lick mat

Have you ever seen your dog bury his nose in the grass, or curled up on her bed with a bone, happily chewing away?

Providing animals with things that can encourage their natural behaviors helps improve their physical and mental health. Shelter dogs spend most of their time confined to dog runs, so they get few enriching activities like they would in a home. Lack of stimulation in the shelter is one of the top reasons for behavioral decline in dogs, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety and longer time spent in the shelter. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is working to change that by providing in-kennel enrichment items to all shelter dogs daily. 

Staff and enrichment volunteers work hard to help keep pups busy by including things like Kong Wobblers, slow feeder bowls, stuff-able toys, and lick mats as part of their everyday routines. Mixing up the way dogs are fed helps make sure they all get an opportunity to put their minds to work. With the help of donated enrichment items from the community, RASKC can give dogs their best chance at staying happy and healthy during their time in the shelter.

You can donate online [ [link removed] ] to help shelter animals today.



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*Public safety*

*Clarification:* In our piece in last month's issue on the partnership between the King County Sheriff's Office and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons, the Sheriff's Office has asked us to clarify that the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe initiated the grant application to fund Detective Free's position. The partnership, he said, is a pioneering effort in law enforcement, making the King County Sheriff's Office, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Police Department, and the Muckleshoot Tribe national leaders in addressing the critical issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and persons.

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Reminder
Reminders

**►** *Come to the next Vision 2045 Airport Plan Open House for King County International Airport-Boeing Field: *The Vision 2045 Airport Plan will evaluate how King County International Airport/Boeing Field can evolve and adapt to meet future aviation demand and become a world-class airport. This airport plan will serve airport users and members of the surrounding communities for the next 20 years. The open house will be on *Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.* at the Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Avenue S in Seattle.

**►** *Sign up for the "Septic Matters" newsletter:* Get guidance and tips for people with septic systems in King County delivered to your inbox every season! Sign up here [ [link removed] ] and/or check out the Summer 2025 edition [ [link removed] ] if you missed it.

**► *Catch the Wastemobile* at a location near you! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2025 schedule [ [link removed] ] — which continues through October 26.



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Community organizations

:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton

See blog [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association

Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill <[email protected]>.

:: Fall City Community Association

First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 p.m.)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City

The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org [ [link removed] ] or email send email <[email protected]>. 

:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom 

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, September 8, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)

Guest Speakers include staff members from the King County Department of of Local Services to discuss the ongoing development of the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area Subarea Plan.

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each meeting.

:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association

The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba <[email protected]>.

:: Skyway Coalition

See the coalition's website [ [link removed] ].

*:*: Upper Bear Creek Community Council

For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson <[email protected]> or visit the Facebook page [ [link removed] ] and/or website [ [link removed] ].

:: Vashon-Maury Community Council

Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website [ [link removed] ].

:: West Hill Community Association

Meetings are in person or via Zoom [ [link removed] ]
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email <[email protected]> or visit the website [ [link removed] ] <[email protected]>.




"Unincorporated Area Community News" is published monthly by the King County Department of Local Services. To subscribe, visit our website [ [link removed] ]. Please direct questions or comments to Anna Clemenger, ([email protected] or 206-477-3839).

Contact King County Local Services

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-477-3800 (Relay 711)
Website: kingcounty.gov/local-services [ [link removed] ]

"Para solicitar esta información en Español, sírvase llamar al 206-477-3800
""o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a [email protected]"

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