White Center Now: The blog about White Center

This is the first year fireworks will be illegal in North Highline and the rest of unincorporated King County. So how should that be enforced? The county has just announced it’s time for your comments:

Local Services is accepting public input on a proposed ordinance that establishes a complaint-based process for warnings and citations for fireworks violators.

Now that consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas, King County is working to establish a complaint-based process that addresses violators and wants to hear from the public.

Residents can submit their comments on the proposed ordinance through April 10. The amendments include:

-Classifying violations as “civil violations” rather than criminal. It also specifies that a violation of a “reckless manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another” is classified as a gross misdemeanor.

-Requiring a public complaint be filed with the Permitting Division of King County Local Services to trigger enforcement of fireworks violations and imposition of civil penalties. Complaints must:

Include enough information for the violation to be actionable.
Be specific to violations occurring on properties in unincorporated King County.
Be tracked by the department for reporting purposes.

Establishing the procedures for issuing warnings and citations for violations, specifically that:

-A warning will be issued for the first complaint against the person, and a citation will be issued for the second complaint.
-Warnings/citations can be revoked or modified by the director if there is an error.
-The director’s decision on contested warnings/citations is appealable to the hearing examiner.
-Warnings/citations must tracked by the department for reporting purposes.

To read a draft of the Proposed Fireworks Enforcement Ordinance, as well as a plain language summary of the proposed changes, visit Permitting’s Legislation for public review and comment page.

Submit a comment

Comments may be submitted via the following methods:

Postal mail: Robin Proebsting, King County Permitting Division, 35030 SE Douglas St. Suite 210, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
Voicemail: 206-263-3000
E-mail: permittinglegislation@kingcounty.gov

Your local government – King County – is presenting online town halls for unincorporated “community-service areas,” and North Highline gets its turn at 6 pm March 22nd. Here’s the announcement:

King County Local Services is again bringing local government directly to unincorporated areas with the return of its popular Town Hall series.

As the local government in unincorporated areas, King County will hold 11 virtual events in March. Residents will be asked to prioritize the community needs submitted to Local Services in 2021. These priorities will help inform King County department budgets.

The series will kick off on Wednesday, March 9, with a meeting for residents and businesses in the unincorporated Bear Creek/Sammamish area. Here’s the full schedule of events:

March 9: Bear Creek/Sammamish
March 10: Skyway/West Hill
March 14: East Renton
March 15: SE King County
March 17: Vashon Island
March 21: Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River
March 22: North Highline (White Center)
March 24: Snoqualmie Valley/NE King County
March 28: Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain
March 29: East Federal Way
March 30: Fairwood

Each event will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Find information about how to join in the Town Halls section of the Local Services website. Questions? email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov

Housing and transportation were the main topics on Tuesday night when local King County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s online Town Hall got to Q&A.

McDermott, the council’s vice chair, started with a recap of changes and accomplishments. In the former category, his district is changing with the recent redistricting, including adding “the south half of Burien.” In the latter, he recounted the pandemic response – including more “supplemental budgets’ than usual – as well as the unincorporated-area fireworks ban and the bicycle-helmet law repeal.

Before he wrapped up introductory remarks, he reminded attendees about the Subarea Plan process.

The first question was about Sound Transit, which is currently taking comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the West Seattle and Ballard extensions. (McDermott is on the ST Board.) The attendee was concerned about issues including cost and displacement. Regarding the former, McDermott acknowledged that the ‘cost delta” between the “preferred alternative” and some other options had shrunk, and the community might be able to get a desirable outcome without third-party funding. Another attendee said the Andover station option in North Delridge had a better chance of “preserving neighborhood character.” McDermptt did not commit to support for that option but said he’d welcome taking his board colleagues on a tour of the area.

What’s the county doing about homelessness? McDermott mentioned the launch of the Regional Homelessness Authority and initiatives such as Health Through Housing. Another question about homelessness – what can be done to make more resources available on Vashon Island? McDermott promised to work with islanders. Yet another attendee wanted to see something done to make it easier to build low-income housing – maybe lower costs and fees. Will the county change zoning to support more “middle” housing? McDermott agreed that more density was needed.

What can be done about trash along Highway 509? McDermott said it’s a tangled web of jurisdictions, along a state highway.

Someone else brought up air-traffic noise; McDermott directed them to the FAA.

Another attendee pitched for McDermott to support the National Infrastructure Bank.

As the hour wrapped up, McDermott promised another Town Hall in the future. Meantime, if you have questions/comments/issues, here’s how to contact him: joe.mcdermott@kingcounty.gov

-Tracy Record, WCN editor

What’s changing in our area and how can you have a say? Several big topics are on the agenda for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s March meeting, online this Thursday night. Here’s the announcement we just received:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where? North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting
When? Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:
us02web.zoom.us/j/4554402206?pwd=VTBjU2huaXZ0YkNSMmQ3V1BMckFCUT09

Meeting ID: 455 440 2206
Passcode (case sensitive): NHUAC2022

Unable to join via Zoom?
Please Call: 253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 455 440 2206
Passcode: 590112761

Thanks to all who participated in NHUAC’s February meeting! The discussion about the Subarea Plan for North Highline was an intense and important one and it is not over. Jacqueline Reid of King County’s Department of Local Services (DLS) will join us again in April to discuss the recommendations Executive Dow Constantine makes to the Subarea Plan. His proposal is expected to go to the King County Council by March 31st for deliberation. We are hoping Councilmember Joe McDermott will also be able to join us. Mark your calendar for April 7th!

The Subarea Plan is not the only tool DLS is working on to enable increased density in North Highline/White Center. Jesse Reynolds will be joining NHUAC this coming Thursday (March 3rd) to discuss the North Highline Urban Design Standards project. Jesse is manager of the project, which is charged with creating an urban design framework for new commercial, multi-family, and mixed-use developments. The proposed standards include formalized public input in the development review process. Thursday’s meeting will give you an opportunity to weigh in on what is being proposed for that process as well as the county’s ideas for designing a safe and welcoming neighborhood with a distinctive identity. Please join us to learn about the proposed design standards, share your opinions, and welcome Jesse who recently moved to Arbor Heights.

Another big change we heard just a little about at the February meeting was King County’s 16th Ave SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project in White Center, which aims to add safer street crossings at all intersections, streamline travel lanes, increase on-street parking, and possibly add bike lanes. Broch Bender, Road Services’ communications manager, will join us for a more in-depth presentation and to listen to ideas and comments from community members.

Last, but certainly not least, come learn what has been happening in our community our from Community Deputy Bill Kennamer!

Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

March 3, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors!

Here’s our coverage of February’s NHUAC meeting, which includes a link to the still-open survey about the 16th SW plan.

Got something to ask/say about your local government? King County Councilmember Joe McDermott is hosting a “virtual town hall” next Tuesday, March 1st. From his announcement:

I write today to invite you to a virtual town hall I am hosting on Tuesday, March 1st from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. This will be a great opportunity to make your voice heard and get your questions answered about the Council’s work in 2022.

With new Council districts, rapidly changing guidance around masks and vaccination requirements for businesses, and the upcoming supplemental budget, your input is more important than ever. You’ll have the opportunity to ask me questions directly. If you’re unable to join, feel free to send questions directly to me and I will work to get them addressed.

How to join:

– Join online at this Zoom link: kingcounty.zoom.us/s/85806395111
– Call into 253-215-8782

The details are also posted on my Council website.

$3.6 million is waiting to be spent in North Highline – depending on how you think it should be spent! Here’s the announcement:

King County’s participatory budgeting process is coming to the community — and it needs your involvement.

After spending the last six months creating the framework for how this new process will work, the Community Investment Budget Committee is now helping educate people about how they can help guide $10 million in investments in five urban unincorporated areas of King County.

During the month of February, committee members are holding online Info Sessions to help residents understand this process, which they named “The People’s Budget: Your Voice, Your Choice.” These sessions are open to anyone who lives, works, plays, goes to school, or worships in these communities:

East Federal Way
East Renton
Fairwood
North Highline/White Center
Skyway/West Hill

Participatory Budgeting Program Coordinator Gloria Briggs says she’s excited because the committee’s work to date has produced a unique process that’s now in the hands of the larger community.

“Now we’re coming to the exciting part,” Briggs said. “The committee members can’t wait to share participatory budgeting with their neighbors. Ultimately, residents will nominate projects that they’re passionate about, and the community will vote on which projects receive funding.”

“The committee has already held several virtual Info Sessions, appeared on podcasts, and spoken at community meetings, and that’s just the start! There will be more Info Sessions this month.”

(Listen to Gloria Briggs discuss participatory budgeting on a recent episode of the Inside White Center podcast here)

More on Participatory Budgeting

Participatory budgeting allows communities to identify, discuss, and prioritize public spending projects. Residents can help decide how to spend money on capital projects (physical things that are bought, built, installed, and/or fixed up), programs and services.

Historically, King County’s five urban unincorporated communities have received inequitable and limited investments. About 100,000 people live in these areas, which have the county’s highest percentages of people of color and its highest poverty rates.

To help address these inequities, King County’s approved 2021-2022 budget includes funds specifically for these communities. That includes $10 million for capital projects for the five urban unincorporated communities and $1.35 million for programs, services, or capital projects in Skyway/West Hill and North Highline/White Center:

East Federal Way: $1.96 million for capital projects
East Renton: $301,000 for capital projects
Fairwood: $720,000 for capital projects
North Highline/White Center: $3.1 million for capital projects, $540,000 for services and programs
Skyway/West Hill: $3.9 million for capital projects, $810,000 for services and programs

The 21-member Community Investment Budget Committee developed the participatory budgeting process in urban unincorporated King County. This marks the first time King County has used this community-driven approach.

The process has five phases: developing the rules, brainstorming ideas (February), developing ideas into project proposals (March-April), voting (May), and funding winning projects (June and onward).

Who can participate? Anyone at least 12 years old who lives, works, owns a business, receives services, goes to school, or worships in any of the areas above.

Where does the money come from? The funds for the capital projects will be backed by bonds. The funds for services and programs in North Highline/White Center and Skyway/West Hill come from King County’s general fund and are supported by marijuana retail sales tax revenue.

How can I learn more? Are there any upcoming Info Sessions for my neighborhood? The best way to get information about participatory budgeting is to visit publicinput.com/YourVoiceYourChoice. Residents can find information on upcoming sessions, get information on the participatory budgeting process, enter ideas for their specific areas, and more.

Submit an idea

Online: publicinput.com/YourVoiceYourChoice
Submit your ideas in a video: flipgrid.com/7e157141
Paper Form: Look for Idea Submission boxes in your area
Email or phone: Contact gloria.briggs@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-5546 to leave a message

The deadline to submit ideas is March 5.

That stretch of unfinished work on 15th SW south of SW Roxbury in White Center was the backdrop as King County Executive Dow Constantine announced a plan to seek an alternate concrete supply as the local drivers’ strike drags on. The site is part of work to prepare for converting Metro Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line, set for this September but in danger of delay if work can’t resume soon. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell was at the event too, announcing that the West Seattle Bridge’s midyear reopening will be pushed back if concrete isn’t available by February 20th.

Here’s the King County news release:

Ongoing labor disputes have frozen numerous private and public construction projects around the region, and King County is soliciting one or more concrete suppliers to ensure its construction projects can continue without disruptions and delays.

With ongoing labor disputes jeopardizing construction projects around the region, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county is seeking one or more suppliers of concrete building materials to ensure projects can resume without further delays and disruptions. County projects like the RapidRide H expansion and the Georgetown stormwater facility have been delayed, along with numerous other public and private construction projects.

King County published a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) this week [read it here], seeking to guarantee a supply of concrete to meet the needs of County construction projects over the next three to six years. This RFQ is the first time the County is requesting proposals directly from construction material suppliers, and winning bidders will have the opportunity to lock in a contract with the County that’s worth $28M to $35M for the first three to four years. One of the qualifications to obtain the contract is to have an agreement in place that prevents work stoppages and employer lockouts to prevent future impacts to construction. Other public entities will be able to mirror the King County proposal and use similar qualifications.

“With transit improvements stalled and construction sites gone quiet, the impact of the labor dispute is leaving people out of work and taxpayers suffering delays in the critical infrastructure that the region needs built now,” said Executive Constantine. “Our proposal today seeks to protect the public’s interest by providing economic certainty to suppliers who treat workers fairly and keep our infrastructure projects moving forward.”

Other government entities, public agencies, and private companies have also been adversely impacted by the recent concrete strike. Construction delays or stoppages have happened on Sound Transit’s light rail expansion, WSDOT’s 520 Bridge Montlake interchange and 405 expansion, the City of Seattle’s West Seattle Bridge project, and the Washington State Convention Center expansion project. Private projects such as Microsoft’s campus modernization project, affordable housing, and market rate housing projects have also seen delays.

“Repair of the West Seattle Bridge remains one of the city’s highest priorities. While the Seattle Department of Transportation, contractors, and community partners have worked tirelessly to keep the West Seattle Bridge reopening on track for mid-2022, this continued strike threatens to delay that schedule, as well as impact many other major City of Seattle projects. For an on-time opening, concrete companies and workers must return to mediation and reach a fair agreement – further delay and uncertainty is untenable for hundreds of thousands of neighbors across West Seattle, our city, and the entire region,” said Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell.

“The inability to get concrete to Sound Transit job sites is causing serious delays to needed transit expansions and pushing construction workers into unemployment” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. “On Sound Transit’s projects alone, we’ve missed more than 2,200 deliveries, equivalent to a line of concrete trucks more than 14.5 miles long. Our contractors have laid off more than 200 workers, and another 165 jobs are threatened. It’s critical that the parties to this dispute work together to negotiate a resolution. If that doesn’t happen quickly enough, this procurement that King County is leading will provide us with a potential tool to help us get our projects back on track and our workers back on the job.”

“On the Washington State Convention Center, the lack of concrete has already delayed the opening more than a month,” said Matt Griffin of the Pine Street Group who is the developer of the project’s addition. “This has caused the contractor to reduce the workforce by about 150 jobs. It’s sad to see these people out of work, as the community is trying to rebound from the pandemic.”

In addition to those mentioned earlier, there are two King County projects that are also currently impacted by the ongoing labor dispute including segments of the East Lake Sammamish Trail and the Loop Vehicle Maintenance Facility. There are a handful of other projects that, while they have not been directly affected yet, could be impacted soon, such as the Lower Russell Levee, improvements and repairs at West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Cedar Hills Landfill. All nine King County projects total roughly 850 yards of concrete needs presently or in the near future.

“Concrete is quite literally the foundation of our region’s infrastructure, and it’s clear the impacts of this labor dispute are far reaching. Without these construction projects, our region will fall behind at a time when we need to push further and faster,” added Executive Constantine. “All parties need to get back to the negotiating table quickly and resolve the dispute so everyone in King County can get back to work building our future.”

We were there for the briefing on 15th and recorded it on video:

As mentioned briefly in our North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting report, this Thursday brings a special Job Launch program for teens and young adults – this time, a chance to learn about cosmetology and barber careers! Here’s the announcement:

The FREE Virtual Job Launch for ages 16 to 24 is coming up on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This Winter Program features Pathways to Cosmetology and Barber Careers and participating programs and employers include Everett Community College / Cosmetology Program, Opal x Iris Salon (West Seattle), Rudy’s Barbershop, and MikeTheBarber. Partner agencies include King County Parks White Center Teen Program, the YWCA, Pioneer Human Services, and Communities of Opportunity.

Hear from employers, workers, and training programs about the many different jobs, internships, and career paths in the Cosmetology and Barber industries in King County.

Come prepared with your questions for our panelists and learn about:

-School credit and certifications needed to work in a hair salon or barbershop
-How to rent a chair at a salon
-Find out the steps on how to start your own business in Cosmetology

More details are available at our eventbrite website. For additional information, please contact Jody Addicks with King County Parks at, 206.477.2095

Here’s the announcement of NHUAC‘s first 2022 meeting:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where? North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting
When? Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 7 pm

Online: us02web.zoom.us/j/89442816603?pwd=Rzc5NjdhUmhjNDNpSnY0REVSWlBWZz09
Meeting ID: 894 4281 6603
Passcode: NHUAC2022 (case sensitive)

By phone: 253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 894 4281 6603
Passcode: 973460559

You are invited to NHUAC’s first meeting of 2022 on Thursday, February 3rd at 7 pm. The new year offers new opportunities to establish an equitable, healthy North Highline. King County has been busy. What we do today will determine North Highline’s health far into the future.

For instance, we impact our physical environment in many ways such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, and poor air quality. As a planner with King County’s Green Building Department, Nicole Sanders has worked on the county’s energy codes and has news to share about electric vehicle parking and research on greenhouse gases and fossil fuel facilities.

Unfortunately, the maps of zoning amendments in the county’s proposed Subarea Plan did not identify most streets. Jacqueline Reid of King County Permitting will be back to help us understand what the plan means. Understanding what the county is planning for us is essential. King County’s Subarea Plan will be a road map to life in North Highline from public health to economic and ethnic justice to segregation and discrimination to displacement, fair housing and opportunity to schools, parks and open spaces to density and permitting to roads and infrastructure, police, and public safety to fireworks and cannabis shops.

Speaking of fireworks, it’s been a long time coming but fireworks are now illegal in North Highline and the rest of unincorporated King County. We will be updated on that and other issues by John Taylor, Director of the Department of Local Services, Fire Chief Mike Marrs, and, of course, our Community Deputy Bill Kennamer.

Knowledge is power. Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

February 3, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite a Neighbor!

(Rendering by SKL Architects – community-center side of the HUB)

King County has announced $23.4 million in grants for seven affordable-housing projects – and the White Center Hub is one of them. The grants are from King County’s Housing Finance Program, administered by the Department of Community and Human Services. From the announcement:

Community Roots Housing / White Center Community Development Association – $3,250,000

A redevelopment of the White Center Hub will provide 76 units of affordable housing as well as commercial space to house a community center and event space for programming.

Here’s our most-recent update on the project plan; more details are in this report.

People in White Center and other urban areas of unincorporated King County will get the chance this year to be part of decisions on how to spend millions of dollars. An online info event Wednesday night (January 19th) is the first step toward getting involved. Here’s what it’s all about:

Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.

It gives people real power to make real decisions over real money.

If you are over the age of 12 and live, work, or play in any of the following five urban unincorporated areas of King County, we invite you to participate in this process.

East Federal Way: $1.96 million for capital projects
East Renton: $301,000 for capital projects
Fairwood: $720,000 for capital projects
North Highline/White Center: $3.1 million for capital projects, $540,000 for programs and services
Skyway-West Hill: $3.9 million for capital projects, $810,000 for programs and services

King County’s Community Investment Budget Committee of 21 community members is working to design and carry out a budgeting process centered on racial equity and community voices. The process will build on community strengths and address specific priorities for each community, as identified by the Committee members. The Committee is also designing the larger participatory budgeting process to make sure that each community has control over how this money is spent and that funded projects address real community challenges.

Wednesday’s info meeting starts at 6 pm. This webpage has information on how to participate.

People in unincorporated King County who suffered damage from the recent snow and rain are asked to report it ASAP. Here’s the announcement:
King County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM) is collecting damage reports from residents and businesses from the winter cold, snow, and subsequent flooding events that have occurred since December 24, 2021. This will assist the state in its request for a federal disaster declaration.

Damage information will be gathered through Thursday, Jan. 20 from residents and businesses in unincorporated King County so it can be compiled and submitted to the Washington State Emergency Management Division.

The county has announced grants are on the way to nearly 200 events, and at least one of them is in White Center: The list includes $5,000 for White Center Promise. The grants went to “local event and festival producers who faced significant revenue losses due to Covid,” according to the announcement. Grantees are in two groups, event budgets over $250,000 and under $250,000; the former were eligible for up to $50,000, while recipients in the latter group (including WC Promise) got up to $10,000.

(WCN’s recently adopted mascot, whose name did not make the Top 10)

Did you add a pet to your household in 2021? From the database of everybody who did, and who registered that pet with Regional Animal Services of King County – which serves unincorporated North Highline and many other parts of the county – we have the top 10 pet names of the year:

This year, King County residents have registered 66,279 dogs and 27,020 cats. Here are the most popular pet names:

Top 10 Dog Names

1) Bella
2) Lucy
3) Max
4) Charlie
5) Buddy
6) Daisy
7) Luna
8) Bailey
9) Cooper
10) Molly

Top 10 Cat Names

1) Luna
2) Lucy
3) Bella
4) Max
5) Shadow
6) Charlie
7) Kitty
8) Jack
9) Lily
10) Oliver

This list comes from pet license applications submitted to RASKC, which serves nearly one million residents living in 24 cities and unincorporated communities throughout King County.

If a licensed pet is lost, the finder can call the phone number on the pet’s tag – a service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to quickly reunite them with their owner. Pets receive a free ride home the first time they’re found, allowing owners to skip a trip to the shelter. Pet licenses also help fund RASKC and the important work it does.

In addition to handling lost pets and injured animals, pet license fees contribute to RASKC’s other vital duties, including animal neglect and cruelty investigations, spay/neuter programs, pet adoption services, and other work to humanely and compassionately assist local animals.

You can purchase pet licenses online, or at more than 70 convenient locations around the county, including many city halls and QFC stores. Learn more at Regional Animal Service of King County’s website, kingcounty.gov/pets.

(WCN photo from September 13th fire)

A month and a half ago, White Center community members launched a petition drive demanding King County do more to address the economic devastation caused by the recent business fires. Among the demands: “$2M emergency relief funding outside of (Department of Local Services) grants to assist fire victims and stabilize the White Center Business District’s rebuilding efforts in collaboration with community.” $2 million in help is on the way after a King County Council supplemental-budget vote today that included approval of the proposal by County Councilmember Joe McDermott. Here’s his post-vote announcement:

Following passage of a $672 million supplemental budget Tuesday, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott applauded the inclusion of $2 million for economic recovery in White Center following a string of fires and burglaries there. McDermott brough the funding as an amendment to the budget legislation.

“This investment in economic recovery will have a tangible impact on how the County can support the White Center community in the year ahead,” McDermott said. “From the pandemic to long-standing challenges for legacy businesses, this economic emergency brought on by the fires this year only heightened the need to ensure White Center can maintain an equitable, thriving community in the years ahead. I greatly appreciate my colleagues’ support for this community that, while struggling now, has incredible potential.”

The budget also included $175,000 for King County Sheriff’s Office overtime to help increase patrols in the area and funding for a new economic development staffer dedicated to the White Center community.

Multiple property fires this year damaged beloved businesses in White Center like the Locker Room Bar and Grill, Huong Xua Deli and others while subsequent window smashings and burglaries put the community on edge.

Local business owners submitted a petition to county officials, seeking direct aid to fire victims, funding for additional security in the community, a more transparent relationship with the King County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments, and staffing for one-on-one support for local businesses not only for recovery but going forward to help avoid displacement in the area.

The $2 million in funding will be directed by the Department of Local Services to additional business grants and other economic recovery strategies to be developed in conversation and collaboration with the community.

We noted yesterday that an interim King County Sheriff would be announced today, taking over after the term of elected Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht concludes at year’s end. Here’s the announcement, just in:

Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as Interim King County Sheriff while the County conducts a nationwide recruitment process for a new Sheriff to be appointed in mid-2022. Cole-Tindall will be the first person of color to serve as Sheriff in King County’s history. Executive Constantine also announced a new retention and recruitment bonus program for Sheriff’s officers.

Following the passage of a Charter Amendment in November 2020, the King County Sheriff’s Office is transitioning to an appointed, rather than elected, Sheriff. The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) has developed recommendations for the characteristics of the next Sheriff, focusing on a strong background in law enforcement, community leadership, and community partnerships; a reputation for integrity, honesty, and transparency; the ability to inspire and motivate change; and a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues.

“Patti’s background and experience in the Sheriff’s Office and across County government – working with labor, serving her community, and demonstrating integrity and transparency – make her uniquely qualified to step into this interim role. She embodies the key qualities we’re looking for as we begin to rethink community safety, hire the next generation of officers and search for a newly appointed Sheriff,” said Executive Constantine. “I am confident she will ensure a smooth transition and provide strong leadership for Sheriff’s Office employees and the public.”

Cole-Tindall has a background in law enforcement, labor relations, human resources as well as service to the community. She joined the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in October 2015, serving as the Chief of Technical Services Division for almost five years before being appointed to Undersheriff, where she is responsible for day-to-day operations with the team of three Division Chiefs. She currently oversees the development and implementation of the KCSO strategic plan and the examination and strengthening of the KCSO complaint and use of force review processes.

Prior to that, Cole-Tindall served as the County’s Director of Labor Relations, advising Executive Constantine and the County Council on strategic planning, labor policy, and employment law. She concurrently served as the interim director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, working with staff, the Sheriff’s Office, and the public to improve services and promote awareness of the role of civilian oversight in King County.

“I am honored to serve as the Interim Sheriff, and will be working closely with my management teams to support and lead the people of the KCSO until the new Sheriff is appointed,” said Cole-Tindall. “During this transition, my mission is clear: support our workforce, ensure a smooth transition, and listen to the communities we serve as we reimagine law enforcement in King County.”

Additionally, today’s appointment included the announcement of a proposal to be transmitted to the King County Council to, subject to ratification by the respective unions, appropriate funds for recruitment and retention bonuses for existing and new Sheriff Officers:

• A one-time $4,000 retention bonus to all commissioned Sheriff’s Office employees employed on Jan. 1, 2022
• A hiring bonus of $15,000 for lateral hires of Sheriff’s Deputies
• A hiring bonus of $7,500 for new Sheriff’s Deputies
• A $5,000 referral bonus for current Sheriff’s Office employees who refer successful candidates who are hired as Sheriff’s Deputies.

Last week, Executive Constantine announced the start of a nationwide search for King County’s next Sheriff. The recruitment process has worked to incorporate community identified priorities and qualifications for the next appointed Sheriff, using recommendations from PSAC and will include opportunities for input from community representatives, employees, and labor representatives. Cole-Tindall’s first day as Interim Sheriff will by January 1, and she will serve until the conclusion of recruitment in the summer of 2022 at which time a new Sheriff will be appointed.

King County really wants to make sure you have time to say something about the North Highline Subarea Plan. The latest announcement is that it’s extending the deadline for comments again:

The comment period for the North Highline Subarea Plan Public Review Draft and Land Use & Zoning Map Amendments has been extended from Sunday Nov. 28 through Sunday Dec. 19*.

There’s still time to share your thoughts on the plan that will guide growth and development in North Highline for the next 20 years. There are several ways to share your comments, including by completing a survey HERE.

Or you can:

Email to subareaplanning@kingcounty.gov. Please make sure that the subject line contains “North Highline.”
US Mail: Jacqueline Reid King County Permitting Division 35030 SE Douglas Street, Suite 210 Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
Phone/voicemail: 206-263-3000
The following resource, translated into several languages, has been added to the North Highline Subarea Plan website:

North Highline Subarea Plan Public Review Draft Reader’s Guide which also includes an explanation of key technical terms.

To see visuals that show examples of different forms of development referenced in project documents, go to this link:

A Residential and Commercial Development Examples Slide Deck

This slide deck, and other project information, can be accessed from the interactive project webpage at https://www.publicinput.com/northhighline

Also, be sure to check out the Draft Inclusionary Housing Proposed Ordinance that promotes affordable housing in new developments. Learn more at https://kingcounty.gov/legislation-review. The comment period for providing input on the draft ordinance has also been extended through Sunday Dec. 19*

From King County:

The comment period for the 2021 Public Review Draft of the North Highline Community Service Area Subarea Plan, and Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments has been extended through November 28. Learn more about the Subarea Plan at this link: kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/permits/planning-regulations/subarea-plans/north-highline.aspx

Your feedback is vital to ensuring that the collective wisdom of the community is part of the development of the North Highline Subarea Plan. After the close of the comment period, King County will update the plan and map amendments based on the input received. The Executive will then send the revised plan and map amendments to the King County Council in early 2022. The Council is scheduled to review, revise, and adopt the North Highline Subarea Plan, including map amendments, in 2022. There will be a public hearing prior to Council’s adoption of amendments.

There are multiple ways to share your thoughts about the plan:

Dynamic web portal: Go to publicinput.com/NorthHighline and follow the process for providing comments on the Subarea Plan and Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments. This website also provides information and accepts comments in multiple languages.
Email to:subareaplanning@kingcounty.gov. Please make sure that the subject line contains “North Highline.”

US Mail:
Jacqueline Reid
King County Permitting Division
35030 SE Douglas Street, Suite 210
Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
Voicemail: 206-263-3000

The comment period for a draft inclusionary housing implementing ordinance that would apply in North Highline has also been extended through November 28. See the King County website for draft materials and ways to submit comments.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Eleven days and 750+ signatures after a White Center petition declared the community to be in a state of emergency, King County officials convened an online meeting to promise they’ll do something about it.

Tuesday afternoon’s meeting included one major promise: Extra King County Sheriff’s Office presence, via overtime spending. This, instead of the %175,000 worth of private security demanded in the community petition. KCSO presence at the meeting included the new Precinct 4 commander, Major Joe Hodgson. He brought updated crime stats for the heart of White Center, which are part of the slide deck used for the meeting:

A key community question for Hodgson and KCSO Patrol Operations Chief Jesse Anderson – how much money and time would the overtime investment in White Center total? And given community concerns about KCSO’s “ongoing unresponsiveness,” would the plan just bring “more of the same”? The department officials didn’t have exact numbers handy but insisted, “White Center is a high priority for us.” One business owner said words aren’t enough: “These issues, somebody has to do something about it … We need to take action now.’

Insistence that the county is already doing something was voiced at the very beginning of the meeting, when County Executive Dow Constantine spoke, trying to counter the petition’s pronouncement of a “lack of timely and effective action.” He said the county already had directed money to businesses affected by the fires, and made commitments – besides the KCSO OT – including providing the businesses with more “technical assistance.” He also said he’s seeking a disaster declaration that, if granted, would among other things qualify the fire-affected businesses to apply for sizable loans.

As for the fires themselves, investigator Tom Devine recapped what they believe so far – the July fire that started at the Lumber Yard Bar remains “under investigation … we’re actively pursuing all leads” and still very interested in community tips. The two Locker Room fires “weren’t criminal” but resulted from “reckless acts.” The fire at the old Atlas Electric building on 17th is believed to have been “not intentional” but rather related to “homeless people” and “some recklessness with flames.”

North Highline Fire District Chief Mike Marrs presented fire-prevention information, with specifics on how to make your property less fire-prone (you can see that advice in the slide deck above). He urged people to call and report even small fires, even if they’re already out.

The call for community tips and overall watchfulness was repeated by multiple meeting participants. For fires, crimes, even just something suspicious … report it. You might not get an instant response, but it will be on record.

Another theme: Cross-jurisdiction cooperation. Seattle Police and Fire leaders spoke at the meeting too. From the latter, SFD Chief Harold Scoggins didn’t give a presentation, but did answer a question about last month’s fire in South Delridge, noting that his investigators had ruled its cause “undetermined.” From SPD, the second in command from the West Seattle/South Park precinct, Lt. Dorothy Kim, brought crime stats from the West Seattle neighborhoods that border White Center (you can see those in the slide deck above, too).

The meeting, facilitated by Department of Local Services director John Taylor, hopped around to a variety of topics, including what the county is doing to “reimagine public safety” as it moves from an elected sheriff to appointed sheriff. But it circled back to community involvement toward the end, with KCSO’s Manny Apostol listing projects he’s coordinating – a community cleanup, a mural project, a “business block watch.” (No specific dates yet, but if you’re interested in any of the above, email him at manuel.apostol@kingcounty.gov.)

Taylor concluded by insisting again, “We heard you.”

(If you missed the meeting, you can watch the recorded video here:)

Just in from King County Local Services:

Share your thoughts about the North Highline Subarea Plan Public Review Draft at a public meeting:

Open comment meeting
Thurs. Oct. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.
Spanish interpretation available

Does the draft plan represent your vision for the future of your community? Your voice will be heard…and used.

Learn more about the plan at: kingcounty.gov/north-highline

Join the meeting via Zoom:
kingcounty.zoom.us/j/83881432281 / Passcode: OPENperiod
Dial-in: 253-215-8782 / Meeting ID: 838 8143 2281 / Passcode: 7290039119

Comments will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 28.

Questions or comments? email SubareaPlanning@kingcounty.gov