King County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

King County Council votes 6-2 to assume governance of transportation district

The Metropolitan King County Council voted 6-2 on Oct. 20 to assume governance of the King County Transportation District, passing Ordinance 20151. It was the most far-reaching decided item in a two-week stretch in which county bodies also reactivated a drainage district, adopted new pet business regulations and advanced land-use and utility measures.

Council assumes transportation district governance

The 6-2 vote came at the council's Oct. 20 meeting. The same session confirmed 20 executive appointments to county advisory boards on a consent agenda and referred three ordinances to committees: Ordinance 2026-0320 to the Regional Water Quality Committee, and Ordinances 2026-0321 and 2026-0322 to the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee. The transportation district's own Oct. 19 meeting was cancelled, according to its agenda listing. A council special meeting work session on Oct. 20 had an agenda of procedural items; no minutes were published in the materials reviewed.

Drainage District 5 & 5A reactivated

On Oct. 13 the council passed Ordinance 20150 to reactivate operations of Drainage District 5 & 5A, 8-0, and appointed three commissioners, each by 8-0: Kennet Olson to position no. 1, Debra A. Cass to position no. 2 and Kylie Engle to position no. 3. The same meeting passed Ordinance 20148 on department of elections structure (8-0) and Ordinance 20149 authorizing vacation of portions of 149th Avenue SE and other county roads (8-0), acknowledged the 2025 health through housing annual report (8-0) and confirmed the reappointment of Chris Raynham to the King County rural forest commission (8-0).

Pet business rule adopted, fee rule deferred

The Board of Health on Oct. 15 approved R&R No. BOH26-01 on public health protections against diseases and injury from pet businesses, 14-0. A companion rule on pet business fees, R&R No. BOH26-02, was deferred to Nov. 19, 2026. The board also approved Resolution No. 26-08 identifying Karen Hartfield as a nonelected member candidate (12-0) and Resolution No. 26-09 identifying Kenisha Campbell Chung as a nonelected alternate member candidate (13-0).

Biomethane sale, land use and water items advance

The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on Oct. 14 recommended Do Pass Consent for Ordinance No. 2026-0239, 6-0, allowing the wastewater treatment division to sell pipeline quality biomethane from the South Treatment Plant to Puget Sound Energy, and adopted Amendment 1. The council has a public hearing on Proposed Substitute Ordinance No. 2026-0239.2 set for Oct. 27.

The Local Services and Land Use Committee on Oct. 21 recommended Do Pass, each 4-0, the appointment of Hemalatha Velappan to the rural forest commission, amendments to the 2021 Countywide Planning Policies, comprehensive planning and development regulations, a Black Diamond corporate boundary revision and a building and construction standards ordinance. The Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee on Oct. 20 confirmed Christina Patterson to the Access paratransit advisory committee (4-0) and recommended Do Pass Substitute Consent for Ordinance 2026-0152 re-creating Lake Management District No. 2 in the Lake Geneva watershed (4-0).

Deferred or held

The Regional Policy Committee on Oct. 14 deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0174 (mental illness and drug dependency fund) and Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0177 (Behavioral Health Bridge Implementation Plan), and held its minutes. The Budget committee deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0282 on supplemental appropriations and a briefing on the Behavioral Health Strategic Plan. The Regional Transit Committee on Oct. 21 approved its Sept. 16 minutes; the rest of the session was briefings.

The King County Flood Control District met Oct. 13 with an agenda listing FCD Resolution No. FCD2026-11 (2027 budget and work program), FCD2026-12 (property tax levy for the 2027 budget, including protection of up to $.25 per $1,000 of assessed value from proration) and Briefing No. FCD2026-B07. Minutes were not published in the materials reviewed, so outcomes are not established here.

Coming up

• **Oct. 27 — Committee of the Whole:** Proposed Motion No. 2026-0280 establishing 2027 state legislative priorities, plus Harborview Medical Center items and Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0147, the 2026-2029 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan.
• **Oct. 27 — Metropolitan King County Council:** Public hearing on the biomethane sale, countywide planning policy amendments, a transit police services agreement extension through Dec. 31, 2027, and a motion on hazardous vehicle parking on unincorporated county rights-of-way.
• **Oct. 28 — Budget and Fiscal Management Committee:** Discussion-only on supplemental appropriations of $15,614,000 (general fund), $532,095,000 (non-general fund) and $197,996,175 (capital fund), 2026 property tax levies for collection in 2027, and affordable housing financing at 701 South Jackson Street, Seattle.
• **Oct. 28 — Employment and Administration Committee:** Briefings on recruitment of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight Director and employee engagement survey results.

King County Council approves additional sales and use tax, 6-3

The Metropolitan King County Council approved an additional sales and use tax on a 6-3 vote at its Oct. 6 meeting, one of a series of county decisions recorded over the past two weeks on taxes, land, appointments and public health rules.

Council: sales tax, labor contract, park land

The tax measure was Amended Substitute Ordinance 2026-0086.2. The minutes summary in the county record does not state a tax rate or dollar amount.

At the same meeting the council passed Ordinance 2026-0272, a collective bargaining agreement with the King County Corrections Guild, 9-0, and Amended Ordinance 2026-0277 relating to legislative branch independent agencies, 9-0. On consent it enacted four ordinances by 8-0 votes: 20138 (information technology organization and functions), 20139 (adding parks and recreation citations to waived appeal fees), 20140 (approving Kirkland's proposal to exchange Mark Twain park property) and 20141 (law enforcement oversight director appointments). The council also passed Substitute Ordinances 2026-0198.2 and 2026-0238.2 and denied road vacation V-2759 (Ordinance 20147), 9-0.

Drainage District 5 & 5A reactivated

On Oct. 13 the council passed Ordinance 20150 to reactivate operations of Drainage District 5 & 5A, 8-0, and confirmed three commissioners to Drainage District No. 5 by 8-0 votes: Kennet Olson (position no. 1), Debra A. Cass (position no. 2) and Kylie Engle (position no. 3). The same meeting produced Ordinance 20148 on department of elections structure (8-0) and Ordinance 20149 authorizing vacation of portions of 149th Avenue SE and other county roads (8-0). The council acknowledged the 2025 health through housing annual report (8-0) and confirmed the reappointment of Chris Raynham to the King County rural forest commission (8-0).

Biomethane sale to Puget Sound Energy recommended

The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on Oct. 14 recommended Do Pass Consent for Ordinance No. 2026-0239, 6-0, allowing the wastewater treatment division to sell pipeline quality biomethane from the South Treatment Plant to Puget Sound Energy. The committee adopted Amendment 1 to the ordinance. It deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0282 on supplemental appropriations and Briefing No. 2026-B0120 on the Behavioral Health Strategic Plan.

Pet business rule adopted; fee rule deferred

The Board of Health on Oct. 15 approved R&R No. BOH26-01 on public health protections against diseases and injury from pet businesses, 14-0. R&R No. BOH26-02 on pet business fees was deferred to Nov. 19, 2026. The board approved Resolution No. 26-08 identifying Karen Hartfield as a nonelected member candidate (12-0) and Resolution No. 26-09 identifying Kenisha Campbell Chung as a nonelected alternate member candidate (13-0).

Appointments advance; behavioral health ordinances deferred

The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee on Oct. 13 recommended four executive appointments, expedited to the Oct. 20 council meeting: Cheol Kang to the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network operator board (4-0), Geoffrey Thomas as alternate to that board (4-0), Sandra Pailca to the board of ethics (3-0) and Angela Dunleavy to the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District board (3-0).

The Regional Policy Committee on Oct. 14 deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0174 (mental illness and drug dependency fund) and Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0177 (Behavioral Health Bridge Implementation Plan), and held its minutes.

The Law and Justice Committee on Oct. 7 approved its Sept. 2 minutes and deferred Proposed Motion No. 2026-0232 (appointment of Chris Smith to CACLEO) and Proposed Motion No. 2026-0246 (Victim Support Service Improvement Plan). The Regional Water Quality Committee approved its Sept. 2 minutes and deferred its 2026 work program. The Labor Policy Committee met Oct. 9 for briefings and recorded no votes.

Flood district budget

The Flood Control District Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Oct. 7 was cancelled. The district's Oct. 13 agenda listed FCD Resolution No. FCD2026-11 (2027 budget and work program), FCD Resolution No. FCD2026-12 (property tax levy) and protection of up to $.25 per $1,000 of assessed value from proration. Minutes for that meeting have not been published, so no outcome is available.

Coming up

• **Oct. 19:** King County Transportation District meeting cancelled.
• **Oct. 20:** Council public hearing on Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0242, assuming governance of the King County transportation district. The agenda also lists Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0320 (biosolids), 2026-0321 (RapidRide R Line alignment and station locations), 2026-0322 (advisory committee member and grant project selection), executive appointments and a proclamation of October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• **Oct. 20:** Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee takes up Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0152 to re-form lake management district No. 2 in the Lake Geneva watershed, plus briefings on the RapidRide R Line alignment and the future of RapidRide.
• **Oct. 21:** Regional Transit Committee special meeting on World Cup transit use, statistics and lessons learned, and Metro's severe weather response.
• **Oct. 21:** Local Services and Land Use Committee on Ordinance No. 2026-0308 revising the Black Diamond corporate boundary regarding Southeast 352nd Street right-of-way, along with planning policy and building standards amendments and a permitting audit briefing.
• **Oct. 28:** Employment and Administration Committee on the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight Director recruitment and employee engagement survey results.

King County Council approves new sales and use tax, 6-3

The Metropolitan King County Council approved an additional sales and use tax on a 6-3 vote at its Oct. 6, 2026 meeting, the only split vote recorded among the items summarized from that session. The measure passed as Amended Substitute Ordinance 2026-0086.2. The record does not state a tax rate or an effective date.

The same meeting produced a labor agreement, several consent-agenda ordinances and a denied road vacation. Minutes for the council's separate Oct. 6 special work session, which had no legislation or votes scheduled, have not been published.

Council decisions on Oct. 6

• Passed as Amended Substitute Ordinance 2026-0086.2 imposing an additional sales and use tax (6-3).
• Passed Ordinance 2026-0272 adopting a collective bargaining agreement with the King County Corrections Guild (9-0).
• Passed as Amended Ordinance 2026-0277 relating to legislative branch independent agencies (9-0).
• Passed Substitute Ordinances 2026-0198.2 and 2026-0238.2, and denied road vacation V-2759 (Ordinance 20147) (9-0).
• Enacted Ordinance 20138 on information technology organization and functions (consent agenda, 8-0).
• Enacted Ordinance 20139 adding parks and recreation citations to waived appeal fees (consent agenda, 8-0).
• Enacted Ordinance 20140 approving Kirkland's proposal to exchange Mark Twain park property (consent agenda, 8-0).
• Enacted Ordinance 20141 relating to law enforcement oversight director appointments (consent agenda, 8-0).

Numerous other ordinances and motions received first readings and were referred to committees.

Behavioral health fund rename on committee agenda

The Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee met Oct. 6 with a published agenda that included Proposed Ordinance 2026-0174, which would rename and revise the mental illness and drug dependency fund and its advisory committee, and Proposed Ordinance 2026-0177, which would adopt the King County behavioral health bridge implementation plan governing spending of behavioral health sales and use tax proceeds from 2028 through 2034. The agenda also listed Motion 2026-0206 approving the 2025 annual mental illness and drug dependency summary report and 16 motions confirming executive appointments to advisory boards. Minutes have not been published, so no outcomes are established.

Other committee actions

Regional Policy Committee, Sept. 30: Recommended Do Pass Consent for Motion No. 2026-0159 acknowledging the 2025 health through housing annual report (8-0), and approved minutes from May 13, June 10, and Aug. 26, 2026. The committee also received briefings on King County's energy resilience and the Best Starts for Kids 2025 Annual Report.

Law and Justice Committee, Oct. 7: Approved its Sept. 2, 2026 minutes and received briefings on juvenile recidivism data and superior court family law caseloads. It deferred Proposed Motion No. 2026-0232 (appointment of Chris Smith to CACLEO) and Proposed Motion No. 2026-0246 (acknowledging receipt of the Victim Support Service Improvement Plan).

Regional Water Quality Committee, Oct. 7: Approved its Sept. 2, 2026 minutes, received briefings on Puget Sound low oxygen impacts and the Regional Wastewater Services Plan Update Policy Questions, and deferred discussion of its 2026 work program.

Labor Policy Committee, Oct. 9: Received briefings on the history and current state of county labor policies and heard presentations from labor partners and the Office of Labor Relations. No substantive decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Cancelled meeting

The record includes a notice that the King County Flood Control District Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Oct. 7, 2026 was cancelled. A separate agenda entry for the same date lists 2027 budget and property tax levy resolutions. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Metropolitan King County Council:** Public hearing on the structure of the department of elections (Proposed Ordinance 2026-0114). Also on the agenda: vacation of portions of 149th Avenue SE and King County Road Nos. 949, 1182, 1244, and 23-23-5-4 (2026-0307); reactivation of Drainage District 5 & 5A (2026-0310); changes to development permitting fees (2026-0318); and appointments to the drainage district No. 5 board of commissioners (Motions 2026-0311, 0312, 0313).
• **Oct. 13 — Government Accountability and Oversight Committee:** Briefings on the Washington State Ballpark Public Facilities District and the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, plus appointments of Geoffrey Thomas and Cheol Kang to the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network operator board and Sandra Pailca to the Board of Ethics.
• **Oct. 13 — King County Flood Control District:** 2027 budget and work program (FCD2026-11), authorization of a property tax levy (FCD2026-12), and protection of up to $.25 per $1,000 of assessed value from proration.
• **Oct. 14 — Budget and Fiscal Management Committee:** Supplemental appropriations of $15,614,000 (general fund), $532,095,000 (non-general fund), and $197,996,175 (capital fund); an agreement for the wastewater treatment division to sell biomethane from the South Treatment Plant to Puget Sound Energy; and a Behavioral Health Strategic Plan update.
• **Oct. 14 — Regional Policy Committee:** The two behavioral health ordinances described above.
• **Oct. 15 — Board of Health:** Rules on pet business fees (BOH26-01) and disease and injury protection from pet businesses (BOH26-02), plus resolutions naming Karen Hartfield and Kenisha Campbell Chung as nonelected board member candidates, terms expiring Dec. 31, 2029.
• **Oct. 21 — Regional Transit Committee:** Briefings on World Cup transit use, statistics, and lessons learned, and on Metro's severe weather response.

County committee advances organics recycling rules for unincorporated businesses

King County's Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee voted 4-0 on Aug. 18 to advance an ordinance that would require certain unincorporated businesses to separate and manage organic waste. The committee recommended a substitute version of the ordinance, with amendments that would replace the Pollution Control Hearings Board with the King County Hearing Examiner as the appeal body. The measure now goes to the full council for consideration.

Other committee actions

The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, meeting Aug. 17, unanimously recommended three executive appointments for council approval. The committee voted 4-0 to recommend Ranil Herath and Liz Callahan to the King County Library System board of trustees, and Susan Loosmore to the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District board. The Loosmore appointment was expedited to the Aug. 25 council meeting. The committee also heard a briefing from the Auditor's Office on contract monitoring at the Department of Community and Human Services.

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee also recommended 4-0 consent for four advisory committee appointments: Kevin Kelly and Jamie Fleming to the solid waste advisory committee, and Alice Klein and Priscilla Wong to the paratransit advisory committee. The committee recommended 4-0 consent for a Vashon Island Ferry Terminal license agreement with WSDOT and acknowledged receipt of two transit reports: the East Link Connections transit gap report and the Cashless Fare Engagement Report. The June 16, 2026 minutes were held without approval.

Cancelled meetings

Several meetings were cancelled in the past two weeks. The King County Council and its committees were in recess from Aug. 3 to Aug. 14, cancelling the Aug. 11 council meeting, the Aug. 11 Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, the Aug. 12 Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, and the Aug. 12 Regional Policy Committee. The Aug. 11 Flood Control District meeting was also cancelled. On Aug. 19, the Regional Transit Committee and Local Services and Land Use Committee cancelled their meetings, and the Board of Health cancelled its Aug. 20 meeting.

Coming up

• **Committee of the Whole** (Aug. 25): Will review the King County Regional Homelessness Authority contract transition plan and corrective action plan, and consider a motion to accept the transition plan. Also on the agenda: confirming Colin Carter to the landmarks commission and adopting the 2026-2029 EEO/Affirmative Action Plan.
• **Metropolitan King County Council** (Aug. 25): Public hearing on dissolving inactive Fire Protection District No. 24, plus appointments and a park land exchange with Kirkland.
• **Budget and Fiscal Management Committee** (Aug. 26): Will consider solid waste fee changes at recycling and transfer facilities and the Cedar Hills landfill, and a temporary release of a restrictive covenant on a Lake City property for a community center and affordable housing.
• **Regional Policy Committee** (Aug. 26): Special meeting for briefings on the MIDD annual report and proposed ordinances related to the King County Behavioral Health Bridge.
• **Law and Justice Committee** (Sep. 2): Will vote to confirm three appointments to the law enforcement oversight advisory committee and accept the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight's 2025 annual report.

King County Council approves ethics code, labor agreements; economic forecast adopted

The Metropolitan King County Council on July 28 approved an amended employee code of ethics and two labor agreements, among other actions, in its most consequential decisions of the past two weeks. The council also confirmed a board appointment and approved property and road items. Separately, the King County Forecast Council adopted the county's economic forecast for 2026 and beyond.

Council actions

The council passed an amended ordinance updating the King County employee code of ethics by a 9-0 vote. It also approved two labor agreements, both 9-0: a memorandum of agreement with PROTEC17 covering Engineering Services Managers, and a Coalition Labor Agreement for employees in natural resources, parks, local services, and executive services.

In other business, the council approved an amended job description for the inspector general (9-0) and confirmed the appointment of Juan Cotto to the MLB Stadium Public Facilities District board (9-0). On the consent agenda, it approved a public benefit rating system valuation for property at 26218 SE 464th St in Enumclaw and the vacation of a portion of County Road No. 393/SJ Twiss Rd in Enumclaw. No dollar amounts were listed for these items.

Economic forecast adopted

The King County Forecast Council on July 27 approved Resolution No. KCFC2026-04, adopting the economic forecast for 2026 and beyond, by a 4-0 vote. The council also approved minutes from its March 13, 2026 meeting.

Transportation District Executive Committee

On July 28, the King County Transportation District Executive Committee approved a startup support plan and authorized the selection of a law firm (4-0). It also authorized the chair to enter into investment and cash management service agreements with King County (4-0) and approved minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting.

Cancellations and recess

Several meetings were cancelled because the Metropolitan King County Council is in recess from August 3 through August 14, 2026, per county code. Cancelled meetings include the Committee of the Whole (July 28), the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee (August 4), the council's August 4 meeting, the Law and Justice Committee (August 5), and the King County Flood Control District Executive Committee (August 5). The Regional Water Quality Committee met on August 5 as scheduled, but its agenda consisted of briefings and discussions only—no decisions were reported. The committee received briefings on Washington's Water Future Initiative, financial planning, combined system management for the Regional Wastewater Services Plan Update, and its 2026 work program.

Coming up

All listed upcoming meetings are cancelled due to the council recess. Cancellations include the Metropolitan King County Council (August 11), Government Accountability and Oversight Committee (August 11), King County Flood Control District (August 11), Regional Policy Committee (August 12), Budget and Fiscal Management Committee (August 12), Regional Transit Committee (August 19), Local Services and Land Use Committee (August 19), and Board of Health (August 20). No public meetings are scheduled until after the recess ends on August 14; residents should check the county's meeting calendar for future dates.

King County Council passes ethics code, labor agreements; forecast adopted as recess begins

The Metropolitan King County Council approved an amended employee code of ethics ordinance and two labor agreements in a unanimous July 28 meeting, capping a two-week stretch that also saw the county's economic forecast adopted and a stadium board appointee confirmed.

Council acts on ethics, labor, and appointments

The Council passed the amended employee code of ethics ordinance 9–0 on July 28. It also approved a memorandum of agreement with PROTEC17 for Engineering Services Managers (9–0) and a Coalition Labor Agreement covering employees in natural resources, parks, local services, and executive services (9–0).

The Council confirmed the appointment of Juan Cotto to the MLB Stadium Public Facilities District board (9–0) and approved an amended job description for the inspector general (9–0). On the Consent Agenda, the Council approved a public benefit rating system valuation for property at 26218 SE 464th St, Enumclaw, and approved a vacation of a portion of County Road No. 393/SJ Twiss Rd, Enumclaw.

Earlier, on July 20, the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee had recommended approval of the Cotto appointment (4–0) and recommended adoption of the employee code of ethics ordinance (4–0). That committee deferred approval of meeting minutes and deferred a motion confirming the appointment of Liz Callahan to the Library System board.

Forecast Council adopts 2026 economic forecast

The King County Forecast Council approved KCFC Resolution No. KCFC2026-04, adopting the 2026 and beyond economic forecast, by a 4–0 vote on July 27. The council also approved minutes from its March 13, 2026 meeting.

Transportation District Executive Committee approves startup plan

On July 28, the King County Transportation District Executive Committee approved a startup support plan and authorized the selection of a law firm (4–0). It also authorized the chair to enter into investment and cash management service agreements with King County (4–0) and approved minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting.

Health committee recommends autopsy services agreement

The Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee recommended Do Pass on Ordinance No. 2026-0117, which would provide autopsy and forensic pathology services to Skagit County (4–0), and recommended Do Pass on Substitute Motion No. 2026-0145 regarding Harborview Medical Center planning (4–0) on July 23. The committee deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0177 regarding a behavioral health bridge implementation plan and deferred Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0174 regarding the mental illness and drug dependency fund renaming. It approved minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting.

Council agendas previewed land sale, landfill fees, youth diversion report

Agendas posted for the July 21 Council meeting listed several items that were not yet reflected in published minutes, including Consent Item 7, a proposed substitute ordinance (No. 2026-0108) to sell surplus property at 46502 268th Avenue SE in District 9; Proposed Motion No. 2026-0084 approving the King County youth diversion and intervention program report; and Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-0160 amending solid-waste fees at the Cedar Hills regional landfill. Minutes for that meeting had not been published as of this roundup.

Meetings cancelled

Several meetings were cancelled during the period: the King County Transportation District (July 20), the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee (July 21, pursuant to K.C.C. 1.24.035 A. and F.), and the Committee of the Whole (July 28). No business was conducted at those meetings.

Coming up

The Metropolitan King County Council is in recess from August 3 through August 14, 2026. Council meetings on August 4 and August 11 are cancelled, as are meetings of the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee (August 4), Law and Justice Committee (August 5), Regional Policy Committee (August 12), and King County Flood Control District Executive Committee (August 5) and Flood Control District (August 11).

One meeting is scheduled: the Regional Water Quality Committee will meet August 5 for briefings on the Department of Ecology's Water Future Initiative, financial sustainability planning, combined system management for the Regional Wastewater Services Plan Update, and the 2026 committee work program.

King County Council creates inspector general division, approves property sales and labor pact

The Metropolitan King County Council established a new inspector general division to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud, waste, and abuse of county funds, passing 8-1 on July 7. The same meeting approved renaming a Skyway Park parcel as Black Panther Park (8-1) and amending the capacity charge methodology for water quality services (7-1).

Council approves property sales and housing loan amendment

On July 14, the council adopted several ordinances, all passing 8-0 with Councilmember Perry excused. These included the sale of Kent parcel 212205-9183 (Ordinance No. 2026-0069), the sale of 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW in Seattle (Ordinance No. 2026-0128), and an amendment to the interim loan program for low-income housing (Ordinance No. 2026-0083). The council also approved an open-space rating for GROW Inc. (Ordinance No. 2026-0093) and confirmed an appointment to the public defense advisory board (Motion No. 2026-0089). A motion on the youth diversion and intervention program report was deferred. The council proclaimed Tuesday, July 14, 2026 as Andy Micklow Day.

Collective bargaining agreement adopted

The council approved Ordinance No. 2026-0167, a collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 77, passing 8-0 with Perry excused. The council's July 7 special work session included briefings on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and proposed ordinance 2026-0101; no policy votes were taken at that session. June 22, 2026 meeting minutes were approved without objection.

Budget committee recommends surplus property sales

The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on July 8 recommended Do Pass Consent for three surplus property sale ordinances and Do Pass Substitute Consent for the low-income housing loan program amendment. All recommendations passed 5-0 (Barón, Dembowski, Fain, Lewis, Perry in favor; Mosqueda excused). The properties include 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle (Ordinance 2026-0128), 46502 268th Avenue SE, King County (Ordinance 2026-0108), and Kent parcel 212205-9183 (Ordinance 2026-0069). June 10, 2026 minutes were approved unanimously.

Water system plans and conservation appointments approved on consent

The July 7 council meeting also approved the City of Auburn Water System Plan (9-0), the City of Black Diamond Water System Plan (9-0), and the withdrawal of approximately 67 acres from the Vashon sewer district (9-0). Open space valuations for three properties passed 8-0, and executive appointments to the conservation futures advisory committee were confirmed 8-0.

Committee and board actions

The Employment and Administration Committee approved June 2, 2026 minutes without objection and received briefings on the Meeting Materials Project, human resources operations, and the Chief of Staff's office. The Board of Health approved June 18, 2026 minutes without objection and cancelled its August 2026 meeting; the next meeting is set for September 17, 2026.

Meetings cancelled

Several meetings were cancelled during this period: the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee (July 7), Regional Policy Committee (July 8), Government Accountability and Oversight Committee (July 14), and Local Services and Land Use Committee (July 15). The King County Flood Control District posted an agenda for July 14 including a revised 2026 budget and a Seattle interlocal agreement on South Park interim flooding preparedness; minutes have not yet been published. The Regional Transit Committee posted a July 15 agenda with briefings on Metro's Next Stop investment planning and transit safety task force updates; minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Government Accountability and Oversight Committee:** Will consider Proposed Ordinance 2026-0126 amending the employee code of ethics, confirm appointments of Liz Callahan to the Library System board and Juan Cotto to the MLB Stadium Public Facilities District board, and receive a briefing on King County International Airport operations. Written public comment accepted via committees@kingcounty.gov before 8:00 a.m.
• **July 21 — Metropolitan King County Council:** Will vote on selling surplus property at 46502 268th Avenue SE (Consent Item 7) and on the youth diversion and intervention program report. First readings include solid-waste fee changes at Cedar Hills regional landfill, permit-review performance reporting, and renaming the mental-illness and drug-dependency fund.
• **July 22 — Budget and Fiscal Management Committee:** Will review Harbor Island studio assessments and surplus analysis, solid waste fee amendments, a new Department of Public Health lease, and the Harborview Medical Center 2027 Capital Improvement Program budget.
• **July 23 — Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee:** Will discuss the behavioral health bridge implementation plan (2028-2034), renaming the mental illness and drug dependency fund, and an interlocal agreement for forensic pathology services to Skagit County.

King County Council creates inspector general division, amends water quality charges

The Metropolitan King County Council voted July 7 to establish an inspector general division to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud, waste, and abuse of county funds, passing 8-1. The same meeting saw the council amend the capacity charge methodology for wastewater services (7-1) and rename a Skyway Park parcel as Black Panther Park (8-1).

Council actions July 7

The council approved several items on consent agendas, all with unanimous or near-unanimous support:

• City of Auburn Water System Plan (9-0)
• City of Black Diamond Water System Plan (9-0)
• Withdrawal of approximately 67 acres from the Vashon sewer district (9-0)
• Open space valuations for three properties (8-0)
• Executive appointments to the conservation futures advisory committee (8-0)

The council also held a special work session July 7 where it approved minutes from its June 22, 2026 meeting without objection. Staff briefed members on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and proposed Ordinance 2026-0101 for future consideration; no policy votes were taken at that session.

Committee recommendations

The Regional Water Quality Committee recommended approval of the capacity charge ordinance amending the methodology for wastewater services on July 1, voting 7-2. The ordinance was expedited to the July 7 council meeting, where it passed 7-1. The committee also received a briefing on the Regional Wastewater Services Plan update; discussion of the 2026 work program was deferred.

The Law and Justice Committee on July 1 approved Ordinance 2026-0067 on booking restriction notifications for King County adult detention facilities, with amendment (5-0, recommended do pass substitute consent). The committee also approved a youth diversion and intervention program report (5-0, passed without recommendation) and confirmed Brian Flaherty to the public defense advisory board (5-0, recommended do pass consent).

The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on July 8 recommended passage of four ordinances:

• Ordinance 2026-0128: sell surplus property at 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle (5-0, Mosqueda excused; do pass consent)
• Ordinance 2026-0108: sell surplus property at 46502 268th Avenue SE, King County (5-0, Mosqueda excused; do pass substitute consent)
• Ordinance 2026-0069: sell property parcel 212205-9183 in Kent (5-0, Mosqueda excused; do pass substitute consent)
• Ordinance 2026-0083: amend the interim loan program for low-income housing (5-0, Mosqueda excused; do pass substitute consent)

The Employment and Administration Committee on July 7 approved minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting without objection and received informational briefings on the Meeting Materials Project, human resources operations, and the Chief of Staff's office.

Cancelled meetings

Several meetings were cancelled during this period: the King County Flood Control District Executive Committee (July 1), the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee (July 7), and the Regional Policy Committee (July 8). No council meeting was scheduled for June 30, which fell on a fifth Tuesday of the month.

Coming up

• **July 14 — Metropolitan King County Council:** Will consider booking restriction notifications for adult detention facilities (Ordinance 2026-0067.2), property sales in Kent and Seattle, amendments to the low-income housing loan program (Ordinance 2026-0083.2), and a collective bargaining agreement for IBEW Local 77.
• **July 14 — King County Flood Control District:** Will consider a revised 2026 operating and capital budget, an interlocal agreement with the City of Seattle for South Park interim flooding preparedness, and legal consulting contract amendments.
• **July 15 — Regional Transit Committee:** Briefings on Metro's future investment planning and regional transit safety task force updates.
• **July 16 — Board of Health:** Briefings on zoonotic disease tracking for pet businesses, the homelessness continuum of care, and gender-affirming care access.

King County Council Approves $431M+ in Supplemental Appropriations

The Metropolitan King County Council approved more than $431 million in supplemental appropriations across general, non-general, and capital funds on June 23, 2026, in a 9-0 vote. The appropriations were the largest of several decisions made during the council's recent session.

Council Approves Budget, Franchise, and Court Boundaries

In addition to the $431 million in supplemental appropriations, the council approved a telecommunications franchise agreement with HyperFiber of Washington, LLC (8-0) and changes to the 2026 district court electoral district boundaries (8-0). The council also approved the sale of biomethane environmental attributes to Karbone Energy LLC (8-0) and a Coalition Labor Agreement for sheriff's office employees.

Two ordinances passed with divided votes: sewage treatment and disposal rates and charges (6-2) and revisions to noxious weed control program assessments (5-3). The council deferred an ordinance creating an inspector general division to its next meeting.

Committee Actions: Jail Booking, Sewer Charges, and Appointments

The Law and Justice Committee met July 1 and approved Ordinance 2026-0067, which adds notification requirements for booking restrictions at King County adult detention facilities. The vote was 5-0, recommending do pass substitute consent. The committee also approved a youth diversion and intervention program report (5-0; passed without recommendation) and confirmed Brian Flaherty to the public defense advisory board (5-0; recommended do pass consent).

The Regional Water Quality Committee recommended approval of an ordinance amending the capacity charge methodology for wastewater services in a 7-2 vote. The ordinance was expedited to the July 7 King County Council meeting. The committee also received a briefing on the Regional Wastewater Services Plan update and deferred discussion of the 2026 work program.

The Committee of the Whole had an agenda on June 23 that included confirming three executive appointments to the King County cultural development authority (4Culture) board: Ellen Walker (position 15), Nancy Salguero McKay, and Teofila Cruz-Uribe (position 12). The committee was also scheduled to receive a briefing on the state of the King County District Court and review the 4Culture annual report. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Procedural and Cancelled Meetings

The council held a special work session on June 22, unanimously approving minutes from June 1, June 8, and June 15, 2026. No substantive policy decisions were made.

Several meetings were cancelled or not scheduled. The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee's June 24 meeting was cancelled. No council meeting was held June 30 because it was a fifth Tuesday. The King County Flood Control District Executive Committee's July 1 meeting was also cancelled.

Coming Up

The Metropolitan King County Council will meet July 7 to vote on several items, including the deferred ordinance creating an inspector general division to prevent fraud and waste in county funds. The council will also hold public hearings on amendments to King County Countywide Planning Policies, water system plans for Auburn and Black Diamond, the withdrawal of approximately 67 acres from the Vashon sewer district, and open space tax valuations for properties at 4807 SW 54th St (Seattle), 4447/14823 S 148th St (Tukwila), and 31515 NE Tolt Hill Rd (Carnation).

On July 8, the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will consider three surplus property sales: 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW in Seattle, 46502 268th Avenue SE in King County, and parcel 212205-9183 in Kent. The committee will also review an ordinance amending an interim loan program for low-income housing acquisitions.

The Regional Transit Committee meets July 15 for briefings on Metro's Next Stop planning and transit safety. The Board of Health meets July 16 to discuss pet business rules, the homelessness continuum of care, and gender-affirming care access.

King County Council approves $431 million in supplemental spending

The Metropolitan King County Council approved a package of supplemental appropriations totaling more than $431 million during its June 23 session, the largest single action in a two-week period that also brought new jail-booking notification rules and a recommendation to adjust wastewater capacity charges.

Council appropriations

Meeting as the full council on June 23, members voted 9-0 to authorize the supplemental spending across general, non-general, and capital funds. The council also approved, 8-0, a telecommunications franchise agreement with HyperFiber of Washington LLC and an ordinance updating district court electoral district boundaries for 2026.

In a separate 8-0 vote, the council authorized the sale of biomethane environmental attributes to Karbone Energy LLC. Measures to set sewage treatment and disposal rates and to revise noxious weed control program assessments drew narrower support, passing 6-2 and 5-3 respectively. A proposed ordinance to create an inspector general division was deferred to the next meeting.

The council also approved a Coalition Labor Agreement for sheriff’s office employees, though the vote tally was not detailed in the minutes.

Law and justice

The Law and Justice Committee on July 1 advanced an ordinance requiring notification of booking restrictions at King County adult detention facilities. The committee passed the measure 5-0 with an amendment. It also confirmed Brian Flaherty to the public defense advisory board (5-0) and approved a youth diversion and intervention program report (5-0, sent to the full council without a recommendation).

Regional water quality

The Regional Water Quality Committee voted 7-2 on July 1 to recommend an ordinance amending the capacity charge methodology for wastewater services. The item was expedited to the July 7 King County Council meeting for final action. The committee also received a briefing on the Regional Wastewater Services Plan update and deferred discussion of its 2026 work program.

Other actions

Earlier in the period, council members held a special work session on June 22 where they approved minutes of three previous meetings, all by unanimous vote. The June 30 council meeting was not held because the date fell on a fifth Tuesday. Both the July 1 Flood Control District Executive Committee and the June 24 Budget and Fiscal Management Committee were cancelled.

Coming up

The Metropolitan King County Council will reconsider the deferred ordinance to create an inspector general division on July 7. That meeting also includes votes on countywide planning policies, water system plans for Auburn and Black Diamond, and open-space tax valuations for three properties.

On July 8, the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will discuss three surplus-property sales—in Seattle, unincorporated King County, and Kent—and an amendment to an interim loan program for low-income housing acquisitions.

The Regional Transit Committee meets July 15 for briefings on Metro Transit investment planning and safety efforts. The Board of Health on July 16 will review pet business disease tracking, homelessness continuum-of-care updates, and the potential impact of political changes on gender-affirming care access.