E-mail news from Larry Phillips, Metropolitan King County Council

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Read my OpEd in the Seattle PI: Tap into wave of enthusiasm for a better transportation future

How would you expand our regional transit system? Learn more about Sound Transit’s planning efforts for ST2.

New Transit Partnerships will Increase Bus Service in Key Corridors

Bus riders will enjoy more frequent service on major bus routes throughout King County thanks to new partnership agreements between Metro Transit, businesses and local cities approved by the Metropolitan King County Council. The agreements are implemented as part of the voter-approved "Transit Now" initiative. Read more.

Learn more about service partnerships in Seattle.

Council Vows to Act Swiftly on Disturbing Conditions in Animal Shelters

After hearing an animal care consultant's disturbing report on the ongoing poor conditions at King County's two animal shelters, my council colleagues and I vowed to quickly determine the future direction of King County animal shelters. Read more.

Learn more about the council's actions on animal care.

Public Campaign Financing Could Come to King County

Under legislation I introduced, King County voters would have the chance to decide whether to publicly finance campaigns for King County elected offices. Public campaign financing helps level the playing field in running for elected office, gives voters more choices, and decreases the influence of special interests. Read more.

Learn more about legislation before the council.

Local Group Offers Deal to Save Sonics, Seattle Center

I joined Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Senator Slade Gorton, developer Matt Griffin, and city council members to announce a private funding partnership for renovating Key Arena in the hopes of keeping the Sonics in Seattle. Read more.

Leftover Monorail Money will Benefit Ballard and West Seattle Transit

Bus riders along the Ballard-to-West Seattle corridor will soon see some long-range benefits from the short-lived Seattle Monorail Project. My Council colleagues and I approved the transfer to the County of $426,000 from the defunct Monorail Project for transit improvements that connect Ballard and West Seattle, the proposed monorail "Green Line," with downtown. Read more.

Sound Transit Completes Beacon Hill Tunnel

I was on site to witness Sound Transit contractors punching through the east side of Beacon Hill in Seattle, completing the second of two 4,300-foot tunnels through the hill for Link light rail trains to begin service in 2009. Read more.

County Permit Fees Now Easier to Appeal

In the King County Council’s ongoing effort to make King County’s Department of Development and Environmental Services more responsive and committed to customer satisfaction, the council approved changes to the permit fee appeal process. Read more.

King County Recognizes J.P. Patches

The King County Council recognized Northwest icon J.P. Patches for fifty years of wholesome, family-oriented entertainment and community service. Read more.

Council Transfers Portion of Soaring Eagle Park to Sammamish

The King County Council approved the transfer of a 30-acre parcel within Soaring Eagle Park to the city of Sammamish. The city plans to use the land for athletic fields. The remaining 598 acres of the park will continue to be protected natural habitat. Read more.

King County Recognizes New Owners of Seattle Storm

The King County Council recognized new Seattle Storm owners Force 10 Hoops, LLC, led by Anne Levinson, Ginny Gilder, Dawn Trudeau, and Lisa Brummel, for their contribution to the community by keeping the beloved Storm in King County. Learn more.

Council Names Harborview Building for Norm Maleng

The King County Council approved the decision of Harborview’s Board of Trustees to honor Norm Maleng’s life-long advocacy for Harborview Medical Center’s nationally-recognized Trauma Center by naming the new inpatient building the Norm Maleng Building. Read more.

In the community

I handed over the keys to a “retired” King County vanpool van to Bill Hobson, Executive Director of the Downtown Emergency Services Center.

Along with my wife Gail, Councilmember Larry Gossett and others, I celebrated the opening of the long-awaited Northwest African American Museum.

I presented a retired Metro van to The Service Board, an organization that instills high school-age youth with an ethic of public service and a conviction in their abilities to shape the future.

I presented Friends of Hazel Heights P-Patch with a “big check” to help bring a new community garden and gathering place to Fremont.