Reduced evening hours on Metro’s Route 139 from the Burien Transit Center to Highline Medical Center will begin in June.

The change is one of many revisions to Metro bus routes that was approved Monday (Jan. 30) by the King County Council.

More than 35,000 service hours will be shifted through the council’s action to “high ridership” bus routes from underperforming routes. This will be accomplished by eliminating 10 underperforming routes and reducing service on another five routes.

Route 139 was one of many targeted earlier for elimination by Metro Transit if a $20 license tab fee to maintain service levels was not imposed on county vehicle owners.

On the plus side, Route 180 from Burien to SeaTac, Kent and Auburn will receive an additional 11,000 hours to provide more evening bus service on the entire route.

Last summer the King County Council voted to impose an annual $20 car tab fee for two years to maintain current Metro bus service and avoid sharp transit cuts.

But County Councilman Larry Phillips of Seattle, appearing on News Line with John Carlson on KOMO Radio Tuesday morning (Jan. 31), said the council was “not cutting bus service” but “was rearranging it … we will have a substantial net gain in ridership.”

Currently the last 139 bus to Highline Medical Center leaves the Burien Transit Center at 9:16 p.m. Beginning in June, there will be no service on Route 139 after 8:15 p.m. – eliminating the final three scheduled evening runs for a savings of 500 service hours.

The only other service impacted in the greater Burien area is Route 129, which serves Riverton Heights and Tukwila. It will be eliminated for a savings of 1,400 service hours.

Routes 129 and 132 will provide some alternate service, but part of Route 129 will have no bus service beginning in June.

Another 8,000 hours of service will be added to 11 other Metro bus routes, and an additional 15,000 hours “will be reallocated to help improve scheduled reliability as determined by the Transit Division,” according to county council spokesman Al Sanders.

He noted that these changes are “the first service adjustments since the adoption of the county’s Transit Strategic Plan.”

“Adoption of these service changes upholds the council’s commitment to Metro’s regionally agreeable upon Strategic Plan,” said Councilwoman Julia Patterson, whose District 5 now includes south Burien.

Phillips said on KOMO Radio that these changes will give Metro “more productive hours” of service on its bus routes.

He added that rider fares pay 25 percent of Metro’s overall operating costs for bus service, which is the national average for public bus transit.

This includes restoring a storefront King County Sheriff’s deputy in White Center, as well as adding two nurses to the Nurse Family Partnership Program focused on the White Center/Burien and Tukwila/SeaTac areas.

Here’s the county’s press release in its entirety:

The growth of gang violence in South King County will be targeted by a coordinated King County response of suppression, intervention, and prevention funded with $1.4 million from the Criminal Justice Reserve, under a proposal by King County Executive Dow Constantine developed in collaboration with Metropolitan King County Councilmembers and criminal justice leaders.

“The problem is emerging quickly and our actions must be swift. We cannot and we will not tolerate the criminal activities of gangs in our communities,” said Executive Constantine. “In the long run we know we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, so this proposal balances gang suppression with investments in tried and true solutions that give youth an opportunity for a healthy start, an education, and employment – known factors that reduce crime and gang involvement.”

The Council established the Criminal Justice Reserve fund as part of the 2011 budget in order to respond to emergent needs related to public safety and ensure the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system.

“Indicators that are most common in South King County- like poverty, unemployment, dropping out of school and teen pregnancy – all help to create a common denominator of hopelessness that often leads to a life of crime and violence. If we intend to effectively address these issues, we must take a closer look at how investments are made,” said Council Budget Chair Julia Patterson, whose district includes South King County. “Addressing gang violence requires law enforcement and it requires prosecution, but intervention and prevention are key pieces of the puzzle, and the Executive’s proposal calls for all of these things simultaneously.”

“We specifically set aside these funds in the 2011 budget to allow us to tackle critical criminal justice needs as they occur,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Vice-Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “Increasing our efforts to fight gang activities in light of recent increased violence is exactly the type of situation for which this reserve was intended. By prioritizing these critical programs, we can continue to make King County family-friendly and gang-unfriendly.”

“To protect our kids and communities, we need to invest in additional resources to combat the gang violence problem,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, Chair of the Council’s Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. “Law enforcement needs the tools necessary to combat the ongoing gang war in our region, which include prevention and intervention services that help provide better futures for our youth and prevent them from becoming involved in gangs.”

In a letter sent today to the Council, the Executive proposed $1.4 million from the Criminal Justice Reserve for seven programs that address gang issues and can be implemented quickly, starting in October and lasting through the end of 2012:

1. Expand the Prosecutor’s anti-gang unit ($456,000) by supporting a team of three deputy prosecutors and a paralegal who would focus solely on gang-related cases. The Prosecutor’s Office recently lost federal funds that were focused on prosecuting gang members.

2. Provide equipment for the Sheriff’s gang unit ($30,000), including ballistic vests, binoculars, video equipment, training and software for video enhancement, and supplies used in serving search warrants and arrest warrants.

3. Restore the “storefront” deputy in White Center ($179,000), a position in the Sheriff’s Office that was cut in 2011 following the lack of voter approval for revenues to maintain criminal justice services. Restoring the position will return proactive law enforcement to the White Center neighborhood.

4. Continue funding for the Sheriff’s Latino education outreach program ($15,000), which reaches young Latino mothers and other family members on gang prevention and keeping young children safe from gang recruitment and activity. Funding will support Spanish-language radio and TV spots, translated materials, and community and event coordination in east, south, and west King County.

5. Add two nurses to the Nurse Family Partnership Program focused on the White Center/Burien and Tukwila/SeaTac areas ($312,500). Many women in South King County are eligible for services but don’t receive them. Nurses in this very successful Public Health program connect high-risk mothers with services to improve health outcomes, resulting in demonstrably lower rates of involvement of these young women in the criminal justice system.

6. Restore two case managers for the Back to School and Employment Training Program ($309,000), which provides education and employment training for youthful offenders in South King County. Grant funding for five case managers expired earlier this year.

7. Continue funding for the Avanza project ($137,500), an education and employment training program for Latino youth at risk of dropping out of school or falling into the juvenile justice system. This program has been successful in engaging truant youth back into school and providing employment opportunities, and without the proposed funding it will shut down this fall when grant funds expire. Both this program and the Back to School and Employment Training program are managed through a partnership between King County Superior Court and the King County Work Training Program.

“I thank the Executive and members of the County Council for acting so quickly to our call for assistance. This comprehensive proposal to fund dedicated gang prosecutors is a rapid response to an escalating threat to public safety,” said Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney. “It will allow my office to build strong cases against the leaders of violent gangs and at the same time, fund programs for at-risk youth, so that we can offer them an alternative to the gang life.”

“The actions being taken by the Executive and the Council are a thoughtful approach to an ongoing problem, and we sincerely appreciate their working closely with the King County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Sue Rahr. “This will help our Deputies and Detectives do their jobs even better.”

“This is a well-rounded approach. Early childhood interventions, employment training and criminal justice resources will not only work to prevent violence but will also help many individuals become contributing community members,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, who represents White Center.

“I was shocked and appalled by the shooting of 13 people in Kent recently. The incident started a gang war in South King County that is a very serious problem,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “These resources are desperately needed to respond quickly and forcefully. This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our communities. I applaud the leadership of Prosecutor Satterberg for raising the issue and to my colleagues for acting decisively.”

“South King County has become a battleground for some gangs from other areas of the Puget Sound region,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “We must present a unified front – urban, suburban and rural – to fight this growing problem.”

“Responding to the rising threat of gang violence is critical to protecting the safety of King County residents,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “This is the best use of the criminal justice reserve that the Council set aside for this type of emergency.”

“Gang violence affects our entire community, not just South King County,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “Programs like these give us the tools necessary to combat gang violence and provide positive opportunities for at-risk young people.”

Gang-related violence has increased over the past three years, according to the Prosecutor and Sheriff:

• In 2008 and 2009 combined, King County had 29 gang-related homicides and 200 reported gang-related shootings.
• As many as 10,000 gang members are estimated to live in the county, as part of an estimated 140 active criminal street gangs.
• Crime related to gang activity has increased 165 percent since 2005, with some of the growth occurring in South King County.

The Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will discuss the anti-gang funding proposal at its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), with Council action possible in early September.

The King County Council on Monday (Aug. 15) voted to adopt a $20 “congestion reduction charge” that will supply $50 million over the next two years to “save” Metro Transit.

Approved by a 7-2 vote, the only two Councilmembers opposed to the measure were Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer, who both expressed disappointment with the decision, preferring an option that would have sent the fee to a vote in November.

The $50 million raised by the congestion reduction charge will be paired by existing Metro reserves that will maintain the current level of bus service in the transit system.  Those funds will be allocated using the recently adopted Strategic Plan for Public Transportation.

As many of our Readers may recall, the council held a hearing about Metro in Burien on July 21st, which was attended by over 300 people who packed the City Hall chambers (read our previous coverage here).

Without this revised plan, which goes into effect in 2012, Metro, which has been operating with a $60 million annual shortfall, was going to be forced to begin cutting bus routes and service hours in February 2012.

“The tireless efforts of King County residents highlighted the vital role transit plays in our region and led to today’s victory,” Councilmember Joe McDermott, who represents the Burien area, said. “Today’s vote will keep King County moving, save the taxpayers nearly $1 million in election costs, and provide needed time to identify long-term funding for Metro.”

The council’s new funding plan includes adoption of the Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC), a $20 charge on vehicle licenses for each of the next two years.

The plan also eliminates the Ride Free Area (RFA) between Jackson and Battery Streets and in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel starting in October 2012. The elimination of the Ride Free Area will generate an additional $2.2 million in revenue for Metro. Once known as the “Magic Carpet Zone,” and originally intended to encourage retail development, the plan has become a money loser for King County. In 2009, a financial audit performed by the County Auditor recommended that Metro update its formula for collecting revenues in the RFA. Reimbursements from the city of Seattle have also failed to keep pace with ridership growth and fare increases.

“To assist those who may be impacted by the loss of the Ride Free Area, the County says it will investigate either increasing the number of transit tickets allocated to human service and homeless programs, or reduce the cost these agencies pay when purchasing for transit tickets,” according to a press release.

“When first established in 1973, Seattle subsidized all of the fares not collected in this area,” added McDermott. “Today the city of Seattle pays only $400,000 for this area which costs Metro more than $2 million annually.”

It also includes a Transit Incentive Program to encourage drivers to use public transportation. Car owners will be eligible to receive eight bus tickets worth up to $24 in exchange for each car tab renewal. Individuals can use the tickets for bus rides to work, play or a special event. Or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets for distribution by select human service agencies.

The funding plan will also includes implementing different types of transit services for riders who depend on routes that serve lower-density areas. As part of the adopted Transit Strategic Plan, the Council directed Metro to move ahead with strategies for introducing more cost effective transit services on some lower ridership routes currently served by buses. But rather than eliminating transit service altogether in these communities, the adopted plan calls on Metro to explore alternatives that ensure that public transit will be available when needed—such as Dial-a-Ride Transit service (DART), community access transportation services, Vanpools and vanshares.

The coming of tolls on SR-520, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and potentially other corridors, is taken into consideration as part of the adopted plan. The plan includes language calling for routes which carry more riders due to the effect of highway tolling as candidates for added service to maintain the quality of existing service as directed by the Transit strategic plan.

Here’s more from the county’s press release:

“The people of King County cannot afford transit cuts and the devastating impacts they would have on our mobility, economy, environment, and vulnerable populations” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, lead sponsor of the Congestion Reduction Charge legislation. “Enacting this temporary $20 charge is the culmination of a three year effort to keep service on the street through significant reforms and efficiencies, wage concessions, fare increases, and tapping into reserves. I thank my Council colleagues and the Executive for their willingness to engage in a solution we could broadly support.”

“I am pleased we worked collaboratively to come up with a package to save bus service for the residents of King County,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “Thousands of people testified in front of us, wrote in, or called asking us to save buses, not only for themselves but for the transit dependent members of our community. Today’s vote tells them we listened.”

“The new CRC package that the Council adopted today will directly benefit my constituents on the Eastside,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “In this era of partisan bickering at the federal level, we at King County have bucked the trend. Thanks to efforts made on both sides of the aisle, this new legislation offers real reform for Metro. More importantly it creates jobs, and keeps businesses and people moving.”

“No one wants a new fee, but the alternative is far worse,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Without interim funding, cuts to bus service will be substantial, particularly in the lower-density neighborhoods on the Eastside. This will put more cars on the road, clogging our freeways and bridges and leaving all of us idling in standstill traffic. Without this compromise on funding for Metro, we all would pay more for gas, spend more time commuting, and lose some of our quality of life. Transit cuts of this magnitude will further undercut our fragile economy, and we can’t afford that risk. I am proud that this compromise agreement will return value to our citizens.”

“I’m deeply disappointed that the majority of my colleagues found it necessary to deny the people the right to vote on this very important matter,” said King County Councilmember Regan Dunn, Chair of the Council’s Regional Transit Committee.  “There have been numerous votes on car tabs through the years and the people expect to have a say.”

“Voters have made it known through the initiative process that they wish to cap car tab fees, and I believe that any altering of this should be done by a vote of the people,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Metro faced a $1.2 billion shortfall between revenues they’re collecting and what is needed to sustain our transit system between 2009 and 2013. Efficiencies, reforms, fare increases, layoffs, COLA givebacks, and tapping reserves have allowed Metro to close $900 million of that $1.2 billion problem.

Transit operators accepted COLA givebacks and other concessions that will save $17 million annually. Bus riders are paying 80 percent higher fares, which translates to an additional $500 annually per daily rider.

Due to the dramatic recession-driven drop in sales tax revenues, Metro Transit is facing a $60 million annual deficit between revenues and the cost of providing current levels of transit service. That shortfall will require Metro to shrink service by 600,000 hours of annual bus service over the next two years, or 17 percent of the entire system. The Congestion Reduction Charge was authorized by the State Legislature during its 2011 session as an option to assist King County in maintaining its transit service levels.

Engrossed Substitute Senate (ESSB) Bill 5457 provides a new local option for temporary transit funding of a Congestion Reduction Charge of up to $20 on each vehicle license renewal in King County. The charge can only be instituted for a period of two years.

The CRC is estimated to generate a two-year total of approximately $50 million for Metro Transit service. In combination with the use of reserves and other one-time measures, the CRC will provide for more stable transit revenue conditions for the Executive’s 2012-2013 Proposed Budget.

“The action taken by the Council today ensures that bus service will be maintained for hundreds of thousands of King County residents who rely on Metro transit to get around,” said King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “With the Congestion Reduction Charge, Metro will be able to avoid large service reductions in the next two years that would have left bus riders, quite literally, standing out in the cold.”

“As a regular bus commuter on the #41, I understand the importance of bus service to our region and our economy,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “I look forward to sharing the good news with my fellow bus commuters on my way home this evening.”

Councilmembers said public response—both those supporting the implementation of the Congestion Reduction Charge and a number of people who question the need for the charge—had a role in the adopted legislation.

The Congestion Reduction Charge will take effect in early 2012.

by Ralph Nichols

Scores of Metro bus riders urged King County Council members at a July 21 public hearing in Burien to impose a “temporary” $20 fee to avoid sharp cuts in their transit service.

All but a handful of those in the standing-room-only crowd who testified supported the proposed two-year car-tab fee, which Metro officials say is needed to avoid reducing service by 17 percent.

This was the last of three public hearings on the “congestion reduction charge” and the only one held in South King County. Most speakers, however, came from Seattle or were University of Washington students.

The King County Council is scheduled receive additional testimony starting at 3 p.m. Monday, July 25, after which they are expected to debate and vote on the proposed tab-fee increase. Those wishing to speak may sign up beginning at 1 p.m. at the courthouse downtown.

Six council members – a “supermajority” of the nine lawmakers – are needed to approve the new fee. But if, as some expect, the measure receives only five votes, then a simple majority can submit it to county voters on the November ballot.

King County Council President Larry Phillips began the hearing by saying “King County’s nationally acclaimed bus service is in a financial crisis.”

A sharp decrease in county sales tax revenue has resulted in a projected $1.2 billion revenue loss for Metro Transit between 2009 and 2015, Phillips said.

Despite the fact that Metro has implemented 34 audit recommendations “for a more efficient service,” including raising rider fares four times in four years, system-wide cuts of 17 percent will be necessary without additional revenue from this fee.

“This is the stark reality we are facing,” he added.

Victor Obeso, Metro Transit’s service development manager, said the proposed cuts would impact 80 percent of current bus riders, and displace nine million riders annually.

Without the new revenue, Metro, which is operating with a $60 million shortfall a year, will begin cutting bus routes and service hours in February, Obeso said.

Since most Metro planners ride buses to work, so “we understand how the difficult choices we make will affect our riders.”

Most of those favoring the fee increase were riders who rely on bus service for a variety of reasons, including car owners who save commute time and avoid parking problems with transit, persons who don’t drive, and handicapped individuals who depend on Metro Access vans.

Des Moines City Councilman Dave Kaplan and King County Councilman Joe McDermott, whose 8th District includes Burien and North Highline, both endorsed the proposal.

It was standing-room only at Metro's final public forum at Burien City Hall July 21st.

Microsoft supports the $20 car-tab fee, as do the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the South King County Chamber.

Rochelle Flynn was one of two Burien residents who, in supporting the fee increase, urged that Route 139 – the only bus from the Burien Transit Center to Highline Medical Center – be spared.

UW students said current levels of bus service are essential for the majority of students who commute from off-campus to attend class, noting that parking in the U-District is already scarce.

Similar views were voiced by students from Seattle University and Highline and South Seattle community colleges.

“We need public transportation. Without it we are stuck,” said a blind person who relies on Metro. Others with disabilities, including one with epilepsy and another who suffered a stroke, said buses are essential for their mobility.

“Please don’t cut service to those of us who need it,” said another, making a special plea to maintain current Access van service.

A West Seattle resident who owns a car said he doesn’t object to the $20 fee, saying “it is a basic right to have public transportation in a metropolitan region of this kind.”

But SeaTac City Councilwoman Pam Fernald, who said she understands “the necessity for Metro bus service to continue,” challenged “Metro to try harder before imposing more taxes or using fear tactics to threaten cuts in service.”

Noting buses are “the only means of transportation for many,” Fernald said “we should see more fiscal responsibility from the county,” especially in a recession, and asked for “figures and documentation on all of those cuts.”

“What will you come back and ask for” in two years if the economy has not improved by the time the “temporary” $20 fee expires, Patrick Robbins of Burien asked county councilmembers.

Robbins also challenged Metro to collect fares from the sizable number of daily riders who now get off buses without paying, and to operate fewer buses that carry more commuters – noting that he and his wife recently observed seven Route 120 articulated buses along Ambaum Blvd. and SW 148th St. in about 15 minutes, all of which were almost empty.

A sizable number of speakers, who identified themselves as members of the Freedom Socialist Party, other socialist groups and affiliated social-justice organizations, called for taxing the wealthy, big business and commercial property to avoid service cuts.

One called public transit “a right.” Another told council members “part of your job is to adequately fund public transit.”

And a speaker from Seattle Radical Women said “around the world people are fighting back against austerity measures,” including violent protests in Greece and Spain. “Break a law if you have to,” she said, calling “for more social services, not less.”

Brock Howell of Transportation for Washington, which he said has joined with Futurewise, a liberal activist Washington environmental group, submitted petitions with 13,000 signatures supporting the fee increase.

To see our photos from the event, click here.

The meeting started just after 6 p.m. when King County Councilmember Larry Phillips began the public forum, meant to discuss a proposed two-year, $20 car tab fee hike, as well as possible cuts to its transit service, which is facing a $60 million budget shortfall.

Cuts to bus service across the county – some of which could begin as soon as February, including cuts to several routes in the Burien area – were discussed at this third and final hearing, which continued on several hours after it began.

An overflow crowd of speakers waited outside the chambers in the hallway, and according to Rochelle Flynn, who was signed up, they were told it’d be at least a “two and half-hour wait.”

More information about the budget proposal is available online at: www.kingcounty.gov/metro/future.

BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer dropped by and captured these pics of the beginning portion of the event:

Metro Transit's final hearing on budget cuts was held at Burien City Hall on Thursday, July 21st.

Numerous TV stations were on hand, broadcasting live for their 6pm newscasts.

A Reporter from KIRO-TV does a live 'cut-in' to a newscast from the scene.

Numerous people showed their support outside city hall before the meeting.

Many supporters got to the forum by – what else – a bus...

Some more creative supporters even dressed up as Robots.

Two supporters in Robot costume attempt to high-five. They missed.

King County Councilmember Larry Phillips hangs out with some Robots before the meeting.

The forum played to a packed house at city hall.

Burien City Councilmember Brian Bennett waits for his cue to speak.

We’ll be posting a full story on the hearing soon, so check back to The B-Town Blog often.

The King County Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will host a special meeting to hear public testimony on proposed transit service cuts brought up by County Executive Dow Constantine at Burien City Hall starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21st.

King County Metro Transit is facing a budget shortfall that, according to their website, gives them only two options:

1. Find additional funds.
2. Cut service.

“King County has a choice of cutting 17 percent of our transit service—taking the system back to 1996 service levels—or preserving current service levels by enacting a $20 congestion reduction charge on vehicles in King County,” said Committee Chair Larry Phillips. “These meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn about the proposed service cuts and weigh in on the future of Metro transit.”

According to the county’s website:

Due to the dramatic recession-driven drop in sales tax revenues, Metro Transit is facing a $60 million annual deficit between revenues and the cost of providing current levels of transit service. That shortfall would require Metro to shrink service by 600,000 hours of annual bus service over the next two years, or 17 percent of the entire system, which is the equivalent of cutting all weekend transit service or all weekday rush hour bus service for commuters.

In the past two years, Metro Transit has transformed its operations to hold off these cuts and wrench every available dollar out of the agency for service, including:

• Achieving new scheduling efficiencies;
• Eliminating more than 100 staff positions; deferring planned service expansion;
• Reducing operating reserves; and reducing its capital program.

In addition, riders are sharing the pain: since 2007, Metro has raised fares four times, an increase of 80 percent. Metro’s employees were also part of the solution: negotiating cost-cutting labor agreements that will reduce Metro’s costs by $17 million per year.

Despite these fare increases, budget reductions, and operational efficiencies, it is not enough to cover the anticipated shortfall and we are now nearly out of tools to save our system. The savings and efficiencies created by Metro over the past few years save approximately $147 million per year, but the drop in sales tax revenues means Metro still faces an operating shortfall of $60 million a year each year from 2012 through 2015.

The State Legislature authorized a tool that is available to King County to help maintain Metro service at its current level: a temporary $20 Congestion Reduction Charge on vehicle licenses for a two–year period ending in mid-2014. County Executive Constantine has sent that proposal to the County Council as well as two other pieces of legislation:

• An ordinance approving a Congestion Reduction Plan, a prerequisite for Council action on a Congestion Reduction Charge.
• An ordinance cutting 100,000 hours of Metro bus service effective February 2012and directing Metro to plan for reducing bus service by an additional 500,000 service hours in the 2012-2013 budget.

The Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will take testimony on the proposed service reductions and Metro’s budget crisis.

King County Executive Dow Constantine is asking the council to act on three proposed ordinances that would, if approved, do the following:

• Impose a two-year congestion reduction charge of $20 to help fund Metro Transit operations and prevent major transit service cuts in the 2012-2013 biennium. The charge was authorized by legislation passed by the 2011 Legislature (SSB 5457) and signed by Gov. Gregoire. The Council can approve the fee directly (councilmanic action) with a two-thirds majority vote. Alternatively, the Council can vote with a simple majority to place the measure on the ballot for voters to decide. Or, the council could take no action.
• Approve Metro’s congestion reduction plan outlining the proposed expenditures of the proceeds of the charge. This is required by the new state law.
• Approve Metro service cuts to begin taking effect in February 2012. This would be the first step in a series of service cuts during 2012-2013 that will be necessary to reduce the transit system by 17 percent if the congestion reduction charge is not approved.

A total of up to 600,000 annual service hours, or 17 percent of the current Metro system, could be eliminated in 2012 and 2013 if the congestion charge is not approved. See a list of routes that may be affected.

Why sustaining Metro is critically important:

• Riders took more than 109 million trips on Metro buses in 2010—more than 360,000 rides every weekday—and ridership has been going up.
• Over half the people who ride Metro buses are going to their jobs.
• Transit eases traffic congestion. On average, Metro’s buses carry the equivalent of 7 lanes of traffic on state highways in peak commuting hours.
• Transit helps reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
• Buses and Access vans are critical for people with low incomes or limited mobility.

Here are the details:

WHAT: King County Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will host a special meeting to hear public testimony on the proposed transit service cuts.

WHEN: July 21 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Burien City Council Chambers, 400 S.W. 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98166.

INFO: More information available at the King County Metro Transit website.

The King County Council announced Monday (March 7) that it had approved legislation detailing the county’s contribution to replace the South Park Bridge with a brand new one, with a projected starting date “sometime in May.”

The bridge was officially closed on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 (see our sister site’s Photo Story here), after structural damage and issues with electrical and mechanical systems led officials to deem it unrepairable. State and local politicians continued to beat the bushes looking for funding, but when the bridge closed, they remained some $50 million shy of the projected cost of a replacement.

The 79-year-old bridge, which crossed the Duwamish River and connected the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods in south Seattle, was a vital link to transportation needs in South Park, with more than 20,000 vehicles using it daily.

According to a press release:

The residents and businesses dependent on the disabled South Park Bridge are a step closer to a replacement with today’s unanimous adoption by the Metropolitan King County Council of agreements to fund construction of a new structure.

“Our region failed when the South Park Bridge closed last June. Today’s votes take a significant step towards righting that wrong for South Park residents and our region’s businesses,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, whose district includes the South Park Bridge. “Replacing the bridge will create jobs in the present and support a regional economic hub into the future.”

“The Council wants to assure tax payers that we can afford this project,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “Now that the Port and the city of Seattle have firmed up their commitments to help pay for the project, we have the money we need to go forward with the construction of the new bridge.”

“South Park Bridge construction will mean new jobs and restoration of a transportation corridor that is critical to the regional economy,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee Chair. “I’m pleased King County was able to partner with Seattle, the Port of Seattle, and the State and Federal governments to secure funding to rebuild the South Park Bridge.”

Last June, because of the deteriorating condition of the span, the 79-year-old bridge, which crossed the Duwamish Waterway and connected the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods in south Seattle, was closed. Rebuilding the span is a priority for the region: more than 20,000 vehicles used the bridge every day and it was an important freight corridor that linked the manufacturing and industrial centers of Seattle with the rest of the region.

“We have seen the impact the loss of the bridge has had on the people who live and work in the South Park neighborhood,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “Having the financing for a new bridge in place means the County is closer to restoring the economic vitality and quality of life to this community.”

“I want to thank all of our regional partners for working to together to secure funding for this important project,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “The South Park Bridge is a vital economic lifeline for the citizens of south Seattle and I look forward to finally breaking ground.”

Before the bridge closed, the Council adopted legislation that provided the County Executive with funding authority needed to assist in the construction of a new bridge. The Council today adopted three separate ordinances that:

• Approve interlocal agreements with the city of Seattle and the Port of Seattle that details their contributions toward the project.
• Removes an expenditure restriction on a portion of the project construction funds that had been imposed pending the negotiation of these interlocal agreements.

The cost of the construction phase of the bridge replacement project is estimated at $138 million. Federal grants, including $34 million in TIGER II grant funds, are guaranteed for the construction of the bridge. King County, the city of Seattle, Port of Seattle, the Puget Sound Regional Council and state funds will cover the remaining cost of construction.

“It took extraordinary cooperation by governments at all levels to build the partnership bridges that will fund construction of the new South Park Bridge,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Vice Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “This effort serves as an important reminder that we must conduct regular monitoring and maintenance of all the county’s aging bridges to avoid any additional interruption in our transportation infrastructure that could hamper economic recovery.”

“Today’s legislation cements the funding needed to start construction on the new South Park Bridge, which is critical for businesses and residents,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Working with local governments to secure funding for a new bridge was one of the Council’s key priorities last year.”

With all of the funding now in place, construction of the new South Park Bridge is slated to begin in May.

“With today’s Council vote, another important milestone has been met, so that we can open bids tomorrow and award the contract later this month,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “I thank the Council for keeping this project moving forward. The bridge will allow us to reconnect our historic industrial heartland and the vital, affordable family neighborhoods of the Duwamish valley, and support thousands of good jobs for decades to come.”

“I commend the City, Port, State, Federal and County governments for working together to arrive at today. In particular, I commend the South Park community for their tenacity,” said McDermott.

On Monday (July 19), the King County Council announced that it had approved placing a proposal on the November ballot to increase the sales and use tax in King County, with revenue going predominately to public safety services.

According to a release, if approved by voters on Nov. 2nd the increase would generate around $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.

In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.

The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.

Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.

The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on Nov. 2nd as part of the general election ballot.

Here’s the full press release:

County Council places sales tax ballot measure on November ballot

Proposal to raise $80 million in revenue sent to general election ballot

Facing a projected $60 million budget deficit, the Metropolitan King County Council today approved sending to the voters in November a proposal to raise the sales and use tax in King County by two-tenths of one percent. The revenue raised by the ballot measure would go predominately to public safety services.

“It’s important to remember that the Council did not raise taxes today,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “We’re giving voters the chance to tell us if they support public safety services provided by King County and every other city in the County.”

“Keeping the public safe is an essential County function,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson. “Voters deserve the opportunity to decide whether critical criminal justice services should be preserved.”

“A sales tax increase is absolutely necessary to save vital services such as sheriffs, prosecutors and programs that serve to lower our jail costs,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “What is at stake is the quality of life that we treasure so much in our county.  This is the reason we are asking King County voters to support this crucial measure at the polls this November.”

“With public safety being the paramount concern of people in King County, voters must have a chance to weigh in about whether to cut $60 million in criminal justice services or preserve them with temporary higher taxes,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Knowing the difficult choice this will be for voters struggling through this Great Recession, I worked to lower the tax burden and add accountability to the proposal by including a three-year sunset provision.”

“The Council’s decision today is all about giving voters a choice,” said Councilmember Jan Drago. “Cutting $60 million from the budget will touch every part of county government, and that’s just too big a number and too big of a decision to make without the public’s input. We need to know what people are willing to pay for or willing to give up in these tough economic times.”

If approved by voters, the increase would generate approximately $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.

In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.

The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.

Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.

The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on November 2 as part of the general election ballot.

Former Burien City Councilmember Sue Blazak, along with Highline College Vice President of Administration Larry Yok, were appointed Monday (Feb. 22nd) along with 26 others to a new Regional Transit Task Force that will advise on the future of King County Metro Transit services.

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the 28 regional and community leaders in a press release on the King County website:

“I’ve asked this cross-section of regional leaders and transit users to engage in a discussion about how we can best deliver transit service for all parts of the county within the resources we have,” said Executive Constantine. “I deliberately sought a group of people who are willing to put aside political divisions and think creatively about how to plan a transit system that will serve us well in the future.”

Constantine said the conversation will include development of a comprehensive vision for what the regional transit system should look like in the future as well as criteria for systematically growing or reducing the transit system, depending on the revenues available.

Sue Blazak

The geographically balanced 28-member task force includes a mix of elected officials and representatives of business, labor, education, and human service agencies, along with riders.

“Our goal was to pull together a task force that was diverse and represented the broad perspectives across our county—from students to elderly people, from business to labor, from Seattle to Maple Valley, and more,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of the motion creating the panel. “The Regional Transit Task Force is charged with developing a regional vision to shape our transit system for the future and address the revenue shortfalls Metro faces. I think these individuals, with input from the larger community, are up to that task.”

The task force is being asked to develop policy options for discussion by July and to adopt final policy recommendations by September 2010.

Here’s the full list of 28 appointees:

Monday afternoon (Jan. 4th), the King County Council appointed former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the District 8 seat, taking over from when Dow Constantine became Executive.

Drago won by a unanimous vote after Rep. Joe McDermott’s election stalemated in a 4-4 tie and Councilman Larry Phillips suggested a vote for her.

There were four finalists for the position: McDermott; state Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila; Drago; and Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island.

Drago, who failed to make the general election for Seattle Mayor, claims that she will not run for re-election in November 2010.

At one time, four of the 11 original candidates for this vacancy were from the Burien area (Dr. Arun Jhaveri, Lucy Krakowiak; Kathleen Quong-Vermeire, and Shawn McEvoy), as well as two members of the original selection committee (Joan McGilton and Doug Osterman), but in the end none of our peeps got very far.

According to Drago’s Seattle City Council website bio:

Jan Drago has been a member of the Seattle City Council since January 1994, following her election in November 1993.

Prior to her election, she had been a small business owner (Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shoppes franchise owner, (1980-1991) and a school teacher (1973-1978).

She is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University (B.A., Psychology).

She and her husband Noel are the parents of four sons and two grandsons.

Here’s the council’s official press release:

The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy created in County Council District 8 when Dow Constantine was sworn in as County Executive.

“I am honored to be selected to serve the people of District 8,” said Drago shortly after her swearing-in by Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer. “I look forward to working with the Council and the communities and neighborhoods that make up the district on the challenges that we face this year.”

Drago will act as a caretaker in District 8, serving until the certification of the Nov 2010 general election when the new Councilmember for the district will be sworn in.

“Jan Drago is an experienced public official and policy-maker, and I look forward to working with her,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.

“Jan will make a wonderful addition to the King County Council,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “She knows the issues facing District 8 and will hit the ground running to serve her constituents well.”

“Jan Drago has a distinguished career serving our community, having been elected to serve Seattle residents four times,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I am confident she will represent the citizens of District 8 well until they have the chance to elect their permanent representative this fall.”

“The residents of King County will benefit from Jan’s experience, especially when it comes to addressing the 2010 budget,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Drago served on the Seattle City Council from 1994 through 2009, having served as Council President for four years and as Chair of the Council’s Budget Committee from 1999-2003. Drago, a graduate of Rutgers University, was a small business owner and school teacher prior to joining the Seattle City Council.

“I was looking for an independent minded person who could work with all of my colleagues,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “With Jan Drago we get that and a wealth of local government experience as well. I’m pleased to welcome her and look forward to working with her between now and November.”

“Jan Drago is an experienced local leader and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague on the King County Council,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson.

“I look forward to working with Jan Drago on the many complex issues facing King County, “ said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “I am sure that Jan will serve her constituents well over the next 11 months.”

“All the candidates we considered were very qualified,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We are fortunate to have such talented, informed leaders to choose from. After working with Councilmember Drago at the City of Seattle, I am confident that she can hit the ground running and offer her considerable government and business experience to the County. We appreciate her budget expertise and familiarity with the issues facing King County.”

Drago was selected out of the 11 applicants who applied to replace Constantine. All of the applicants were interviewed by a 12-member advisory committee of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8. The advisory committee sent the Council Drago as well as the names of three other candidates:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

The committee stressed Drago’s proven ability in budget, transportation and labor matters, her strong regional relationships and the potential to strengthen partnerships with the city of Seattle because of her time on the city Council.

UPDATE 5:45pm 1/4/10: Late this afternoon, Councilmember Larry Phillips released this statement, chock full of political irony:

“I made it clear on December 14th with my vote for Senator Joe McDermott that I strongly support him as the best representative to fill the District 8 vacancy. He has an impressive show of support from the people of District 8, has demonstrated leadership as a state senator tackling many of the most pressing issues for our community, and is a historic choice as the first openly gay person to serve of the County Council. I hope to have the opportunity to serve alongside Senator McDermott this fall.

“The council deliberated for many hours over Senator McDermott’s appointment, but—despite having my vote and the vote of three of my colleagues—Senator McDermott was unable to garner the five votes on the Council needed to secure the appointment. Councilmember Jan Drago, who along with Senator McDermott was endorsed by a group of District 8 citizens who vetted the potential candidates, was supported by four other Councilmembers on December 14th while I remained loyal in my support of Senator McDermott.

“The Council has remained at an impasse for the three weeks that followed, with no end in sight. The bottom line is that four votes plus four votes equals zero representation for District 8, and that is unacceptable. It’s is time to end the impasse and end the disenfranchisement of District 8 citizens. They deserve representation as the Council begins taking up business in 2010.

“Councilmember Drago has been elected by the citizens of this community four times, has strong Democratic credentials, and is willing to represent District 8 as a caretaker until the November election. So although Senator McDermott remains my first choice to represent District 8, today I joined my colleagues in supporting Jan Drago for the District 8 appointment.”