On Monday, November 4, the Area Council held its regular monthly meeting at the Maple Valley Fire Station and via Zoom. Major topics discussed were:(1) Local Subarea Plan and (2) 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Update.
Local Subarea Plan
King County Principal Subarea Planners, Kaitlin Harris, and Kaelene Nobis, presented a summary of results from the September 26 Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River (GMV/CR) Community Service Area (CSA) Subarea Plan kick-off Open House held at the Hobart Community Church.
The Open House had 120 attendees. Much information was collected on people’s concerns, interests, etc. Primary among people’s comments was to “Keep the Rural Area rural,” which coincidentally happens to be the Area Council’s motto.
Their Online Survey has received 2,845 responses from 301 individuals. They also have met with the Area Council many times, plus with representatives from adjacent Cities; Social Services (Maple Valley Food Bank, etc.); and School Districts.
Upcoming Tasks include: Publication of an existing conditions report; Publication of an engagement report; Initial drafting of plan chapters (building from existing conditions and engagement report); Hiring a Consultant to help with administrative development of the subarea plan; and Development of a Vision and a set of Principles, as well as a Themes survey.
For more on the subarea planning process please see: Subaarea Planning (https://kingcounty.gov/so-so/dept/local-services/buildings-property/development-planning-regulations/subarea-plans). For specifics, please see the Area Council GMV/CR CSA Subarea Plan(http://gmvuac.org/gmvcr-csa-subarea-plan/) webpage.
2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Update (Update)
The Area Council continues to coordinate a Joint Rural Team of nine Unincorporated Rural Area Councils in participating in the Update—a 3-yr effort. The Joint Rural Team has offered multiple amendments to the Update.
The King County Council’s remaining Schedule consists of the following events: Thursday, November 14—Striking Amendment (full draft of the Update) released to the Public. Monday, November 18—Proposed Councilmember Line Amendments released to the Public. Tuesday, November 19—11:00 AM Council Hearing with opportunity for Public Comment. Tuesday, December 3—1:30 PM Council meeting with final discussion and vote on approval.
More information can be found at: Update (https://kingcounty.gov/so-so/dept/council/governance-leadership/county-council/useful-links/comprehensive-plan/2024).
Next Area Council Meeting
The next Area Council monthly meeting will be held Monday, December 2 from 7 – 9:30 PM at the Maple Valley Fire Station at 22225 SE 231st St (across from the KC Sheriff’s Precinct). Our Guest Speaker will be Meagan Jackson from Seattle-King County Public Health to discuss new rules for On-Site Septic Systems.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month (except for Holidays, when they are held on the second Monday). All meeting announcements, agendas, and Zoom information are posted on the Area Council’s Website (www.gmvuac.org) and local NextDoor platforms. You can also find us on our FaceBook page (https://www.facebook.com/GMVUAC/). Each meeting begins with an open Public Comment period where anyone can voice concerns, comments, etc.
Area Council Membership
Your Area Council, founded in 1978, is one of the longest continuously active local councils. It serves as an all-volunteer, locally recognized advisory body to King County on behalf of all rural unincorporated area residents living in the Tahoma School District (TSD). The Area Council, in “working to keep the Rural Area rural,” collaborates regionally with other King County Rural Area organizations through both the Joint Team and its Joint Transportation Initiative.
The twelve-seat Area Council has four open seats. If you have an interest in joining, please send an e-mail to: GMVUAC (info@gmvuac.org) orattend (either in-person or virtually) a monthly meeting and express your interest. To be eligible to join the Area Council as a Member you need to live within the TSD.
Residents, even those not living within the TSD, are eligible to become Associate Members who can serve (including as Chair or Vice-Chair) on any Area Council Committee: Environment, Growth Management, Transportation, Public Relations, or Train Show. For information on each of these committees please see the Area Council’s Website (www.gmvuac.org) and use the drop-down menu under Committees. All Monthly Meeting Summary Articles can be found on our Home page in the 2024/2023 GMVUAC Monthly Meeting Articles box or by using the drop-down menu under Correspon
