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King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

Learn more about Councilmember Dembowski, who represents King County District 1, which includes Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, North Seattle, and Shoreline. Dembowski’s term runs from 2022 to 2026.

 

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Crisis Response Center to open in Kirkland Serving North King County

There is exciting news to report in North King County. This March I joined Governor Inslee, Executive Constantine, Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet, as well as other North King County leaders and behavioral health specialists to announce a new and innovative crisis care center dedicated to helping community members with behavioral health needs opening in 2024.

For too long, we have relied on our police officers, jails and courts to substitute for a missing behavioral health care system. It’s an unfair burden on them and our community. That’s why I am proud King County is partnering with five cities in my district who are leading the charge to stand up the essential behavioral health response system our community needs. This new facility builds on the work we have done in recent years to create the RADAR program, partnering behavioral health professionals with law enforcement to ensure an effective response to community health and safety needs.

We will now have a community-based care center to support our front-line mental health professionals in delivering compassionate and timely care to those in crisis, and enhancing public health and safety. I am especially proud that King County secured $11.5 million to make this project a reality. I thank and congratulate all involved in this powerful partnership and look forward to seeing its positive impact in North King County. More information on the new facility can be found here.

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Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee

Councilmember Dembowski standing in front of an electric Metro bus.

Councilmember Dembowsk in front of a 100% electric Metro bus.

February 2024  |  Each year, the Council reorganizes to select committee leadership and membership. This year I am serving as Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. The Committee held its first meeting on January 16, 2024. The meeting included a briefing from Metro General Manager Michelle Allison which can be watched here, on Metro’s long-term goals which are centered around hiring more Metro drivers and providing the safest system possible for its riders and drivers.

This year, I plan to focus the committee’s work on protecting our waterways, preserving open space, fighting climate change locally, as well as ensuring Metro Transit is safe, reliable and meets the transportation needs of our riders. The Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 9:30AM at the King County Courthouse Council Chambers. You can also watch the meetings live here.

East African Senior Center meals at Northgate Community Center

Councilmember Dembowski in the Northgate Community Center kitchen.

Councilmember Dembowski in the kitchen at the Northgate Community Center.

June 27, 2023  |  Loved stopping by the East African Senior Center Meal Program at the Northgate Community Center to talk about King County’s services and to share the good news of added funding I was able to secure in our recent budget for these culturally-appropriate meals. Enjoyed the Q&A session and the delicious lunch!

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