June 2021

Property values rose in neighborhoods south of downtown during 2020; Taxes going up
Taxpayers in Delridge, Georgetown, South Park, High Point, Highland Park, and Westwood, to receive re-valuation notices soon 

information from King County

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in many south Seattle neighborhoods soon.  Median residential property values rose by 10.9% in the Delridge/Georgetown/South Park area, and by 11% in the High Point/ Highland Park/Westwood area. 

Each year, County Assessors set values on every commercial and residential property value in the state. These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill.  Property values are being set as of January 1, 2021, for taxes due in 2022. 

Data indicates that home sale prices and overall home values have risen sharply in most King Count neighborhoods, despite the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Seeking healing; One year after a horrific murder families and friends honor those lost

The shock will likely never go away. 

One year after the discovery of body parts near Anchor Park that had been wrapped in garbage bags, and put in suitcases, the families and friends of the victims came to honor those they lost.

Austin "Cash" Wenner and Jessica Lewis were murdered last June. Micheal Lee Dudley, 63, was charged with double homicide in August and remains in jail on a $5 million bail.

On June 9, a small group gathered to commemorate and honor the couple by writing messages on floating lanterns and floating them on the water.

Wenner's mother Charleen Kriens with help from Lewis's Aunt Gina Jaschke organized the event.

Kriens said, "They are safe now, and with each other. God brought them to this place."

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Officers arrest man, seize two guns following dispute in West Seattle

information from Seattle Police Blotter

Police arrested a man in the Delridge neighborhood Monday afternoon after he brandished a firearm and threatened a woman and her adult son.

A 59-year-old woman called 911 around 5:15 PM Monday and reported the suspect had pulled a gun on her and her son after the two men got into an argument.

During the argument, the 31-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and showed the woman it was loaded.

Officers arrested the suspect at the scene and recovered two loaded handguns from his vehicle. Police booked the man into the King County Jail for use of a weapon to intimidate.

Officers booked the suspect into King County Jail for using a firearm to intimidate.

 

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King County selects Community Investment Committee members to guide $10 million investments in urban unincorporated areas

information from King County

A new community-centered budget process is underway, with the selection of 21 committee members who will develop a $10 million investment plan in unincorporated King County. The committee will design and carry out a budgeting process that will be centered on racial equity. The process will build on community strengths and address specific priorities that these communities have identified.

"Centering communities in this budget process means that more voices will be a part of the process to invest in the future of unincorporated King County, and that’s going to lead to better processes, better connections between partners, and a bright future for everyone," said Executive Constantine. "I want to thank the committee members for stepping up and helping chart the course."

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