Governor Jay Inslee

Breaking Washington State Dept. of Transportation finally SWEEPING two notorious #Chinatown-ID encampments on Tuesday. One at King St. and the other on Jackson St. All on @WSDOT property. These camps have been linked to drug deals, fires, a meth lab explosion, shootings, overdose deaths and other crimes. Residents and biz owners have heavily criticized @KC_RHA CEO Marc Dones for slow outreach due to his “housing first” ideology, disappointed in Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) for not taking control from the state sooner, and say Gov. Jay Inslee( @GovInslee) should not be taking a victory lap since he allowed situation to flourish for so long. Summit Sierra High School students also walked through this insanity for nearly a year. This Asian American Read More ›

Final Word Today, Governor Inslee @GovInslee confirmed that proviso language DOES NOT require offers of “permanent housing ” to homeless on state right of ways. This is a direct rebuke of @KC_RHA CEO Marc Dones’ interpretation. But will this change the pace of clearings?#Seattle @MayorofSeattle @kcexec @WSDOT Dones Responds During @KC_RHA Governing Committee meeting today, Dones walked back his recent statements about encampment outreach and “permanent housing” as a requirement. He now says congregate shelters are still an option. #Seattle Calling on Mayor Parents at John Stanford Int. School now begging @MayorofSeattle to take control from @WSDOT and lead encampment removals on state right of ways. Significant development this week as officials feel pressure to act swiftly. @GovInslee @KC_RHA @kcexec Read More ›

Face to Face #Lynnwood community is fighting ferociously against Acadia Healthcare’s controversial OPIOID CLINIC scheduled to open in 2 weeks. Meanwhile, Democrat state rep @laurendavisWA continues to take criticism for supporting project. But she’s pushing back and making her case. More on the Way Powerful protest last Saturday against controversial OPIOID CLINIC about to open near Boys & Girls Club. Demonstrators say they are for treatment but says clinics must move to part of city without kids. After Rally Protest organizer Vivian Dong says most recent statement sent out by Acadia Healthcare makes it seem like this is done deal. She’s furious at this sense of entitlement. I am waiting for Acadia and @WADeptHealth to respond to concerns.

Everett Mayor Blasting Inslee @MayorCassie writing a scathing letter directed @wsdot and @GovInslee, saying she was never consulted about HOMELESS HOTELS being set up in her city. Calling it “unacceptable burden.” Why does this playbook sound so familiar? Everett Mayor Disagrees Earlier this week, @GovInslee touted his Rights of Way Initiative saying there is “solid progress on this effort,” crediting @wsdot. But it’s becoming more apparent, cities like #Everett and @MayorCassie are not being consulted about HOMELESS HOTELS. Is This Really Progress? Since @GovInslee’s “Rights of Way Initiative” started earlier this year, @WAStateCommerce site appears to show less than a dozen removals so far. The most recent @WSDOT sweep in Northgate last week has not been added. Fuzzy Math @GovInslee Read More ›

WSDOT Falling Behind While #Seattle continues encampment sweeps multiple times each week, @WSDOT is not moving at same pace. I counted at least 10 camps in #Chinatown-ID alone on state property. Agency is clearly on a different timeline and community is asking why? Mini Camps Along Highway Clusters of tents+ structures remain in #Chinatown-ID on @wsdot property. Some have been here for more than year. Others popped up after massive 10th & Dearborn sweep few months ago. Rights of Way Initiative Since @GovInslee’s “Rights of Way Initiative” started earlier this year, @WAStateCommerce site appears to show less than a dozen removals so far. The most recent @WSDOT sweep in Northgate last week has not been added. Common Denominator This year Read More ›

Raw Look My series “HIDDEN CRISIS IN THE WOODS” incited quite a response and conversation. But there’s more. SELECT group of media followed @KCCReaganDunn @kingcosoPIO to experience first hand. Behind the Scenes I just scratched the surface. There are many more homeless people living in these heavily wooded areas and more are headed here. Look at the waterfront property I found! It’s not just unincorporated King Co. It’s also in Seattle and across the region. COVID Restrictions? @MayorofSeattle and @wsdot @GovInslee now removing homeless encampments on public right of ways. But why not in other parts of @KingCountyWA and unincorporated? @KCCReaganDunn says @KCPubHealth has not updated pandemic guidance. Tough Love @KCCReaganDunn new legislation would create interagency task force focusing first Read More ›

Exclusive Video This morning, @WSDOT says this homeless encampment in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood was the first one cleared under @GovInslee Rights-of-Way Initiative, a state wide effort to finally clear encampments along the highway. More details coming up. Huge Initiative WA Dept. of Commerce controlling purse strings. Each county must submit proposal for types of services and housing needed to serve homeless on highways. King Co. requested just under $47 million for next year. @KC_RHA one of the providers. Outreach @KC_RHA says it worked with JustCARE for this effort today on state owned property. 4 people voluntarily moved into enhanced shelters with support services. The team is trying to help a 5th camper find shelter. Enforcement Last month, this is Read More ›