[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6320600,"mediaKeyId","2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93","parentId",2355629,"title","King County Metro outlines South Link Connections plan; proposes new frequent Route 164 and added weekend service in Kent","audioSeconds",174,"startMs",586000,"endMs",760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93&start=586&end=760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93/thumbnail_586000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6320600/Kent/King-County/Washington/King-County-Metro-outlines-South-Link-Connections-plan-proposes-new-frequent-Route-164-and-added-weekend-service-in-Kent","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320600-2e8bde144a76f64940f5cc02b202de53/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137275&Signature=dceqqSIN0rGo6BztpIt8S7Ky8jrtz~PeOX6qHB0FoFQq4GaaYRd6BdeTENNvnSaBKWhT117WXfcNT0HHmDFbdE3-8JFcu9o380V1mQURVHjOEGw9-A4U81h7xNb10-FnxvvElt21TSICl39TKI-qtqNZyHw7q6putZF12hot~QFoDbiimEORf2dxcmqSOq24vc3rw-aRhlVIC9JL910VSnpM7I6Bw0k0DBjnDzPf4MxcswH5x8k57uRx~LcL1x-8HG7~xt~wxfZ3pBg06KguIcAKKJJLZxy~YoycuJjciILrfV0rrgIZCq7~dmS3F8Zx8nqSe~Sls0kfinbTg3g8jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent City, WA","date","2025-02-19T14:42:03Z","article","King County Metro representatives on Tuesday presented South Link Connections, a proposed restructure of bus service in South King County timed to the Sound Transit Federal Way Link Extension. Metro officials said changes aim to integrate local buses with new light‑rail stations and to shift resources from low‑ridership peak routes to more frequent, all‑day service.

Nicola Gary, Metro transportation planner and project manager, told the Kent committee that the Federal Way Link Extension will add three stations — Kent Des Moines (near Highline College), Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way — as early as 2026. The South Link Connections project proposes changes to a scope of 22 routes to provide better connections to those stations, add frequent service where warranted, and increase weekend service.

Gary said the phase‑2 concept includes two new Metro Lehi pilot zones (in Federal Way and Auburn), seven routes with earlier or later trips, two new frequent services (one in Kent), and weekend improvements that Metro estimates would produce 35% more Saturday trips and about 75% more Sunday trips compared with current service. \"We are proposing brand new Sunday service\" on Route 183, Gary said, adding that Route 183 service would also start earlier and end later each day.

David Payne, Kent city transportation planner, introduced the presenters and said the project builds on earlier Council workshops about West Hill Link light‑rail improvements and connectivity.

Parked and peak services: Metro proposes removing 10 peak‑only routes to reinvest resources into local all‑day service. Gary noted nine of those 10 peak‑only routes are already suspended (largely as a COVID response), and the only currently operating peak‑only route proposed for removal is Route 177. For Kent, Metro proposes revising Route 162 (removing one morning and one evening trip but keeping 13 trips per day), partially replacing Route 165 with a new frequent Route 164 that would run every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays, and removing Route 157 (a suspended peak route).

Engagement and equity: Genevieve Jones, a Metro local government relations staffer, and Cristina Gonzalez, senior community engagement planner, described Metro’s three‑phase engagement process (phase 1 in spring 2024, current phase 2, phase 3 public review in summer 2025) and said Metro has held outreach at transit centers, bus stops and with community‑based organizations. Outreach materials are available in 15 languages, and Metro reported about 2,000 responses to its phase‑1 survey plus a mini‑survey collected at bus stops.

Council concerns and Metro responses: Council members asked about connectivity for riders who do not use apps, impacts on seniors, and whether the pilot Lehi zone would serve Kent riders traveling to Highline College and Green River College. Gary and colleagues said the Lehi pilot zones and new routing concepts are designed to provide connections through Kent Station to many destinations; they also noted Metro is tracking ridership data and working with partner review and mobility advisory boards. Gary said Metro plans a post‑implementation study roughly two years after changes are implemented to evaluate ridership and adjust as needed.

Next steps: Metro is collecting public feedback through Feb. 28 for the phase‑2 network and plans to return to jurisdictions with refined proposals in summer 2025 and to the King County Council for adoption in spring 2026. Metro staff invited Kent to promote the survey and to support ongoing participation by city staff on Metro advisory boards.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Kent Committee of the Whole & Workshop - February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","King County Metro on Feb. 18 previewed South Link Connections, a proposed restructure of bus service tied to the Sound Transit Federal Way Link Extension, and proposed a new frequent Route 164 serving Kent plus expanded weekend service on several routes.","taxTitle","Kent, King County, Washington","taxId",2557,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320595,"Kent launches Recode Kent code update to implement comprehensive plan and meet middle‑housing mandate",154,4784000,4938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93&start=4784&end=4938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93/thumbnail_4784000.jpg","/articles/6320595/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-launches-Recode-Kent-code-update-to-implement-comprehensive-plan-and-meet-middlehousing-mandate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320595-c73fef17772240fb750ac08309158ca5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137275&Signature=knJ8WZnGr-Qqp8Q6SxZmMj4c0XsFzGbu6Ws3sQmkiLVGA2Io55-Zu9PoeiGMhax5596SSglPX2Uo9brksq4OokpfmUApivyXjuBd~eUc6jU9JWmQQVompfLcla-IWHnC3DdJQJTYHNPGw5mVXmhaYqIxX2Fo-Kp6xrW-puBR7iNpYMIr-CtdHN-FPoTBkF569a03aM8HH~mH3gnz7jArB-b5XGrT-6vE7GweXJw7Bu2IMtbDLbLq8DpXj63aQ5GjeJn9mCFEn4-6Twryatjf~CSOm0LwQCqdF2H~UmWB~J0NltAArSLrRskKl0z9I1lk0G9gKGKXor0g6lC4Wy7agw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent city staff and the consultant team Framework presented Recode Kent — a Development Code update project aimed at implementing the city’s recently adopted comprehensive plan and complying with state middle‑housing requirements — during the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday.

Kristin Halsworth, city staff lead, said the presentation was an introduction and that no decisions have been made. \"I wanna say tonight, this is an introduction. Nothing is set in stone,\" she told the council. The project will run in phases, include public outreach and aim to deliver code amendments that implement the comprehensive plan goals and state law.

Scope and legal drivers: Project materials and presenters identified HB 1110 (middle housing, 2021) as the primary legislative driver for the code updates; the city must allow at least four dwelling units per lot in residentially zoned areas and permit additional units in some circumstances tied to affordability and transit proximity. Presenters also reviewed HB 1923 (design‑review changes) and said the city’s administrative design review approach is largely compliant but that supplemental design guidelines will be revisited.

Draft regulatory approach: Framework consultant Tyler Quinn Smith and colleagues described a possible approach that would consolidate several existing single‑family and low‑density zones (SR 4.5, SR 6, SR 8 and the MRD duplex/multifamily zone) into a single regulatory category to simplify requirements and implement the four‑units‑per‑lot baseline. Presenters noted special handling for shoreline and environmental zones (SR1/SR3) and discussed options to allow scalable density on larger lots (for example, allowing a net density floor higher than four units per very large lot) and to offer incentives — such as additional units — where developers or property owners provide tree retention, open space, or other public benefits.

Retention and incentives: Council members and staff emphasized incentives to preserve existing homes and to provide smaller, ownership‑oriented units. Presenters said incentives could include unit‑count credit toward permitted density for retaining existing homes or offering other community benefits. Kristin Halsworth said staff have heard from development stakeholders and residents that simplifying multiple low‑density rules would reduce confusion and staff time.

Other issues and timelines: Council members raised questions about parking regulation changes being considered at the state level, neighborhood transitions where higher‑density middle housing abuts low‑density zones, tree retention, and the need to protect vulnerable homeowners from displacement. Framework said their timeline includes a code audit and draft amendments, an open house (planned for April, remote and in‑person), a phase‑3 public review in summer 2025, and a legislative adoption target to meet the state‑mandated deadline (materials referenced a June 30 target for required amendments). The consultant team noted the project will coordinate across departments (public works, fire, utilities) and with housing and community organizations for outreach.

Next steps: Staff and consultants said they would return to council with more detailed proposals and that council members will be able to comment between meetings. Halsworth encouraged council members to provide organizations and contacts for outreach and said staff will circulate a social media toolkit and follow‑up materials.","Kent city staff and consultants introduced Recode Kent on Feb. 18, a Development Code update intended to implement the newly adopted comprehensive plan and comply with the state’s middle‑housing law by allowing at least four dwelling units per lot in affected residential zones.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320605,"Kent committee authorizes $62,069 amendment with Carl Warren for general‑liability claims administration",165,405000,570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93&start=405&end=570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2355629-a2686b68eea3c94b1a7f6112cd3c7d93/thumbnail_405000.jpg","/articles/6320605/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-committee-authorizes-62069-amendment-with-Carl-Warren-for-generalliability-claims-administration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320605-df9f1c885f94d58c5f083682fd832655/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137275&Signature=WeZFCjQv0PYS-yntAi6qeOxypXqYcsDJjd4zghAayv9mUEYIRGjRvnygAuuMqlQOxYgxeex32yOOR5Mdbcyy-iKB2VgnKCcDb9oC4MNqhzJS~nSrfu~TNn~8FaB4Y6MeWVosDCr~vxw6bxHI8~bbOblJNVTFDY7cOXj7j-mMBGo6y90rrJvXO3Et-XnBO-acLhO9~zVI0nTFqK9UHmqppCJSB9SDfiH4irtb-~xttDpVqv2KCcbsmJJ8iX~FuCErWERbS-UQWfauDt71tvD7v9QsA~-O6BvzJifyVJBtiOUgW5JH0PnXGuc~zXgLx6j-hph4EOWjhTyhbp-jUO0PwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent City Council Committee of the Whole on Tuesday authorized the mayor to sign a contract amendment with Carl Warren & Company to continue third‑party administration of the city’s general‑liability claims for the third option year at a cost of $62,069.04.

The amendment, requested by Elaine Wieres, manager for the City of Kent, covers the contract’s third option year. Wieres told the committee that the city first contracted with Carl Warren in February 2011 and entered a multi‑year agreement in January 2014, with subsequent extensions. She said the most recent amendment did not include pricing for the third option year and that the contract has increased about 2% annually during the amendment period.

Wieres said, \"I'm here today to request that the city council authorize the mayor to sign a contract amendment with Carl Warren.\" She added the proposed cost \"was included in the 25, 26 biennium budget, and it's budgeted under liability risk management, other professional services.\"

The motion to authorize the mayor to execute the amendment — \"and ratify all prior agreements and amendments subject to final terms and conditions acceptable to the city attorney and human resources director\" — was made by Council President Kaur and seconded by Council Member Boyce. The committee voted to approve the motion by voice vote.

Background and next steps: the amendment covers general liability (not workers' compensation), and Wieres said the contract term ends Dec. 31, 2025; staff plan to return during the biennial mid‑biennium process to present the next contract. The council recorded no additional conditions beyond the motion’s requirement for the city attorney and HR director to approve final terms.

Budget and scope: committee materials and Wieres' remarks identify the $62,069.04 cost as budgeted to the 2025–26 biennium under the city’s liability risk management line for professional services. The amendment preserves Carl Warren’s role as the city’s third‑party administrator for general liability claims and does not change the workers’ compensation administration, which is handled separately.","The Kent City Council Committee of the Whole on Feb. 18 authorized the mayor to sign a one‑year contract amendment with Carl Warren & Company to provide third‑party general liability claims administration. The cost — $62,069.04 — was budgeted in the 2025–26 biennium.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

King County Metro outlines South Link Connections plan; proposes new frequent Route 164 and added weekend service in Kent

Kent launches Recode Kent code update to implement comprehensive plan and meet middle‑housing mandate

Kent committee authorizes $62,069 amendment with Carl Warren for general‑liability claims administration