2022 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

Dec. 15, 2022
Council pledges solidarity with women, girls, others protesting for freedom in Iran
"I am proud to stand with our local Iranian-American community and allies who support the unprecedented movement underway in Iran to support the fundamental human rights of the Iranian people — especially Iranian women and girls."

Sept. 1, 2022
Councilmembers Dunn, Dembowski, von Reichbauer introduce motion to oppose new airport in Enumclaw
"King County has worked for decades to protect the farmlands and open spaces of the Enumclaw Plateau. This is no place for a major new commercial airport."

Aug. 17, 2022
Council approves $5 million in funding for youth mental health
“It’s clear to any parent across this country and here in King County that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an existing youth mental health crisis. Many of the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 disproportionally harmed our young people. We’ve seen drastic increases in suicides, attempted suicides, and mental-health related ER visits. I am proud that the Council acted and look forward to expeditiously getting these funds into the community to help our young people.”

July 26, 2022
Free Youth Transit Passes Soon to Be Available Across King County
“As a middle schooler at Dimmitt Middle School in Skyway, I often took Metro home after end-of-day school activities. Finding money to pay the fare could be a hassle and too often a hardship for many of my classmates. I am so excited that today's King County kids will now be able to hop on board Metro transit to get to and from school and around the county to activities, without having to worry about whether there's enough money on their ORCA card. This important legislation will ensure that all kids in King County have the same, free, access to our transit system and help them become life-long transit riders on what will soon be a zero-emissions transit system.”

July 26, 2022
Council approves creation of permanent gun, ammo return program
“I am committed to doing everything I can to reduce gun violence in King County. Reducing the number of guns in circulation will reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths caused by guns. And we know from past experience that people welcome the opportunity to turn unwanted guns over to a responsible party for disposal. This program will make that resource available to residents countywide, and I’m hopeful that we can stand it up as soon as possible.”

June 7, 2022
Permanent gun, ammo return program focus of new legislation
“I am committed to doing everything I can to reduce gun violence in King County. Reducing the number of guns in circulation will reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths caused by guns. And we know from past experience that people welcome the opportunity to turn unwanted guns over to a responsible party for disposal. This program will make that resource available to residents countywide, and I’m hopeful that we can stand it up as soon as possible.”

May 24, 2022
Patti Cole-Tindall confirmed as King County Sheriff
“I look forward to working with Sheriff Cole-Tindall as she takes on this critical job at this critical time.”

May 10, 2022
Council declares Roe v. Wade ‘the law of the land,’ pledges support for reproductive freedom
The King County Council on Tuesday passed legislation declaring its support for reproductive freedom and that the Roe v. Wade decision, even if overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, is the “law of the land” In King County. 

May 5, 2022
County ‘Penny for Pools’ grant brings $2 million to North King County
“In my time serving on the King County Council, one of the most frequent topics in my discussions with constituents is the urgent need for an aquatic center in North King County. For that reason, I was proud to author the ‘penny for pools' amendment in the King County Parks Levy. It is very exciting to see that amendment come to life with these historic investments in swimming pools and future aquatic facilities.”

April 19, 2022
King County Council unanimously votes to support Ukraine
"I’m proud of King County's initial response to support the people of Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community and I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks and months ahead."

April 6, 2022
King County legislation to support Ukraine passes committee with unanimous approval
"I’m proud of King County's initial response to support the people of Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community and I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks and months ahead"

March 15, 2022
Council approves plan to fight displacement, promote equity, social justice
“This legislation offers a new approach to making investments to support communities where needs are greatest. It empowers and centers the voices of community members who are on the ground, doing this work today to make decisions about how and where to invest resources to provide opportunities for housing, jobs, and community spaces...”

March 4, 2022
Council approves new green building standards that improve flexibility, enhance requirements for County buildings
“Reducing emissions from the built environment is one of the most impactful things we can do to address climate change. King County spends billions of dollars on infrastructure and this new law ensures that we will lead the way in reducing carbon emissions from our own projects. I am hopeful other jurisdictions will follow King County’s lead.”

March 1, 2022
Councilmembers Dunn and Dembowski introduce legislation to provide County support to Ukraine
“People all over the world have been inspired by the bravery and heroism of everyday Ukrainians fighting for freedom and democracy. That’s why I’m so pleased to co-sponsor legislation to support our local Ukrainian community, potential refugees from the war in Ukraine, and to ensure King County is doing all that we can to support efforts to bring peace to the people of Ukraine. I’m especially pleased that our King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission will be consulted in the development of our response. I look forward to moving this legislation expeditiously through our Council.”