Lambert to chair County Council’s Committee of the Whole

January 27, 2016

Summary

Additionally, new this year, Lambert plans to include a focus on the Council’s responsibility to King County’s unincorporated areas as their local government.

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is the new chair of the County Council’s Committee of the Whole, the only standing committee that includes all members of the Council.

The Committee of the Whole considers legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire Council and often deals with the council’s biggest and most time-sensitive issues.

This year the Committee of the Whole will deal with major contracts, including the renegotiation of the Harborview Medical Center contract after 30 years.

Additionally, new this year, Lambert plans to include a focus on the Council’s responsibility to King County’s unincorporated areas as their local government. The population of these areas is over 250,000 and the Council is their only local government. That means the Council is responsible for utilities, road management and repair and public safety, among other things.

As part of the Council’s annual reorganization, Lambert will also serve as the Vice Chair on several committees. She will remain the Vice Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee and continue as part of the team that will help prepare the 2017-2018 King County Budget.

Lambert’s other responsibilities include serving as the Vice Chair of the Health, Housing and Human Services Committee, which makes policy recommendations relating to public health, human services and housing programs. She will also be the Vice Chair of the Law and Justice Committee, which is responsible for policies relating to public safety and criminal justice.