Skip to main content

KingCounty.gov is an official government website.

Official government websites use .gov
Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.
King County Washington home

Participate in King County’s Legislative Process

Learn how to follow an issue, understand proposals, and share your perspective before decisions are made.

I heard about an issue. Now what?

Maybe you’ve heard about:

  • A Metro service change
  • Improvements to a regional trail or park
  • Behavioral health services
  • A proposal affecting an unincorporated community

You’re in the right place to learn about the King County Council’s public process for considering legislation—ideas proposed to become laws—or ways to invest public resources. The Council relies on public engagement, so read on to learn how to make your perspective heard!

How to Participate

  1. Find the Meeting

    The Council hears public comment, then debates and votes on legislation in public meetings.

    Meeting pages include:

    • Agendas and meeting materials
    • Livestreams and recordings
    • Public participation information

    If you're looking for a specific issue, search meeting agendas using keywords related to that topic. Or search the Legislation tab on our meeting calendar.

    Find where and when a meeting will occur on our meeting calendar:

    Meeting Calendar

  2. Understand the Proposal

    The staff report is the best place to start for a summary. Other resources can provide even more details.

    Staff reports explain:

    • What the proposal would do
    • Why it is being considered
    • Potential impacts and financial considerations 

    Find quick links to agendas and full meeting packets:

    agendas & meeting packets

  3. Watch the Discussion

    Many important conversations happen before the final vote. Watching a meeting helps explain why decisions are made and what changes are being considered.

    Watch on KCTV

  4. Share Your Perspective

    You don’t have to wait until the final vote to participate.

    Residents can:

    Visit our committee pages for details on how to attend or testify.

    Committees

  5. Follow the Decision-Making Process

    You can engage in the process every step of the way by using our public comment tools or participating during a meeting.

How a Proposal Becomes a Decision

After a proposal is made, it's discussed in the relevant committee, where amendments may be made. The full Council reviews the proposal and then votes on whether or not to adopt it.

Proposal, Committee Discussion, Amendments, Full Council Review, Final Action.

Need help finding who your councilmember is?

All you’ll need is your address.

Find my councilmember

Want more info on the Council and King County government? 

Check out our full guide.

About the Council

Need language interpretation or another accommodation?

The Council offers a variety of access services at no cost to you. To make a request, please contact our Equity and Social Justice Office at kccesj@kingcounty.gov.

You don’t need to understand every part of the legislative process to participate. If you care about an issue, now you’re ready to get started.