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About Kathy Lambert

Councilmember Kathy Lambert represents District 3, the largest of the nine council districts, encompassing nearly half the area of the County.

Some of Kathy’s passions include working to end homelessness, protecting the survivors of domestic violence and working to ensure that government is both efficient and effective. This includes using the latest technology to serve the residents of King County. She was a driving force behind bringing Safe Place, an outreach program designed to provide access to immediate help and safety for youth in crisis to King County.

Councilmember Lambert has been honored by the United Way of King County as Outstanding Public Official of the Year for her work with Safe Place, by the Zonta Club of East King County for her leadership on the prevention of domestic violence and by King County as a Technology Champion.

Prior to serving on the King County Council, Kathy was a State Representative from the 45th District. She received her BA and her teaching credential from the University of Washington. Kathy taught school for sixteen years, is a former small business owner and is also a published poet and author of a children’s book about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kathy enjoys traveling, hiking and being a grandmother.

Connect with Kathy

THE ISSUES

Homelessness

Homelessness has many aspects from lack of supply causing huge price increases to availability for those with low income and those with addiction issues. The county will be purchasing more housing units for the homeless and working with landlords and tenants to prevent evictions which would increase homelessness The Health Through Housing program helped to place people on the streets into stable, healthy housing where they can receive services which has showed good results. I have also supported $45 million this year to protect people from eviction due to COVID. Preventing homelessness is as critical as helping people find stable housing.

COVID-19 Response

Frontline workers, first responders, community organizations, and teams of volunteers In our area have stepped forward to get people vaccinated. Our district has been a leader in the county in getting those over age 65 vaccinated. Vaccines are rolling out and there are over 400 places authorized in the county to administer the vaccines once they are available. The vaccine supply varies from week to week. The current ratio is 1 shot available for every 8 people eligible. This will hopefully improve by summer as the federal government increases their supply to the states.

Criminal Justice Reform

Criminal justice means keeping order and peace while meeting the needs of each community. Every community must have direct and meaningful input into the services they receive. I believe in community policing where officers are engaged, accountable, and valued members of their community. In addition to increasing accountability efforts, I have been a leading voice for de-escalation resources that team police and social workers to respond to crisis situations. This year in compliance with the voter approved Charters 5 and 6, there will be an appointed sheriff and the council will take on the important role of defining the duties of the sheriff.

Mental Health

Isolation, illness, and fear during the pandemic have contributed to a strain on mental health. We have witnessed an increase in domestic violence, violent crime, and suicides. While hope is on the horizon, it will take time to heal and recover from the pandemic. I will continue to fight to see the needed services are available to help our women, youth, and families get help to meet their needs and to be safe.

Responsible Budgeting

By law county budgets must be balanced. The county has attained the highest credit rating for a government agency which saves millions of dollars in interest each year on capital projects. There has been 6 budgets this year with CARES money to be distributed to assist small business and assist with rental payments. County budgets are most often after much negotiation agreed upon by a unanimous vote.

Infrastructure and Sustainable growth

As our region continues to grow, we must make sure that we have adequate infrastructure to serve the growing population and protect the environment. This means closing landfills in favor of new, clean technology, preventing sewage overflows into Puget Sound, affordable housing at all income levels, and roads built to serve a variety of transit options.
click here for more detail on some of the issues facing the county and our district