King County is hosting two virtual meetings to help residents prepare for more frequent and severe floods.

These meetings —held on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon and Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — aim to gather community expertise and advice on managing flood risks to people, homes, businesses, and roads. To attend the meetings, head to shorturl.at/gjlu0 to register.

“We want hear from people who live and work in areas that are at risk of flood so that we can address what they see as the opportunities and challenges related to flooding,” said Christie True, Director of King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, in a press release. “These meetings will be one of many times the public can shape the flood plan update.”

The last time King County updated its flood plan was 2013, but the flooding season has changed, in part due to climate change. The updated plan will include how to mitigate flood risks, but also address recovering salmon runs, supporting farms, and protecting water quality and open space.

“The flood plan presents a tremendous opportunity for King County to help reduce flood risks while delivering significant community benefits like clean water, healthy habitat, improved recreation and open space, sustainable agriculture, and supporting livelihoods and local jobs,” said Josh Baldi, Director of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division said in a press release.

King County will be gathering data to update the flood plan through 2023, and a final document will be submitted to the county council sometime in 2024.

Those who can’t attend online but want to submit their thoughts and opinions can request King County staff to come visit a group in person by contacting Chrys Bertolotto via email or call 206-263-2677.