I hope you’re enjoying your summer, King County District 2!
This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.
Below are some news, updates, and events for July 2023 that I think you’ll find useful. This email will provide you a snapshot of recent updates. For a more comprehensive list of my office’s legislation and priorities, check out my King County website, where I list what we’ve been working on over the past year. You can also follow my Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates on all our work!
Stay informed about the policies we are championing, the progress we are making, and the impact we are creating as we work to serve you better.
Supporting the Rainier Valley Food Bank
I’m proud to share that the Council has supported my proposal to contribute $250,000 toward the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB)! The RVFB is the busiest food bank in Seattle and it’s located right here in Rainier Beach. It provides food assistance and other essential resources to communities in South Seattle and across King County including Renton, Federal Way, White Center, and even up to North King County.
The funds we secured will support RVFB’s capital campaign as they are building a new food hub that will be 7 times bigger, creating room to welcome more guests, provide holistic services and expand home delivery and backpack programs across the South End and beyond.
A special thank you to Councilmember Rod Dembowski and Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles who made this support possible. The South End appreciates you and your commitment to food security around the region!
Raising the Minimum Wage in Unincorporated King County
Our office has drafted legislation to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County and plans to introduce it later this summer. While bordering cities like Seattle, Tukwila, and Seatac have increased their minimum wages above Washington state’s minimum wage of $15.74 per hour, unincorporated King County’s minimum wage remains at the state level.
According to the 2023 National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach data, an employee making Washington’s minimum wage of $15.74 per hour would have to work 103 hours each week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at fair market rent in King County. In 2022, for a dual-income household of two working adults and two school-aged children living in King County and earning the state’s minimum wage, the family would fall short on average $36,442 to meet the basic needs of the household.
SeaTac and Seattle raised their minimum wages years ago. The vast majority of businesses were able to adjust, and some businesses with concerns about raising the minimum wage ended up expanding. Last fall, Tukwila voted overwhelmingly to raise their minimum wage, too. When people can afford to live and relax in the cities they work, that spending circulates locally.
A recent study from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment found that raising the minimum wage causes "large, significant positive employment effects” — in other words, it creates jobs!
My office is currently looking to phase in a minimum wage in unincorporated King County that complements the minimum wages of neighboring cities. The exact rate, requirements, and mechanisms for implementation will be made public very soon, but we wanted to give you a heads up for now! Please stay tuned and we will share an announcement and process for giving us feedback by our next email newsletter.
The Demographics of our District
 As you know, I represent your district on the King County Council – King County District 2. This district includes (from North to South) the University District, Laurelhurst, Ravenna, Eastlake, Capitol Hill, Central District neighborhoods, Southeast Seattle neighborhoods, the unincorporated area of Skyway, and Allentown.
Have you ever wondered how our demographics in this district compare to the other 8 districts of King County? Well, our teams recently did a demographic analysis that you can view here.
This is an overview of District 2’s demographics in comparison to the other 8 Districts in King County. See charts below for a more detailed breakdown and comparisons between District 2 and King County as a whole.
Racial demographics
- Highest percent Asian population
- 2nd highest percent Black population
- 2nd highest percent multiracial population
- 5th highest percent of foreign born population
Household demographics
- Highest percent households below Federal poverty level
- 4th highest percent households receiving SNAP benefits
- 4th lowest median household income
- 4th highest median home value
- 4th lowest median rent
- 3rd highest percent cost burdened households
- 3rd lowest percent owner households
- 3rd highest percent renter households
Language demographics
- 4th highest percent of limited English proficiency
- 4th highest percent of multilingual population
Age demographics
- 2nd lowest percent youth population
- 3rd lowest percent elder population, tied with District 5
Education demographics
- 5th highest percent w/ HS diploma
- 5th highest percent w/ some college completion
- 5th highest percent w/ Bachelors degree
Click here for more demographic charts.
New Landlord-Tenant Laws in Washington
 New landlord-tenant laws have become effective in Washington State. As of July 23, 2023:
- Landlords must now provide written documentation (receipts or invoices) of any money they keep out of a security deposit.
- Within 30 days after a tenant moves out, the landlord must either return the full security deposit or give the tenant a written statement documenting why they kept some or all of it.
- Landlords cannot keep security deposits to repair or clean rental units, carpet, walls, or appliances that are worn or soiled because of “ordinary use of the premises”.
- Costs of repairing or cleaning damage that resulted from ordinary use, or that are not documented properly cannot be reported to a collection agency, a tenant screening service, or another landlord.
- The eviction process includes new options for tenants to appear at eviction hearings remotely, and to ask for a virtual (electronic) hearing.
Visit this website to learn more.
July is Disability Pride Month!
 Earlier this week, King County Council proclaimed July 2023 as Disability Pride Month in King County. Today and everyday, we commit to making our region a place that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming for people of all abilities.
Fentanyl and Addiction: Help is Available
 The Department of Community and Health Services (DCHS) and Public Health Seattle-King County released the first in a multi-part blog series detailing our response to the current fentanyl crisis and substance use disorder more broadly. Please take a look here at this resource for individuals seeking substance use treatment.
Health through Housing Dashboard
 DCHS recently unveiled their public Health through Housing Dashboard! The Health Through Housing (HTH) initiative is King County’s long-term commitment to accelerate our region’s response to chronic homelessness through the use of repurposed hotels and other existing buildings.
Since purchasing HTH’s first building in May 2021, the initiative has obtained 1,366 units and brought eight buildings online—introducing new supportive housing stock faster than any previous County-led housing initiative. HTH is also working with city officials and communities to establish the first supportive housing buildings for adults in Auburn, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, and Renton.
Reliable, accessible data is an important part of how we'll end chronic homelessness in King County. Explore the dashboard for an overview of the HTH model, progress made during our 2022 launch year, and future plans.
Metro Trip Changes
 King County Metro will increase service reliability with its fall update to transit schedules. The agency currently is delivering 95% of more than 11,200 daily bus trips while facing challenges with canceled trips.
The changes beginning in September will allow riders to have confidence that Metro will be there when promised, no matter where they need to go.
To keep transit services in sync with fleet and workforce availability, Metro will focus upcoming service changes on 20 low-ridership routes. Most (92%) boardings will not be directly affected by these cuts, which will help prevent last-minute cancellations and improve reliability for riders. Learn more at Metro’s blog post here.
Historically Redlined Communities Currently Face Higher Concentrations of All Types of Pollution
 The historic practice of redlining prevented people of color and low-income residents from living and building wealth in “desirable” areas amongst higher income white residents, relegating them to “hazardous” neighborhoods instead. The “hazardous” neighborhoods ended up containing some of the most polluting industries, resulting in their residents currently facing higher concentrations of all types of pollution compared to neighborhoods historically classified as "desirable".
Air pollution contributes to many health issues including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Studies show that long-term exposure to fine particles are associated with higher rates of bronchitis, reduced lung function, lung cancer, and death from heart disease. Recent studies also show that ultrafine particles can bypass the body’s defense systems, carrying toxins directly into organs and staying longer in the lungs.
These are the health issues that South Seattle neighborhoods face, with black residents experiencing the highest exposure levels. My office has fought tirelessly to address these disparities and expand protections and resources for our communities. We’ve passed legislation to create indoor options for people to escape extreme heat, cold, and wildfire smoke; we’ve co-sponsored legislation to give more power to communities affected by pollution from the King County International Airport (KCIA); we’ve expanded programs programs for clean buildings in King County; and we’ve invested in expanding and electrifying our public transit.
We will continue to do everything in our power to fight the climate crisis, and center the voices of communities most affected. Together, let’s fight for a better and cleaner future for all of us.
You can learn more here:
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/uw-study-links-higher-levels-of-toxic-pollutants-to-seattles-redlining/
Read the full study here: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP11662
Homelessness is not an External Issue
Five years into the Seattle Times’ Project Homeless, they asked readers to submit questions about homelessness. One of the most common questions were variations on why homeless people come to Seattle. Project Homeless looked into this, and discovered that homeless people don’t tend to move about; rather, when they become unhoused, they tend to stay in the same area as where they last had a home.
King County’s Homeless Management Information System recorded in 2022 that “almost 80% of people seeking homelessness services … said the last location they had a stable place to live was in Washington state”. In 2019, similar results were found across San Francisco, Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, Olympia and Thurston County, and Seattle and King County. Additionally, when homeless people do migrate, they tend to migrate into more populated areas in search of jobs, rather than to just live in the area as a homeless person.
Learn more here: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/where-are-king-countys-homeless-residents-from/
New Tool Provides Background on Local History of Structural Racism
In coordination with the Equity Advisory Committee, as part of the Regional Equity Strategy, PSRC has launched a powerful new web-based tool that chronicles the history of discriminatory policy in the Puget Sound region. The resource is intended to provide an accurate understanding of structural racism for policy makers, public agency staff and community members to help evolve and shape current and future strategies to address the consequences of past harms.
View the interactive report here.
From neighborhood gatherings to grassroots initiatives, stay tuned to see how we are working closely with you to address your concerns and bring positive change to our district.
Launch of 900 Rainier
 I helped launch 900 Rainier on July 12th, the largest privately funded affordable multifamily development in Seattle. It’s located right at the cusp of the CD and South End, on a RapidRide route and near the future Judkins Park Light Rail Station. It contains 396 new affordable homes as well as ground floor space for small businesses and nonprofits. This stretch of Rainier Ave needs some love so thank you to all who made this possible!
Metro Equity Internship Program
 Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet our Metro Summer Youth Interns!
Thank you to King County Metro for creating new opportunities for young leaders to learn about public transportation and how mobility access impacts our local communities.
Here are some of the cool things they’ve done this summer:
Launched their own social media account to promote transit riding to other young people
Designed and painted a new bus shelter mural with local artist Amaranta Sandys
Traveled to Metro’s South base to learn about Metro’s transition to a zero-emission bus fleet
Sailed on the King County Water Taxi and learned about maritime careers, and
Met with various leaders, elected officials, peer advocates, and professionals in transportation, urban planning, and related fields
Thank you Metro Interns, and keep up the great work! Read more about the program here.
Nia Festival in Skyway
 Last weekend, I had the chance to join the fun at Nia Festival! Nia Fest honors the Black legacy and experience in unincorporated Skyway. Thank you to all the amazing organizers who helped create this event for our community to come and celebrate together!
Congrats to American Idol Winner, Iam Tongi!
 Fun fact: this year’s American Idol winner is from King County! At 18 years old, he’s younger than the show itself.
King County Council honored Iam Tongi for winning America’s biggest talent competition, putting Federal Way on the map, and being a positive role for youth everywhere.
King County Search & Rescue
 I had a chance this week to learn about King County’s search and rescue helicopters!
Each year, volunteer groups along with the Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue personnel respond to numerous incidents involving lost or injured hikers, hunters and children, down missing aircrafts. Search and Rescue volunteers also assist in times of natural disasters like flooding, windstorms and earthquakes.
Find out more about them by following this link: Search And Rescue
Learn about Volunteering with Search and Rescue!
Phone: (206) 205-8227
Email: SAR.coordinator@kingcounty.gov
Share your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns on key issues, as we value your input and believe in the power of collective voices shaping our policies and decisions.
Skyway Community Needs Assessment
 King County Local Services has opened their Community Needs Assessment for unincorporated areas!
The Community Needs Assessment (CNA) survey is your opportunity to tell us how you want to see funding spent and what services you need to see in your community. Does your community have the services it needs? Do you need more summer camps, food banks, or tutoring services? Complete the Community Needs Assessment survey to help plan and prioritize future spending for your neighborhood. Fill out your survey today at https://publicinput.com/CommunityNeeds
BestStarts KC Health Survey
Best Starts for Kids, a King County voter-approved initiative, is now in its eighth year! Its annual health survey intends to track how well its efforts are doing to improve children’s health in King County.
The survey is currently open through early fall and is available in Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. They are looking for responses from parents and caregivers with infants through elementary school aged children.
For more info and to fill out the survey, go to http://bit.ly/bsk-survey23.
Best Starts for Kids, a King County voter-approved initiative, is now in its eighth year! Its annual health survey intends to track how well its efforts are doing to improve children’s health in King County.
The survey is currently open through early fall and is available in Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. They are looking for responses from parents and caregivers with infants through elementary school aged children.
For more info and to fill out the survey, go to http://bit.ly/bsk-survey23.
Lynnwood Link Connections Phase 3 Public Engagement
Phase 3 engagement for the Lynnwood Link Connections is live now!
Community information sessions will be held on the following dates, with registration links on the Lynnwood Link webpage
- Monday, July 24th, 12-1:30pm
- Tuesday, August 15th, 6-7:30pm
- Saturday, August 19th, 10-11:30am
Metro staff will also be attending a number of community events in July and August.
For more info and to fill out the survey, go to https://kingcounty.gov/metro/LynnwoodLink
Free Vaccination Events for South King County Students
Free covid vaccination clinics for South King County families with kids ages 4 to 18 will be available this summer and early fall.
Families with healthcare providers are encouraged to make a vaccination appointment with their child’s healthcare provider to receive all school-required vaccines. For families who are uninsured, experiencing homelessness, or recently immigrated and currently without a healthcare provider, children may receive their school-required vaccines for free at the covid vaccination clinics.
Vaccination events are hosted by Go-Vax Kids, HealthPoint, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, and Stepping Stone Pediatrics in collaboration with school districts and community-based organizations. Each of these events will provide COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as well as all vaccines required for K-12 school entry, including Tdap, DTaP, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and polio. Every child who gets vaccinated at these clinics will receive two free tickets to a Seattle Storm home game, while supplies last.
Please wear short sleeves. Families are strongly encouraged to bring any vaccination records from other states or countries. Interpretation available upon request.
No insurance or proof of citizenship is required. Walk-in or pre-register. For more info, go to: http://kingcounty.gov/findaclinic
Free CADMA (Creative Arts Digital Media Academy) Summer Youth Opportunity
Radio Avenue Radio is hosting a free summer apprenticeship program for youth grades 8 to 12. The program offers education and training opportunities in radio broadcasting and communications. Additionally, the youth will also be introduced to:
- Film production
- Photography
- Journalism
- Beat-making
- Speech and presentation
- Audio & Visual production
- Storytelling
- Stage Lighting
- Stage management and tour booking
Classes will be held from 10am-2pm on the following dates:
- Week 1 - July 18th, 19th, 20th
- Week 2 - July 25th, 26th, 27th
- Week 3 - August 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Week 4 - August 8th, 9th, 10th
Application can be found here: https://forms.gle/8W9ZSD7CDmKTyFtQ6
Grant application open: WaterWorks
The WaterWorks Council allocated funding track is accepting applications from July 10 through July 31, 2023. This grant cycle has $2.7 million available in funding for the 2023/2024 biennial cycle; proposals can request between $10,000 and $200,000. The next grant cycle will begin in 2025.
Details
- The following groups of people are eligible for funding
- Nonprofit groups including associations, community groups, and 501(C)3 organizations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Cities and counties (with the exception of King County DNRP*)
- Special purpose districts
- Tribes
- The following types of projects are eligible for funding
- Community engagement and stewardship
- Education
- Outreach
- Pollution prevention and best management practices for source control
- Green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens, cisterns, etc.) or low impact development features
- Habitat restoration in riparian areas
- Water quality assessments and monitoring
- Science and research
- Social marketing campaign (outreach aimed at behavior change)
- Technology development
- Demonstration projects
- Planning and/or design of projects listed above
- See if your project area is in an eligible location here https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/grants-and-awards/waterworks/eligibility/mapping-tools.aspx
Applications must be submitted through the online grant portal here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=kingwaterworks
Go here for more information: https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/grants-and-awards/~/link.aspx?_id=BE89EE5001074ECE987E3332A8684602&_z=z
Grant application open: Digital navigation services
Commerce has $14.5 million in grants available for eligible organizations to provide digital equity and navigation services to Washington residents and households with limited access to broadband services. Applications must be submitted by August 13th.
Details
- Eligible applicants must be a consortium, which is defined as a partnership of at least three separate entities.
- Projects must provide digital navigator services including, but not limited to, one-on-one assistance for people with limited access to services, including individuals seeking work, students seeking digital technical support, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing poverty, and seniors.
- Funding requests may not exceed $14.5 million per fiscal year.
- Period of performance in fiscal year 2024 is Sept. 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
- Year two funding in fiscal year 2025 is dependent upon Commerce review and approval of year one outcomes, timely deliverables, and year two work plan and budget.
Timeline
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