Dear King County District 2 Resident,

This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.

Below are some news, updates, and events 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!

Announcements & Policy Updates 

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.

New Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Earlier this week, I stood with community organizations and King County Executive Dow Constantine in Skyway as the Executive launched the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention. 

We’ve seen gun violence directly affect our communities and families–especially here in District 2–time and again. Just last Monday, there was a shooting at 23rd and Jackson that left one man in the hospital and the children at the nearby daycare terrified. I will form a public safety work group to advance safety strategies on 23rd and Jackson. If you live in the area and would like to participate in the work group, please let us know. 

The creation of this Office of Violence Prevention will help us streamline gun violence prevention efforts, consolidate resources and funding, and invest in short-, mid-, and long-term solutions. If we are to actually address the scale of gun violence in our communities, we need everyone at every level involved and invested in ending violence—every level of government, the private sector, nonprofits, neighbors, teachers, activists, parents, siblings, everyone.

Read more about the Office of Gun Violence here. 

Our Public Defender System Is at the Breaking Point

I want all our constituents to know something: Every part of our criminal legal system, from courts to jails, is stretched beyond capacity. Public defenders are now the latest justice system partners to push their breaking points. 

Learn more about this crisis and my proposed ways of addressing it by reading my op-ed with the Director of the Department of Public Defense, Anita Khandelwal.

Youth Achievement Center Update

Three years ago, I asked all of you to email the Sound Transit Board requesting they transfer 2 plots of land to community organizations to develop the Youth Achievement Center. Yesterday, the Sound Transit Board adopted our motion and we took a major step toward building 100 homes for housing-unstable youth in South Seattle!

This is a huge milestone in the development of the YAC and our journey to uplifting the most vulnerable youth in our region. Thank you to all of our partners who’ve been advocating tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

Civics 101: How to Get Funded

In today’s Civics 101 lesson: How to get funded!

I made this video share a few thoughts and observations I have on how to most successfully get your organization or idea funded via government grants. I’ll keep making these #CIVICS101 videos to help share what I learn from serving as a Councilmember.

Public Comment Opportunities for Minimum Wage Proposal

Last month, I officially introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County. The ordinance will be on the agenda for discussion at the King County Transportation, Economy, and Environment (TrEE) Committee next month on Thursday, November 16th, 2023 at 9:30am.

This is an opportunity for the public to comment on the ordinance as it is currently proposed, and we welcome all individuals to share their thoughts! I have included information on how to provide public comment below, as well as how to watch/listen only.

Possible action on the ordinance, including amendments and recommendation to the full council for vote, are not yet scheduled. Our office is still taking feedback on the ordinance, and anyone interested in sharing their thoughts or concerns directly to our office at <carly.pena@kingcounty.gov>.

Workers in unincorporated King County are always left out of policies that increase the minimum wage in neighboring cities. That means someone working in Skyway could be paid several dollars less per hour than if they went a block north to Seattle or a block west to Tukwila. That’s not right. If passed, our proposal to increase the minimum wage in unincorporated King County would be a big step toward investing in the workers and economy of every corner of our region.

You can read the full text of the legislation here or check out our one-page infographic here.

HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT: The Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee values community input and looks forward to hearing from you on agenda items.

There are three ways to provide public comment:

1. In person:  You may attend the meeting and provide comment in the Council Chambers.

2. By email: You may comment in writing on current agenda items by submitting your email comments to kcccomitt@kingcounty.gov. If your email is received before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting, your email comments will be distributed to the committee members and appropriate staff prior to the meeting.

3. Remote attendance at the meeting by phone or computer: You may provide oral comment on current agenda items during the meeting’s public comment period by connecting to the meeting via phone or computer using the ZOOM application at https://zoom.us/, and entering the webinar ID number below.

You are not required to sign up in advance. Comments are limited to current agenda items.

You have the right to language access services at no cost to you. To request these services, please contact Equity and Social Justice Director, Dae Shogren at 206 263 8124 or email dae.shogren@kingcounty.gov by 8:00 a.m. the day prior to the meeting.

CONNECTING TO THE WEBINAR:

Webinar Meeting ID:  883 1283 0588

If you do not have access to the ZOOM application, you can connect to the meeting by calling 1 253 215 8782 and using the Webinar ID. Connecting in this manner, however, may impact your ability to be unmuted to speak.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN TO THE MEETING REMOTELY: There are several ways to watch or listen in to the meeting:

1)       Stream online via this link: https://livestream.com/accounts/15175343/events/4485487, or input the link web address into your web browser.

2)       Watch King County TV Channel 22 (Comcast Channel 22 and 322(HD), Wave Broadband Channel 22)

3)      Listen to the meeting by telephone – See “Connecting to the Webinar” above.

To help us manage the meeting, if you do not wish to be called upon for public comment please use the Livestream or King County TV options listed above, if possible, to watch or listen to the meeting.

VSHSL Implementation Plan Under Review by County Council:

Great news for the community! The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) implementation plan is now under the close review of the county council. This represents another significant step towards our commitment to the welfare of veterans, seniors, and those in need.

After the landmark decision by King County voters to renew the VSHSL with an impressive 71% approval rating, the focus has now shifted to ensuring that the funds are used effectively and efficiently to serve our community.

Once approved by the county council, the VSHSL implementation plan will:

1. Continue our mission to reduce veteran homelessness even further, building on our impressive 40% reduction since 2018.

2. Build to become the nation’s strongest local veterans program.

3. Prioritize keeping our valued seniors within the communities they have nurtured. Our aim is to enhance the levy-funded senior centers and cater to even more seniors every year.

4. Extend our support to survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault. Our focus remains to surpass the 8,000+ survivors already helped through the levy.

5. Offer legal assistance to immigrants, refugees, and individuals striving to maintain their housing.

6. Augment our efforts in building new affordable housing units and maintain the vast 1,900 units funded by the VSHSL previously.

For a comprehensive understanding of the VSHSL implementation plan, click here. Let’s remain united in our mission to uplift and support our community. Thank you for being a pivotal part of this journey!

Proposed Sales Tax Increase to Support Local Arts and Culture

King County Executive Dow Constantine has introduced a proposal advocating for a 0.1% sales tax increase. This initiative aims to significantly support local arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations through the "King County Doors Open" program. If approved by the Metropolitan King County Council, this could channel over $70 million annually to local nonprofits.

Here is some context to answer some questions you may have:

• What is it? The proposed adjustment is a mere penny for every $10 spent. In Seattle, the sales tax would change from 10.25% to 10.35%, with variations in other areas of King County. This would amount to an estimated $40 cost for an average family per year.

• Allocation of Funds: The collected funds would be channeled into a grant pool overseen by 4Culture, a county organization that supports arts and cultural projects. This proposed program is set to last seven years, after which reapproval will be sought.

• Beneficiaries: A wide variety of King County organizations stand to gain from this initiative. Entities such as the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Auburn Symphony Orchestra, and the Northwest African American Museum could access funds to cover various operational costs, provide discounted entry fees, and support community outreach. Moreover, a portion of these funds would facilitate the acquisition, building, and renovation of spaces for these organizations.

• Supporting Education: 15% of the program funds are earmarked for public school students, ensuring assistance with field trips, after-school programs, admission fees, transportation, internships, and more. This move comes at a crucial time with fewer schools offering specialized arts education.

• Economic and Cultural Boost: This program is poised to catalyze job creation and stimulate tourism, proving beneficial for a range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. This initiative is envisioned as a vital lifeline, especially considering the recent challenges faced by the arts and culture sector.

Your Voice Matters! Mark your calendars for a special Committee of the Whole briefing on Wednesday, November 1st at 9:30am. This will provide an opportunity for those keen on understanding the ordinance in detail.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN TO THE MEETING REMOTELY: There are several ways to watch or listen in to the meeting:

1)       Stream online via this link: https://livestream.com/accounts/15175343/events/4485487, or input the link web address into your web browser.

2)       Watch King County TV Channel 22 (Comcast Channel 22 and 322(HD), Wave Broadband Channel 22)

3)      Listen to the meeting by telephone – See “Connecting to the Webinar” above.

To help us manage the meeting, if you do not wish to be called upon for public comment please use the Livestream or King County TV options listed above, if possible, to watch or listen to the meeting.

Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee Update

Join us on Tuesday, November 7th at 9:30AM for an insightful session with the Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee, which will be broadcasted live on King County TV. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed about the latest updates and discussions from the committee.

Participate & Provide Your Comments:

• Via Zoom: Join the meeting using the Zoom application. Webinar ID: 868 2280 0804.

• Via Phone: Dial 253-215-8782 and use the webinar ID provided above.

• Written Comments: Submit written comments on current agenda items to kcccomitt@kingcounty.gov. Ensure to include the topic and related committee in your e-mail's subject line.

LJHHS Agenda for 11/7:

Consent items:

• Motion 2023-0291: Confirming the appointment of Brian Berry to the King County veterans, seniors, and human services levy advisory board's veterans committee as district one representative.

• Motion 2023-0296: Confirming the appointment of Brandon Graham (from council district six) to the King County board for developmental disabilities.

• Motion 2023-0302: Confirming the appointment of Kevin Host (from council district four) to the King County behavioral health advisory board.

• Motion 2023-0259: Acknowledging the receipt of the first annual report of the second Best Starts for Kids initiative.

Discussion & Possible Action:

• Ordinance 2023-0212: Addressing the treatment and services for juveniles in the custody of the department of adult and juvenile detention; amending Ordinance 18637, Section 2, and K.C.C.2.65.010 and Ordinance 18637, Section 3, and K.C.C.2.65.020.

Briefings:

• Current homicide trends in King County.

• Draft motion addressing the Public Defense Class A Attorney attrition crisis.

Your participation and voice matter. Engage with us and help shape the future of King County.

SR 900 Updates

WSDOT has provided some updates on safety improvements to MLK Way near Renton. .

Near-term improvements: Installation Complete

• Additional signage related to U-turns and right turns at SR 900 and South 129th Street intersection.
• Restripe/pylon additions near Creston Point Apartments east of 68th Avenue S. The right turn lane into Creston Point is being shortened with a restripe, and the addition of pylons, to create a school bus load/unload zone. We are including a pylon island in the center of the roadway to provide additional visual cues to slow vehicles as well.  These improvements are in coordination with a speed limit reduction request being developed to reduce the current 50mph to be 45mph between I-5 and 60th Avenue South, 40mph between 60th Avenue South and 68th Avenue South and 35mph between 68th Avenue South and Renton City Limits.

Mid- and long-term improvements:

• The SR 900 - Martin Luther King Jr. Way South Corridor Study report and executive summary have been published on the WSDOT website.
• The study recommendation includes 3 phases.

• Phase A: Shared use path with buffer on northside of SR 900, new pedestrian crossing at Creston Point Apartments, relocated westbound bus stop, removal of bus pullouts near Creston Point Apartments, South 133rd Street traffic signal and pedestrian crossing.
• Phase B: Roundabout with a community focal point at South 129th Street to serve as a gateway to the Skyway-West Hill community.
• Phase C:  Buffered sidewalk on south side of SR 900.

• Currently, WSDOT has partial funding for design of phase A.
• On July 21, WSDOT submitted a grant  application to the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Alternatives Program to fully fund phase A design and right-of-way. The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a Federal Highway Administration funding program for community-based transportation improvements, such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, historic preservation of transportation assets, environmental mitigation, and others. Twenty projects, including $2.2 million for the SR 900 project, have been recommended for $23.6 million in Transportation Alternative Program funding. PSRC is seeking comments thru October 19. The PSRC Executive Board will vote on the recommendation at their October 26 meeting. More information on the projects, the comment period and next steps can be found here.

Route 8 Updates

In response to recent public advocacy to reduce travel delays on Route 8, King County Metro (Metro) and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) want to provide information on the route, previous transit priority efforts to improve travel time and reliability, and next steps.  

Route 8 connects Seattle Center, Capitol Hill, Central District, Madison Valley, and Mount Baker. The route links several important destinations and is among Metro’s busiest routes carrying nearly 6,000 riders on weekdays. The route has long struggled with travel time and reliability issues along Denny Way. This narrow width of this direct east-west street attracts high volumes of people driving and is a connection to an I-5 on ramp, and we recognize that trips have become more delayed over time.

In general, local jurisdictions or WSDOT own and maintain the public right-of-way (ROW), including streets and traffic signals. Metro operates transit service and builds and maintains its trolley Overhead Catenary System, bus stops and layover facilities in the ROW. To effectively reach our shared transportation, development and climate goals, Metro must partner with local jurisdictions in the planning, design and implementation of projects that improve the travel time and reliability of transit service along corridors and at specific locations. The success of travel time and reliability projects depends on Metro, local jurisdictions, WSDOT and other stakeholders understanding each other’s policies, standards, shared goals, and decision processes.

To improve service to Route 8 riders, Metro and SDOT have implemented numerous approaches over the years. In 2010, Metro eliminated several stops along the route to address bus bunching. In 2016, Metro split Route 8 into the Route 8 and the Route 38 to shorten the route and improve on-time performance. In 2017-2018, SDOT and Metro implemented a series of measures including adding a transit-only lane from Fairview Ave to Stewart St, longer green light times where Denny Way meets 5th and 6th avenues, street channelization improvements, left turn restrictions, and parking removal.  In 2021, as part of the Climate Pledge Arena street improvement requirements, transit lanes were installed on Queen Anne Avenue North and First Avenue North.

 Despite investments, reliability on Denny Way continues to be a challenging problem to solve due to travel demand and major construction impacts. SDOT and Metro are dedicated to working together to provide mobility and find ways to prioritize transit in the city of Seattle. SDOT and Metro will continue to discuss and review the potential for transit priority treatments along Denny Way, including extending the transit-only lane, to see if it is feasible in this unique transportation environment.  

Two projects are underway to help improve reliability. Working with in the project budget, the upcoming Denny Way Paving Project scoped consolidation of additional bus stops to help with bunching and is expected to start construction as soon as 2024. SDOT and Metro recently began a partnership project to create a new bus pathway on Harrison and Mercer Streets to provide additional east-west bus service on less congested streets. That is a longer-term effort as that project is expected to be completed in 2028. Both agencies commit to continuing to look for solutions on Denny Way such as prioritizing moving more people and goods by funding investments meeting climate targets like bus priority, as recommended in the draft Seattle Transportation Plan and King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan. 

Thank you for your concern about the Route 8 and we look forward to a continuing dialogue with the community and yourself about how we might transform this important transit corridor.

Out in the Community

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.

Solidarity with Healthcare Workers

Proud to stand (and sit) with healthcare workers at Kaiser as they call for better contacts that will help recruit and retain the needed workforce and allow community members & families to access the care they need. Healthcare workers everywhere are struggling and need our support.

Add your name to the community petition here: http://ourkaiserwa.org 

Thanks for coming to our U-District Town Hall!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our U-District town hall! We had a robust discussion about the issues King County residents are facing, steps we’re taking to make things better, and points where we can collaborate across agencies, departments, and jurisdictions to better solve the collective problems we face.

We appreciate everyone who made the time to attend this town hall. Stay tuned for more in the future!

Small Business Highlight: Thien Phat Restaurant

For the latest Small Business Sunday highlight, I want you to meet Columbia City’s own Thien Phat Restaurant!

Thien Phat is run by Oanh Nguyen and her parents, who’ve served the local community since 2010.

Due to a partial shutdown during the COVID epidemic, they owe back rent. Those of us who love Thien Phat and the Nguyen family are asking for help so this family-owned South Seattle small business can stay open and continue to serve their community on Rainier Avenue South.

If you have the chance, please visit Thien Phat for some amazing Vietnamese food, or donate directly to their fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-columbia-citys-thien-phat-restaurant 

South Seattle Roundtable

It was great to co-host a South Seattle Community Roundtable with Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa.  

Thank you to the Commissioner and Port Staff for engaging South End communities on airport air and noise mitigation, airport master planning, economic and community development, and ways to continue to work together across agencies and communities.

Back to Action: Volunteer at Food Banks!

I joined members of our Seahawks Super Bowl team on the 10 year anniversary of their win to support Rainier Valley Food Bank’s efforts. The Back to Action Campaign is fun and aims to register 3,000 or more food bank volunteers by the end of the year. Sign up here: backtoaction.team

Volunteer rates for food banks have plummeted around the country. This has reduced food distribution precisely when food insecurity and hunger are growing in our state. That’s why I’m inviting you to volunteer with the “Back to Action” campaign so you can rally you and your friends to support a food bank near you.

The campaign is organized by a partnership of Northwest Harvest, Safeway, Washington Food Coalition, Vault89 Strategies, Seattle Seahawks, and KING 5.

I got looped in by my friend Doug Baldwin and I’m inspired by his continuous support of communities around King County!

The Back to Action campaign launched on September 23rd and runs until December 31st. So sign up to volunteer at a local food bank today, invite all your friends, and help address our state’s growing food insecurity issue!

Homestead Community Land Trust

It was such an honor to join Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to support Homestead Community Land Trust. Homestead creates affordable homeownership opportunities for low and middle income families across King County to address the decades of discrimination that have deprived too many of our communities from building generational wealth.

Columbia City BECU Opening

The ribbon has been cut at BECU’s new Columbia City location! This financial center will be another amenity that will make our south end neighborhood more walkable and attract more investments. Come check it out when you get a chance!

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

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.

Best Starts for Kids Survey

Your voice matters! The information provided by parents through the Kids Health Survey will guide the direction of the voter-approved Best Starts for Kids Initiative.

To take the Best Starts for Kids Healthy Survey visit http://sdrg.org/bsksurvey.

Upcoming Events

Skyway Resource Center Events

The Skyway Resource Center team has upcoming resource fairs on November 17th and December 15th! Join them at the King County Fire District #20 Administrative Building from 3 PM - 5 PM. For more information, go to https://www.skywayresourcecenter.org/ 

Services offered include:

• PPE
• Food Resources
• Transportation Resources
• Health Insurance Enrollment & Support
• Diapers
• And more!

King County Developmental Disabilities and Delays Annual Legislative Forum

The King County Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum is an opportunity to educate elected officials on issues that are important to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or delays and their families, friends, and supporters. This is done through sharing King County's I/DD legislative priorities, and also by having our community members share their personal stories as they relate to the priorities.

The forum will be held on Thursday, November 30th at the DoubleTree Suites, 16500 Southcenter Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98188. The schedule is as follows:

• 6-7pm: Connect with Constituents
• 7-8:30pm: Forum

• Opening remarks from Executive Constantine’s Office
• King County’s proposed intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays legislative priorities for 2024
• Hear from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays and their family members
• Opportunities for legislators and county councilmembers to share their perspectives and priorities

For more information, visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/developmental-disabilities/forum.aspx

Grants & Resources

Storefront Repair Grants

A new grant program is available to small businesses in unincorporated King County that have experienced vandalism or break-ins since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. 

The King County Department of Local Services Storefront Repair Program is intended to address vandalism and enhance security in business districts of the unincorporated areas. The program serves small businesses (10 employees or less) by providing a one-time grant up to $5,000 to repair and damage and restore storefronts of commercial buildings occupied by operating businesses. Retail, grocery, food service, and personal, professional, or medical services are eligible to apply.

Eligible expenses include:

• Repair or replacement of windows, doors, exterior lighting, signs, or awnings
• Replacement of security screens or bars, graffiti removal, security cameras, and insurance claim deductibles  

For program guidelines and applications, see the Storefront Repair Grant Program page. For questions or application assistance, email localbusinessgrants@kingcounty.gov

Applications will be accepted Oct. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2023, subject to funding availability.

Heat Pumps for Skyway Residents

King County’s Energize! program is offering heat pump installations in Skyway & White Center with up to 100% cost-coverage for income-qualified households. Heat pumps provide efficient air conditioning and save energy. Learn more at http://EnergizeKingCounty.org.

Help us grow our reach!

My team and I send email updates like the one you’re currently reading every couple of weeks and we want to ensure we’re reaching as many of you in our community as possible. If you know anyone who would like to receive these updates, please be sure to send them over to our County Council website to sign up!

And as always, for more frequent and daily updates, you can check out our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages. For the latest news, resources, and opportunities to engage with your King County government, follow me on the social media channels of your choice:

Facebook: facebook.com/Councilmember.Girmay
Twitter: @CMGirmayZahilay

Sincerely,

Councilmember Girmay Zahilay

King County Council
District 2
206-477-1002
girmay.zahilay@kingcounty.gov