 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 with 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.
I'VE BEEN RE-ELECTED!
I am thrilled to announce that, with 98.5% of the vote, I have been re-elected to serve as your King County Council representative for the next 3 years. In my upcoming second term, I will continue the work of keeping our communities safe, housed, and healthy. Please continue to reach out to my office with ideas, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration.
 Upcoming Community Safety Meeting on December 12th
In response to the critical issue of gun violence, we are holding our second monthly community safety meeting on December 12th, from 7pm to 9pm at Washington Hall (153 14th Ave, Seattle). This community-led meeting is a vital platform for discussing public safety measures, particularly around the 23rd and Jackson area in the Central District.
Our previous meeting saw a packed audience, demonstrating our community's commitment to tackling these urgent issues. This upcoming session will focus on engaging our youth, providing them with an opportunity to lead the conversation and offer their unique perspectives.
I encourage everyone in our community to join us in this collaborative effort to enhance safety and well-being in our neighborhood.
 King County Council Approves $782 Million "Doors Open" Levy for Arts and Culture
The King County Council has taken a monumental step by approving the "Doors Open" levy, which promises nearly $800 million in funding over seven years for science, heritage, and arts access in King County. This levy, achieved through a modest 0.1% sales tax, aims to fund equitable access, bolster public school programming, and drive tourism and revenue in the arts and culture sector.
I’m especially excited about the increased arts resources in public schools and the focus on supporting vulnerable populations through this initiative. Notably, 15% of the levy funds are allocated to public schools, supporting art and music programs, field trips, internships, and more. This investment marks a significant commitment to King County's cultural landscape, ensuring that our arts and culture community not only recovers but thrives to unprecedented levels.
For more information on this program and its impact, visit this website.
 Insights from the Law and Justice Committee Homicide Rates Briefing
In light of the alarming rise in homicides in King County, 81% of which involve gun violence, I recently called for a briefing in the law and justice committee to deepen our understanding of this critical issue. The briefing, presented by the King County Prosecutor’s office, offers valuable insights into the current trends, challenges, and locations impacted by this crisis.
For those interested in the detailed analysis and data, the full briefing is available here, starting at the 1 hour and 29 minute mark.
My office is actively engaged in public safety organizing work across several neighborhoods, including 23rd & Jackson, Rainier Beach, Skyway, and others. We are committed to collaborating with the community to tackle gun violence and enhance the safety of all our neighborhoods. Your participation and input are invaluable in these efforts. Please reach out to connect and contribute to our collective goal of a safer King County.
 Understanding the Addiction and Overdose Crisis in Our Region
As we grapple with the increasing challenges of addiction and overdose in our region, it's crucial to be informed about the underlying causes and context. Last month, I requested a briefing to delve into the rising substance use disorders, providing valuable insights into this critical issue.
For a quick overview, check out this 2-minute clip from the briefing. The full discussion is available here, starting at the 1 hour and 3-minute mark.
Additionally, King County Public Health & the Department of Community and Human Services have compiled a comprehensive blog detailing our response to the current fentanyl and addiction crisis. This resource is invaluable for those seeking substance use treatment or anyone looking to understand more about the crisis.
Please share this resource broadly to help spread awareness and support those in need: King County Response to Fentanyl and Addiction.
 Update on the Minimum Wage Proposal
Two months ago, I officially introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County. 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.
The ordinance has been on the agenda for discussion at the King County Transportation, Economy, and Environment (TrEE) Committee with the next meeting scheduled for next year. 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>.
You can read the full text of the legislation here or check out our one-page infographic here.
VSHSL Implementation Plan Under Review by County Council
The King County Council, on December 12, will review the implementation plan for the Veterans Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), sponsored by me, Councilmember Zahilay. This plan is essential for directing the spending of the recently passed levy over the next six years, focusing on several critical areas.
Once the Council approves the VSHSL implementation plan, our work will include further reducing veteran homelessness, enhancing our veteran's program to be a national model, supporting seniors in their communities through improved services at senior centers, extending aid to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing legal assistance to immigrants and refugees, and continuing our commitment to building and maintaining affordable housing units.
For an in-depth look at the VSHSL implementation plan and its impacts, visit the Veterans, Seniors & Human Services Levy website. You are also invited to make public comments or listen to the deliberations by joining us either in person or virtually. For more details on how to attend the full council meeting, click here.
Supplemental Budget Ordinance
On Tuesday, December 12th, the King County Council will consider a significant ordinance to adopt a supplemental budget. This step is part of our established budgeting routine, typically involving a 2-year budget passed in even-numbered years, with a mid-biennial supplemental budget at the end of the first year. This year's supplemental includes initiating budget cuts in General Fund agencies to manage a projected $100 million shortfall and the requirement for the Executive to transmit Phase 2 of the equitable development initiative.
Your voice is crucial in this process. We invite you to make a public comment or listen to the deliberations at the full council meeting. Join us either in person or virtually to engage in this pivotal discussion and help shape the future of our community.
For detailed information on the supplemental budget, please visit this website. To learn more about how to participate in the council meeting, click here.
Advancing Economic Security with Guaranteed Basic Income
As your King County Councilmember, I strongly advocate for Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI), a transformative measure that has already shown profound impacts through our King County pilot program. GBI isn't just financial aid; it's a powerful tool against social, economic, and health disparities, improving living standards and reducing dependency on costly and less effective systems like the criminal legal system.
Implementing GBI in Seattle's 2024 city budget is crucial to address the overlapping crises of homelessness, addiction, and housing shortages. Focusing on communities most impacted by over-policing and criminalization, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing homelessness, GBI can be a significant step toward eradicating poverty.
The stories of those helped by GBI – from families to single parents to the elderly – highlight its real-life impact. These are not just numbers; they are lives transformed. As I often say, "GBI is the future," it's time we embrace this path for a more equitable and secure community. Read more about Guaranteed Basic Income in this article.
Congratulations to UW Huskies Football: PAC-12 Champions!
A huge congratulations to District 2's pride, the University of Washington Huskies Football team, for their outstanding achievement as the PAC-12 champions! Their dedication, hard work, and team spirit have truly paid off, bringing this prestigious title home.
As the UW Huskies celebrate this significant victory, let's all join in and show our support and pride for these incredible athletes. Their success is not just a win for the team, but a triumph for our entire community.
Go Huskies! You've made District 2 and all of King County incredibly proud!
 Catch My Latest Interview on 'The UpNUp Podcast’
I recently had the honor of joining 'The UpNUp Podcast' for a compelling episode, where I spoke alongside Dominique Davis, CEO/Founder of 'Community Passageways'. Our conversation delved into crucial topics like Gun Violence, Healing, and Saving Youth, among other pressing issues.
In these challenging times, tackling issues such as Gun Violence, Public Safety, and Community well-being requires all of us to play our part, leveraging our unique gifts and efforts. This interview is more than just a discussion; it's a source of positive and progressive insights that we hope will inspire and motivate everyone as we wrap up this year and look forward to brighter ones ahead.
To listen to our full conversation and gain some valuable perspectives, check out the interview here.
Support the Campaign to Honor Coach Mike Bethea
Join us in celebrating the legacy of a true community icon, Coach Mike Bethea, by naming the Rainier Beach High School Gymnasium in his honor. Recognizing his remarkable contributions and lasting impact, we're gathering signatures for a petition to commemorate his dedication and achievements.
Your support can make a significant difference. Sign the petition today and be a part of honoring a legendary figure in our community.
 Small Business Highlight
This week, I want to give a special shoutout to Ba Bar, a fantastic local restaurant serving up delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Ba Bar with my new colleagues on the King County Council, Jorge Baron and Teresa Mosqueda. We were warmly welcomed by the owner, Eric, who personally came out to greet us.
So, if you haven't yet, I highly recommend checking out Ba Bar for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. Let's continue to celebrate and support the small businesses that make our community unique and vibrant.
 Become a Lifeguard in King County!
Looking for a rewarding and exciting opportunity? Consider becoming a lifeguard at King County's beaches and pools! SplashForward Public Health in collaboration with Seattle Children's and Amazon.com is hosting a workshop to provide you with all the information you need to know about this vital role. It's not just a job - it's a chance to make a real difference in your community by ensuring water safety.
Invite your friends and register today at bit.ly/NIPD-Drowning to learn more about this opportunity. Can't make it to the workshop? No worries! Register anyway, and they'll send you a recording of the event along with additional information.
Executive Director Opportunity at King County Library System
The King County Library System is on the lookout for a dynamic and visionary leader to fill the role of Executive Director. If you have a passion for public service and the ability to lead one of the most respected library systems in the nation, we encourage you to apply.
Visit their website to find out more about the qualifications they're seeking and the application process. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of library services in King County. Apply now at 1.kcls.org/3PcrZL and take the lead in this exciting chapter.
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.
Community Safety Meeting Update
Our recent community safety meeting at Black Coffee NW was a huge success with a full house! This event is more than a town hall; it's a call to action for neighbors, businesses, city and county departments, and service providers to unite for our neighborhood's safety.
We've decided to hold these vital meetings monthly and look forward to seeing high attendance each time. Key initiatives discussed include parking lot activation for violence prevention, volunteer support for local service providers, enhanced behavioral health outreach, bus stop safety improvements, better neighborhood communication, and increased inter-agency coordination.
Join us for the next meeting on December 12th (see flyer above). Let's keep the momentum going!
A big thank you to Black Coffee NW for hosting, and to Apple, Alex Cooley, Deaunte, Community Passageways, Fedilla from my team, and everyone involved in organizing and participating in these critical meetings. Together, we're making our community safer!
 Supporting the Behavioral Health Forum
I had the honor of standing alongside Deaunte Damper at the Behavioral Health Legislative Forum. Deaunte's powerful story of recovery and his dedication to behavioral health advocacy is truly inspiring. As we face increasing challenges with substance use and record overdoses, it's crucial to have strong leadership at every government level. This is a call to action to build a robust behavioral health infrastructure, emphasizing that with adequate resources and community support, recovery is indeed possible.
 Supporting Macy's Workers on Black Friday Strike
Last week, I stood in solidarity with Macy's workers striking for fair wages, safe working conditions, and genuine negotiation efforts. This Black Friday, their powerful message echoes throughout our community: equitable treatment for all workers is non-negotiable.
Deep appreciation to UFCW 3000, MLK Labor, and the labor movement for championing the rights of our region's workers. A special shout-out to my colleague, Jorge Baron, for his support in this cause.
For more insight into the Macy's strike and the workers' demands, check out the full article: The Guardian - Macy's Workers Strike.
 Celebrating Success at the First Youth Leadership Summit
I am thrilled to share the success of the inaugural Youth Leadership Summit under the Build the Bench initiative. With 70 attendees, including many young, aspiring leaders, this event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to nurture and empower the next generation of change-makers.
A heartfelt thank you to the Build The Bench team and Redmond city councilmember elect Osman Salahuddin for their dedication and hard work in making this event a reality. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to our East Side elected officials for their invaluable contribution and support.
Public Health
Expanded Health Insurance Access in Washington
Great news for our community! Washington's health insurance exchange now offers health and dental plans to all residents, including undocumented immigrants. This expansion aims to reduce the uninsured rate in our state and address healthcare disparities.
Eligible residents, regardless of immigration status, can apply for state subsidies through the Cascade Care Savings program. Enrollment is open through January 15th. Apply by December 15th for coverage starting January 1st, or between December 16th and January 15th for coverage beginning February 1st.
Don't miss this opportunity to secure your health coverage. Visit the Washington State Healthplanfinder for more information and to enroll.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Public Input Wanted on New Landfill Methane Emissions Rules
The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting public feedback on proposed rules to reduce landfill methane emissions, a critical step in our state's environmental stewardship. These new regulations will require more stringent measures from municipal solid-waste landfills to control methane release, along with mandatory emissions tracking and state reporting.
In line with efforts in states like California, Oregon, and Maryland, Washington aims to significantly decrease methane emissions from landfills, which contribute notably to the climate crisis. These initiatives align with our statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.
To facilitate compliance, $15 million in grants will be available to landfill owners and operators. Your opinion is invaluable in shaping these rules. Public comments are welcome online, via mail, or at the public hearing scheduled for December 6th. Let’s work together for a sustainable and healthier environment. Learn more about this initiative in this article.
Greater Seattle/King County Tourism Survey
Take just 10 minutes to complete a survey about our local tourism industry. Your anonymous responses will play a crucial role in understanding community sentiment, helping to shape the future of tourism in our area. The deadline for this survey is December 20th, so fill it out as soon as you can! Thank you for contributing your valuable perspectives.
 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.
 Grants & Resources
2025 King County Conservation Futures Grants
King County invites applications for the 2025 Conservation Futures grants, focusing on acquiring and preserving parks, open spaces, and environmental areas. Eligible projects include urban greenspaces, community gardens, forests, and more, with a special emphasis on serving underserved communities.
Eligibility extends to cities, the county, park districts, and certain nonprofit organizations. Notably, the project match requirement is now only 25%, and initial site stabilization costs are eligible expenses.
Support is available for applicants, including workshops:
For details and to apply, visit the Conservation Futures application webpage.
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
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