Today, I was thrilled to join other regional transit leaders to announce that the East Link 2 Line will begin serving 8 light rail stations from South Bellevue Station to Redmond Technology Station in 72 days, on Saturday, April 27. While we continue working to open the full East Link 2 Line across I-90 to connect to the 1 Line as soon as possible, this 6.6 mile “starter line” segment will connect people to some of the region’s largest employers, growing neighborhoods, and incredible destinations throughout the Eastside now. 

When I proposed the starter line idea in August of 2022, I wasn’t sure we could do it, but I wanted to make sure we explored every potential way we could fulfill our promises and obligations to Eastside voters who approved light rail expansion as soon as possible. Thanks to hard work, creativity, and collaborative partnerships with cities, Sound Transit, and community leaders, we’re setting the stage for the Eastside’s continued transformation and connecting people to opportunity now. I can’t wait to ride it! 

If we are to solve our regional housing crisis, every jurisdiction in King County will have to do their part to create and preserve housing affordable to people at every income level. On Tuesday, the City of Redmond rose to this challenge by taking the first step in siting 100 new units of safe, affordable housing in partnership with Plymouth Housing and A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) by approving a transfer of city-owned property for the project.  

The project, which was originally slated to be in Kenmore, now moves into a process that includes extensive community engagement to complete an operational agreement, public safety and security plans, a community relations plan, and building design. I am so proud that the City of Redmond and the Redmond community are stepping up and showing us what it looks like to live up to our values and provide housing for all.  

This week, I was proud to lead the King County Council in proclaiming February as Black History Month, our country’s annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This year's theme, "African Americans and the Arts", explores the central and indelible impact Black Americans have had in every form of artistic and cultural expression.   

We were honored to be joined for the proclamation by Jay Taylor, who has curated "Elevating Voices", an exhibit of 17 Pacific Northwest Black artists at Bellevue City Hall in partnership with the City of Bellevue, architecture firm MG2, and Onyx Fine Arts Collective. I encourage everyone to visit this fantastic exhibit, which is open to the public throughout February, and to celebrate the contributions of Black and African Americans throughout the year!