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United Way of King County
 I was honored to be a speaker at the United Way of King County’s Eat, Drink, Be Generous Event earlier this month to talk about the need to address food security, housing affordability and addressing inequity and poverty in our region. People from across the region came together to eat great food from local chefs and to raise funds for United Way’s work helping support food security for struggling families. The theme was “Together for Everyone” which means fighting for an economy that creates greater shared prosperity. The pandemic worsened and exacerbated existing inequalities in our community and society. And we know communities of color, workers of color, women of color, historically underserved communities were the hardest hit and continue to suffer the consequences.
I have partnered with United Way of King County and worked with them to change public policies that advance greater opportunity and equity, while they also provide direct service to serve the public. They have helped win and implement the Working Families Tax Credit, helping to get up to a $1,225 cash payment into the hands of working families, I have seen them in the Burien King County Library providing tax filing support with their FREE TAX PREP program and partnering with food security programs like the White Center Food Bank! Thank you for all your work, United Way!
Harborview: our region’s only Level 1 Trauma Hospital
 Meeting with the folks who make Harborview work everyday.
 If you are lucky, you will never need the care Harborview Hospital provides but it’s there for those who need highly specialized care, especially trauma. It’s actually the Trauma 1 center for 5 states and cares for those who have been in some of the most serious accidents, saving lives every day. On top of this, they are also our region's safety net hospital caring for our community with no regard to their means or current station in life.
 Hearing from Harborview's administration about most pressing needs for patient care.
The County owns Harborview, and we contract with UW to actually run the Hospital which is located in District 8. I took the time to meet with the people who work there every day and the administration to learn what support they need to keep HMC a vital resource for our community and beyond.
Homelessness Response: SCOTUS & Grants Pass Lawsuit
 Photo Credit: Genna Martin/Cascade PBS
Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard arguments in the Grants Pass V. Johnson case which will impact how cities across the country respond to homelessness. My office joined one of many rallies across the country calling on SCOTUS to not make our housing crisis worse by filling our jails with people struggling with poverty. The solution to the national struggle around housing isn’t locking people up, which costs taxpayers more, it’s continuing to invest in affordable housing and real services that get and keep people housed. Earlier this year, I also joined over 150 elected officials across the country in signing an amicus brief with Local Progress to ensure more humane and non-criminal responses to homelessness.
Southworth Ferry Terminal Work
Construction crews will be working at Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) Southworth terminal starting in mid-May to replace the decking on the passenger walkway. Space on the dock will be tight during this work. (See graphic above.) A pedestrian and bike lane will be set up with a safe buffer between it and the work zone. The work is expected to last three weeks. Ferry passengers should expect some operational impacts, especially large Vashon-bound vehicles from Southworth that need to back onto the ferries. There could also be delays to the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route sailing schedule. WSF will work hard to minimize delays on a route already experiencing them due to two-boat service and strive to maintain the trips students rely on to get to and from school. WSF recommends that passengers sign up for alerts, arrive early and – for those who can -- take alternate routes during this time. WSF is doing this work now so it’s complete ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Conservation District: listening sessions May 16th and 21st
 The current King Conservation District (KCD) interlocal agreement with King County will expire in December of 2024. KCD has been working with program participants, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to gather feedback about our work. KCD is working with program participants, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to update program of work and secure a three-year agreement with King County to continue funding our critical natural resource and environmental conservation services. Learn more at kingcd.org/rate-renewal. KCD wants to hear from district residents about our 2025 Rate Renewal. They will be providing information and taking feedback at online listening sessions May 16 and May 21, submit public comment through this online form.
USDA Awards Funding to Vashon Island!
 Photo Credit: Vashon IGA Market Fresh
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced grants aimed at helping to lower energy costs for Washington State farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers and rural small businesses by investing over $2.3 million in 18 renewable energy projects. The projects announced are being funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.
We are excited that VI Retail Inc. dba Vashon Market Fresh, a locally owned grocery store located on Vashon Island, King County, will receive a $706,860 grant to purchase and install a 370,035-kilowatt hours (kWh) solar array for their grocery store operation. This project will realize $69,872 per year in savings and will replace 537,000 kWh (69 percent energy savings) per year, which is enough to power 34 homes. Congrats Vashon Market Fresh!
Countywide Nonprofit Workforce Survey
 The Department of Community and Human Services - Adult Services Division is pleased to announce the release of a new Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Request for Proposal (RFP) for Countywide Nonprofit Workforce Surveys. The Countywide Nonprofit Workforce Surveys RFP focuses on improving the community’s understanding of pay disparities and employee experiences in the nonprofit sector. For more information about this RFP, please visit https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/VSHSLSurveys/.
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Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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