 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 & 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.
Personal News: I’m a First Time Dad This Month!
First, some personal news! My wife and I had our first baby last month and we are thrilled to have her. I’m very sorry if I’ve been a little slower to respond to emails recently, but the Battle of the Bottles has begun and I’m slowly making my way back to the office.
Thank you to all the amazing healthcare workers at Swedish First Hill for helping to deliver our happy, healthy 9-pound baby girl!
 We Increased the Minimum Wage in King County!
Last year, I introduced my minimum wage ordinance so that workers in unincorporated King County could benefit from a similar minimum wage rate as their neighboring cities. I’m proud to say it was passed by the full King County Council this month with a vote of 7-2!
Unincorporated areas will soon see the minimum wage rate boosted to $20.29 per hour, with long ramp up periods for smaller businesses. The new rate will officially take effect on January 1st, 2025, and will rise annually with inflation.
As the cost of living in King County skyrockets, our workers must have the means to cover basic needs like rent, childcare, and groceries. One job should be enough in King County and raising the minimum wage is an important step to ensuring this. I'm happy to see my ordinance passed and am very thankful for the collaboration with local unions, small businesses, and fellow councilmembers on this effort.
If you want to learn more about the ordinance, you can read my op-ed article in The Stranger here, or catch up with some of the coverage from The Seattle Times, KUOW, or King 5.
 Protecting Public Health Clinics
As COVID-era funding expires and as a result of structural issues in Washington state’s tax system, King County’s General Fund budget faces a $35 million shortfall in 2025. This deficit creates uncertainty for the future of critical county programs and services, especially risking the future of our Public Health clinics that thousands of people rely on for their medical care.
This past March, the State Legislature gave counties the authority to raise property taxes to fund county-owned hospitals. This allows King County to levy a property tax to fund operations, maintenance, and capital costs associated with our county hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the outpatient health clinics operated by Harborview Medical Center.
King County Executive Dow Constantine, alongside our partners at UW Medicine, announced a proposal to the County Council to use the new public hospital property tax authority and preserve the future of our public health clinics and the health care of so many patients.
As the Council’s Budget Chair, I will be engaging in conversations with the Executive, my Council colleagues, our labor partners, Harborview Board of Trustees, and UW Medicine on the details of the proposed property tax and the implementation plan.
While this is a positive development promising to minimize the impact of the $35 million General Fund deficit, King County still needs to address remaining shortfalls in our budget as the planning process takes place over the next several months, and projected future deficits.
 Crisis Care Centers Implementation Plan Update
More and more people are suffering from addiction, overdoses, and mental health issues in our region. That’s why our office has been championing the Crisis Care Centers (CCC) initiative for the past two years to help build places for people to go and get care when they are in crisis.
The CCC Implementation Plan continues its journey toward approval by the King County Council and Regional Policy Committee. The implementation plan, which is required as part of the CCC levy passed by voters in April 2023, is the road map that will guide achievement of the goals of the levy. This includes opening five crisis care centers, restoring residential mental health treatment capacity, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce in King County.
After having been approved by the King County Regional Policy Committee, the next step is for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee to act on it at their June 4 meeting. Once HHS consideration is completed, the plan will be heard by the full King County Council. It is anticipated to be on the agenda for the June 18 council meeting.
We look forward to approval of the plan and to implementing the provisions. For more information, please visit the King County website here.
 Upcoming Comprehensive Plan Vote
The 2024 Comprehensive Plan is up for a committee vote next week! This is a major piece of legislation that shapes all aspects of county growth and development, including where homes, offices, and stores can be built, how roads impact surrounding areas, how to protect agricultural lands and forests, how to maintain access to clean water, air, and a healthy environment, and much more.
The Council's Local Services and Land Use Committee will vote on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan in a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, June 5. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. Public comments may be submitted in writing, in person in the Council Chambers on the 10th Floor of the King County Courthouse, at 516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA, or through the Zoom webinar. Information on how to participate in Committee meetings is available on the Committee website.
The 2024 Comprehensive Plan is items 7 and 8 on the Committee agenda, and will include potential action on:
- Striking Amendment S1 to Proposed Ordinance 2023-0440, which is the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. This includes a new version of the proposed 2024 Comprehensive Plan and technical appendices, a new version of the Snoqualmie Valley / Northeast King County Subarea Plan, changes to the development regulations update, and updated land use proposals;
- Striking Amendment S1 to Proposed Ordinance 2023-0438, which is the changes to the Countywide Planning Policies related to the Four-to-One Program; and
- Individual amendments to the Striking Amendments
All of the amendments that are currently proposed can be found on the Council's Comprehensive Plan website. Line amendments will be added as they are made public.
After committee action, the 2024 Comprehensive Plan will go before the full Council for further review and refinement, with a public hearing that is currently scheduled for November 19, 2024 and possible adoption on December 3, 2024.
 Central District Public Safety Accountability Community Meeting
Our monthly Central District community safety meetings are still going strong! The Central District Public Safety Accountability (CDPSA) focuses on engaging with both community members and local businesses in the Central District to promote collective well-being and safety. Attendance at community safety meetings allows the opportunity to join the workgroup, hear from city and county officials, and learn about ways to get involved in keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Our next meeting is on June 25th from 7-9pm at the Garfield High School’s Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center. We hope to see you there! For other updates, please follow the CDPSA Instagram here.
 King County Substance Use Conference
Registration for the 4th annual King County Substance Use Conference: A Vision for Hope is now open! This year’s conference is at Highline College in Des Moines on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 9 am - 3 pm. The conference brings together leading voices in substance abuse and recovery, and is open to the public. View the conference schedule and register online here. Keynote speakers include Chris Poulos, the Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Human Dignity and Derrick Belgarde, Executive Director of the Chief Seattle Club.
King County awards $3 million in grant funding for homelessness assistance in Tukwila and Burien
As you may know, the influx of asylum-seekers to King County has exacerbated our existing homelessness crisis. Hundreds of migrants have been sleeping outside of a church in Tukwila seeking housing and other services. To support local response efforts to this crisis, King County has awarded $3 million in one-time funding to increase in shelter capacity and to rapidly serve people experiencing homelessness in south King County cities. The City of Tukwila will receive $2 million, and the City of Burien will receive $1 million.
The $2 million grant for Tukwila will be used to fund a new shelter project to support unhoused individuals and families. The $1 million grant for Burien will be used to help fund a new emergency shelter that will add 50 additional beds for families with children.
Read more about this in the Seattle Times article here.
Speed Limit Changes on State Route 900 in Skyway
In order to make the region safer for pedestrians and motorists, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance crews have scheduled the installation of new speed limit signs on SR 900 in Skyway for next week. The installation of these signs will officially lower the posted speed limit in Skyway to be:
- 45 mph from I-5 to about S 60th St (just north of S 129th St)
- 40 mph from S 60th St (just north of S 129th St) to 68th Ave S
- 35 mph from 68th Ave S to the Renton City Limit. SR 900 is already posted at 35 mph within the Renton City Limits.
These changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve safety conditions on SR 900 in Skyway that I have been working with partners at every level of government. In the last year, WSDOT has made a series of changes to the area:
- August 2023: In response to community feedback, WSDOT restriped, added signage, and added pylons near Creston Point Apartments to create a school bus load/unload zone. This included added pylons in the center of the roadway to provide additional visual cues to slow vehicles.
- September 2023: Additional signage related to U-turns and right turns at SR 900 and South 129th Street intersection.
- May 2024: Reduced the posted speed limit from 50 mph to be 45 mph between I-5 and 60th Avenue South, 40 mph between 60th Avenue South and 68th Avenue South and 35 mph between 68th Avenue South and Renton City Limits.
You can read more about the planned changes to SR 900 in WSDOT’s report.
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.
May Day
On May Day, I was happy to join a rally celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Fight for a $15 minimum wage! Voters, organizers, workers, small business leaders, and policymakers have made their voices heard across the region: workers deserve a fair wage. Just this month, in collaboration with many of these same advocates, we just voted to increase the minimum wage in unincorporated King County! Happy May Day to all!
Check out my op-ed in the Stranger here: “We have the opportunity to follow the lead of voters and cities around our region in supporting thousands of workers and creating a more equitable and thriving economy for all.
Let’s build on this momentum and raise the minimum wage for workers across King County.”
 East Side Light Rail Station Opening
Sound Transit light rail is officially open on the East Side!
Congrats to our neighbors in Bellevue, in Redmond, at Microsoft, and more who now have access to light rail service. And very soon, the train will cross over Lake Washington and connect the whole region. The expansion of the Link light rail will bring more affordable, environmentally-friendly transit to the region. For more information, please visit Sound Transit’s blog post here.
The 2 Line between South Bellevue Station and Redmond Technology Station expands people’s options to explore dining, shopping, housing, and work opportunities that are now accessible by light rail for the first time on the Eastside.
In another exciting first, the 1 Line will extend into Snohomish County with four new stations between Northgate and Lynnwood City Center opening this Aug. 30. People who have had to contend with the notoriously crushing traffic on I-5 will soon have an option to leave their cars behind and reach destinations throughout the region on Link light rail.
Next year will bring more 2 Line extensions, with the Downtown Redmond Link expected to open in Spring 2025, and the I-90 segment of East Link anticipated to extend across the floating bridge to connect the 2 Line to the 1 Line in downtown Seattle late in the year.
In 2026 the Federal Way Link Extension is expected to open, further expanding the regional transit network to the south, and bringing the total miles of light rail to 62.
And we can’t forget Stride BRT, which is expected to open for service starting in 2027.
 I Was Nominated for Elected Official of the Year By MLK Labor
I was honored to be nominated for Elected Official of the Year by the largest coalition of unions in King County. Nominations were submitted by leaders within the labor movement and final voting will take place by the MLK Labor Executive Board. The Elected Official of the Year award is for an elected official who has used their office to champion policies that improve the lives of working people.
I was nominated for my position on the King County Council since my first election in 2019 and my role in championing the King County Minimum Wage ordinance. My team and I will continue investing in housing and infrastructure that creates good jobs, supporting livable wages, and showing up for workers.
I also extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor Harrell for his win, and gratitude for his work on behalf of workers and families in Seattle.
 Opening of Chief Seattle Club’s Sacred Medicine House
Homelessness is an ever-growing issue in our county, and has outsized effects on Indigenous and other BIPOC communities. That’s why I was proud to support the opening of Chief Seattle Club’s Sacred Medicine House in Lake City! The recent development comes with 120 units of permanent supportive, Indigenous-informed housing for people experiencing homelessness.
For more information, please visit the Chief Seattle Club website here and in the Seattle Times article here. “The five-story Sacred Medicine House, which celebrated its grand opening this month, is the fourth and largest permanent residential property that Chief Seattle Club has built since it started establishing housing sites in 2019. Its opening brings the 54-year-old organization another step closer to its goal of effectively ending homelessness for Native people in urban King County, starting with single adults experiencing chronic homelessness.”
  Uplift Northwest Tour
Oftentimes, individuals facing homelessness and job insecurity need support in the form of job training and further opportunities. One organization doing great work in this space is Uplift Northwest. Councilmember Jorge Barón and I visited Uplift Northwest to learn about the comprehensive support that the organization provides to workers at no cost to participants. From job training to essential services like transportation passes and access to housing, the program has participants covered! For more information, visit the Uplift Northwest website here.
“Uplift Northwest, a non-profit based in Seattle, functions as a staffing organization supplying thousands of workers to diverse commercial and residential employers across the Puget Sound Region. Our mission revolves around serving the community by offering job training, dignified work opportunities, and support services to individuals facing poverty and homelessness. This vital operation is sustained through the generous support of our community donors and partners, along with private and public grants, and earned revenue streams.”
 South King County Scholar-Athlete Breakfast
I was happy to attend the South King County Scholar-Athlete Breakfast in support of scholar athletes and coaches in South King County primary and secondary schools. You can support our scholar-athletes with a tax-deductible donation by clicking the "donate” button on South King County Scholar-Athlete Fund website here or emailing skcscholarships@gmail.com. Thank you to my great colleague Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer for hosting such an incredible event every year!
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.
Suggest an Audit Topic for King County
The King County Auditor's Office invites you to suggest audit topics to help enhance our county's services, promote equity, and ensure financial efficiency. Your insights are crucial in shaping our audit agenda, which influences how we oversee and improve county government operations.
To have your ideas considered for the next work program, please submit them by August 15. Your contribution is a valuable part of our commitment to accountability and effective governance. Submit your ideas here: Suggest an Audit Topic,
Duwamish Council Board Member Recruitment
The Duwamish Tribes Nonprofit board of directors is inviting passionate individuals to join their team, with two open seats available for those eager to contribute to the Duwamish Tribe's initiatives. This is an opportunity to engage deeply with the tribe's mission and participate in a meaningful way.
They are looking for individuals who are committed to preparing for and attending monthly meetings, actively participating in committees, and making a minimum two-year commitment to the board's work. If you are interested and willing to dedicate your time and expertise, please send a cover letter and resume to dtcouncil@duwamishtribe.org.
 King County Metro Job Opportunities
Metro has been working hard to increase its workforce capacity in order to best serve our community. Keeping buses, trains, vans, vehicles and vessels moving supports the bright and sustainable future of our region and our expanding transit network. More information on that effort can be found in this latest post in the Metro Matters blog: https://kingcountymetro.blog/2024/05/13/king-county-metro-hiring-full-time-bus-and-light-rail-operators-as-network-expands/.
We encourage those interested in pursuing a career at Metro to visit kingcounty.gov/MetroCareers to learn more about working at Metro. They can also view current Metro job postings here.
King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission Opening
Are you passionate about supporting immigrant and refugee communities in King County? Join the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC)! King County is seeking dedicated individuals to join the KCIRC and be a voice for our diverse communities.
For more information and to apply, please visit the KCIRC website here.
“KCIRC will focus on understanding and addressing challenges facing immigrants and refugees within the diverse communities that make up King County. The Commission will work as a hub and central connecting place for building direct relationships with and supporting the vision for social justice for immigrant and refugee communities in King County. The Commission will enhance the integration of refugees and immigrants culturally, economically, and civically, in order to strengthen the communities where they live and will support refugees and immigrants to thrive and succeed while maintaining their own identities.”
 Working Connections Child Care
Applications for the Working Connections Child Care Grant are accepted on a rolling basis, providing ongoing support for eligible families. WCCC offers assistance to eligible families, helping them afford childcare services. Upon qualification for subsidy benefits and selection of a provider, the state contributes a portion of the childcare costs, with parents responsible for a monthly copayment to their chosen provider. Notably, families experiencing homelessness may receive approval for up to 12 months of support to address homelessness-related challenges.
For comprehensive details and to begin your application process, click here. For questions, reach out to providerhelp@dcyf.wa.gov or call 1-800-394-4571.
Emergency and Unforeseen Funds
Secure support for unexpected facility needs with 4Culture's Emergency and Unforeseen grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, providing timely assistance for cultural organizations facing unforeseen challenges. These grants are designed to meet a wide variety of unexpected facility needs, offering funds for actual costs incurred to repair or renovate cultural spaces. Whether it's addressing urgent repairs, unexpected maintenance, or unforeseen renovations, these grants are here to help.
For more details and to apply, visit the grant website here. Have questions? Reach out to Dana Phelan at dana.phelan@4culture.org.
Open 4Culture Funds
Applications for Open 4Culture Funds are accepted on a rolling basis, providing ongoing support for cultural endeavors across King County. This grant, which operates without a deadline, offers awards of up to $1,500 to cultural doers serving underserved populations throughout the county. Artists and arts groups operating outside of Seattle, as well as those working in Heritage and Preservation anywhere in King County, are eligible to apply.
For comprehensive details and to start your application process, visit the program website here. For inquiries, reach out to Melissa Newbill at melissa.newbill@4culture.org. Let's empower cultural innovation and enrichment in our communities—apply today!
Horizons Foundation of Washington Grant
Explore opportunities for social and environmental impact with Horizons Foundation of Washington Grants! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, offering ongoing support for nonprofits addressing critical issues in Washington State. As a private family foundation, Horizons focuses on three key areas: the environment, social services, and arts and culture. Grants range from $1,000 and up, with awards typically capped at $5,000 for applicants in the Arts and Direct Emergency Services categories.
Whether your organization is tackling environmental challenges, addressing social needs, or enriching arts and culture, Horizons Foundation offers a platform for meaningful support. Apply now by visiting the grant website here. For inquiries, email horizonsfoundation1@gmail.com.
King County Executive's Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget Internship Opportunity
Join the King County Executive's Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB) as a summer intern and embark on a journey of civic engagement and public service! They are seeking three dynamic individuals to collaborate with various teams within their office. As an intern, you will delve into the intricate workings of government branches, gaining invaluable insights into project development, policy formulation, and legislative processes. This internship offers a unique opportunity to understand the significance of civic participation and its impact on communities. Through hands-on experiences, interns will cultivate a deep appreciation for public service, interacting with elected officials, staff members, stakeholders, clients, and contributing to the broader economy and environment. For more information and to apply, visit here.
King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) Internship Opportunities
Are you a college or graduate student passionate about building a sustainable future? Look no further! The King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is offering paid summer internships across a variety of fields dedicated to designing, building, and operating our regional clean water system. As an intern at WTD, you'll gain invaluable real-world job experience while contributing to meaningful projects and programs. Joining a cohort of fellow interns, you'll receive comprehensive training, develop essential job skills, and have the opportunity to work on your own projects. The internship program provides exposure to diverse career paths within the water industry, opening doors to potential job opportunities both within King County and beyond. Learn more and apply here!
Youth Recreational Facilities Program Grants
The Youth Recreational Facilities Program aims to support up to 25% of eligible capital costs for the acquisition, construction and/or major renovation of nonresidential youth recreational facilities. These funds are focused on recreational buildings integrated with social and/or educational services. Agencies may request up to $1.2 million. Applications are due Tuesday, May 28th by 5 PM. To apply, please visit the Washington State Department of Commerce website here. For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please email cappprograms@commerce.wa.gov or call 360-725-3075.
Glaser Foundation Grants
The Glaser Foundation is currently focused on direct-line services, mainly to children and the elderly. They are seeking to fund organizations who are focused on the following areas: (1) Medical; (2) Services to Children with Disabilities; (3) Education; (4) Services to the Elderly; (5) Services to Children and Families from Disadvantaged Backgrounds; and/or (6) Services to At-Risk Youth. Applications are due on Friday, March 31st. To apply, please visit the link here. For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please email info@paulglaserfoundation.org.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Employment Training, Placement, and Supports Funding Request for Proposals (RFP)
This RFP is seeking to fund programs that mitigate historic and current institutional and systemic racism and marginalization by offering unemployed and underemployed job seekers support and by removing barriers to employment and training programs, with a focus on BIPOC communities, immigrant and refugee communities, people experiencing homelessness, people impacted by the criminal legal system, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, Veterans, and Seniors. Applications are due on Friday, May 31st at 2 PM. To apply or for more details, please visit the VSHSL website here. If you have questions, please email Maria Pintar, RFP Lead, at MPintar@kingcounty.gov.
2024 Flood Reduction Grants
The King County Flood Control District announced the availability of $12M in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding. These grants are for small and medium local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding. Eligible applicants include HOAs, schools, non-profits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies. There is no minimum or cap on the individual award amount. Grants awarded in the past have ranged from $10,000 to $1,500,000. Applications are due Friday, May 31st by 11:59 PM and applications can be submitted through the King County Flood Control District website here. If you have questions, please email Kim Harper at kim.harper@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-6079.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Request for Proposal (RFP) for Veteran Provider Training Supports
The Veteran Provider Training Supports RFP from VSHSL focuses on funding entities to provide training and cultural competency to the veteran-serving community on key issues that affect veterans, military service members, and their families. Applications are due on Tuesday, June 4th by 2 PM and can be submitted here. If you have questions, please email Evan Brennan, RFP Lead, at ebrennan@kingcounty.gov.
Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation Community Grants
The Umpqua Bank Foundation aims to invest in nonprofit organizations to support programming that builds healthy, prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Their Priority Focus Areas include: (1) Economically Vibrant Communities; (2) Healthy Communities; (3) Inclusive Communities; and (4) Sustainable Communities. They fund projects for direct programming and/or general operating support between $5,000 and $10,000. Applications are due Wednesday, June 12th by 5 PM and can be submitted here. For more details, please visit the Umpqua website here, or if you have questions, please email Community@UmpquaBank.com.
King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) Capital Improvements
The purpose of this RFA is to support organizations to make necessary capital improvements, repairs, renovations, and/or expansions in behavioral health treatment facilities located in King County. The goal of these improvements is to improve access to and availability of behavioral health services by assisting with costs associated with building repairs, renovations and/or expansion of existing behavioral health provider facilities. Applications are due Friday, June 28th by 2 PM and can be submitted here. If you have questions, please email Tiffany Ngo, RFA Lead, at dchscontracts@kingcounty.gov.
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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