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I want to begin this month’s newsletter by focusing on the May 14th passage of King County’s new minimum wage ordinance. Introduced before I took office, this legislation was developed to support low-wage workers in unincorporated areas of the county, and to redress the fact that many of them have been earning far less than their counterparts in nearby cities doing the same job. The legislation was sponsored by Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, and I was proud to join him as a co-sponsor, along with Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Teresa Mosqueda (our former colleagues Joe McDermott and Jeanne Kohl-Welles were also co-sponsors of the measure last year). I recognize that this legislation garnered strong opinions from many county residents, so I’m sharing more details below and about what informed my final voting decision.
Included in this newsletter also are updates on the Crisis Care Centers Levy, the Law and Justice committee, and an exciting announcement for an opportunity to come chat with me to a coffee shop near you!
With gratitude,
 Jorge
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The cost of living in this region is a significant challenge. When this legislation was introduced in September, a worker earning the state’s minimum wage would have to work 103 hours per week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental at market rate. And let’s be very clear – that isn’t good for the worker, or for our broader community.
Over the past five months, I have met with residents, organizations, and businesses who reached out to me to hear their concerns and comments about this legislation – including organizations and unions representing workers, business owners in my district who would not be directly affected, and business owners in the unincorporated areas that would be impacted. Across the board, I heard a shared interest in making sure that people are able to afford to live and work in King County. There were disagreements on how to reach that goal, but there was universal agreement on that.
Because of the feedback we received during these conversations, my colleagues and I made changes to the original proposal, which I believe helped to strengthen the final proposal. And after hearing and considering the different perspectives, I was proud to support the proposal for a couple of reasons.
- The ordinance creates predictability for workers. I heard the argument that with tips, workers often earn more than minimum wage. However, research shows that existing biases can be reinforced and recreated by the system of tipping, which can lead to disparate outcomes. A higher minimum wage for all industries creates a solid base for workers to plan on, regardless of their race, gender, or appearance.
- The ordinance supports consistency across jurisdictional lines. Before this legislation takes effect, workers in Skyway, for example, are surrounded on multiple sides by jurisdictions with much higher minimum wages. A new minimum wage for unincorporated areas brings those unincorporated areas closer in line with their neighbors.
- The ordinance enhances the local economy. When workers have more money in their pockets, they are able to spend it in the local economy, patronizing small businesses, and enjoying a higher quality of life.
The way I see it, raising the minimum wage is not the only solution to address the issue of affordability, but it is an important part of the solution. And even though employers in District 4 are not directly affected by this increase, employees working in unincorporated areas are, and affordability across King County impacts all of us. Further, as a Councilmember I am focused on the wellbeing of all County residents and will continue to support legislation that impacts residents in a positive way. I appreciate the work of Councilmember Girmay Zahilay in bringing this legislation forward and my colleagues for refining it – especially those who represent unincorporated areas.
Interested in learning more? Check out this release for more details.
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 I’m thrilled to share a new opportunity for my fellow residents of District 4 to meet with me in an informal setting to share your perspectives on the county’s work. Starting this coming month, I will be setting aside time to meet with constituents at local businesses throughout the District. On June 14, I’d like to invite you to meet me at Coffeeholic House for an informal conversation and chance to meet. Come with your questions, comments, or ideas on how King County can be a better government for you.
Plan your trip!
What can I chat about?
Topics of interest or concern that the county has a level of jurisdiction over include, but aren’t limited to public transportation, public health, human services, county roads, courts, parks, open spaces and more.
Not able to make it?
No worries, there will be other upcoming opportunities.
However, if you know you will be stopping by and would like to submit your question(s) in advance, please send them to jorge.baron@kingcounty.gov.
I hope to see you there!
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 Pictured from left to right: top: Myself and Jeanne Kohl-Welles; Viggo Forde, Vice President of the 17th of May Seattle Board, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and Alex Welles; bottom: Jeanne Kohl-Welles with her son and granddaughter; selfie with Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss.
50 Years of Syttende Mai in Seattle
On May 17th, I had the honor of presenting a proclamation at the 50th annual Syttende Mai celebration. My predecessor, former King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, was the Honorary Marshall for the annual parade, along with Torleiv Opleiv Opland, current Norwegian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, who was the parade’s Grand Marshal.
It was particularly important to me that I spotlight Jeanne’s unwavering support and dedication to the Nordic community throughout her years in public service. Her efforts to honor her Norwegian heritage and ancestors resonate with me. This annual celebration is a reminder that connecting with our past allows us to find meaning in our present, and to recognize the resilience in our communities.
Pictured from left to right: Myself and Charity Holmes, Behavioral Health Administrator; Group photo with state, and local leaders.
Ribbon Cutting for New UW Medicine Center for Behavioral Health and Learning
Earlier this month, I joined dozens of community leaders at the ribbon-cutting for the UW Medicine Center for Behavioral Health and Learning in North Seattle. This cutting-edge new center will play a vital role in addressing our state’s behavioral health crisis by helping grow this essential workforce and expanding the number of available treatment beds in our region. As SEIU 1199 President, Jane Hopkins stated in her remarks, this building provides “a place for people in crisis to belong” and a chance for our community to re-envision how we treat behavioral health. I am deeply grateful to the legislators, frontline workers, and experts who came together to envision and create this inspiring new facility.
 Pictured with Executive Director of Recovery Café, David Coffey
Recovery Café
I had the pleasure of visiting Recovery Café to learn more about the crucial work they do to support and uplift members in our community who are working towards recovery. The Café offers this as well as access to treatment and resources to build economic stability. Through evidence-based addiction support, programs and continuum assistance, staff are nurturing ways to manage mental health, maintain sobriety, and build community to everyone who step foot in the cafe. I appreciate the work they are doing in community, including out of their location in District 4.
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Law and Justice Committee
Last Wednesday, the Law and Justice Committee took up several items of interest. First, we heard a preliminary briefing on Councilmember Claudia Balducci’s proposed ordinance relating to the solitary confinement of young people at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center. Work on that legislation will continue over the coming weeks. After that, we considered a proposed ordinance that would establish a King County Human and Civil Rights Commission, an effort that began before COVID when Councilmember Rod Dembowski partnered with then-Councilmember and local civil rights leader Larry Gossett. I’m pleased to share that the ordinance garnered significant public support and passed unanimously out of committee. It will be heard at the June 4th Council meeting.
Finally, the committee acknowledged receipt of two reports related to the civil protection order process in King County, one that was more general and one that focused on language access specifically. Access to justice is incredibly important, and I appreciate the time that our Superior Court colleagues took to share their efforts to enhance and streamline the process for all involved.
If you’re interested in learning more, video of the meeting is available here.
Crisis Care Centers Initiative
The Crisis Care Centers Initiative Implementation Plan, which guides spending for the Crisis Care Centers Levy, passed another key hurdle this month when it was approved by leaders from jurisdictions around King County at the Regional Policy Committee (RPC). I was thrilled to see that each of my proposed amendments were incorporated to the legislation approved by the RPC. My amendments were the result of multiple conversations with local providers and community members and seek to expand access and improve quality of care for those in need of services.
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The Implementation Plan will be heard next in the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) on June 4. If new amendments are adopted during the HHS meeting, the plan will return to RPC for another vote before moving to full Council. If no amendments are added, the plan will move directly to full Council for a final vote. I encourage you to tune in and provide public comment at either meeting. Information on how to do so will be updated on this page.
The Future of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority
I was pleased to talk with The Seattle Times Editorial Board last week about the path forward for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. As a member of the KCRHA Governing Committee, I am committed to addressing the issues facing the agency. Among the most urgent is the agency’s governing structure.
The KCRHA currently has two boards that provide oversight to agency operations: the Governing Committee and the Implementation Board. While this model was created to ensure that power was shared between subject matter experts, individuals with lived experience, and elected officials, the result has created a challenging environment in which decision-making is complex, fractured, and inefficient. I am working with members of the current boards to help determine the path forward for KCRHA governance and ensure that the agency has the structure needed to be successful in our shared goal of ending homelessness.
 Source: 2018 © Eroyn Franklin - https://www.4culture.org/about-4culture/
Ongoing 4Culture Grants
King County 4Culture offers opportunities year-round for all kinds of cultural funding and support in King County. Whether you need funds for operations, equipment, or upcoming projects, they have you covered! Explore what they have to offer and find the right fit for you today.
For those who love planning ahead and being in the loop, save the link below to stay up to date on upcoming funding opportunities, including through the Doors Open program, so you do not miss them!
VSHSL Strategy HL10
The Department of Community and Human Services - Adult Services Division announced the release of a new Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Request for Proposal (RFP) for Countywide Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking Prevention.
Proposals are due June 11, 2024 by 2:00 PM.
 2024 Flood Reduction Grants
The King County Flood Control District recently announced the availability of $12M in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding. Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, schools, non-profits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies. The deadline has been extended to June 7.
Free Shuttles this summer
Whether you’re visiting Discovery Park or the downtown corridor, shuttles are there to help! The City will be operating a free shuttle through Discovery Park through September 7th to help visitors access the beach from the upper lots. The shuttle will run approximately every 30 minutes and more information is available here.
If you find yourself closer to downtown, the Free Waterfront Shuttle is back and operating for the summer, connecting King Street Station, the Waterfront and the Seattle Center with free rides every 15 minutes between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Shuttle will run through September 2nd and details on exact stops are available here. My predecessor, Jeanne Kohl-Welles secured funding for this effort last year and I’m thrilled to see it continue.
 Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrUO66uvutC/
Did you know that King County Elections can do the work of tracking your ballot for you?
By signing up for ballot alerts, you will directly receive a notification when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. It’s just one way that King County is protecting the right to vote and fighting misinformation and false information. Signing up is easy at the King County Elections website.
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