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 & 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.

Budget Chair Report Out

As the Chair of the Council's Budget and Fiscal Management committee, I strive to keep you updated on the latest news regarding our government's financial situation, upcoming budget legislation, and the general economic outlook of our region. Below are a few important budget updates.

First, the supplemental budget is in the works! The Budget and Fiscal Management committee, which I chair, will soon consider the 3rd Omnibus, a budget that supplements the previously adopted 2023-2024 budget passed by Council. That supplemental budget  was transmitted on May 30th by the Executive; it proposes to make a net supplemental appropriation of $172.3 million, of which $12.4 million would be supported by the General Fund. This proposed supplemental budget adds appropriation authority for new revue and mostly includes technical changes. We will hear a first briefing from policy staff at our next Budget and Fiscal Management meeting, June 26th.

 A few noteworthy, substantive items in the supplemental budget:

• $14 million for Metro Transit to test hydrogen fuel cell buses as a component of its zero-emission conversion strategy
• $12 million to the Climate Office for grant-funded work, including solar and heat pump programs and regional climate preparedness coordination
• $73 million to implement the first year of the Doors Open Program
• $5 million in funding from the state for transitional and long-term housing support for unsheltered, recently arrived refugees and asylees

As for the bigger 2025 budget, the Executive expects to transmit that in the fall. The executive branch departments have already been asked to submit their proposed budgets to the Executive. They have all been asked to avoid major additions.

King County is facing a $35 million General Fund shortfall in 2025 because of revenue restrictions placed on our government by the state. I would like to note that the current budget situation is impacting the operations of many of our criminal justice departments, such as public defenders, the prosecuting attorney's office, the county court system, jails, and the sheriff's office. We've discussed this issue in this committee several times before, but if this deficit goes unaddressed, it will have major consequences for critical programs and services - especially our public health clinics, the patients who rely on them, and the employees who serve those patients.  

As we heard in his State of the County address  on June 11th, the Executive plans to mitigate this deficit and its consequences by using a new revenue tool made available to  the county by the state legislature. 

The Executive  will propose to the County Council that we use a modified taxing authority to raise revenues for Harborview Medical Center, thereby preserving the critical services that our public health clinics provide to residents across King County.  

The next steps include conversations with partners, including labor, the County Council, the Harborview Board of Trustees, and UW Medicine about the details of the proposed property tax and an implementation plan to be in effect by early 2025, pending Council approval this fall. The Executive's goal, which I share as Budget Chair, is to minimize disruption to patient services, to communities, and our dedicated Public Health staff.  

Lastly, King County economic forecasts project that July sales tax revenue will likely be down. This will not generate significant concerns for either  the General Fund and Metro Transit , but we will see it in Health Through Housing (HTH) and Mental Illness and Drug Dependency behavioral health initiatives (MIDD), which will be meaningfully lower than they have been. 

Transforming Our Behavioral Health System

Two years ago, my office worked with Executive Dow Constantine to put forward a proposal that would transform the way we help people in mental health and addiction crises. Just last week, we cleared the final milestone before that proposal can become a reality: the Council has adopted the Executive’s detailed plan for how nearly $1.2 billion will be spent to build crisis care centers around the region, expand mental health beds, and invest in our healthcare workforce.

King County is investing these funds to expand access to crisis care services, creating five new walk-in facilities where people experiencing a behavioral health crisis can receive help. Together, these crisis care centers will aim to serve as many as 70,000 people annually. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation our region has seen.

A few highlights of the plan include:

• 5 crisis care centers to be built around King County, first to open in 2026
• Investing in long term residential behavioral health beds
• Workforce development for mental health workers, nurses, and others

The implementation plan also includes early investments that our community will feel more quickly than the buildings that will be operational by 2026:

• More adult and youth mobile crisis responders 
• Expanded pilot program that redirects 911 calls to behavioral health counselors
• More overdose reversal meds and supplies, like naloxone and fentanyl testing strips

I’m really excited to see this get started. The need is astronomical as our families and neighbors continue to suffer from mental health issues, addiction, and overdose deaths. The Crisis Care Centers, the levy, the campaign, and the implementation plan are an incredible example of regional collaboration to address one of the most pressing issues we’re facing. We worked with the King County Executive, labor partners like SEIU 1199, the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, service providers, and elected officials from every corner of the region to get this done. I’m glad we can give people hope for recovery.

For more information, please visit the King County website here and press release here, or read the Seattle Times article here. 

Let’s Build More Homes through Every Comprehensive Plan

King County’s housing crisis is growing by the day, and we need bold and urgent action to tackle it. As is, King County will need nearly 340,000 new homes total over the next 20 years to make sure that everyone has an affordable place to live. 

This is a daunting task we face as a region, but there is a glimmer of hope. All around our state there is a growing movement to build more homes of every type in more places. Later this year, the King County Council will be voting on our 2024 Comprehensive Plan. 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.

By using tools like the Comprehensive Plan to build more affordable housing in more places, we can tackle the housing crisis head-on. This is our chance to reduce barriers to building housing, allow for more density in more places, preserve our rural and agricultural lands, and make King County a better and more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Read more about this in my op-ed in The Stranger here. Learn more about the 2024 Comprehensive Plan here. 

State of the County Address

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his annual State of the County address, outlining key issues and initiatives shaping the county's future. From gun violence to behavioral health to homelessness, you can hear about his priorities for the next in the address here. 

Throughout his address, the Executive highlighted both accomplishments and ongoing challenges, including looming budget shortfalls that threaten essential services. He called for tax reforms to sustainably fund these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and long-term planning in addressing King County’s most critical issues.

On Public Safety & Gun Violence in the Central District

Gun violence has been on the rise for the last several years, and it has left a painful mark on our communities, our families, and our youth. In the wake of a shooting outside of Garfield High School earlier this month, I rallied with the community to mourn the loss of Amarr Murphy-Paine and find paths forward. Below are some of the actions my office has taken to help prevent violence and make the Central District safer:

• Supporting monthly safety efforts at Garfield through CD Public Safety Accountability, which convenes neighbors, service providers, city and county agencies like public health, SPD, and other stakeholders
• Funding school-based mental health counselors and resources 
• Investing in the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which advances violence intervention, prevention, and restoration strategies
• Supporting organizations that do violence interruption and deescalation at schools
• Investing in sports and after school activities that give youth a positive path, like through our $100,000 grant to the CD Panthers Youth Football team
• Championing the crisis care levy, which will fund more mobile crisis responders who can respond to people in crisis around the region
• Building the Youth Achievement Center and other housing efforts to provide housing stability, mentorship, and job training to promote opportunity and reduce recidivism amongst youth from the CD and South Seattle who previously have been involved with the criminal justice system
• Initiated and funded the Community Safety Ambassadors Program to promote public safety at and around public transit stations including those in the Central District so that everyone is and feels safe in and around Metro buses

This is an incomplete list and only represents some of the efforts my office has worked on directly with our partners. I have to also be clear that none of these efforts are enough and it will take much more from all of us to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. But I share these because I believe it’s always important to be transparent and accountable about what we are doing and what more needs to be done. 

The work continues. Please join CDPSA to collaborate on safety work on June 25 at Garfield. 

Central District Public Safety Accountability Community Meeting

The 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.

Funding Supportive Programming for Youth in Detention

In our last budget, the council included close to $1 million for new programming in the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center to ensure youth have education and supportive programming when in detention. We are glad to see those resources showing up in positive ways for our youth! In late May and early June, the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) in King County launched three new youth programs aimed at enhancing services for incarcerated youth. These programs introduce various opportunities for residents to engage in group activities with their peers.

• Cocreative Culture: Providence Kamana and Grady Mukanya from Cocreative Culture visited CCFJC to introduce their organization and share their musical talents with the youth. They conducted music production and recording sessions with four young participants, emphasizing themes of interconnectedness and humanity through their work.
• Pro Se Potential: De’Vonte’ Parson, executive director of Pro Se Potential, visited CCFJC to engage youth in two residential units. Drawing from his own experiences, De’Vonte’ shared his journey of overcoming challenges after incarceration and discussed his upcoming program on building personal brands and businesses. This program aims to empower youth to reshape their futures through mindset shifts and practical skills.
• The Silent Task Force: Mona Chapman, Fayth Njenga, Malachi Crenshaw, and DaWan Dubois from The Silent Task Force introduced a range of programs focusing on violence prevention, healthy relationships, artistic expression, and life skills. They connected with youth, discussing interests and aspirations, while inspiring them with personal stories of resilience and career success post-incarceration.

These programs complement existing initiatives at CCFJC, including mentorship through Progress Pushers, trauma-informed workshops like Pongo Poetry, therapy dog visits from Project Canine, and counseling services provided by Apoyo Program. The center also offers educational opportunities and recreational activities throughout the year.

Neighborhood Safety & Transportation Meeting

Transportation safety is a pressing issue for our state and local communities. Preliminary data for 2023 shows that King County alone had 167 traffic fatalities and 924 serious injuries. A disproportionate amount of such crashes occur on two major roadways in D2: Rainier Ave South and MLK Way Jr. South. We must come together to take urgent action to save lives and enhance safety for everyone who uses these roads – cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and transit users.

That’s why I will be participating in a Neighborhood Safety & Transportation Meeting organized by the MLK Corridor Organizing Committee, alongside representatives from Sound Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation. The meeting will take place on Monday, June 24th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Othello – UW Commons (4200 S Othello St Ste 117, Seattle, WA 98118). 

If you’re passionate about discussing and working together to improve transit safety along MLK Way and Rainier Ave S., I welcome you to join us! No RSVP is needed. This will be a community-driven discussion so come ready to share, listen, and engage with your neighbors. I look forward to attending and continuing our collective efforts with community members and government agencies to help achieve safer roads and transit systems.

Heat Pumps

King County is installing heat pumps in over 100 low- and moderate-income homes in Skyway and White Center at up to 100% cost coverage through its Energize program.

The Energize program launched earlier this year, and gives families access to efficient electric heat pumps for heating and cooling. The program covers 100% of costs for low-income households and 80% of costs for moderate-income households in Skyway and White Center.

Heat pumps are the most efficient, climate-friendly way to heat and cool a home with clean energy rather than fossil fuels. A heat pump is up to four times as efficient as a standard air conditioner or furnace, using less energy to keep a home comfortable.

For more information, please visit this link here or check out this Seattle Times article here.

Reminder: the sale and use of consumer fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated King County 

This is our annual reminder that King County has banned the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas, including urban communities like Skyway.  

Most enforcement will be provided by county code officers instead of the Sheriff's Office. To report violations, use the online form at  kingcounty.gov/ReportFireworks or call 2068480800. You’ll need to provide the specific address of the violation. You aren’t legally required to provide your own name and contact information, but doing so will make it more likely that King County will investigate the incident. You are also not required to testify before a hearing examiner about your complaint, but doing so will make it more likely that the violator will receive a citation or penalty instead of a warning. 

To report use of fireworks in a street, at a park, or on other public property, you can contact the King County Sheriff's Office. And if you see a situation involving imminent danger of physical harm or damage to property, contact the Sheriff's Office or call 9-1-1. 

Here are just a few ideas for celebrating Independence Day without making things explode: join or watch a local parade, enjoy a professional fireworks show, host a movie marathon, play lawn games (or board games if the weather doesn't cooperate), share themed food, write and perform historical skits, host a talent show or sing-along, enjoy the night sky (if it's clear) and pick out constellations and planets, blow bubbles, or host a dance party. 

For more information on the fireworks ban and how to report a violation, check out King County Local Services’ blog post  here. 

How to report nuisance properties in District 2  

More pleasant spring and summer weather results in all of us spending more time outdoors. As you are out and about in the community you may encounter properties that need cleanup due to unsightly debris, unwanted furniture, mattresses, and other items being present. The fastest way to get action on these properties is through the following contacts: 

City of Seattle  

Nuisance complaints for unsightly properties can be reported to the City of Seattle at (206) 615-0808 or complete an online complaint form here. For code compliance complaints: (206) 615-0808.

Unincorporated King County  

Nuisance complaints in Unincorporated King County areas, like Skyway and White Center, are handled by the King County Department of Local Services.  

Instructions for submitting a complaint for investigation can be found here, and additional information about the code enforcement process can be found here. 

My office can be helpful in making connections with the appropriate King County or City of Seattle agency. 

Metro Safety Updates

Our region relies on reliable, safe public transportation. I’m happy to share that Metro is going strong, and making continual improvements! This article touched on increased ridership, along with reductions in security and drug-related incidents. 

“Security incidents in 2023 were down 12% from 2019 and down 22% from peak in 2020. Drug-related incidents in April 2024 were down 55% from April 2023. We’re glad for the progress & remain committed to improving.”

Thank you to all the workers that keep Metro running and safe. Keep up the great work!

Out in the Community

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.

Celebrating Matt Chan’s Life and Legacy

I had the honor of presenting the Martin Luther King Jr. award for Public Service to Matt Chan on June 11th. Matt was a storyteller and fierce community leader, known for his tireless advocacy work in the Chinatown International District. Matt tragically passed following a fight with cancer this year, but I was able to present the award posthumously to his wife and children. Thank you for all your work, Matt!

You can watch a video of my remarks about Matt and his son’s acceptance speech on behalf of their family here.

I celebrated my first Father’s Day!

Following the birth of my daughter in May, I was thrilled to celebrate my first Father’s Day as a dad. From my family to yours, happy Father’s Day to all!

Supporting SEIU6

I attended a rally for the SEIU6 union, a group representing workers in our area. I was proud to support and speak with the 4,000 janitors around King County who are asking for a fair contract. The essential workers of our region deserve wages they can survive on and medical benefits to keep them healthy. Thank you for all you do, SEIU6!

Speaking at the Annual Substance Use Conference

On June 6th, I had the honor of speaking at the annual King County Substance Use Conference and sharing our regional efforts to end the overdose crisis and help our neighbors recover. I’m proud of the work the Council has done on the Crisis Care Centers and other initiatives tackling our ongoing behavioral health crisis, and I’m grateful for everyone who came to the conference to share their story and collaborate on ways to end this crisis. Thank you to my colleague Councilmember Dunn for using his recovery story to bring people together around a vision for hope. 

Supporting Garfield High School

This month, I was at the Welcome Reception for returning Garfield students after the tragic shooting of student Amarr Murphy-Paine. I also attended the annual Purple and White Day celebration. Congratulations to the Garfield class of 2024, and thank you for honoring Amarr’s life and legacy. Here is a link for a GoFundMe for Amarr’s family if you have the means to support them in the wake of this tragedy: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-Amarrrs-family-in-tragic-loss

Visiting the Site for Tubman Health

I was thrilled to visit the site for the new Tubman Health development. I’m proud that King County has invested in Tubman Health, which will turn an empty plot of land in Rainier Beach into a much-needed health clinic that will serve thousands of people and advocate for better healthcare policies. Great job Tubman Health team!

Grants & Resources

Property Tax Relief for Seniors 

More Washington homeowners have a chance to save on their property tax bills this year. After a recent state law change, a long-standing property tax break program for older homeowners and people with disabilities is now open to people with higher incomes, making more Washingtonians eligible. In King County, for example, the change boosted the income limit for the program by 44% this year. Homeowners making up to $84,000 can now qualify.

For more information and to check your eligibility, click here. Read the story in the Seattle Times here. 

Summer Food Support for Families

For many families in our community, school meals are an essential way that they keep their children fed. Summer break can be an extremely challenging time financially, which is why the SUN Bucks program is available. This program offers each eligible child $120 in food benefits, aimed at supporting nutritious, affordable meals during the summer months. For more information and to apply, visit https://publichealthinsider.com/2024/06/10/sun-bucks-how-to-get-nutritious-meals-for-your-child-this-summer/

RFQ for Young Adult Transitional Housing and Services

Pacific Hospital Preservation & Development Authority (PHPDA) is offering a rare opportunity on the Pacific Tower Campus! PHPDA is initiating a search for a qualified organization or team of organizations to develop and operate safe, healthy transitional housing and services for young adults ages 18-24 at risk of homelessness on this historic site.

A number of smaller two-story buildings on the campus, converted from living quarters to administrative offices in the latter half of the 20th Century, will be available for rehabilitation and reconversion to living space for the purposes of this RFQ.

Required Site Walk: July 17, 2024 | 1:30 - 3 pm | RSVP at quartersrfq@phpda.org 

Meet at the entrance to Pacific Tower

Deadline to Submit RFQ Responses: Sept. 6, 2024 | 6 pm

Oral Presentations (if any): Week of Sept. 23, 2024

For more information, click here. 

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.

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 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.

The Recovery Academy: Washington’s only Sober Public High School

The Interagency Recovery Academy is for high school students in grades 9-12 who are actively working towards their academic, career, and recovery goals. Within a student-centered environment, the program promotes the Four Dimensions of Recovery: Health, Home, Purpose, and Community. For more information, visit their website here: https://interagency.seattleschools.org/about/campus-locations/interagencys-recovery-academy/ 

Recovery Day at the Mariners

Please join the King County Recovery Coalition for an all-day celebration of recovery. The event kicks off with a rally at 10:30 am, followed by a march to T-Mobile park. Gates will open early to the park, where raffles, resource tables and a photo booth will be available, among other prizes. For more information, visit https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/specials/recovery 

King County Recovery Coalition: June Coalition Meeting

Become part of the recovery movement in King County! Are you interested in making new connections? Do you want to help change the narrative around substance use and mental health? Are you or someone you care about living in recovery? Join us at the next coalition meeting! KCRC regular coalition meetings are a place where you can:

• Strengthen your community and connections to other people in recovery
• Network for employment and other opportunities
• Learn about local resources
• Use your recovery experience to help others
• Provide valuable real-life input to local policy makers

The next KCRC meeting will be held on June 28th, from 9:30-11:30 am. For more information, visit https://www.kcrecovery.org/about 

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