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New Water Taxi Service to Vashon-Maury Island!
 I can't hide how excited I am for the increased access expanded water taxi service will bring to the island.
July 1st brought expanded mid-day water taxi service to Vashon. I’ve heard from residents on the island how difficult it can be to get to the mainland for medical appoints due to the state of the Ferry System. Thank you to Rep. Emily Alvarado for her championing of increased funding for the water taxis. I was able to join her and Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock to celebrate this increase of access and connectivity for District 8!
King County Metro has also expanded bus service on Vashon Island to meet riders of these new sailings.
Armoire
 Ambika Singh, to the left of me here, was kind enough to show a group of us how Armoire works.
I always love supporting small businesses in District 8, especially when they are women owned and/or people of color owned shops! When it comes to the powerhouse of the women-owned national business, Armoire, there is nothing small about it!
Armoire is a clothing rental business that helps people avoid purchasing clothes from the fast-fashion industry, and instead be part of a community of women across the nation who share clothing through this online platform.
All too often women are judged by our appearances, instead of our abilities, and this service allows people to select clothes in person, online or with a stylist that really empowers folks. Owner, Ambika Singh founded Armoire as a way to help women look good while doing good without having to put their fiscal health at risk.
I had a great time, learning about how this company employs over 80 people locally and has national impact – with just 15% of the client base here locally and the rest nationally! What a gem in the heart of our district and so exciting to see the women-led business continuing to grow and serve women around the country.
Congratulations to New Director of Local Services
 Director Richardson has experience working within King County, local government and over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army
I’m pleased to congratulate Leon Richardson on being named as the new Director of Local Services. Director Richardson has most recently been working within the department of Health and Human Services directing programs in support of Veterans and Seniors in the County.
The unincorporated areas of District 8 really do rely on Local Services to be our “City Hall” and I'm looking forward to having Director Richardson, once confirmed by Council, join me in meeting with community in places like White Center and Vashon to learn about some of the biggest opportunities for Local Services to make a difference.
BIPOC Home Ownership Program
 On July 1st the Covenant Homeownership Program launched to help address our region’s tragic history of redlining and other forms of discrimination. If you have family ties in Washington State before 1968 you might be eligible for the program. The program provides a 0% interest loan for downpayments and closing cost assistance for first-tome homebuyers. This is one step we can take to help address the racial wealth gap we’ve seen grow in our area and help improve social determents of health.
Learn more & see if you are eligible here!
New Benefits for TNC Drivers!
 Help us spread the word that ride share drivers are eligible for this important benefit.
Beginning July 1, Washington’s first-in-the-nation Paid Family & Medical Leave pilot will expand our safety net to ensure that all rideshare drivers have access to the support that all working families deserve at no cost to the driver. While Washington’s W-2 employees have enjoyed easy access to PFML since the program’s launch in 2020, the rapidly expanding gig work sector has traditionally been excluded from our social benefits such as these.
Crucially, while most self-employed workers have been eligible for PFML since the program’s inception, high barriers to entry have largely excluded these workers from the program. With last year's passage of HB 1570, rideshare drivers are now eligible to receive enrollment help and PFML premium support, making participation free to the rideshare driver community!
With support from Drivers Union, workers for Transportation Network Companies like Uber and Lyft can now sign up here for Paid Family and Medical Leave to ensure that when a crisis strikes - or they welcome a new member to their family - they have access to this crucial lifeline. If you have questions, reach out to Drivers Union to find out more!
White Center Lowrider Block Party
 Started back in 2021, the WC Lowrider Block Party has grown into a nationally recognized event. Folks come from all over to share their love for lowriders. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery partners with other local organizations to put this fun event on. Curious about what it looks like? Check out this clip from last year.
Vashon Strawberry Festival
 The theme for this year's Vashon Island Strawberry Festival is Arts, Heritage, Culture. There will be lots of fun things to do for the whole family and I'm looking forward to joining in the festivities. The full schedule and description of events is here.
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Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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