 Dear King County District 2 Resident,
This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.
Summer has winded down, and fall is upon us! My team has been working harder than ever to represent your values and deliver critical services to our neighborhoods in District 2 and beyond. Below are some of our recent updates!
Announcements & Policy Updates
My Plan For A $1 Billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative
Last week, I held a press conference with unions and the business community, public housing agencies and private developers, to announce my bold new proposal for building thousands of new homes for our region's workers: the $1 billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative.
 Photo courtest of Gregg Grinnell at IBEW
The initiative is a bold step forward in addressing the region’s housing crisis. It directs King County to develop an implementation plan that utilizes at least $1 billion of our county’s excess debt capacity to partner with housing agencies and developers in creating permanently rent-restricted, multiple-unit housing for the region’s workforce. Rents for these units would be set to reflect the true cost of development and operation. The motion also prioritizes fair labor practices and King County’s high environmental standards.
To tackle the housing crisis with the urgency and scale that we need, we must use every tool in the County’s toolbox. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to craft this legislation, and I’m grateful to our broad coalition of supporters and stakeholders who helped make this possible.
For more information, you can read my op-ed in the Urbanist here or read the full text of the legislation here.
Overview of the 2025 King County Budget Process
As Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management committee, I am eager to kick off the King County 2025 budget season! The process of determining how King County will spend its money in 2025 will begin once the Executive transmits to the Council his proposed budget on September 24. We will then embark on a long three month journey of listening to you, deliberating, and making decisions, culminating in a final vote that adopts the final budget toward the end of November.
Our Council’s priorities with this one-year 2025 budget include investing in public safety, strengthening our behavioral health system, securing healthcare access for all residents, and increasing the county’s affordable housing supply.
To provide your input or comments regarding the King County 2025 Annual Budget, you can send your written comment via email to budget.council@kingcounty.gov.
Key dates for the 2025 Budget
- Monday, September 16th: General Committee Stand Down.
- Most committees do not meet during the stand down so councilmembers can focus on the budget. All nine councilmembers join the Budget and Fiscal Management (BFM) committee.
- Monday, September 23rd: Executive Constantine transmits King County’s 2025 Annual Budget
- Wednesday, September 25th at 9:30 AM: King County’s elected officials and Executive department directors will provide briefings to the BFM committee on their specific budget needs. Zoom information for the meeting can be found here.
- Wednesday, November 13th: Final BFM action on ordinances to support the 2025 budget
- Thursday, November 14th: Final BFM action on the 2025 budget
- Tuesday, November 19th: Final Full Council action on the 2025 budget, final passage
- Back-up date for final Full Council passage, if not passed on November 19th: Tuesday, November 26th.
Evening Town Halls
- Thursday, October 10, 2024, 6 PM - 8 PM, Bellevue City Council Chambers Room 1E-126, 450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue 98004
- Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6 PM - 8 PM, Kent Senior Center Social Hall, 600 E Smith Street, Kent 98032
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 6 PM - 8 PM, New Holly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave South, Seattle, WA 98118
Budget Panels
Budget Panel #1 – Public Transit, Climate, Local Services, and Infrastructure, chaired by CM Sarah Perry
Tuesday Mornings, October 8 and 15, at 9:30 AM
Budget Panel #2 – Public Safety, chaired by CM Rod Dembowski
Wednesday Mornings, October 9 and 16, at 9:30 AM
Budget Panel #3 – Health, Housing and Human Services, chaired by CM Teresa Mosqueda
Thursday Mornings, October 10 and 17, at 9:30 AM
To request language interpretation or translated materials contact:
Language Access Coordinator, Tera Chea at (206) 477-9259 or email Tera.chea2@kingcounty.gov
Fall Metro Changes: New RapidRide G Line, New Service Hours, and More
King County Metro just started their fall service changes, including adding over 3,700 new bus trips each week, launching the RapidRide G Line in Seattle, connecting buses to new Sound Transit light rail stations, and expanding Metro Flex to Northshore.
The RapidRide G Line will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley.
The RapidRide G Line project and Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line expansion north to four new stations represent more than $3.1 billion in public transportation investments. Along with enhanced bus service upgrades, these new services will strengthen rider connections and expand the transit network.
You can learn more about the RapidRide G Line and other Fall Service changes from Metro here.
ORCA Announces Reduced Card Fares for Next Six Months
A special offer from ORCA is allowing riders to save on their daily rides for the next six months. During this time, the ORCA Day Pass for adults will be reduced from $8 to $6, and the reduced fare pass for seniors, ORCA lift customers with lower incomes, and people with disabilities will be reduced from $4 to $2. To take advantage of this deal, you will need a plastic ORCA card or a digital card, only available for Android users in Google Wallet.
Sound Transit Fall 2024 Service Changes, Seahawks Service Resumes
Changes to Sound Transit began with the opening of the Lynnwood line extension on August 30th, and will continue through September 14th. Some changes include a new station at Mountlake Terrace, changes in ST express lines, and changes to the Sounder schedule. For more information about changes and new schedules, please visit the Sound Transit website.
Additionally, during the Seahawks football home games, service will be adapted to better serve spectators. For more information on sports-related schedule changes, please visit this website.
More Young People Will Have Access to Outdoor Recreation With $5 million King County Parks Funding
More young people in our community will have access to outdoor recreation, after-school activities, refurbished aquatic centers, sports fields, and playgrounds thanks to a $5 million funding package to King County Parks approved by the Council.
I’m proud to support this measure to ensure access to recreation and healthy living opportunities for all our residents.
63 total projects were funded through this package, including backpacking trips for underserved youth, after-school sports and wellness in South King County, a new baseball field in the Central District, improvements on the aquatic centers in Des Moines and White Center, and more. For information on the amazing organizations and projects this funding will support, check out this article.
Bellwether Housing Ribbon Cutting
Last week, I had the honor of cutting the ribbon on 182 more affordable homes in South Seattle!
I loved joining and supporting Bellwether Housing in opening Flourish on Rainier, with their family-sized and affordable homes near public transit. Thank you to all the partners who helped make this happen!
Light Rail Opening in Lynnwood
At the end of August, my team and I attended the Light Rail 1 Extension opening in Lynnwood. This 8.5-mile expansion has four stations: Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline N/185th, and Shoreline S/148th! In addition to the launch of the new line, there was a night market at each station to celebrate the launch. I am extremely excited that North King County will be more connected to the rest of the County through this next expansion. Thank you to everyone on the Sound Transit team who worked to make this happen!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Wishing our friends and family a very happy Hispanic Heritage Month! It’s a time of reflection, education, and celebration of our Latinx and Hispanic communities here in King County. Today and everyday, we acknowledge and uplift the beauty of our history and heritage.
Happy Labor Day!
On September 2nd, we took the time to celebrate all of the work we have put into our community. This day is important to acknowledge and recognize that working people keep our communities and our economy going. We celebrate and uplift our workers today and everyday, and to the unions who help fight for them. I appreciate the work all of you do for our community. Thank you!
Meeting with the Master Builders
I had the honor of joining the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties to discuss what we’re doing to make building more homes easier in King County:
- streamlining permitting timelines
- implementing missing middle housing
- incentivizing affordable housing
- supporting lot splitting
- allowing more density
I’m grateful for their partnership in making sure that King County can effectively and urgently address the housing crisis.
Seattle Aquarium’s New Ocean Pavillion
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Grand Opening of the Ocean Pavillion at the Seattle Aquarium. This was made possible by efforts from my fellow Council members, past and present, to get funding from the King County Parks Levy. This new pavilion will work to educate visitors, promote conservation, and more.
Thank you to the Seattle Aquarium for hosting such an amazing event! To learn more about the Ocean Pavillion and the Seattle Aquarium, please visit the Seattle Aquarium website.
Indian Independence Day
Recently, I attended the Indian Independence Day celebration in Marymoor Park. King County is home to a wonderfully diverse Indian community that includes Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, and many other faiths. Thank you to UTSAV and the organizers of this event for having me!
CDPSA Monthly Public Safety Meetings at Garfield
My office is deeply committed to supporting the Central District Public Safety Accountability Group, and I want to personally express my gratitude to everyone who continues to show up and contribute to this vital space. We are actively involved in organizing and attending the group’s monthly public safety meetings at Garfield High School, where we come together as a community to have tough but necessary conversations about how we can increase safety in our neighborhoods.
These meetings are not just about dialogue; they are about action. By coming together, we are building stronger relationships between the community and government, and together, we’re developing strategies that can lead to real change. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month, and I encourage everyone to join us at our next meeting on September 17th. Your presence and input are invaluable as we continue this important work. Let’s keep pushing forward, together, for a safer and more connected community.
King County Housing Repair Programs
Skyway residents: did you know King County provides funding for housing repair services to low-income homeowners and special needs renters in most parts of King County?
King County’s Housing Repair Program provides 0% interest loans and grant assistance to qualified homeowners for repairs such as replacing your roof, installing a new septic system, repairs addressing emergency conditions, and health and safety repairs. For renters with a disability, the Housing Repair program provides funding to make your unit more accessible.
If you or someone you know is seeking housing repair services, please call Housing Repair at 206-263-9095 to learn more about the process and see if you are eligible! King County has a team of fabulous engineers who are ready to assist you!
To learn more, check out this short video.
For more information and to view program brochures in English, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese, go to http://www.kingcounty.gov/housingrepair
Would you like the Housing Repair program to give a short presentation to your community group? Please contact Clark Fulmer Clark.Fulmer@kingcounty.gov
COVID Vaccines Have Arrived in Washington!
As cold and flu season approaches, COVID-19 vaccine information has been released by the Washington State Department of Health. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a COVID-19 vaccine this year. Most people 5 years and older only need 1 dose to be up-to-date ahead of the upcoming flu season. Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax vaccines will be made available this year. There are no recommendations for one vaccine over the other at this time. However, always consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. For additional information and resources, please visit the Washington State Department of Health website.
Go-Vax Kids: Mobile Vaccination Services
Go-Vax Kids is a publicly funded grant program that provides children with COVID, influenza, and other routine vaccinations. Through community organizations, schools, and other events, they provide vaccination events all over King County.
Please visit this website for information on the types of vaccines offered and for information on future events.
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.
Senior Health Promotion Program Now Accepting Applications
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is offering a Senior Health Promotion Program, which works to improve the health of seniors by providing funding to community organizations. Over $3 million in funding is available for the January 2025 - December 2027 investment period. Applications are due September 9th at 2 PM Pacific Time. To learn more about this funding opportunity, please visit this website.
Caregiver Connection and Support Program Now Accepting Applications
The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) is looking to decrease the isolation, burden, and stress caregivers experience by increasing access to services, improving their skills and understanding, and promoting community connections and well-being. This funding is to support caregivers so they can continue caregiving while receiving resources and support so they can live happy, independent lives. Over $3 million in funding is available for the January 2025 - December 2029 funding period. Applications are due on September 24th at 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Please email Wendosen Gebremichael at wgebremi@kingcounty.gov or call at (206)- 477-5160 with any questions.
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.
King County Repair Events
This month, King County hosted a repair event at the Skyway Library! At these events, community members volunteer to be “fixers,” who are skilled in repairing clothing, electronics, and small furniture. Walk-ins are allowed, but advance priority is given to those who sign up in advance. Only one item is allowed per person per event. This organization hosts repair events throughout King County, with the next event being on September 21st from 12-3 PM at the Capitol Hill Tool Library. For more information about which items to bring, event times and locations, and how to become a volunteer fixer, please visit the King County Repair Events Website.
FIFA 2026 World Cup Poster Designing Contest
The Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 committee is launching a Host City Poster Contest! They are calling on Washington state artists to make a poster based on Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. They are looking for designs that capture the essence of the culture, community spirit, people, and passion for soccer that make Seattle and Washington special. Out of all of the submissions, they will select four finalists, each finalist will receive a $2,500 finalist prize. FIFA will then pick the winning poster to feature as the official poster for SeattleFIFA26. Registration is open through September 27th. Please visit the SeattleFIFA26 official website for more information about the contest.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant
The National Telecommunications Industry Association (NTIA) has a $1 billion funding opportunity for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The following groups are eligible for this funding:
- Non-profits
- Local educational agencies
- Workforce development organizations
- Political subdivisions, agencies, state instrumentalities
- Tribes, including those of Alaska Natives and Native Hawai’ians
- Other community anchor institutions
These competitive grants will resource initiatives that support populations most impacted by digital divides. Low-income households, older adults, justice-impacted people, people living with disabilities, rural communities, and racial and ethnic minority groups are among the populations served by this program. Additionally, competitive grant investments are an essential complement to broadband deployment strategies. NTIA is calling on organizations, large and small, to scale efforts to expand digital opportunities. Your organization’s work to ensure telehealth access, promote skills training, optimize small business connectivity, and various other initiatives enable households nationwide to participate in the digital economy.
The application is due on September 23rd. Resources on how to apply can be found 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.
4Culture 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.
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.
Help us grow our reach!
My team and I send email updates like the one you’re currently reading once a month 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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