Dear King County District 2 Resident,

This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.

We’ve had a busy few weeks at the King County Council, and we have some big updates to share with you! Read on to hear more about what we’ve been up to. 

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

UPDATE #1: $10.2 Billion Budget Passed! 

Last week, I led the King County Council’s unanimous adoption of a $10.2 billion budget, with meaningful investments in public safety, public health, public defense, affordable housing, and more. 

Highlights of funding in the budget include:

• $56 million in bond funding for affordable housing projects near transit stations;
• $113 million for increased bus and mobility services, expanded RapidRide service, enhanced connectivity for Link light rail expansions on the Eastside and in Federal Way;
• $64 million to fund expanded Metro safety and security, support for youth involved in the legal system, treatment for substance use disorder, overdose prevention and maintained investment in intervention, prevention and restoration services for those impacted by gun violence;
• $91 million to support environmental preservation, including conservation of up to 3,600 acres of open space, continue efforts to restore fish passage and restore habitat for salmon, and expansion of forest cover in historically underserved parts of unincorporated King County;
• $455 million to reduce climate emissions and increase King County’s resiliency to climate change, including building Metro’s first fully electric base and 120 new zero-emission buses, completion of Eastrail, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in new and existing buildings.

The Council also added key investments on top of the Executive’s original proposal:

• Public defense, including adding $1.8 million to support 10 new positions in the Department of Public Defense;
• Public safety: Sustains enhanced courthouse security efforts provided by Sheriff Deputies and provides $459k in additional funding for three new juvenile probation counselors;
• Fundamental services, including an extensive analysis of the base budget as King County heads into its next budget with a projected shortfall;
• Other additions and restrictions that lay the groundwork for future shortfalls and changes in revenue.

The budget also includes a funding plan for Harborview Medical Center, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center. The funds will come from a property tax levy of 10 cents per $1,000 assessed value, an average cost to homeowners of about $87 per year, raising an estimated $87 million in 2025. Final action on the levy proposal is expected on December 10. 

As we navigate this period of economic uncertainty and a massive revenue shortfall, it’s important that we do not balance the budget on the backs of the people who rely on our services. This was a difficult budget, but we abided by smart budgeting principles while supporting critical services. We were able to keep our rainy day reserve balance at 7.8%, which is on the more conservative end of our policy range.

As the Council Budget Chair, I’m proud of the work that went into this budget, and all the people who made this possible: the Budget Leadership Team, our incredible staff, the Executive, my colleagues, and every constituent who made their voices heard.

The budget still leaves a projected $150 million shortfall in the General Fund for the next biennial budget. Inflation and state restrictions on revenue sources for county governments mean King County’s cost of providing services has outpaced its revenue and will continue to do so. I am dedicated to continuing my work with local, state and regional leaders to find solutions to maintain robust services while balancing the budget.

For more information about the budget, visit the Council’s budget page.

UPDATE #2: $1 Billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative Passed!

My $1 billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative officially passed out of the King County Council! Workers deserve to be able to live close to their jobs. 

This initiative directs the Executive to develop an implementation plan that uses the 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 – in other words, priced to be affordable to working class families.

Recent data from King County’s Regional Affordable Housing Task Force showed that more than 124,000 low- and moderate-income households are cost-burdened in King County – meaning they spend more than a third of their income on housing – with communities of color and renters disproportionately likely to be severely cost-burdened.

To properly tackle the housing crisis, we must use every tool available to us to act urgently and aggressively. This legislation is an investment in the workers who power our economy, who deserve sustainable and affordable housing close to where they work. 

I’m grateful to all our partners who helped make this work possible: from business to labor to developers to housing advocates, I am thankful for all the people who helped us craft and push this legislation. Together, we’re fighting for a King County for all of us. 

Read more about the Regional Workforce Housing Initiative here or click on the picture below to watch footage from my news conference!

UPDATE #3: Economic Revitalization Amendment Passed!

King County is working on an implementation for Doors Open, a historic program for arts and cultural support. The Doors Open levy will fund equitable access, support programming in public schools, increase tourism and revenue, and feed the workforce pipeline to the arts and culture sector. 

This levy is an opportunity to invest in the arts and, in turn, an opportunity to harness the power of arts and culture to activate our County. That’s why I proposed and passed an amendment to use the new levy’s resources to revitalize commercial centers across King County, transforming them into vibrant, inclusive cultural hubs.

Many of our commercial centers have been in economic decline for years—struggling with empty storefronts, rising crime, and a general sense of despair. This proposal taps into the power of our arts and culture organizations to restore and activate these spaces. By doing so, we can boost local economies, reduce crime, attract more foot traffic, and foster a sense of safety and belonging. This is a meaningful step toward building a stronger, more connected future for our county. 

The amendment would also include recommendations for how the Doors Open program can be used to: 

• Build coalitions: Unite cultural organizations and leaders to pool resources and create shared plans for revitalizing commercial centers, using 4Culture’s established support systems.
• Encourage collaboration: Use Building for Equity and Launch grants to foster partnerships between cultural organizations and expand access for King County residents.
• Support cultural workers: Strengthen efforts to recruit and retain cultural workers through the Countywide Initiatives grant program.
• Promote arts and culture: Highlight arts and culture as key drivers of economic growth in commercial centers.
• Activate spaces: Transform public spaces, retail areas, and vacant properties into venues for arts and culture to boost the vibrancy and economy of commercial centers.

This amendment will shape future Doors Open grant criteria and awards, guiding 4Culture’s collaboration with cultural organizations to foster a dynamic and effective partnership across sectors. It aims to create lasting impact in King County by expanding access to arts, science, and heritage resources, stimulating the local economy, and revitalizing the vibrancy and character of both cultural and commercial centers. 

For more information about Doors Open, check out 4Culture’s page here. 

King County Comprehensive Plan Update & Timeline

King County is deep in the weeds about the Comprehensive Plan right now! 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.

I’ve written before about the importance of the Comprehensive Plan as a tool to tackle the housing crisis. 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.

Over the next few weeks, the Council will be discussing the Comprehensive Plan, with a final vote tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 3rd. 

Learn more about the 2024 Comprehensive Plan here.

Rainier Valley At-Grade Safety Master Plan

In last week’s Sound Transit Board meeting, we discussed a draft master plan to improve safety for at-grade crossings. At-grade areas are where the light rail trains and tracks run along the same elevation as the road, putting pedestrians, cars, bicyclists, and others who use this road in danger. This design has created an unacceptable hazard for our community and tragically taken the lives of too many loved ones.

Since joining the Sound Transit Board earlier this year, I’ve heard from many in our community that light rail safety for the at-grade section along MLK Way South must be addressed urgently. Earlier this year, I introduced a motion asking Sound Transit staff to develop a Rainier Valley Safety Master Plan. This motion was combined with another and passed by the board in July. 

The draft master plan proposed last week is the first step to addressing this crucial issue and bringing improvements that the community has continually called for. 

You can also find my comments to the Seattle Times about the importance of prioritizing at-grade safety in the Rainier Valley here. You can read about the draft master plan here. 

King County Metro Community Liaison Program

Metro is proud to introduce their new Community Liaison pilot program which features the voices and perspectives of staff who work to strengthen relationships with varied communities. The team helps ensure that the people most in need of transit can weigh in their plans, policies, and decisions to ensure services are welcoming and accessible to all. Read more here.

Veterans Day

Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country for their sacrifice and service, on this Veterans Day.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Share Your Thoughts on Gun Violence

The King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is seeking community input on gun violence. Your insights are crucial in shaping the public safety efforts of the Office, and we want to hear from you!

Take a moment to share your thoughts through an anonymous survey here. Your input can make a real difference in our community’s approach to gun safety.

For more information, contact rgv@kingcounty.gov. Thank you for your participation!

Sound Transit Seeks Feedback on Passenger Experience

Sound Transit's annual Passenger Experience Survey, which seeks to evaluate how passengers view all of Sound Transit’s services, is open through December 20th. The findings are used to identify key areas of improvement and prioritize efforts to provide a better passenger experience.

Specifically, the survey — available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese — collects passenger perspectives on the following:

• accessibility
• availability
• dependability
• cleanliness
• safety
• passenger care
• maintenance
• passenger information

The survey also collects ridership behavior and demographic information to help understand how perceptions of Sound Transit’s performance vary across our community.

The survey, found here, takes about 15 minutes to complete, and participants are eligible to be entered in a raffle for one of four $250 gift cards or one of 15 gift cards valued at $100.

Upcoming Events

Creative Justice Northwest’s 10-Year Celebration

Save the date! Creative Justice's 10-year celebration will be a unique opportunity to showcase the impact of our work and honor the youth, families, artists, community, and staff who have been a part of their journey. 

The 3-day event will feature an art exhibition at Indigo Slate during the December Pioneer Square Art Walk on 12/5, a Creative Justice 10-year documentary release event at Washington Hall on 12/6, and, last but not least, a party at Indigo Slate on 12/7!

For the past decade, Creative Justice has been providing a platform for youth and mentor artists to use their talents to raise awareness about the school-to-prison pipeline and arts-based healing and restorative justice. Since 2015 they have partnered with nearly 1,000 youth and young adults and facilitated over 1500 arts-based healing and restorative justice workshops.

Please go here for more information, and here to purchase tickets and/or make a donation.

Grants & Resources

Property Owners Urged to Apply for Tax Relief if Property is Damaged By Windstorms

In response to the “bomb cyclone” storm that ripped through the region this week, the King County Department of Assessments is now making available an online form so owners who experienced significant damage from the windstorm can apply for property tax relief.

State law allows taxpayers to apply for property tax relief if their property was damaged or destroyed by recent windstorms. Property damaged or destroyed by something beyond the property owner's control is eligible for a reduction of assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes.

Information on the criteria for a claim and how to file online If you own property in King County can be found here:  https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief/DamagedProperty.aspx or you can download a King County Destroyed Property Form (.PDF)

Damaged Property Relief Program Details:

• Any real or personal property that has been destroyed, in whole or in part, or is in an area declared a disaster by the governor and reduced in value by more than twenty (20) percent may apply.
• The amount of tax abatement shall be determined by calculating the taxes on the amount deducted from the assessed value for the number of days that remained in the calendar year after the date of destruction or reduction in the value of the property. If taxes abated have already been paid, the amount paid shall be refunded.
• An application must be filed within three years of the date of destruction or reduction in value.
• If the taxpayer disagrees with the determination made by the County Assessor regarding the destroyed property exemption, he/she may appeal the amount of reduction to the County Board of Equalization within sixty (60) days of notification from the Assessor
• In cases where a fire, natural disaster or vandalism has occurred, supporting documentation is required which identifies the property and the date of occurrence, such as fire department reports and insurance adjuster estimates.

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 this website.  

Would you like the Housing Repair program to give a short presentation to your community group? Please contact Clark Fulmer Clark.Fulmer@kingcounty.gov  

• Housing Repair Pamphlet 1
• Housing Repair Pamphlet 2

#ReachOut for Free Confidential Mental Health Support – Call or Text 988

Youth and families can access immediate, confidential mental health support through the 988 Hotline. Whether you're going through a tough time or just need someone to talk to, help is only one call or text away. The 988 Hotline is available 24/7 to provide free support whenever you need it.

Save the number 988 and share it with friends—you never know when it could make a difference.

Learn more about the 988 Hotline at 988lifeline.org

King County’s Free Asthma Resource Program

Managing your child’s asthma can be tough, but King County’s Community Health Worker Asthma Program is here to support you! This free program helps families with children ages 6 to 12 reduce asthma triggers and provides valuable education.

Trained community health workers will offer free home or virtual visits to identify asthma triggers like dust mites, pet dander, or mold, and provide personalized recommendations. You may also receive free supplies such as mattress covers, HEPA air cleaners, vacuums, and safer cleaning products to help create a healthier living environment.

Your family may also qualify for a paid research study on the impact of air filters on asthma, which could benefit your child’s health and contribute to important research.

Learn more at this link or fill out the application here!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

All Kids Play Grant

All Kids Play provides funding to families and communities who need support to cover the costs of youth sports. Grants are available for families with kids in grades K-12 and not-for-profit community-based recreational sports organizations in low-income areas. Funding is distributed on a need and first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available. Grants can be used for registration, equipment, and other associated fees for sports classes, recreational leagues, and travel sports.

For more information or to apply, visit the grant website, or contact info@allkidsplay.org. This is a valuable opportunity to help youth access sports and recreation programs!

Horizons Foundation of Washington Grants

The Horizons Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to addressing social and environmental issues in Washington State. Grants are awarded to non-profits working in the areas of the environment, social services, and arts and culture. Grant amounts start at $1,000, with a typical cap of $5,000 for applicants in the Arts and Direct Emergency Services categories.

For more information or to apply, visit the grant website here, or contact horizonsfoundation1@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity for non-profits working to create a positive impact in Washington State!

Project 10Million – Free Internet Connectivity and Devices for Underserved Students

Project 10Million is an initiative designed to bring free Internet and mobile hotspots to millions of underserved student households, along with access to low-cost laptops and tablets. Eligible students from households participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can receive 100GB of data per year, a free mobile hotspot, and access to affordable devices—one per household.

To qualify, parents must provide proof of NSLP eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, which can include a NSLP notification letter or proof of enrollment in other government programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, Medicaid, Head Start, or programs for foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth.

For more details, visit the Project 10Million website. This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure students have the connectivity and tools they need to succeed!

Free Services from the Department of Local Services

The Department of Local Services is offering free office hours to assist the community with a variety of services. Residents can receive free notary services, support with county building permits, pet license applications, and general information about county services. Office hours are held every Wednesday from 1-4 PM at 12601 76th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98178. No registration is required, and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request.

For more details, visit this link. Take advantage of these free services and get the support you need!

Community Carrot is Recruiting Young Entrepreneurs

Community Carrot is now recruiting for their 7th cohort of young adult entrepreneurs, ages 18-24. This program offers 16 weeks of free training, up to $1,500 in start-up capital, and access to incredible mentors. In addition to business support, they provide navigation to social services as needed.

To date, 65 young CEOs have successfully launched their businesses through Community Carrot. If you're ready to turn your business dreams into reality, apply today on their website and join the next group of young entrepreneurs!

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