 Dear King County District 2 Resident,
Happy end of the year and happy holidays to all of you! This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.
As we wrap up a busy year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made together. From new initiatives to critical updates, our team has been dedicated to serving our community and making a lasting impact. Today, we want to share some of our biggest accomplishments of 2024, along with our goals for 2025. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward a brighter future for all.
Announcements & Policy Updates
Top Accomplishments of 2024
Every year since I’ve been your King County Councilmember, I’ve sent you an end-of-year mailer updating you on the progress we’ve made and the important work ahead. Here’s a look at this year’s mailer:
 It’s been a busy year, and our mailer highlights some of the important work we’ve been doing:
- As Budget Chair for the King County Council, passed a $10.2 billion budget funding housing, healthcare, public safety, rental assistance, public transportation, and more for the region
- Proposed and passed the $1 billion Regional Workforce Housing Initiative to ensure essential workers around the region can afford a home close to their jobs
- Spearheaded increasing the Minimum Wage in King County so that workers around the region can make enough money to survive
- Joined the Sound Transit board to help open multiple new stations and pass the Rainier Valley safety master plan to keep pedestrians and transit riders safe along the MLK corridor
- Championed the Crisis Care Centers implementation plan to build five clinics around the region that can treat addiction overdose and mental health crises
- Crafted and passed the five-part comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation, which aims to eliminate gun violence in our region and keep our communities safe
- Helped organize public safety work groups in key neighborhoods like the Central District to promote public safety and eliminate violence through targeted strategies
- Wrote the Extreme Weather Mitigation Legislation which resulted in King County launching its first extreme heat mitigation strategy in 2024, providing residents with more avenues to stay safe and escape the heat amidst worsening extreme weather events due to climate change
As we reflect on the year, I’m incredibly proud of the progress we've made together. These accomplishments are a testament to our shared commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more equitable community. But our work is far from over. There are still challenges ahead, and I am more determined than ever to continue fighting for the resources and policies that will uplift all of us.
Top Priorities for 2025
As we look to the year ahead, I am committed to making meaningful progress on issues that directly impact our community. From addressing the housing crisis to combating climate change, I have set ambitious goals to improve the lives of all residents. Below are some of my office’s main priorities for the coming year:
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Building more affordable homes and making real progress toward ending the homelessness crisis.
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Keeping our communities safe through a comprehensive neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach and implementing gun violence prevention strategies.
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Addressing the mental health and addiction crisis by building crisis care centers and expanding mobile crisis response systems.
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Promoting a strong economy where businesses and workers thrive.
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Combating climate change by expanding public transit and transitioning to clean energy.
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Investing in neighborhoods like Skyway, South Seattle, and the Central District by providing more services, development, and investment while preventing displacement.
Together, these efforts will move us closer to a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving community.
Take Our Survey!
In 2025, the King County Council will be working on major issues facing our region, and I want to hear your priorities for public transit, public safety, housing and homelessness, behavioral health, climate change, and more.
Fill out our survey here!
Residents choose $11.75 million worth of improvements for their communities in this year’s participatory budgeting vote
King County is investing $11.75 million in grants to support 42 community-chosen projects through its participatory budgeting program. These initiatives will enhance urban unincorporated areas, including East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway/West Hill, and White Center/North Highline.
This year’s projects funded in Skyway/West Hill include:
- $25,000 for the Skyway Resource Center to help finish building the new community hub
- $300,000 for the Skyway Housing Repair Fund to provide resources for home repairs for low-income residents
- $50,000 to upgrade REACH Renton’s shelter facilities for vulnerable families and individuals
- $1,600,000 to purchase a building for the Silent Task Force, which provides services and resources like housing support, apprenticeship programs, food distribution, a digital lab, and more for Skyway residents
- $840,000 for the Skyway Community Land Trust, which will go toward development of affordable housing
I advocated for participatory budgeting back in 2021 to empower residents to shape their neighborhoods by directly proposing ideas for improvements and voting on which projects receive funding. This year’s voter turnout nearly doubled compared to the program’s launch two years ago, reflecting growing community engagement.
Learn more:
King County Comprehensive Plan Passed!
The Comprehensive Plan has passed! 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. As the housing crisis intensifies, we must deploy every available tool to create more affordable homes and thriving communities. This updated Comprehensive Plan is a significant step forward—it reduces barriers to housing development, encourages density in urban areas, protects our rural and agricultural lands, and makes King County a better and more affordable place for families to live, work, and grow.
I’m especially proud of the expansion of middle housing in this plan, which builds on the foundation of my Missing Middle Housing Legislation. This effort will directly benefit working families across our region by providing more housing options and opportunities.
I’m deeply grateful to Local Services Chair Sarah Perry and my other committee colleagues, our King County Council staff, our housing development partners, community members, advocates, and the Executive Branch for collaborating to craft a plan that meets the needs of our communities while protecting what makes King County great.
Learn more about the 2024 Comprehensive Plan here.
New minimum wage takes effect January 1 in unincorporated King County
Earlier this year, I wrote and passed legislation to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County, which will take effect soon. As the cost of living in King County skyrockets, our workers must have the means to cover basic needs like rent, childcare, and groceries. One job should be enough in King County, and raising the minimum wage is an important step toward ensuring this.
Starting in the new year, the minimum wage in unincorporated King County will increase to $20.29 per hour. Temporary exceptions will apply for smaller businesses or those with lower annual revenue. Learn more on the county's Minimum Wage website.
King County Expands Mobile Crisis Teams
King County launched new mobile crisis teams to help people experiencing a mental health, drug, or alcohol crisis.
Teams travel across the county to de-escalate behavioral health crises and connect people to support services. King County added 10 teams for a total of 27 teams operated by the Downtown Emergency Service Center and Sound Behavioral Health.
“We’re building a robust crisis system where everyone has access to the care they need, when and where they need it — reducing hospital and jail visits,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “By expanding the number of mobile response teams, we're on track to ensure people in crisis can get 24/7 help from a specialized behavioral health team.”
Anyone can text or call 988 for help and support. Click the picture below to watch a video with more information.
Over 700 King Cultural Organizations to Receive $165M
Last month, the Council passed an implementation plan 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.
Just last week, we saw the first round of funding go out, which will provide more than $165 million to over 700 arts and cultural organizations over the next three years! Organizations like Deaf Spotlight, the Asian American Performing Arts Theatre, the Seattle Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center, and many more will receive funding to support their work.
We know the power of arts and culture in bringing people together and, in a time when many people and neighborhoods are struggling, the arts provide hope and beauty that can facilitate community and civic healing. I’m proud to support Doors Open, and I’m excited to see the possibilities that this funding will bring throughout our county.
Read 4Culture’s announcement about the funding here.
State Senator and State Representative Appointed for the 33rd Legislative District
Last week, Tina Orwall was appointed and sworn in as State Senator for the 33rd Legislative District, and Edwin Obras was appointed and sworn in as State Representative for the district. Congratulations to both leaders as they step into these vital roles to serve our community!
 
Visit Seattle Announces Preliminary $929 Million Economic Impact Projection for FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™
Visit Seattle projects a minimum of $929 million will be generated for King County over the six World Cup matches set to take place at Seattle’s Lumen Field between June and July of 2026. This projection includes more than $100 million in direct state and local tax revenue and anticipates 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs will be supported. Read more here.
Out in the Community
LRP Housing Community Outreach Meeting
The Lavender Rights Project, in partnership with King County Department of Community and Human Services and Chief Seattle Club, is opening a designated housing property for queer, transgender, Two-Spirit, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QT2BIPOC) individuals who are chronically homeless or at risk of homelessness. This property represents not only a safe space for individuals who have faced systemic barriers but also a step toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate community.
This month, my office participated in a community outreach meeting to discuss key details about the property, including the application process for tenants, operational plans, and the expected opening timeline. The discussion was rich with questions, feedback, and a shared sense of care for those affected by homelessness, disability, and substance use challenges.
The Lavender Rights Project plays a crucial role in our communities by providing vital resources and advocating for our queer and trans communities. By centering the experiences of those who are often overlooked, the Lavender Rights Project is not just helping individuals, but also working toward broader social change that fosters equality, dignity, and justice for all. I’m grateful for their tireless work and proud to partner with them to protect and uplift our queer and trans neighbors.
For personalized assistance from the Lavender Rights Project, click here.
Honoring Nadia Kassa’s Legacy
During Thanksgiving weekend, I had the honor of attending an almsgiving event hosted by Nadia's Promise, an organization dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Nadia Kassa, a beloved community activist we lost last year.
At the event, our community came together to prepare over 6,000 meals for our unhoused neighbors and distribute essential items such as toiletries, hand warmers, and blankets. Nadia’s commitment to uplifting others continues to inspire us all, and this event was a powerful reminder of the impact we can create when we come together in service and compassion.
Thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, and participated in keeping Nadia’s spirit alive through meaningful action.
Help shape the future of King County’s Local Food System
Local food is vital to King County’s economy, environment, and communities. That’s why we need your input to help shape the future of our food system!
The King County Local Food Initiative has supported farmers, food businesses, and increased access to healthy, affordable food for nearly a decade. Now, as they update the plan, they want to hear from YOU!
Take the survey by January 31st and help create a vision for a resilient, equitable, and sustainable local food system that works for everyone. The survey is open to all King County residents and is available in Spanish, Hmong, and Kiswahili. To select a language other than English, simply click the gray box in the upper right-hand corner and choose your preferred language.
Survey located here.
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.
Provide Feedback on Downtown Seattle Parks
The Downtown Seattle Association partners with the City of Seattle to manage and activate Occidental Square, Westlake Park, Bell Street Park and Pioneer Park.
Thanks to funding from Metropolitan Improvement District ratepayers, they’ve transformed these urban spaces with amenities like furniture, games, and lighting. Their team also curates engaging programming, from concerts and food trucks to community events, kids' activities, and art installations.
To keep improving, they conduct park user surveys twice a year to gather your feedback and ideas. Share your thoughts here by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, for a chance to win a $100 Target gift card.
Link Light Rail is coming to South King County. Metro wants to hear from you!!
New Link light rail stations will open in Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Transit Center as soon as 2026. Metro is seeking feedback from communities in Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, and Tukwila on several proposed changes to our transit services in South King County.
You can attend one of the upcoming virtual open houses:
You can also share your thoughts in a survey by February 28th.
For more information, visit the Metro South Link Connections web site.
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!
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.
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.
#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
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