 The new versions of the Organizational Compilation, including changes made at the January 28 Council meeting to the leadership and committee membership are available now on the Clerk of the Council’s webpage.
Each year, Councilmembers have the opportunity to request the committees they wish to serve on. Below are the committees I will be serving on in 2025. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Council Chair Girmay Zahilay and his team for collaborating with our office to accommodate these requests, and for their efforts in listening to each council office as they worked to develop the committees for 2025.
Welcome Councilmember De'Sean Quinn, District 5
 Last week, the Council voted to appoint De’Sean Quinn to fill the District 5 council seat vacated when Dave Upthegrove was elected as Washington State Lands Commissioner. I am excited the Council welcomed Councilmember Quinn, an outstanding elected leader I’ve known for more than a decade through his work with children and families, and who was an early member of Local Progress. With Councilmember Quinn now on King County Council, we have the most diverse councilmember make-up in the county’s history!
Councilmember Quinn is a current Tukwila City Councilmember who has served in that role since 2008. He is also part of the King County employee family, working as Assistant General Manager of Partnerships and Strategies for King County Metro. He will resign both these positions before he is sworn in as a King County Councilmember. Councilmember Quinn also previously served as community relations manager for former Executive Ron Sims, as council relations director, and as regional relations manager under Executive Constantine.
District 5 is just south of District 8 and covers areas that overlap with the cities of Renton, Kent, Des Moines, SeaTac, and Normandy Park.
Tour of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
 Councilmember Mosqueda with Port of Seattle Commission President, Toshiko Hasegawa, Managing Director for Aviation, Lance Lyttle, and Sr. Manager Federal and International Government Relations at Port of Seattle, Eric Schinfeld.
We enthusiastically accepted an invite from the Port of Seattle and Commission President Hasegawa to tour Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – just one of the many assets Port of Seattle manages. We learned about its operations, recent and upcoming improvements, and new technology being implemented to enhance passenger experience and efficiency.
Founded in 1911, the Port of Seattle promotes regional economic opportunities and quality of life by advancing trade, travel, and job creation through its ownership of key facilities, supporting nearly 200,000 jobs, and aiming to create 100,000 more jobs while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port.
On January 14th, Toshiko Hasegawa became the first Asian American woman to serve as the Port of Seattle Commission President, leading the Port with a vision for a "Teal New Deal" focused on sustainable economic growth and job creation. Under her leadership, the Port will continue investing in infrastructure and advancing decarbonization efforts, building on a strong 2024.
Residents of District 8 and those living near SeaTac Park may already be aware of the great news that the park will remain a park for the long term. On October 8, 2024, the Port of Seattle Commission passed an order to permanently designate North SeaTac Park for recreational use. This milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Port and the Washington congressional delegation, who successfully amended the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act to ensure the park’s future protection. The next steps involve documenting that the park meets the criteria for permanent designation, with continued conversations involving the Port, the City of SeaTac, and community stakeholders. This action underscores the commitment to preserving important green spaces for future generations, ensuring that the communities near the airport can continue to enjoy the benefits of North SeaTac Park. We recognize the concerns many of you have raised regarding the proximity to the airport and noise pollution. As discussions progress, we will provide further updates and information. We also appreciate the letters and the attentive support from the leadership at the Port of Seattle.
King County Invests $16.8M in Behavioral Health Workforce
 Click on the image above to watch King County investments in action.
King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced a $16.8 million investment to strengthen the region's behavioral health workforce. This funding includes $12 million for 37 behavioral health providers to support recruitment, retention, and staff development, and an additional $4.8 million to expand the SEIU Training Fund’s apprenticeship program, focused on growing the number of peer counselors, behavioral health technicians, and substance use disorder professionals. This initiative aligns with the 2023 Crisis Care Centers Initiative, which aims to address staffing challenges in mental health and substance use care.
The funding will support over 30 local agencies, prioritizing workforce diversity and increasing representation in behavioral health care. Key initiatives include educational programs, professional development opportunities, and wellness support for staff at District 8 organizations like Atlantic Street Center, Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle Indian Health Board, and Vashon Youth and Family Services.
This investment is part of a broader, multiyear effort to address workforce challenges in the human services sector, with the goal of improving the well-being of both caregivers and the communities they serve. Read the full announcement here.
South Link Connections: Attend an information session to learn about proposed route improvements in south King County
 Crossposted from Metro Matters
As Link light rail extends south, King County Metro’s South Link Connections mobility project is working to improve public transit for communities in south King County.
Metro held the first virtual information session on Jan. 7. You can watch the recorded session on YouTube – the session is also available in Amharic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish.
They invite you to attend their next virtual information session to learn more about the South Link Connections project’s proposed changes and to ask questions:
Monday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. Register here.
If you need an interpreter, please make your request when you register for the information session at the link above. Read more…
Opportunities to Serve!
 King County Conservation District (KCD) is seeking people for the following seats on the Advisory Committee:
- Rural Resident (primary)
- Rural Resident (alternate)
- Environmental NGO Representative (alternate)
- Equity and Social Justice Representative (alternate)
The Advisory Committee is a 14-member board that informs KCD’s work by sharing their learned and lived experience. It extends KCD’s reach into its broad community of stakeholders by bringing diverse and expanded perspectives back to KCD’s Board of Supervisors. The Advisory Committee deliberates on policy issues and forwards its recommendations to the Board. The body typically meets from 10:00 am through 11:30 am the second Tuesday of every other month for a total of 6 meetings each year.
Interested candidates can send any questions or a letter of interest and a resume to Mark Dostal at mark.dostal@kingcd.org.
 Several positions on the King County Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee (CEOC) are currently open for nominations and appointments. Persons interested in serving on this volunteer committee should download the application and position description for more details, and for instructions on how to submit an application.
The CEOC is a 16-member committee of volunteers, who have interest or expertise in elections. The CEOC is charged with conducting oversight of election-related matters, and reporting to the King County Council its observations, findings and recommendations through an annual report. The following positions are open for application:
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One representative sponsored by either a junior taxing district or a city with a population of under twenty thousand. The term of this position is for the remainder of a three-year term, to expire May 2025. The Council may appoint the successful candidate to complete the current term as well as serve for an additional term of three years.
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One representative from a nonpartisan organization in King County that promotes equality and the advancement of Black or African Americans, such as the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. The term of this position ends in September 2025. The Council may appoint the successful candidate to complete the current term as well as serve for an additional term of three years.
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One representative from the Vietnamese-speaking community. The term of this position is for the remainder of a three-year term, to expire December 2026. The Council may appoint the successful candidate to complete the current term as well as serve for an additional term of three years.
Applications are requested to be submitted by close of business on Friday, February 14, 2025.
The committee is meeting virtually until further notice. Prior to the pandemic, the Committee met at the Elections headquarters building, 919 Southwest Grady Way, Renton, WA. The Committee meets roughly five times per year on the third Tuesday of the month.
For other opportunities to serve, please visit King County boards and commissions website to explore current vacancies.
Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot
 Crossposted from BSK Blog
Starting February 10, child care facilities in King County can apply to be a part of the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot. Applications will close March 7.
Eligible workers at selected facilities will be issued quarterly payments to increase their income through 2027.
Applications will go live on the Best Starts Wage Boost Pilot Website here!
Full-time workers who receive the wage boost can receive up to $2,080 quarterly. Part-time workers who receive the wage boost can receive up to $1,040 quarterly.
The Pilot is providing immediate investment to select workers to recognize their vital role in our community while gathering evidence to inform how on-going government investments benefit the child care sector, workers, families, and the community.
Through the Wage Boost Pilot, $25 million will be distributed to about 1,400 workers. And over the course of the Pilot, evaluators will study the impact of the wage boost on worker well-being, employee retention, and quality of care.
If you have questions about the application process, eligibility, or what you need to do to get ready for application launch, visit the Pilot website.
New VSHSL funding opportunity: Vets Engaged (SE 7)
 Crossposted from DCHS's Cultivating Connections
The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to release this Request for Proposals (RFP) for SE 7: Vets Engaged with funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL).
VSHSL seeks to fund entities to convene community-building events and activities that increase social engagement and connection for veterans, military servicemembers, and their respective families. The Vets Engaged program strives to reduce veterans' feelings of isolation by providing socialization opportunities for them and their families, to help address the inequities they may face while creatively building community.
Available funding: Organizations may apply for small short-term grants at set amounts of $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000
Investment period: Rolling application submission with set closing and review dates throughout the year
Questions: Contact Katie Mahoney at kmahoney@kingcounty.gov Applications due:
By 2pm on Feb 28, 2025 for projected award start date of May 1, 2025.
By 2pm on May 30, 2025 for projected award start date of August 1, 2025.
 Visit the Conservation Futures application page for key information. Join weekly online office hours via Zoom (through Feb. 5) or contact Ingrid Lundin with questions.
Applications due February 10th.
Request for Proposals (RFP): Best Starts for Kids Levy Evaluation
Applications due February 14th at 2 pm.
Request for Applications (RFA): Pediatric Mobile Immunization Clinics
Applications due February 27th.
Request for Proposals (RFP): Drug User Health Services
Applications due February 27th at 2 pm.
4Culture Public Free Access Funds
Applications due February 27th at 5pm.
King County Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey
 Click on the image above for more information.
The 2025 King County Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey is underway, and we are calling on nonprofits in the region—specifically an Executive Director, Human Resources staff, or a Finance Manager—who has access to staff compensation information to take part in the survey.
Part 1 of this survey is open starting February 3 through April 18, 2025.
The Employee Engagement Survey will open later this month. The survey seeks to learn more about how nonprofit employees feel about their pay and benefits, the work they do, their supervisors, and other factors that encourage them to remain in their jobs and the nonprofit sector. The survey is open to all nonprofit employees.
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. Attend an upcoming virtual open house and share your thoughts in a survey by February 28th. For more information, visit Metro South Link Connections web site.
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Sound Transit welcomes feedback on the proposed $6 ORCA Regional Day Pass
Sound Transit and other ORCA agencies propose lowering the price of the adult ORCA regional day pass from $8 to $6. This pass will be valid for fares up to $3.00, aligning with the fare on Link and ST Express services. This proposal would go into effect March 1.
The changes would cut the day pass price for reduced fare riders (ORCA LIFT low-income, Seniors, and Riders with Disabilities) from $4 to $2, aligning with the $1 reduced fare value.
Email your comments to fares@soundtransit.org
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Last weeks of exhibit, HELLO AUNTIE, HELLO UNCLE:
CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR ELDERS at Wing Luke Museum
Hello Auntie, Hello Uncle explores the many roles Elders play in our communities, celebrates their lives and achievements, and honors the wisdom gained with time. This exhibit elaborates on who an Elder can be and what a society that values and supports an Elder might look like. On exhibit now through March 9, 2025.
Established in 1967, the Wing Luke Museum is an art and history museum in CID in District 8, which focuses on the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States.
 Thank you for signing up for the #TeresaTuesday Newsletter. We will send you regular updates every other week. If you’d like to reach out or have an issue we can help with, please reach out anytime.
Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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