Black History is Labor History

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 02/18/2025 08:51 PM PST

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda

February 18, 2025

As we recognize Black History Month, we honor the incredible contributions of Black workers throughout history, who have been at the forefront of fighting for justice, equality, and empowerment. From the very beginning of this nation, when democracy was built on racial exploitation, Black workers have risked their lives through collective action, faith, and unwavering dedication to protect and uplift their communities.

The legacy of Black workers is deeply intertwined with the labor movement, advocating not only for fair wages and better working conditions but also challenging society’s power structures and pushing for greater equality for all. Today, Black workers continue to be a powerful force, both in the workforce and the political sphere, influencing elections, public policies, and the future of economic justice.

As we reflect on the history of Black workers, let us remember their pivotal role in shaping labor rights and social change, and continue to honor their resilience, sacrifices, and vision for a more just world.

Comprehensive Plan

As jurisdictions across the state work on updating their comprehensive plans for the next 20 years, I’m excited to highlight the King County Comprehensive Plan, which the County Council approved in December. I championed over 60 items that focus on affordable housing, childcare, healthcare, small businesses, and climate resilience. My team and I engaged with communities throughout District 8, including Vashon-Maury Island, White Center, and South Park, ensuring the plan addresses the unique needs of unincorporated areas. The Comprehensive Plan will guide development, preserve the environment, and support equitable, sustainable growth for years to come, benefiting both current and future generations. Read about all of our priorities in detail here.

ADUs: Request pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) designs to lower the time and cost it takes to build ADUs
Surplus Properties: Strengthen policies prioritizing affordable housing on publicly owned surplus properties
Homeownership: Prioritize policies to incentivize housing models like shared-equity co-ops other ownership models
Remove Barriers to Housing Development: Working with community members to identify and reduce requirements that add time and cost to housing development, such as development standards, parking requirements, upper level stepbacks, and setbacks in White Center and Vashon Rural Town, removing requirements for a conditional use
permit to locate more than one single detached home on a property
Incentivizing Affordability in Market Developments: Working with several council offices on updating the County’s inclusionary housing policies—the County’s on-site affordable housing incentives and mandatory requirements to enable more affordable housing in new housing development across the county. Further provide incentive by exempting development projects that provide at least a certain percentage of affordable dwelling units at or below 80% AMI from the North Highline Design Standards
Reducing Barriers to Shelter and Supportive Housing: Reduce barriers and strengthen policy supporting emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing and create work plan to address identified barriers
Vashon Middle Housing: Allow flexibility to create middle housing in areas currently zoned Community Businesses for mix-use housing on Vashon
More Tools for Affordable Housing: Create a work plan to support more affordable housing development in King County (incl. funding, MFTE, SEPA exemption, expedited permitting timelines)
Employer-Assisted Housing: Maintain policies promoting the development of employer assisted housing opportunities close to employment sites
Supporting Innovation: Extend the Alternative Housing Demonstration project sites to allow for congregate housing on identified sites in Vashon and White Center (one project is under development on Vashon)
Allowing for More Housing Options: Working with community members, identified zoning modifications to allow for more housing options in White Center and Vashon Rural Town
Housing Data and Monitoring: Adding a policy and work plan item to direct stronger housing-specific data and performance measures to direct work on housing monitoring

Supporting Childcare: Enable more childcare to be built by removing barriers in the code to allow siting more home-based childcare and childcare facilities
New Childcare Incentives: Create incentives for new development to include childcare facilities on site
Prohibiting Self-Storage Facilities: In Urban Unincorporated Areas, prohibit self-storage facilities that take up land that have minimal community benefit like housing and childcare

Small Business Support: Support small businesses by updating design standards and size limits that support smaller commercial spaces for new commercial buildings while providing opportunities for small business expansion
(More) Small Businesses Support: Work plan action to establish a Legacy Business Program to support longstanding local businesses, especially in areas with a high risk of displacement, and creating incentives for new developments to provide space for small businesses on the ground floor
Limits on Big Box Stores and Fast-Food Chains: Creating restrictions on where large corporate chain restaurants and big box stores can be built in unincorporated areas
Neighborhood Cafes: Allow for neighborhood cafes and corner stores in urban unincorporated areas, as would have been allowed in HB 2252

Short-Term Rental Regulations: Include a work plan item to direct the Executive to develop Short Term Rental Regulations for Council consideration
Community Preference: Expand Community Preference requirements and speed up Community Preference policy for prioritizing affordable housing for those facing displacement in the leasing of new affordable housing
Economic Empowerment: Develop policies that address property tax exemptions and priority hire as anti-displacement strategies as called for in 2021 Anti-Displacement Report
Addressing Rent Gouging: Add new policy disapproving of algorithmic rent-setting technologies to pave the way for local and state action regulating such technologies
Discouraging McMansions: Creating minimum density requirements in multifamily zones, and protecting agricultural land from non-agricultural estate development

Climate Resilience Hubs: Add a policy to encourage the County to explore creating climate resilience hubs in unincorporated King County, and to work with K4C to explore partnership opportunities
Green Jobs: Add a policy centering to identify and promote environmentally beneficial jobs that create living wage career pathways into high demand fields
Innovative Wastewater Technologies: Add a policy requiring the County to support use of innovative green technologies for on-site wastewater management, and encouraging the County to explore options to allow use of technologies such as composting toilets
Vashon-Maury Island Water Systems: Direct the executive to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the health, safety, and sustainability of water systems on Vashon-Maury Island
Regenerative Demonstration Project: Under existing zoning density allowances, provide guidance to build deeply green, regenerative middle housing on a demonstration project site on Vashon
District Stormwater Systems: Add work plan item to conduct a feasibility study and outline necessary programmatic work for a district-wide detention/stormwater facilities in White Center for new development
Support Green Retrofits: Remove code barriers heat pump installation to enable multifamily cooling retrofits
Streamline Stormwater Requirements: Add Work Plan to require the Executive to review the stormwater design manual and associated regulations for opportunities to streamline them to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and process
Climate Resilient Landscaping: Reducing barriers to climate resilient landscaping and updating green stormwater infrastructure requirements

Reduce Conditional Use Requirements for Health and Social Services: Allow health and social services like childcare and therapeutic services in high density residential zones
Support Behavioral and Mental Health Services on Vashon-Maury Island: Add policies supporting behavioral health services through equitable service delivery that centers culturally informed and inclusive behavioral healthcare
Align Health Services with State Code: Update countywide Hospital zoning to align with Washington State code, allowing for recovery centers consistent with state code
Emergency Transportation on Vashon: Add policy to support and partner with emergency service providers, the Vashon Airport District, Washington State Ferries, and the community, to provide emergency transportation for Vashon-Maury Island
Supporting Healthy Housing: Add policies promoting non-toxic/red-list free materials in affordable housing
Discouraging Vacant and Derelict Properties: Develop strategies to encourage property owners to utilize or develop derelict property through policy and a proposed work plan item
Supporting Animal Rescue: Remove barriers to support small-scale, non-profit animal rescue shelters and code modifications to create a designation for smaller animal rescue efforts currently not reflected in code
Heritage Trail Signage on Vashon: Updating sign code to allow for small heritage trail signs in public right-of-way
Equitable Community Engagement: Direct accessible, equitable public engagement through additional goals for the Public Participation Code Update Work Plan Action relating to accessibility, in-language communication, community liaisons, and performance measures

As local City jurisdictions consider their Comprehensive Plan we hope they take this once in a decade opportunity to match and exceed these policy strategies to create the most inclusive, dense and affordable housing and amenities needed so all community members around our region can not only have a place to call home, but a place in community to thrive, walk, learn, play and age in place. Read about all of our priorities in detail here.

Council Update

Click on the image above to read the proclamation.

Established in 1926, Black History Month is celebrated every February, and recognizes the impacts and achievements of Black Americans and all people of African descent in the United States.

The 2025 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor," and prompts residents to acknowledge King County's long history of Black workers, creators, and business owners and their contributions to building our modern communities, especially the many talented King County employees who help keep our transit system in motion, our facilities in operation, and our water clean.

Day of Remembrance of the Japanese American Incarceration

The Council has proclaimed February 19, 2025, as the Day of Remembrance of the Japanese American Incarceration, remembering the legacy of injustice faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. On this day, we reflect on the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, including 8,870 residents of King County, under Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. This act, rooted in racial prejudice and war hysteria, violated constitutional rights and led to significant suffering. The government later acknowledged this injustice, with formal apologies and reparations provided to survivors in 1988. The Day of Remembrance aims to remember the sacrifices of Japanese Americans, stand up for marginalized groups, and reaffirm the importance of liberty and justice for all.

Councilmember in Community

King County Celebrates Black History Month with
Delbert Richardson's Unspoken Truths Museum

I met with young leaders from the Kent area while visiting Delbert Richardson’s The Unspoken Truths traveling museum being exhibited at the County as part of our celebration of Black History Month. The museum educates about the significant contributions of African Americans to science, culture, and technology.

Richardson’s museum aims to re-educate and promote healing through storytelling and authentic artifacts. His exhibits cover topics like African contributions to STEM, the impacts of slavery and segregation, and the achievements of Black inventors. Richardson’s Afrocentric perspective challenges the traditional narrative, aiming to center Black and brown people in American history.

Beyond 50 Years: A CID for All Generations

2025 marks a milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) and I was honored to join them for their 50th Anniversary Kickoff at Hood Famous Bakeshop. Throughout the year, SCIDpda will be hosting multiple events to commemorate the momentous occasion. You can join them in a series of guided tours showcasing five decades of history in the CID, save the date for their 2025 Gala on November 8th, or be part of history by reserving a tile on the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Installation on Maynard Avenue.

Community Updates

New Tool for Childcare Providers

Best Starts for Kids is excited to launch a new King County Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) Registry! This registry is a new tool for childcare providers, including family, friend, and neighbor caregivers, license-exempt programs, and providers in licensed child care programs to find and contact independent CCHCs and CCHC teams serving King County.

Best Starts’ Child Care Health Consultation strategy promotes the health, safety, and development of children and caregivers in childcare settings through coaching and training for child care providers. CCHC services include behavior consultation, nutrition consultation, infant room nurse consultation, STARS-eligible trainings, and much more! Many services are culturally specific and/or may offer interpretation. Watch this video to learn more about child care health consultation services.

View this guide on how to get started and explore the registry to learn more and visit their frequently asked questions page.

Upcoming Roadwork in White Center

King County Local Services wants to update you on their upcoming drainage improvement work at SW 104th Street and 16th Avenue SW scheduled to occur this March and April. This work is necessary to prepare the intersection for the 16th Avenue SW: SW 100th Street to SW 107th Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements & Traffic Calming Project, scheduled for summer and fall 2025.

Construction could begin as soon as Monday, March 3 and will continue into April and is expected to last four to six weeks. As part of the project, crews will close the intersection of 16th Avenue SW and SW 104th Street for two weeks. Emergency responders, school transportation coordinators, US Mail, garbage collection, and other service providers have been notified.

The project schedule and work dates will be posted at least ten days in advance on the project website. Because the work requires digging a deep pit, dry weather is essential. If there is significant rainfall, the project may be postponed.

Why the drainage work is needed?

The drainage work this spring is being done ahead of the larger pedestrian safety and traffic calming project scheduled for summer and fall 2025. This summer we will repave all lanes of 16^th Avenue SW between SW 100^th and SW 107^th streets and restripe the road to include bike lanes. Crews also will add sidewalk curb extensions at 16th Avenue SW & SW 104th Street and 16th Avenue SW & SW 106th Street. These intersections do not have traffic signals, and the curb extensions will:
✅ Improve driver visibility of pedestrians in the crosswalk.
✅ Shorten the crossing distance, making it safer and more accessible.

Replacing the aging underground drainage pipe along SW 104th Street (between 15th Ave SW and 17th Ave SW) is critical because:

The new sidewalk extensions would cover the existing drainage grate.

The current pipe is old and needs replacement, so addressing it now prevents future issues.

Completing the drainage work in advance avoids disruptions when sidewalk extension construction begins this fall.

Ride Transit Free to Pacific Science Center!

Click on the image above for more information

Thanks to PacSci's partnership with King County Metro, adult visitors can enjoy free fare on King County Metro buses, Link light rail, and other eligible transit services* when visiting Pacific Science Center, while supplies last.

Here’s how to access this offer:

Download the Transit GO Ticket App
Claim Your Transit Credit
- Open the link in your pre-visit email to go directly to the Rewards section of the Transit GO Ticket app.
- Your app balance will automatically update with 600 points (worth $6 in transit value).
Redeem for Transit Tickets
- Once you know your transit route(s), go to the “Redeem” section in the app, select your ticket, and tap “Redeem.”
- Your ticket will appear in the “Use” section of the app (lower left corner).
- Activate the ticket just before boarding.

*Note: The free transit offer excludes Monorail fare. Ensure you reserve PacSci tickets online in advance to receive your transit credits.

Visit Seattle! February Opportunities

Click on the image above to learn more.

February marks the beginning of Seattle Museum Month—Visit Seattle's 10th annual campaign to support local arts and cultural institutions while boosting winter visitation. Guests staying at participating hotels get half off admission to participating museums across the region all month long, including the Seattle Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, Museum of Flight, and several other spaces in District 8.

Grant Opportunities

Request for Proposals (RFP): King County Adult Dental Program
Applications due by February 20th 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.

Request for Proposals (RFP) for SE 7: Vets Engaged
Applications due February 28th for projected award start date of May 1st and May 30th for projected award start date of August 1st.

Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot application is live!
Applications due by March 7th.

4Culture Art Projects Funds
Applications due by March 12th at 5 pm.

Request for Applications (RFA): Supporting Street Food Vendors in Becoming Permitted
Applications due by March 21st at 2 pm.

Request for Proposals (RFP): Residential Treatment Facility capital development
Applications due by March 28th at 2 pm.

Surveys

Click on the image above to take the survey!

Part one of the two-part King County Nonprofit Employment Surveys, the Wage & Benefits Survey, is live!

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.

The compensation data and employee satisfaction data that the King County Nonprofit Employment Surveys produce contribute to a growing body of data around human services compensation practices and continues to improve the community’s understanding of pay disparities and employee experiences in the nonprofit sector.

The surveys are funded through the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) and administered by 501 Commons and Nonprofit Compensation Associates (NCA). The Putting People First initiative first launched in 2021, comprised of two surveys: A Wage & Benefits Survey and an Employee Engagement Survey. Each iteration of the surveys has created a report on employee satisfaction, an online salary database, and a report on employment practices, benefits, salaries below the living wage, and more. This is the third time the King County Nonprofit Employment Surveys are launching in King County.

National Latinx/é Arts & Culture Survey

The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) has launched the National Latinx/é Arts & Culture Survey in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago with support from the Wallace Foundation. The survey is designed to assess the landscape of arts and culture organizations founded, led by, and serving Latinx/é people across the United States and Puerto
Rico. Registration to participate closes on February 20, 2025. Learn more about the National Latinx/é Arts & Culture Survey!

D8 Art Spotlight

Bubbles, Bites, and Books: Black History Month Author Talks

Click on the above image to register!

Join for Black History Month Author Talks on February 20th at Wonder of Women International (WOW) Gallery—an inspiring event dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Black authors, leaders, and changemakers. This dynamic gathering offers a unique platform for meaningful discussions on social justice, cultural heritage, personal growth, and the transformative power of leadership.

Event Highlights:

Engage in Conversations: Connect with authors and speakers as they share their experiences, insights, and powerful stories.
Explore Diverse Perspectives: Gain a deeper understanding of themes such as resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of justice.
Interactive Q&A Sessions: Ask questions and dive into the journeys behind their impactful works.

Featured Authors and Speakers:

Carmen Best (Black in Blue): Former Chief of Police, author, and social justice advocate. Carmen will share her leadership journey, her experiences in law enforcement, and how she continues to empower communities.
Dana Frank (Get Up and Get On IT): Dana reveals her family’s remarkable story of building generational wealth while navigating and overcoming adversity.
Jesse Rhodes (Leadership Unlocked): Jesse delves into personal development as the key to unlocking ambition and reaching new heights of success.
Veronica Very (Dear Sista, I See You: A Healing Art Exhibition): Veronica’s work honors sisterhood, healing, and the creative spirit as a pathway to self-discovery and empowerment.
Linda Lowry serves as the City of Seattle Arts Commissioner, champions opportunity as a Director at Year Up United, informs and inspires through her "Social in Seattle" column in Seattle Magazine, shares the city's vibrant pulse with her segment on KOMO Arc Media, and delights food enthusiasts at Seattle Dining Magazine.

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!