• Good Afternoon Neighbors
• This Week
• Don’t Miss: Black History Month Events in King County
• King County Voter Turn-out: February 11, 2025
• Be Prepared: Flood Protection Tips

Good Afternoon Neighbors

February 14, 2025

February is Black History Month – a time to reflect on Black leadership, diversity and our shared American history.

Today is also the end of my second full week serving as your Councilmember representing District 5 which includes Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila.

This week I was pleased to present the 2025 Black History Month proclamation to a prominent advocate and community leader from District 5 – Gwen Allen-Carston, the Executive Director of the Kent Black Action Commission. 

Click the image to watch a video of the presentation of the proclamation.

This proclamation, signed by all nine councilmembers, recognizes Black American History and our country’s democratic ideals. From the proclamation:

"Black History Month is a time for all Americans to reflect and celebrate the resilience, contributions, and legacy of those who helped build our nation; advanced the cause of civil rights for all Americans; and continue to fight against prejudice to secure lives of dignity, equity, and opportunity for all residents to thrive..."

The Kent Black Action Commission was founded in 2011 and Gwen Allen-Carston serves as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, the Kent Black Action Commission advocated for police reform, helped raise the Juneteenth flag at Kent City Hall and continues to be a valued voice in South King County.

I hope you will join me in celebrating Black History month and the ideals of our great nation. South King County continues to be a great place for families and there are many community leaders like Gwen helping us realize our connections and opportunities to thrive together.

From left-right: CM von Reichbauer, CM Zahilay, CM Perry, CM Mosqueda, Gwen Allen-Carston, CM Quinn, CM Dembowski, CM Balducci, CM Baron, CM Dunn.

If you have a local community leader you think should be recognized making South King County a great place to live, send me your thoughts about their work. There is always more to do, more ways to improve and to do so we must find ways to work together and support each other.

The goal of this e-news is to regularly share information about council business, upcoming community events, helpful tips and access to services, and ways for us to work together in South King County.

If you have something to share, please do not hesitate to contact me at district5.kingcountycouncil@kingcounty.gov or 206 477-1005.

This Week

On Tuesday, the King County Council passed Ordinance 2025-0051 appointing committees to write the voter’s pamphlet statements for the Special Election on April 22, 2025 regarding the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) levy. AFIS is a tool used by local law enforcement.

The King County Council also passed Motion 2024-0379 appointing District 5 resident Cecelia Gunn to the Landmarks Commission. Thank you, Cecelia for your service!

In addition, I was officially appointed to serve on the tri-county Sound Transit Board. I will join King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Pete von Reichbauer and Girmay Zahilay on the 18-member board representing Pierce, King and Snohomish counties.  I bring over a decade of experience in transit service to the job and look forward to finding ways to improve service and expand access. Your comments about Sound Transit are welcome.

The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee (BFM) received a briefing by King County Budget Director Dwight Dively on serious funding needs for critical county services including sheriff, prosecutor, courts and jail as well as public health and human services. You can see Dwight Dively’s presentation at BFM when it becomes available on video here. Click on video (far right column).  I am pleased to be a member of the Budget Committee representing South King County.

The BFM committee also received a briefing about the Executive’s proposal for the renewal of the King County Parks Levy. The King County Parks system includes more than 205 parks and 175 miles of regional trails and 215 miles of backcountry trails open to all. To see the Parks Levy presentation when it becomes available on video, click here.  To read about the Executive’s proposal, you can find a summary here.

My office also met with representatives from 4Culture regarding arts funding for South King County.  We discussed the Doors Open arts funding program to expand funding for the arts countywide.

We also met with Executive Staff regarding upcoming legislation to change 44 bus routes to better connect with the new East Link light rail. This proposal will be presented in the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee (TREE) which I Chair next Tuesday February 18 at 9:30 am. 

My office also met with Executive staff regarding long-term planning for transit fares including ways to simplify the fare system for riders. We also met with staff regarding public health clinics and Harborview Hospital – our multi-state trauma center.

I am working hard to represent my District at the Council. As a reminder, here are my committee assignments:

• Chair: Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee (TREE)
• Vice-Chair: Local Services and Land Use Committee
• Member: Budget Committee; Housing, Health and Human Services Committee, Regional Transit Committee

• Member: Tri-County Sound Transit Board

For more information on 2025 committee assignments for the King County Council, please check Motion 2025-0053.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I ❤ serving as your voice on the Metropolitan King County Council.

Sincerely,

De’Sean Quinn

Councilmember, District 5

Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, Sea-Tac, Tukwila

District 5 includes the cities of Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila

Don’t Miss: Black History Month Events in King County

This is a great time to tune into our region’s heritage of Black leaders, artists, and writers. 

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is hosting the Black Heritage Society of Washington State for a Celebration on February 22, 2025.  More information and registration here.

Make earrings and candles with friends and family this weekend at the Northwest African American Museum and check out the exhibits, too.  Click here for more information.

Visit the Black History Month Museum in Columbia City – Seattle and learn more about local Black history. Click here for more information.  

King County Voter Turn-out: February 11, 2025

King County Elections – headquartered in South King County - received ballots for special district elections throughout the county on February 11 election representing 32.09% of registered voters in King County.

If you know someone who wants to register for the next opportunity to vote, click here.

Be Prepared: Flood Protection Tips

I serve as the District 5 representative on the Flood Control District Executive Committee and will be advocating for safety and security in the Green River Valley.

Water is Powerful. Turn Around, Don’t Drown

6 inches

OF FAST-MOVING FLOOD WATER CAN SWEEP A PERSON OFF THEIR FEET

12 inches

OF WATER CAN MOVE MOST CARS OFF THE ROAD

2 feet

RUSHING WATER CAN CARRY AWAY MOST VEHICLES

To learn more about how to be prepared, visit the King County Flood Control District webpage.

Valentine Tips from your Public Health Dept

Keep your family safe and healthy!  Here are some funny valentines and serious resources from your Seattle-King County Public Health Department.

Filter out the viruses with good ventilation and air purifiers. True love will stick around. Info about improving indoor air: kingcounty.gov/covid/air

Make sure your Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t end…abruptly. We’ve got food safety info whether you’re having a romantic dinner at home or dining out:  kingcounty.gov/foodsafety

For those romantic kayaks for two and other water activity, you can get life jackets at loaner stations throughout Washington! Find locations: Where to get affordable life jackets

Thank you for reading our second edition of our e-news.  Please feel free to contact us and share information you have about your city or neighborhood at district5.kingcountycouncil@kingcounty.gov or 206 477-1005.

De'Sean Quinn
King County Councilmember, District 5
he/him/his
(206) 477-1005 | Send me an email
www.kingcounty.gov/quinn