 Dear King County District 2 Resident,
This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.
Below are some news, updates, and events that I think you’ll find useful. This email will provide you a snapshot of recent updates. 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
King County Welcomes All
This past month has been especially challenging for many of our neighbors. Refugees, immigrants, LGBTQ+ and transgender people, people of color, women, and many others have been living with fear and uncertainty in the face of harmful policies and rising tensions. Whether it’s the threat of deportation, attacks on reproductive rights, or the erosion of protections for marginalized communities, many of us feel the weight of these ongoing challenges.
However, what remains unchanged is our unwavering commitment to ensuring King County is a place where everyone is safe, valued, and welcome. We stand together in rejecting policies that seek to divide us.
King County remains committed to enforcing state law, such as the Keep Washington Working Act, and local ordinances protecting the rights of immigrants. The county also restricts U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) access to certain data, and states that employees are not permitted to share information unless required by a Court order. Learn more about the ordinance in this KCC 2.15 Immigrant, Refugee and Language Access Guide.
In addition to these protections, the County Council voted last month to align the county’s code with state law on protecting immigrants and provide clarity that there is no county obligation to collect and report to federal immigration officials on the nationality of persons committed to county detention facilities.
Our office will be compiling and sharing resources over the following weeks to help out communities here in King County. No matter where you come from, who you love, or how you identify, you are an important part of our community. Together, we will continue to advocate for equality, dignity, and justice for all.
Fighting the Trump Administration’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda
I joined One America, El Centro de la Raza, and many others to rally in support of King County’s immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker communities. As we face these challenging times, I am proud to stand alongside immigrant advocates fighting for their families and their futures. Our communities are stronger when we stand united against hate.
We also watched Governor Ferguson sign an executive order forming a state rapid response team to aid families separated by mass deportations. In the midst of all the uncertainty and fear caused by the other Washington, our county and our state will continue to uphold our values and protect our immigrant neighbors.
Calling out the Funding Freeze
I joined Senator Patty Murray to sound the alarm on the devastating impacts a federal funding freeze would have on local governments like King County. These actions by the Trump administration would make a dire budget situation even worse, threatening resources for public health, law enforcement, transit investments, and much more. Thank you, Senator Murray, for your leadership and partnership in fighting for the resources our communities need.
Watch my full remarks here.
Proposal to Renew the King County Parks Levy
Our parks are more than just green spaces—they’re places where communities come together, kids play, and families build memories.
I joined Executive Constantine, DNRP, and leaders around the region to announce the new proposed King County Parks Levy—a critical investment in safe, well-maintained parks, new recreation spaces, climate resilience, and access for every neighborhood.
Growing up in Skyway, I saw firsthand what a lack of public investment means. That’s why I’m proud of the work we’ve done to build parks and community centers in historically underserved areas. Now, we have the opportunity to do even more.
This levy will expand parks and trails across King County, fund community spaces, and ensure every family—no matter where they live—has a safe place to gather and play.
Oh, and fully fund the first ever Skyway Community Center!!
Watch my remarks at the press conference, and let’s make this investment in our future together! Thank you to executive Constantine and his team for putting forward this proposal and I look forward to reviewing it along with my Council colleagues and sending the voters a strong package for their consideration later this year.
Read more here.
Link Light Rail Safety
Earlier this month, we heard about an individual who was struck by light rail in South Seattle. I am praying for their recovery and for their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
We must act with urgency to improve safety along the Rainier Valley corridor. The vast majority of pedestrian and vehicle collisions in the Sound Transit system occur in South Seattle, and that is unacceptable. It is especially disturbing that this latest incident involved a person in a wheelchair—our disability community deserves much better.
This is exactly why I prioritized, proposed, and passed the Rainier Valley Safety Master Plan in my first year on the Sound Transit Board. This plan is dedicated to making Rainier Valley safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders by identifying and implementing comprehensive safety improvements at at-grade crossings. The plan calls for immediate and long-term solutions, including improved pedestrian infrastructure, better signal timing, additional barriers, and greater accessibility features to protect our most vulnerable community members.
I thank the Sound Transit staff who are working hard to implement these safety features. Every rider, pedestrian, and cyclist deserves to be safe while using public transit. I will continue to push for urgent action to implement the recommendations in the Rainier Valley Safety Master Plan and ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again.
King County’s First Crisis Care Center Coming in Summer 2025
King County is taking a major step in expanding behavioral health crisis care! As part of the Crisis Care Centers Implementation Plan that I championed, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has selected Connections Health Solutions to operate the county’s first Crisis Care Center in Kirkland, set to open in summer 2025.
This center, located in the North Crisis Response Zone, will provide 24/7 behavioral health care, offering an alternative to emergency rooms or police intervention. The award includes $39.1 million for capital costs and $2 million for workforce development, with additional funding for operations.
This is the first step toward establishing a countywide network of five crisis care centers, ensuring people in crisis have a safe place to go for mental health and substance use services. The first round of proposals for additional centers is open, with selections for up to two more sites expected later this year. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make this happen, and grateful to everyone who helped make this momentous occasion possible.
$16.8 Million Awarded to Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced $16.8 million in awards to behavioral health providers across the region — strengthening the local workforce and creating opportunities to support, retain, and recruit employees. This is the county’s largest-ever investment in the behavioral health workforce.
$12 million is being awarded to help 37 behavioral health providers support, retain, and recruit employees, strengthening the local workforce, with an additional $4.8 million to expand the SEIU Training Fund’s apprenticeship program.
Supporting behavioral health workers is a key part of the Crisis Care Centers Initiative, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023. The initiative will invest more than $160 million over nine years in the behavioral health workforce, which has struggled to maintain staffing levels nationwide.
Read the full announcement here.
$26 million Awarded to Expand Affordable Housing
The Housing and Community Development Division of King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) awarded $26 million to nine projects through the 2024 Affordable Housing Capital RFP. These projects will generate 939 total affordable units, including 848 new units and 66 preservation units of affordable rental housing as well as 25 new home ownership units.
The investments prioritize affordable housing for people with the lowest incomes, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and locations close to public transit.
In King County, only 23 units of affordable and available housing exist for every 100 low-income renter households. According to projections from the Washington State Department of Commerce, by 2044 nearly 200,000 units of affordable housing will be needed on top of the county’s existing housing stock to ensure that people and families living on low and fixed incomes can afford a place to call home. The $26 million awarded to these projects are a big step toward supporting these households and tackling our housing crisis.
Property Tax Statements are Coming Soon
Property tax statements for 2025 will be mailed on February 15. If a mortgage lender pays your taxes, tax statement details are forwarded to them. If you pay your property taxes yourself and you have not received a statement by March 5, there are several ways to get your tax statement:
The first half of your 2025 property taxes is due by April 30. There are several payment options. You can also use that link to sign up for text and email reminders about your property taxes.
Learn about property tax relief programs for seniors and those with disabilities.
New King County District 5 Councilmember
Last month, De’Sean Quinn was appointed and sworn in as the District 5 Councilmember, taking the place of former Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, who Washington voters elected the Commissioner of Public Lands. I am thrilled to welcome our new colleague! Councilmember Quinn has demonstrated strong, steady leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. Together, I look forward to partnering on the critical issues impacting South King County, ensuring that workers and families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
State Senator and State Representatives Appointed for the 34th and 41st Legislative Districts
Emily Alvarado and Brianna Thomas were appointed and sworn in as State Senator and State Representative for the 34th Legislative District, respectively. Additionally, Janice Zahn was appointed and sworn in as State Representative for the 41st Legislative District. Congratulations to all three leaders as they step into these vital roles to serve our community!
Observing Ramadan
As we welcome the month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to those observing this time of reflection and renewal. Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for us all to consider the values of empathy, community, and personal growth that it promotes. It's inspiring to see the ways in which these weeks of fasting and reflection bring our community together, supporting those in need and strengthening bonds among us. May this time be filled with peace and goodwill for all. Ramadan Kareem to everyone observing this holy month!
Seattle’s Most Influential
I’m honored to be recognized by Seattle Magazine as one of Seattle’s 25 most influential people alongside so many giants in our community!
I want to thank Chris Nishiwaki for covering my story and our work on housing, mental health, addiction, transportation, and safety. Every day, I wake up grateful for the chance to serve my hometown and help build a King County where my daughter—and all our children—can inherit a safer, more prosperous future with unlimited opportunities.
Check out the feature here and don’t make fun of my Steve Jobs turtleneck — it was an accident!
Federal Way State of the City
I had the honor of speaking at the Federal Way State of the City event. As Chair of the King County Council, my goal is to visit every city in our region and strengthen collaboration between cities and the county to tackle our biggest challenges—whether it’s public safety, housing, or economic opportunity.
Federal Way is an incredible community, and I’m grateful to Mayor Jim Ferrell for the invitation to speak with our neighbors to the south. By working together, we can build a stronger, more connected King County for everyone
New Leadership in Unsettled Times
It was great to join the students of Bellevue College with Bellevue Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian for a discussion of New Leadership for Unsettled Times. I’m grateful to the Business Leadership Community, Black Student Union, and Black Student Affinity Coordinator for the invitation to connect with the young people and support their leadership journeys.
Getting youth across the region civically engaged has been a top priority of mine and I can't wait to see their positive impact!
Meeting with Korean American Leaders
It was an honor to join Korean American leaders in South King County to learn the issues affecting their communities and hear their ideas for collaboration. I also got to visit their Hanwoori Garden, an effort between Federal Way and its sister city of Donghae, South Korea, which will be a beautiful gathering place for our whole community.
Meeting with CISC
This month my office met with the Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC). Founded in 1972, CISC began by serving the Chinese immigrant community and has since expanded to support Vietnamese, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian communities. They offer a range of early childhood development programs, including home visiting, developmental screenings, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren. For seniors, CISC provides interpretation and advocacy services, drop-in meetups, tai chi classes, and English lessons. They are deeply committed to addressing immigrant rights, combating hate and bias crimes, and improving the mental health and public safety of the communities they serve.
CISC is vital to our community because it provides essential resources that empower immigrants and their families to thrive. It helps build a more inclusive and equitable King County by fostering connection, safety, and opportunity for some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring that everyone has the chance to succeed. I’m grateful for their work to protect and uplift our immigrant communities in District 2 and throughout the County.
Input sought on ORCA day pass price reduction
The ORCA agencies are proposing a permanent price reduction of the adult ORCA regional day pass from $8 to $6 after running a six-month promotion that began last August. This pass will be valid for fares up to $3, aligning with the fare on Link light rail and ST Express bus services. If approved by the ORCA Joint Board, the proposal would go into effect March 1.
The changes would also 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. Youth 18 and under will continue to ride free.
For riders whose regional day pass does not cover their entire transit fare, the difference can be paid with the ORCA card’s E-purse funds. On a bus, fare differences cannot be paid with cash. Having money loaded onto the ORCA E-purse at all times is the best way to avoid a negative balance and possible blocked card.
More information on fares can be found at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/fares.
The public is invited to send any comments or questions via email to fares@soundtransit.org.
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 share your thoughts in a survey by February 28th.
For more information, visit the Metro South Link Connections web site.
2025 King County Nonprofit Wage and Benefits Survey
We are calling on nonprofits in King County—specifically an Executive Director, Human Resources staff, or a Finance Manager—who has access to staff compensation information to take part in the 2025 King County Nonprofit Wage and Benefits Survey.
The 2023 King County Nonprofit Employment Surveys showed how underinvestment in the nonprofit workforce impacts programs, services, and the overall sector. A robust and representative human services workforce that has the knowledge, experience, and skill is critical to effectively serve our community. The data from this survey will 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.
This survey is funded through the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) and administered by our partners 501 Commons and Nonprofit Compensation Associates (NCA).
501 Commons is hosting a virtual information session about the Wage & Benefits Survey on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 1:00-2:00pm. Register here.
Lear more about the 2025 King County Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey.
Central District Public Safety Community Meetings
All community members are welcome at the Central District Public Safety Accountability Group's 2025 Community Meetings! Meetings will take place on March 25th, April 22nd, and May 27th from 7:00-9:00 PM at Garfield High School.
Seattle Museum Month
February is Seattle Museum Month! Guests at participating hotels get half off admission at participating museums across the region, including the Burke Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum in District 2. You can learn more here if you have guests coming to town or want to plan a visit for yourself!
Immigrant Resources in Light of Federal Executive Orders
On January 27, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson announced the creation of a Family Separation Rapid Response Team to support families targeted for deportation under the Trump administration. This team, operating within the Department of Children, Youth and Families, will provide critical assistance to children whose parents are detained, ensuring they have continued access to care and education. Read more about this important initiative here.
Additionally, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) offers trainings to equip individuals and families with vital information to protect themselves and their loved ones, and El Centro de la Raza’s newsletter and social media also provide resources and updates on the evolving situation.
Tips for traveling with King County Metro this winter season
Visit MetroWinter.com for tips on traveling during winter weather on bus, Access paratransit, streetcar, the King County Water Taxi or Metro Flex on-demand services. There are eight languages offered on the webpage including English, plus additional languages via the Google Translate tool.
What’s a snow route? If buses can’t travel their regular routes due to roadway conditions, they might switch to alternate streets called snow routes. Preview snow routes for your favorite bus routes. Updates will be posted on Metro’s service advisories web page.
Winter snow brochures are available on buses and other transit services, and include helpful travel tips and information.
Want updates about changes to your bus route? Sign up to receive Transit Alerts via text or email for the routes and services you rely on. Already a subscriber? Review your subscriptions and make updates as we add new routes across King County.
Detours or temporary changes to your bus route? Before traveling, check our service advisories webpage to see whether your route has changed due to construction closures or hazardous roadway conditions.
Follow Metro’s social media channels on X (@KingCountyMetro) and Facebook (@kcmetro) for general information, alerts and major travel disruptions. Additionally, stay updated on road conditions in your area by connecting with your city, county and state alerts or social media channels.
In extreme weather, travel only if necessary.
Metro continues to collect fares during adverse weather. However, our operators will never make fares a barrier to people traveling in safety situations, such as riding to a warming center during cold snaps or a cooling center during summer heat waves.
Real-time updates
- Text your bus stop number to 62550 to receive a list of the next bus trips headed your way. Each trip will either show an estimated arrival time, “s” for scheduled, or “canceled.” Save 62550 in your phone in advance to help yourself remember. The number is also posted at bus stops.
- Next departures information is also available on Metro’s Trip Planner in the upper right corner of the page.
Other Metro services
- In addition to buses, winter weather can delay or cancel transit service on other modes. Please double-check before you travel. The Water Taxi, Metro Flex and Access Paratransit post information on their webpages. Access riders also can call the Access Transportation Call Center at (206) 205-5000.
Ride safely and comfortably
- When roadways become snowy or icy, please wait for your bus at bus stops on flatter roadways and either the top or bottom of a hill, or where roadway conditions are maintained by snowplows.
- Remember, the sun is going down earlier, making visibility a challenge. Using a flashlight or a phone is a great way to signal the driver you’re at the bus stop.
- Conditions could delay service, so be prepared! Bundle up with weather-appropriate clothing and footwear as you wait for your trip.
Heat Pumps Available to Qualifying Homes for Low or No Cost
King County's Energize program is expanding to offer free or reduced-cost heat pumps to more homes! Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home at a lower cost than traditional heating systems. Find out if you qualify for a free or discounted heat pump or other home improvements covered by King County at an upcoming in-person or online workshop. Visit kingcounty.gov/energize or call 206-263-3003 for more information. Heat pumps are also available for eligible family home child cares.
The Energize program supports public health & climate resilience in frontline communities. It aims to support areas that disproportionately face the impacts of extreme heat, and that have dealt with worse air quality due to historical environmental injustice. It also reduces emissions and works toward King County's goals on building decarbonization, as laid out in the Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). You can learn more at kingcounty.gov/climate
Schedule Mobile Health Services with Care-a-Van
Did you know that organizations can request free mobile health services with the Washington State Department of Health’s Care-a-Van? Care-a-Van serves people across the state and offers COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccines as well as childhood vaccines, blood pressure screenings, blood glucose screenings, naloxone, and community-based care coordination.
Care-a-Van has availability beginning in February. Organizations can submit a request or visit the Washington State Department of Health website to learn more.
VSHSL SE 7: Vets Engaged Funding Opportunity
A request for proposals for SE 7: Vets Engaged is open, 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:
- Submit by 2pm on February 28, 2025 for projected award start date of May 1, 2025
- Submit by 2pm May 30, 2025 for projected award start date of August 1, 2025
Application can be found here.
Building for Equity: Facilities Grant
Building for Equity: Facilities grants help organizations acquire, build, or renovate the brick-and-mortar buildings and spaces that make culture, science, and technology experiences possible. Projects with budgets of $10,000,000 and under are eligible.
Organizations must contact 4Culture staff by Tuesday, March 25, to complete an eligibility pre-screening for this grant. Starting February 20, access to the application will be provided after your organization's eligibility has been pre-screened.
If you contact 4Culture after March 25, you can still access the application, but eligibility will no longer be pre-screened.
This grant is funded by King County’s Lodging Tax and sales tax through Doors Open legislation. Please review the eligibility requirements below and update your organization’s account profile before starting your application.
Application can be found here.
Child Care Worker Wage Boost Pilot is Accepting Applications
Best Starts for Kids Child Care Worker Wage Boost Pilot is now open and accepting applications through March 7.
The child care worker wage boost pilot will study how government investment in the child care workforce impacts retention, worker well-being, facility stability, continuity in care, and sustainability in the sector. This research will be shared with the public with the intention to inform policy decisions.
Eligible facilities will be selected by lottery, and workers at selected facilities will enroll to receive a quarterly payment to increase their income through 2027. Full-time workers will receive $2,080 quarterly and part-time workers will receive $1,040 quarterly.
Application can be found here.
Crisis Care Centers RFP
The RFP to select behavioral health agencies to operate the first crisis care centers remains open. Award(s) for ‘launch ready’ crisis care center(s) are expected in February. The deadline for applications for "new sites" is March 21, 2025, with those awards expected to be announced in June/July 2025.
Application can be found here.
Local Data for Equitable Communities Grant
The Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, a collaboration between the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, seeks to help nonprofits use data to catalyze local action, address inequities, and ensure all residents can live their healthiest lives.
The program is calling for new proposals, due March 18, 2025, and plans to fund 30 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits working in housing, transportation, community safety, climate and environment, the built environment, and other conditions in a place.
Each grantee will receive $50,000 to cover project implementation, peer learning opportunities, and technical assistance from the Urban Institute on data, policy, and community engagement.
To learn more about the program, visit the website. On February 18 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PT, the research team is hosting a webinar for interested applicants.
Application can be found here.
#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.
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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