Transit Appreciation
 Today, on Transit Operator Appreciation Day, I’m proud to share progress on improving safety for Metro operators and riders. After the tragic loss of Metro Transit Operator Shawn Yim in December, and at the request of ATU Local 587, my colleagues and I on the King County Council established a regional task force dedicated to enhancing transit safety. The first meeting is set for March 20, and we’re committed to working with public safety experts, elected officials, and community leaders to develop strategies that will make transit safer for everyone.
This initiative complements the recent reopening of several stops in the CID and the 12% increase in ridership across the system from last year. We, as a region, are on the move—and that wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated work of over 5,700 operators and employees of King County Metro who ensure we get to our destinations safely every day.
And of course, I would be remiss not to give a very appreciative shout-out to all of our regional transit partners, like Sound Transit, who all have a hand in keeping the many communities in King County connected! I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank those who keep our region moving today and every day.
Recognition of West Seattle Leader Kregg Jorgenson
Today the Council recognized District 8 resident, Kregg Jorgenson, for his lifetime of service and dedication to his community. Since retiring, Kregg has led the "Random Acts of Clean Up" initiative, helping maintain local parks, beaches, and tidal areas in the Puget Sound region. His efforts, supported by a dedicated team, ensure these spaces remain clean and preserved for future generations. His commitment to public service dates back to his time in Vietnam, where he served with the Army Rangers and earned numerous military honors and then continued his service as a firefighter and with the U.S. Customs Service. Additionally, Kregg has contributed to historical documentation through his books on Vietnam veterans. His lifelong service, environmental efforts, and literary contributions embody the spirit of giving back to the community. Thank you to Councilmember Von Reichbauer for sponsoring this!
Advocating for Progressive Revenue at the Capitol
 Click on the image above to watch a clip of my speech.
This week, I joined hundreds of Washingtonians at the steps of the Capitol to advocate for progressive revenue. I stand with legislators pushing for taxes on corporate and individual wealth and tools for local jurisdictions, as Washington faces a $15 billion shortfall. An all-cuts budget would harm essential services like community health centers and food banks, and we’ve seen that austerity measures only hurt the economy. It’s time for us to create a more equitable tax system, and the success of Seattle’s JumpStart Payroll Tax proves that taxing the most profitable businesses can fund housing and economic resilience without stifling growth.
I support exploring all new sources of revenue, including local revenue tools like HB 1334 to lift the 1% property tax cap, SB 5775 to provide councilmanic authority for the 3/10ths percent public safety sales tax, and HB 2015, the local option public safety 1/10th percent sales tax, which would provide critical criminal justice support through law enforcement grants, supplemental criminal justice distributions, and a local option sales tax. Additionally, we support state-level solutions for a more balanced tax code, such as the Intangibles Tax, a Statewide Payroll Tax, the Large Corporation B&O Premium Tax, the REET bills, and other equitable revenue-generating options. We also advocate for creating local options for some of these tools, like a local payroll tax, to provide additional revenue to local jurisdictions from sources other than sales and property taxes. Ultimately, we need new revenue measures to protect our communities, shield us from federal cuts, and ensure a more equitable future for all.
HealthPoint Community Health Center Visit
HealthPoint Community Health Center in Tukwila recently hosted me and my staff for a tour of their incredible facility, which plays a vital role in providing essential care and healing to the community. There is great excitement surrounding the expansion of services at their new Tukwila site by the library, with the upcoming community healing center set to offer even more opportunities for care. During the visit, we had the chance to hear about HealthPoint’s positive impact on the community and discuss the unique needs of the Tukwila region, emphasizing how the new Tukwila Health and Wellness Center will bring immense value by providing quality, affordable care. We are all grateful for the continued support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the Tukwila community.
Tour of the King County Medical Examiner’s Office
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I recently had the privilege of visiting King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO), located in District 8 next to Harborview Medical Center, and gained a deeper understanding of the critical role they play in investigating sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths in our community. KCMEO approaches its work with the highest level of professionalism, compassion, and efficiency, and their efforts are essential in promoting public health and safety. During the visit, I learned more about their work, including the support they provide to families and the resources they offer, such as their forensic anthropology services and annual data reports. One of their key programs is testing substances resulting in overdose deaths allowing them to provide real time information to public health and law enforcement. This critical program is currently in limbo as the federal grant that supports has an uncertain future. If this grant is not continued it could put lives at risk. It was a meaningful experience to see how the KCMEO’s dedication contributes to the well-being of our county. Thanks to Penny Lipsou, Director of Council Relations from the Executive's Office, for coordinating and joining us on the tour!
Promoting Green Energy Options in D8: Electric Era
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We are excited that start-up Electric Era has chosen D8 as the location for their headquarters! Last week, we visited their new site in Sodo and saw firsthand the latest innovations in electric vehicle (EV) recharging technologies. Their approach is transforming the EV charging experience with end-to-end support, from seamless installations to cutting-edge, patent-protected technology. One of the biggest challenges to EV adoption and achieving our climate goals is charging anxiety, and Electric Era is making charging stations more efficient and user-friendly, addressing the concerns of potential EV buyers. Thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, funding is helping to build a national charging system, though we heard how potential funding cuts are putting this progress at risk. Installing chargers in smaller communities along highways not only makes long road trips possible for EVs but also brings economic activity to these areas. It was an inspiring visit, highlighting the tremendous potential for a cleaner, more efficient future. We're thrilled to see the positive impact Electric Era is already making and can't wait to see what's next!
One-On-One Help with Mobile Food Business Permits
Public Health is holding one-on-one help sessions to help people get permits for mobile food businesses, such as food trucks, trailers, carts, and pop-ups (tables and booths). Drop in anytime between 10 am and 2 pm on March 25th to El Centro de la Raza to get step-by-step and one-on-one support to start your food business.
Click on the image above for more information.
Vision 2045 Open House March 20th
King County International Airport is conducting the Vision 2045 Airport Plan and the Part 150 Study, both aimed at shaping the future of the airport. These studies began in January 2024 and will be complete by mid-2026.
The project team is focused on reviewing KCIA Facility Requirements section of the plan. The study team will also submit draft Part 150 Study Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this month.
Learn more about NEMs and the Part 150 Study process at an in-person open house. Airport tenants and community members are invited to review the NEMs and share input at the event.
March 20th 5:30–7:30 pm
Flight Service Station: 6526 Ellis Avenue S., Seattle
Planning to join? RSVP or register in advance at KCIAplanning.com.
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Unemployment Law Project’s Annual Event
Brew Review By Unemployment Law Project returns this year with a new date and location. On Thursday, April 17th join us at Stoup Brewery and Beer Hall in Capitol Hill for a night of camaraderie, food, drink, a silent auction. Tickets can be purchase here for this all-ages event.
 Click on the image above to learn more.
Evergreen Treatment Center Fundraiser
 Click on the image above for more information.
After seven years as a luncheon fundraiser, ETS’s signature Roots of Recovery event is transforming. Support their inaugural gala Saturday, May 31 at Summit, the Seattle Convention Center’s newest addition.
The event will begin at 6 pm with live entertainment and craft beverages. They will then wine and dine you while you get inspired by stories of lives transformed in our very own community. The evening will culminate in a lively paddle raise and dessert dash to support Evergreen Treatment Services’ participants and programming.
Roots of Recovery: Moving Mountains
Saturday, May 31st, 6–10 pm
Summit – Seattle Convention Center | 900 Pine St., Seattle
Westwood Village Community Resource Fair
On March 22nd, Westwood Village is hosting a resource fair meant to connect people with services to improve their lives. No pre-registration required.
 Click on the image above to view all currently recruiting boards and commissions.
Deadly Incident Review and Recommendation Panel
King County Executive Dow Constantine is inviting interested persons to apply to serve on the Deadly Incident Review and Recommendation Panel. Service on the Panel is voluntary. Persons interested in serving on the Panel should apply by March 31st, by emailing your completed application form to Tala Mahmoud at tmahmoud@kingcounty.gov. Prospective panel members may be asked to participate in an interview process, particularly when there are multiple applicants for a position.
The Purpose of the Panel: As part of the new inquest process under the King County Charter, the Panel will review and make recommendations related to the death of persons who have died following interactions with, or while in the custody of law enforcement in King County to determine whether there was compliance with accepted and best law enforcement practice and whether those practices were sufficient for the particular circumstances or whether the practices require adjustment or improvement. Where appropriate, the Panel will recommend appropriate changes to statutes, rules, training, policies, and procedures that are intended to decrease death or injury following interactions with law enforcement while preserving public safety, officer safety, and in the case of jails, institutional safety.
King County Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Interim Advisory Board
King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is recruiting up to 11 community members to serve one-to-three-year terms on a new King County Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Interim Advisory Board. The King County EDI Interim Advisory Board will provide strategic direction and guidance for a new county-wide EDI including advising on program priorities, promoting accountability to the King County EDI framework and values, and amplifying King County EDI activities and programs.
In 2025, the new King County EDI will provide approximately $13 million in investments in housing-related and other types of community driven development projects that consider past policy decisions, historic inequities, and current conditions to improve access to opportunities to the most affected communities and allocate resources to communities at risk from displacement.
The King County EDI Interim Advisory Board membership application is open to all members of the public who are current King County residents. King County is taking proactive steps to recruit representation from priority communities who are adversely impacted by structural racism and discrimination; experiencing disparities in economic and health outcomes; and face a heightened risk of displacement, as well as underrepresented geographies such as unincorporated King County.
For detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the King County EDI Interim Advisory Board, including the time commitment, compensation, and criteria, click here.
King County International Airport Roundtable
The King County International Airport Roundtable is current recruiting to fill the following position in D8:
- a representative from communities directly affected by the airport – South Park
The Roundtable is an advisory board that makes recommendations to the airport's administrators, the King County Executive, and the King County Council. Its membership includes representatives of aviation-related businesses and representatives from communities directly affected by the airport. The Roundtable meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in person at the airport terminal as well as virtually on Zoom. If you reside in Beacon Hill or South Park community and are interested in serving on the King County International Airport Roundtable, please submit a completed application form to Ellen Knowlen at eknowlen@kingcounty.gov.
King County Metro Mobility Equity Cabinet
King County Metro needs new members to join our Mobility Equity Cabinet to help us shape our transit policies, plans and programs.
Members of the cabinet will:
- Gain a deep understanding of Metro as an organization, its guiding policies, services, operations and decision making.
- Build and strengthen connections in their communities, learn and share about their community’s history, assets, needs and priorities around transit.
- Shape Metro initiatives and policy updates by collaborating and advising us on key initiatives and policy updates.
Seeking applicants who live, work, or regularly visit King County, or use King County Metro services.
Members are compensated $50 per hour for time attending meetings, reviewing materials, community research and engagement, or other, related activities outside of meetings.
Metro strongly encourages youth and young people to apply. Established members will offer opportunities to pair up with and mentor newer members and youth will be encouraged to take an active role in ensuring our outcomes represent the values and priorities of the next generation of transit riders.
Monthly meetings will be held virtually on weekday evenings. There will be up to two in-person meetings at the beginning of the term and one to two additional in-person meetings or events per year. In-person meetings or events may be scheduled on weeknights or weekends, depending on group preference.
Metro will provide reasonable accommodations needed for participation such as interpretation during meetings, translation of materials and alternative formats. Metro will seek to address other request such as technology support or childcare stipends on a case-by-case basis.
Interested? Check out the application.
Please email community.relations@kingcounty.gov with any questions about the application process.
Applications are due by Sunday, April 20th by 11:59 pm.
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WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee
 The WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee is responsible for reviewing, ranking, and making recommendations for funding through the WaterWorks competitive grant program. WaterWorks funds projects that improve water quality in the King County Wastewater Treatment Division Service Area.
The Committee has 13 members: 9 Council district representatives nominated by King County Councilmembers; 3 representatives for MWPAAC (Metropolitan Water Pollution Advisory Committee) nominated by MWPAAC, and 1 water quality technical specialist. All 13 positions are appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council. Members serve 3-year terms with a 2-term limit.
If interested in seeking an appointment, please click on the following hyperlink for the application. Please send your completed application to Elizabeth Loudon, WaterWorks Grant Manager, for more information, elizabeth.loudon@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-4297.
If you are interested in serving as a D8 representative, please contact us via email or at 206-477-1008.
Women's Advisory Board
 The King County Women's Advisory Board (WAB) is a Council-nominated board - meaning each King County Councilmember gets to nominate someone from their district to serve as a district representative on the board. The Board makes recommendations to the King County Executive and King County Council to ensure King County takes into account the needs, rights and well-being of women.
The WAB has 9 Council-nominated representatives, 4 Council at-large representatives (nominated by the Council Chair from nominations received from the King County Councilmembers) and 2 Executive at-large positions (nominated and appointed by the King County Executive). All 15 positions are appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council. Members serve 3-year terms with a 2-term limit.
If you would like further information on the King County Women's Advisory Board, please contact Marjan Didra, Staff Liaison for the WAB, at mdidra@kingcounty.gov
If you are interested in serving as a D8 representative, please contact us via email or at 206-477-1008.
Learn more about the King County Women's Advisory Board.
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.
King County Parks Levy Grants
Applications due by April 3rd* at 9 am. *Deadline extended
Port of Seattle’s South King County Community Impact Fund
Applications due by April 10th.
Share Your Feedback on Recent Light Rail Disruptions
If you traveled during the Link light rail disruptions on weekends in January and February, we’d like to hear about your experience. Please take 5–8 minutes to complete a short survey—your feedback will help us improve our response to service disruptions in the future.
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Strung Together in White Center
Click on the flyer above for more information.
Hosted by White Center Community Development Association
If you haven't been able to check out the Strung Together exhibit in the past viewings, please join on March 28th from 5-8 pm and/or 29th from 3-8 pm. They will also have the Strung Together zines ready for purchase for those interested!
Friday, March 28th, 5-8pm: WCCDA's Community E$$-cents Cohort 4 Interns will be doing their final presentations along with a panel surrounding financial wellness advisors! In addition, there will be food, art, music and a short film screening!
Saturday, March 29th, 3-8pm: Community market, photo booth, flash tattoos, food, short film screening and more! Creative young adults are more than welcomed to be part of our creative industry professional panel this day!
 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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