March 27th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/27/2025 05:00 PM PDT
 |
||||
 |
||||
|
News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives. Dear Friends: Today’s update includes news about the “Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting with Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, King County Council's Recognition of Kregg Jorgenson, the Muckleshoot Tribal School, the Thomas Jefferson High School Raiders, funding opportunities, local events, transit and flood updates, and more.
Washington Trivia This former Washington state representative and longest-serving Speaker of the House was the first to pay the toll and cross the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge in a 1923 Lincoln Touring car. Who was he? (Answer is at the bottom) Which West Coast travel hub is closest to 90% of the world’s population? At this month’s “Good Eggs” breakfast, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague gave us the answer: Seattle! I first met Joe during his tenure at Alaska Airlines, later as President of Horizon, and now as the CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. Joe puts customers and work associates first in his initiatives, and that is why I have proudly remained an Alaska Mileage member since 1984!
With Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, and Edgewood Mayor Dave Olson
Transit Updates Transit Appreciation Week Last week, the King County Council and Executive recognized all employees of King County Metro in celebration of Transit Operator Appreciation Day on March 18 and Transit Appreciation Week from March 16-22. Transit Operator Appreciation Day is a national celebration developed by Seattle transit advocates that recognizes King County Metro’s operators for the job they do in safely transporting their passengers. King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force The inaugural meeting of the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force took place on March 20. The Regional Transit Safety Task Force will align the many stakeholders; provide a collaborative forum; determine data-supported interventions in the short-, medium- and long-term; coordinate on budget and policy; and ensure accountability. The shared goal is measurable and sustained safety improvements that will make a difference in the lives of employees and riders. Read more here. Federal Way Downtown Station New Bus Loop Yesterday, March 26, I was pleased to join the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bus loop at the Federal Way Downtown Station, set to open to transit riders on March 30. This new bus loop will provide easier access to the light rail station that will begin service in 2026. Five years since this project broke ground, it is fulfilling to see this vision finally come into fruition.
Present were Sound Transit (ST) Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus, Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Susan Fletcher, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and Council President Linda Kochmar, ST Board Members Ed Prince (Renton Councilmember), Kim Roscoe (Fife Mayor) and Kristina Walker (Tacoma Councilmember), King County Metro Director Michelle Allison, and Sound Transit Community Engagement Specialist Jan Glasper. King County Metro Bus Service Changes in Federal Way
ORCA Transit Ridership Grows to 151 million Trips Regional ridership increased by 12% in 2024, with 17 million more trips in the Puget Sound area compared to 2023. Six ORCA transit agencies collectively provided 151 million trips in 2024, up from 134 million in 2023. The increasing popularity of transit corresponds with regional expansions and enhancements such as more bus trips, new bus rapid transit lines, Sound Transit Link light rail extensions, and fast ferry and water taxi services. Read more here. King County Metro Resumes Fare Enforcement
King County Council Recognizes Kregg Jorgenson Last week, I had the honor of recognizing Kregg Jorgenson, who I had the privilege of serving with, for his exemplary military service which earned him a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, and three Purple Hearts. Present at the event were members of his “Random Acts of Clean Up” team: Robert Daley, Dave McKillop, Denise Todd-Pastore, Mike Shintaku, Erik Schmidt, and Jennifer Leeden. Together, they play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of our parks, beaches, and tidal areas for the benefit of future generations.
Kregg and I with the King County Council and County Executive and his Random Acts of Clean Up team for his recent recognition, and before when we served together in the military.
2025 Bus Ticket Program Rolling Request for Proposals Now Open The 2025 Human Services Bus Ticket Program (HSBTP) is accepting proposals through September 2 at 5:00 pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and organizations must apply annually. Awardees will receive discounted bus and Link light rail tickets within a month of application submission. For application guidelines and to apply, visit ZoomGrants. For any questions about the RFP process, contact the RFP Lead, Jake Janesch, at jjanesch@kingcounty.gov.
VSHSL Funding Opportunity: Supporting Student Veterans and Their Families A new funding opportunity is available from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) to fund financial assistance for King County Veterans, military servicemembers, and their family members enrolled in Post-secondary Programs including, but not limited to, colleges, universities, and trade schools. Applications are due by 2:00 PM on April 16. For questions, contact Maria Pintar at mpintar@kingcounty.gov. Read more here.
Repair Café in Federal Way The City of Federal Way’s Repair Café is back this Saturday, March 29, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S 340th Pl, Federal Way 98003) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A Repair Cafe is a community-driven event where people can bring their broken items to be repaired by skilled volunteers. The aim is to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and foster a sense of community. Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items and torn clothing. For more information, call 253-835-2704, email recycle@federalwaywa.gov, or click this link.
Thomas Jefferson High School Raiders Sports bring people together has been my mantra as an elected official, and we need that now more than ever at all levels. When Coach Joseph Townsend approached me about supporting the TJ Raiders, I have never looked back. Whether it’s securing funding for new fields or equipment, TJ is my only high school in unincorporated King County, and I take pride in the fact that three of my former Chiefs of Staff graduated from there. Go Raiders!
Muckleshoot Tribal School I was honored to receive a blanket this week at the Muckleshoot Tribal School, as well as to meet with Tribal Education Officer Joseph Martin, Tribal Council Member Louie Ungaro, and others. I first met Joseph as a young teenager, and he, along with the Tribal members, takes great pride in the educational programs they have developed at the Muckleshoot School. The blanket symbolizes achievement, and there's no partnership more significant for South King County than our collaboration with the Muckleshoot Tribe.
While I appreciate the phone calls and messages that my office receives, I recognize that many who read this newsletter do not have luxury of making phone calls during business hours. I want to create every possible opportunity for you to give me feedback. This new section in my newsletter will feature issues or questions that have come up recently and give you the chance to share your thoughts immediately. Have you experienced a disruption from any of the recent storms? Please click this survey link to provide your input.
King County Flood Control District: Addressing Our Challenges Together
A priority is enhancing flood protection along the White River, particularly through the A Street HESCO Barriers Project for immediate flood risk reduction. I also support the long-term Pacific Right Bank Flood Protection Project, with a Final Environmental Impact Statement expected in 2025 to evaluate options for improving flood safety while considering environmental and community needs. Read more here.
Non-Profit Corner
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Did you ever wonder where the phrases "go the whole nine yards" or "let one's hair down" came from? Go the whole nine yards Meaning: To try your best at something Origin: During World War II, the fighter pilots were equipped with nine yards of ammunition. When they ran out, it meant that they had tried their best at fighting off the target with the entirety of their ammunition. Let one’s hair down Meaning: To relax or be at ease Origin: In public, the aristocratic women of medieval times were obliged to appear in elegant hairdos that were usually pulled up. The only time they would “let their hair down” was when they came home and relaxed.
With best wishes, Frank Chopp, the longest-serving House speaker in Washington state history, was a strong advocate for working families and low-income housing. Raised in Bremerton by union-involved parents, he was influenced by political discussions at home. He attended the University of Washington and later became a community organizer, serving as the executive director of the Fremont Public Association, now Solid Ground, an antipoverty nonprofit. Chopp was first elected to the House in 1994 and began serving as co-speaker in 1999, when the House was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. On July 15, 2007, he paid the first toll and crossed the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge in a 1923 Lincoln Touring car.
After 30 years as a lawmaker and 20 years as House speaker, Chopp announced his retirement from the Legislature in March 2024. Recently, he was honored as one of seven former or current state legislators to receive the Ballard/Thompson Award from the Washington Coalition for Open Government. He sadly passed away Saturday afternoon following a cardiac arrest. Photo source: Washington State Patrol photograph, Washington State Archives.
I first met Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp BEFORE he became a legislator. Throughout the years and during our respective careers, I collaborated with him on various initiatives. We bonded over public housing and Croatian food! Frank walked the walk, and there are families in Federal Way and Auburn with roofs over their heads because of his commitment.
To unsubscribe or update your preferences, click here. |
|
||
|
||||
King County Metro will update schedules and increase bus service starting March 29. Additionally, effective March 30, routes 177, 181, 182, 183, 187, 193 and 901 will switch to new bus stops at the Federal Way Downtown Station and the Federal Way Transit Center will close. 
Beginning March 31, King County Metro Fare Enforcement Officers will ask riders for proof of fare payment, focusing on RapidRide routes, other high-ridership bus routes and the Seattle Streetcar. Metro will deploy 30 Fare Enforcement Officers across the system from among the ranks of 175 Transit Security Officers. Friendly, verbal reminders will be given to riders who did not pay. 
As a Supervisor for the King County Flood Control District and a member of its Executive Committee, I am committed to community service and engagement, and my focus is on fiscal transparency and responsible investments in flood risk reduction projects.
 |
|
|
Update your preferences or unsubscribe. If you have questions about this service, you may contact us directly or search FAQs here. View King County's privacy policy. |
|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. |