Recovery Café – A Refuge for Healing and Hope
 I had a wonderful visit to the Recovery Café in South Lake Union! Recovery Café is a loving and welcoming place for people at all stages of recovery to build community, learn valuable job skills, join a choir, grab a full meal, attend a 12-step meeting, and many more diverse opportunities. Their model is so impactful and effective that they received requests from around the country from people wanting to start up Recovery Cafés in their own community, which led them to start the Recovery Café Network. Check out and support their work!
Healthcare Is a Human Right Keynote at Neighborcare
 As Chair of the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee and the Seattle-King County Board of Health, I’ve spent my career fighting for equitable access to care – because for many in our community, healthcare is still a matter of survival. That’s why I’m proud to uplift the work of Neighborcare Health, which delivers high-quality, culturally responsive care to those who need it most. In 2023, 22% of their patients were uninsured and 46% relied on Medicaid. Without clinics like Neighborcare, many would go without care altogether. Their model – meeting people where they are, whether in clinics, on the street, or in supportive housing – proves what’s possible when we invest in community-based solutions.
We know that housing and health are deeply connected. Chronic illness and behavioral health needs are difficult to address without stable housing, and health challenges often lead to homelessness. Permanent Supportive Housing, paired with accessible care, reduces emergency room visits, improves outcomes, and saves lives. Healthcare is not a privilege – it’s a human right. I’ll continue to advocate for the policies and funding that support organizations like Neighborcare, because building a healthier, more just King County means ensuring no one is left behind.
Bike Everywhere Month in King County
Last week, the Council proclaimed May 2025 as Bike Everywhere Month! Celebrating biking as a healthy, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation, the proclamation highlights the county’s commitment to improving mobility and safety for cyclists of all ages and abilities. With support from the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and King County Metro’s METRO CONNECTS strategy, the initiative encourages residents to embrace biking – now more accessible than ever thanks to electric bicycles. The Council joins communities in promoting cycling during National Bike Month and invites everyone to participate in ways that matter to them.
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Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
We also proclaimed May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. This annual observance honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, who have helped shape the nation since 1654. The proclamation acknowledges the community’s resilience in the face of ongoing antisemitism and reaffirms King County’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and standing against all forms of hate. Residents are encouraged to celebrate the legacy of Jewish Americans and promote understanding and solidarity throughout the community.
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Wildfire Awareness Month: Preparing and Protecting King County
 May is Wildfire Awareness Month in King County, a reminder of the growing threat wildfires pose to our communities – especially the more than 352,000 residents living in areas where forests meet neighborhoods. The 2022 Bolt Creek Fire, which burned nearly 15,000 acres and forced evacuations, underscored the need for action. Through the county’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy and Ready, Set, Go! Evacuation campaign, we’re working with fire departments, emergency managers, and community partners to prepare for longer, more intense fire seasons. Everyone has a role in protecting homes and neighborhoods by planning ahead, creating defensible space, and staying ready to evacuate.
King County Board of Health May Meeting Highlights
On May 15th, I chaired the Board of Health meeting where King County leaders and partners shared critical updates on efforts to address the opioid crisis, improve behavioral health infrastructure, and navigate emerging fiscal challenges. The Board received several key briefings, including:
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Overdose Prevention and Response: King County’s five-priority overdose response plan is showing strong results, with expanded access to buprenorphine, mobile services, and the planned launch of a permanent sobering center. Major investments in harm reduction tools and behavioral health workforce development are helping address disparities and save lives.
Want to keep the conversation going? Consider attending the King County Substance Use Recovery Conference. This year’s conference will bring together professionals, advocates, and community members who are committed to advancing recovery, harm reduction, and compassionate care.
 Click on the image above for more information and to register.
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HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in King County: Efforts to control HIV in King County have been highly successful, reflecting years of coordinated public health work and community engagement. However, new challenges are emerging, particularly among a vulnerable population of women who are now facing increasing rates of both HIV and syphilis. As these trends evolve, potential reductions in federal funding threaten to reverse hard-won progress and could severely limit Public Health’s capacity to respond effectively to this growing need.
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Federal Cuts and Threats to Public Health: A projected $150 million General Fund deficit may be addressed through a proposed 0.1% local sales tax, pending state approval. At the federal level, proposed budget cuts and staff reductions are putting health and housing programs at risk, prompting King County to join legal efforts to safeguard funding.
These discussions underscore our commitment to adapting and advocating for the resources needed to protect our communities. View the agenda and watch the full meeting here.
King County’s Plan for Mouth of Duwamish Wet Weather Facilities
 Click on the image above to see the full fact sheet.
Wastewater Treatment Division wants to hear your feedback, questions, and concerns. Connect with them in one of the following ways:
- Attend one of their upcoming drop-in sessions:
- Invite them to a meeting hosted by your group or organization
- Visit gov/MDWetWeatherFacilities to learn the latest updates about the project, access all project materials, and sign up for email updates
- Contact Bibiana Ocheke-Ameh at dwetweafacilities@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-5604 to have a one-on-one conversation by phone, video chat, email, or in-person.
2025: Summer Activities For Kids And Young People
Crossposted from Best Starts for Kids
Click on the image above to see all of the opportunities!
School is winding down, but you still have time to find a camp or summer activity that is low- or no-cost. Each year Best Starts highlights affordable activities and camps available to King County kids and young people.
BSK will continually update this list so if you know of an activity or opportunity that should be included, send them a note at best.starts@kingcounty.gov.
Public Health Camp August 4 – 8th
 Click on the flyer above to launch the application.
- Open to all young people aged 16 and older
- August 4–8th, 9 am–3:30 pm (day camp, no overnights)
- Lunch and snacks provided each day
- Camp address: King County Chinook building – 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Financial enrichment provided for participants who complete THE Public Health Camp ambassador program.
If you are interested in attending, but experience barriers or challenges that you believe may prevent you from doing so, please reach out to DPH-KCStudents@KC1.onmicrosoft.com.
Take Trailhead Direct to Hiking Trails
 King County’s Trailhead Direct, the transit-to-trails service began its eighth season on Memorial Day weekend!
Trips to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si trails will operate on weekends and holidays, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. The 2025 season includes service on Independence Day.
Departures every 30 minutes to the region’s best hikes
Trailhead Direct operates vehicles with 22 to 27 seats and a rack for two or three bikes. Passengers can use Trip Planner for more details about transit stops, routes, and schedules. Metro’s standard fares apply, and riders can pay with an ORCA card, ORCA with Google Pay, a Transit Go ticket, or cash with exact change. Hikers 18 and younger can ride Trailhead Direct for free and are encouraged to get a Free Youth ORCA card.
Passengers are encouraged to sign up for email or text alerts about Trailhead Direct service. For more information on preparing for your hike, visit King County’s wilderness safety web page.
How to Get RainWise In-Person Workshop
📅 May 29, 2025, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
📍 Delridge Branch Library
🔗 Register: May29RW.eventbrite.com
This in-person workshop is for homeowners in RainWise-eligible basins throughout Seattle who are interested in learning more about the RainWise program and rebates. At this workshop, you will learn:
- about the stormwater problem
- about the solutions we’re using to solve it
- how you can help and get a rebate of up to 100% of the cost of cisterns and/or rain gardens
They’ll cover the rebate process, and how to select a contractor. You’ll have a chance to ask questions to Program staff, hear from a fellow RainWise homeowner, and possibly chat with RainWise contractors about your future project!
View all upcoming events at 700milliongallons.org/events.
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Peace N The Hood Job Fair – June 4th
 Click on the flyer above for more information.
Free, indoors job fair for youth 16 to 24!
Location: Steve Cox Memorial Park – 1321 SW 102nd, Seattle, WA 98146
- Meet with employers
- Get job application, resume assistance and interview prep at the Log Cabin
- Learn the job process and skills needed for jobs
- Learn about local White Center resources available
Duwamish River Community Job Fair – June 7th
 Click on the flyer above for more information.
Location: Concord Int’l Elementary – 723 S. Concord St, Seattle, WA
- Meet with Duwamish Valley employers
- Free job fair open to the public, including people in all stages of career and education
KC Election Civic Engagement Intern
 Click on the image above for more information.
The Department of Elections has a great opportunity for Civic Engagement lntern(s) that will support the ongoing outreach, by:
- Working across teams to develop and implement a civic education program; and
- Outreach to young voters, specifically within high schools in King County
Interns will also develop the following skills:
- Public Speaking and professional written communications;
- Working in both office and field environments;
- Independent professional work and time management; and
- Working with diverse peers in small groups
Schedule: This position is part-time (up to 5 hours per week). The hours are flexible from Aug 18, 2025 to May 30, 2026, with some in the office and some remote work. The intern must commit to the duration of their assignment and be able to travel at least one day per week for presentations and trainings that take place throughout South King County.
Who May Apply: Open to all students enrolled in college or a high school student in a Running Start Program.
Human and Civil Rights Commission Recruitment
Click on the flyer above for more information.
Help make a difference in King County! The County is launching the Human and Civil Rights Commission, a dedicated group working to advance equity and protect residents from discrimination.
This is your chance to contribute to meaningful change. Applications are open until June 3rd, and stipends are available for commission members.
2025 Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program
Application deadline extended to May 30th.
VSHSL SE 7: Vets Engaged Funding Opportunity
Applications due by May 30th at 2 pm.
Re+ (zero waste) grants
Applications due by May 30th at 5 pm.
Comcast RISE grants for small businesses
Applications due by May 31st.
King County Community Development Block Grant: RFP for 2026 Non-Housing* Capital Funds
Applications due by June 20th at 2 pm (pre-applications due May 19th at 2pm).
4Culture Landmarks Capital
Applications due June 25th at 5 pm.
King Conservation District’s Seattle Community Partnership Grant
Applications due July 14th by 5 pm.
 Eligible Seattle nonprofits can now apply to receive up to $75,000 in funding from King Conservation District (KCD) and Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment to support environmental projects focused on promoting sustainability for communities within the city of Seattle.
KCD’s Seattle Community Partnership grant program supports community-led initiatives that improve natural resources and are developed, led by, and benefit people most impacted by environmental and climate inequities. If your organization has a project that will improve the lives of your community members and promotes natural resource resilience, we encourage you to find out more and apply! Previous grants have supported multi-year projects in areas like urban food security, preventing pollution in stormwater runoff, and making innovations in composting for community gardens.
Find out more by visiting kingcd.org/KCD-Seattle-Grant and by attending info sessions taking place via Zoom on Thursday, May 29th 5:30-6:30 pm and Friday, June 13th 12:00-1:00 pm.
Best Starts for Kids Investing Early Together Request for Proposals in Community-Based Parenting Supports (CBPS), Home-Based Services (HBS), and Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion (UDSP)
Applications due by June 30th at 2 pm.
4Culture Equipment for Organizations
Applications due by July 9th at 5 pm.
4Culture Launch Program
Applications due by August 27th at 5 pm.
2025 Bus Ticket Program Rolling Request for Proposals and Requests for Additional Allocation for Current Awardees
Applications due by September 2nd at 5 pm.
King Conservation District Seed Money Grants
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until September 30th, or until funds are exhausted.
Shape The Future of Clean Water
 Click on the image above to launch the survey.
Your voice matters as we plan the future of clean water for our Puget Sound region. King County’s Vision for Clean Water sets our clean water goals for our regional wastewater system for the next 75 years. Help shape our region’s vision by taking a 15-minute survey at publicinput.com/VisionforCleanWater.
Native Related: Red Eagle Soaring Spring Tour
 Click on the image above to secure your FREE tickets!
Set against the backdrop of an inner city high school, several Indigenous students struggle to forge their own identities while reconnecting with their traditions and heritage. Meanwhile, two spirits fed up with their lack of knowledge decide to take the students' education into their own hands, with chaotic results.
These are the first stops on our tour this summer! This event is free and open to the public.
7 pm Saturday June 7, 2025
4 pm Sunday June 8, 2025
ACT Theatre 700 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
Red Eagle Soaring (RES) is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) serving urban Native American youth ages 10-19 with free programming, integrating contemporary theatre and traditional Native performing arts. RES also serves our Alumni ages 20+ in a branch of programming - YTT (Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow) Urban Native Performing Artists. RES engages Native youth and their families in critical discussions about the issues affecting their lives and provides a cultural peer group in which to build confidence, identity, and leadership through service and community.
Honoring Sacrifice, Remembering Service
 As we reflect on this Memorial Day, may we recommit ourselves to building a more just, peaceful, and inclusive future and world – one free of wars and occupation. Here in District 8, we are home to the Garden of Remembrance at 200 University Street – a powerful and moving memorial that honors more than 8,000 Washingtonians who died in military service since 1941. If you're looking for a space to reflect, this garden offers a place of peace, memory, and gratitude in the heart of the city.
 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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