This weekend our country will be commemorating Memorial Day – one of 12 federal holidays.
Memorial Day is a time to acknowledge those in the military who lost their lives in defense of our country. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to permanent peace in the world.
My grandfather fought in the Korean War. Your family may also have veterans who served and sacrificed. I hope this weekend you can take a moment to acknowledge our veterans’ commitment and faithfulness to our country’s values. In doing so, we can keep our own faith in our community.
King County has made a commitment to support for our veterans. The King County Veterans Program works with partners across the region to provide financial, housing, wellness, employment, and other supportive services to veterans, servicemembers, and their families throughout King County.
The King County Veterans’ Program has two offices: one located in Tukwila (District 5) and the other in Seattle. Staff in these offices can help with getting legal, employment, and housing assistance for veterans. They can also help with emergency needs such as food, medical, clothing, and supplies.
If you or a family member are a veteran and need assistance, please make an appointment or come to an office during walk-in hours. King County wants to honor your service.
For additional information about support for Veterans’ please scroll down. We are including links to specific services and programs through King County.
The goal of the D5 e-news is to share information about council business, upcoming community events, access to services, opportunities, and ways for us to build an even better King County.
Last Sunday, I joined my colleagues at the memorial service for Washington State Senator Bill Ramos who was a leader in transportation, Tribal relations, and a founding member of the Latino Democratic Caucus. Senator Ramos leaves behind two children and his wife, my colleague, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.
On Monday, I met with the Sound Transit South King subarea where we discussed the draft At-Grade-Crossing 5 Year Master Plan, an effort to help address safety concerns for at-grade crossing systemwide in Sound Transit.
On Tuesday, I chaired the Transportation, Economy and Environment committee. We received a briefing on wildfire and heat mitigation emergency management, passed an ordinance to renew an interlocal agreement for StormFest, and passed an ordinance to improve our Priority Hire Program.
I also met with central staff analysts to discuss King Conservation District’s work to develop farm plans with local farmers to protect waterways.
At the end of June, Councilmembers and the Executive will be traveling for an annual 3-day trip to Washington D.C. to meet with the WA State congressional delegation and advocate for local needs. I met with our government relations team to discuss priorities for the trip.
At the 1:30 Council meeting, we proclaimed May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage month to encourage all residents to learn from the rich history of Jewish Americans, celebrate their ongoing contributions, and stand united against antisemitism and all forms of hate.
King County Council proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Left to Right: CM Dunn, Rabbi Jason Levine, Suzi LeVine, Maxima (Max) Patashnik, CM Quinn, CM Mosqueda,
Kristin Winkel, Jewish Family Services, Council Chair Zahilay, Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum, CM Balducci,
Rabbi Daniel Weiner, CM Dembowski, CM von Reichbauer.
The Council also proclaimed May 2025 as Bike Everywhere month to encourage all community members to get on their bikes and ride!
King County Council proclaimed May as Bike Everywhere Month. Councilmembers were joined by the Cascade Bicycle Club.
Left to right: CM von Reichbauer, CM Mosqueda, Rachel Schaeffer- Cascade Bicycle Club Statewide Coalition Officer and Vicky Clarke- Cascade Bicycle Club Deputy Executive Director, CM Dunn, CM Balducci, CM Quinn and Council Chair Zahilay.
The Council also approved a motion reaffirming King County’s commitment to reproductive rights in response to state and federal cuts.
Click above to watch the Councilmember’s comments on supporting reproductive rights
On Wednesday, I attended the Local Services and Land Use Committee where we received briefings on updating the Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIA) interlocal agreements and King Conservation District’s (KCD) work on farm conservation plans.
On Thursday morning, I met with Sound Transit staff to prep for the afternoon Sound Transit Board meeting. At the afternoon meeting, I spoke to the importance of staying true to our values and policies that support a diverse workforce and customer base.
On Friday, the D5 team prepared for the upcoming week. I spoke to the Washington State Commission of African American Affairs – CAAA. The Commission serves as the official state representative of the African American community—advising the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies regarding policy development and implementation. The commission also works to establish relationships with local governments and private sector organizations that promote equal opportunity for African-Americans.
King County Councilmember, District 5
Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila
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