 This morning, I stood shoulder to shoulder with leaders from across our area including Seattle Port President Hamdi Mohamed, Governor Bob Ferguson, AG Nick Brown, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell along with state legislators and local elected officials, ACLU, CAIR, NWIRP, AMAC, One America, unions and more community groups who are saying no to version 2.0 of the Travel ban. It was wrong when President Trump tried to do it in his first term, and it is still wrong. We are a welcoming community for those around the world who seek safety and opportunity.
This comes on the heels of yesterday, when I joined alongside the labor movement and hundreds of community members on the steps of Seattle City Hall to call for the release of California SEIU President David Huerta. The crowd was powerful and peaceful – families, students, workers, organizers – united by a shared sense that we are living through a defining moment in our country’s history. The urgency was palpable. We were there not just to speak out, but to bear witness, to demand accountability, and to act. I was thrilled to hear late yesterday afternoon the President Huerta has been released on bail but is now facing inflated charges that are clearly meant to intimidate anyone who would stand up to this regime’s inhuman treatment of members of our community.
Click on the image above to hear my remarks from the SEIU rally.
The issues we’re facing are not new, but they’ve grown more dangerous and more deliberate. Across the country, we are watching as the federal government escalates its attacks on basic rights – targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, people of color, religious minorities, students, political dissenters and now deploying the military in American cities. These actions have taken the form of raids, detainments, surveillance, and targeted harassment, stripping people of their rights and safety.
These aren’t headlines from far away. The impacts are deeply local. We've seen it here in Washington – at the University of Washington, at Seattle University, at a roofing company in Bellingham, and the beverage company in Kent. We've felt it in our unions and in our neighborhoods. People like Bryan Rivero-Ramirez, Lewelyn Dixon, Alfredo "Lelo" Juarez Zeferino, and SEIU California local President David Huerta are just some of the names we know. There are countless others.
These attacks are not isolated. They are part of a broader, calculated attempt to distract the public from policy failures – economic instability, broken immigration agreements, rising costs. It’s a strategy rooted in fear, disinformation, and division. But our communities are not falling for it.
In King County, we take pride in being a welcoming community. A quarter of our population is made up of immigrants, and half are people of color. That diversity isn’t a liability – it’s our strength. It’s why we must meet this moment with unity, with resistance, and with clarity about who we are and what we stand for.
We cannot afford to be silent. At every level of government, in every agency, in every institution – we must reject complicity. We must not comply with policies or practices that undermine human dignity. What’s happening is illegal. It’s immoral. And it will not hold up – in court or in the eyes of history.
This is more than a moment. It’s a movement. And we won't back down.
 Click the image above to watch the coverage on Jaime Mendez News.
The MLK, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service Award 2025
 Click on the image above to watch a video on Michelle's contributions to our community.
Each year since 2015, the King County Council has honored nine people in the county for their outstanding contributions to their communities. District 8 is honored to recognize Michelle Lang-Raymond, a gifted musician, producer, and powerful voice in the arts & culture. Michelle is the founder and executive managing director of Acts on Stage Theater – a theater company that serves various artistic communities within the Pacific Northwest. This artistic project is a culmination of over 20 years of work combining Michelle’s gifts in the arts with her commitment to her faith and activism. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in organizational behavior and development from Seattle Pacific University. In addition to her role at Acts on Stage, Michelle and her husband Jay Raymond, own a coffee shop, The Scene in South Park, in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood.
If you have not seen an Acts on Stage production, you have to see one this year!
Health, Housing, and Human Services Meeting Highlights
 On June 3rd, I chaired the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting where we focused on critical issues impacting King County residents. The committee received several key briefings, including:
Federal Funding Cuts and Threats: Budget Director Dwight Dively of the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget highlighted that over $200 million in King County’s 2025 operating budget comes from federal sources, supporting key services in housing, public health, and behavioral health. The update emphasized the importance of both direct and state-administered funding streams and the County’s continued efforts to align local priorities with federal opportunities.
King County Jail Health Services (JHS): In their briefing, JHS shared how they are exploring improved models of care for individuals with substance use disorders transitioning from jail to community treatment. They presented a comparison of the current in-house system with a proposed Reentry Demonstration Initiative and a third-party contractor model, both of which would expand access to medication and post-release support. JHS is assessing the feasibility of joining the Reentry Initiative to enhance care continuity and better support successful reentry.
These discussions underscore King County’s commitment to using evidence-based strategies and federal partnerships to strengthen public health infrastructure, improve reentry outcomes, and ensure continuity of care for individuals with substance use disorders. Watch the full meeting here.
5th Legislative District Appointments
 With the tragic passing of Senator Bill Ramos, husband to my Council colleague and friend, Councilmember Perry, it fell to us to appoint someone to fill his seat. I want to recognize how difficult this was for Councilmember Perry and I commend her for her strength and unwavering commitment to her community throughout the process. I want to congratulate now Senator Victoria Hunt on stepping into her new role. With Senator Hunt resigning her house seat, we then moved to appoint Zach Hall as the newest representative for the 5th LD. I thank everyone who put their names forward and participated in what was truly a difficult but empowering process that I can only hope shone a light on the legacy of Senator Ramos. I look forward to working with Senator Hunt, Representative Hall, and the other member of the 5th LD delegation, Representative Lisa Callan, to support the residents of the 5th LD and King County as a whole.
Celebrating Pride Month in King County
 The King County Council has declared June 2025 as 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month, recognizing the ongoing fight for equality and the vital contributions of queer and trans communities. This annual proclamation honors the legacy of the Stonewall Riots, the 51st anniversary of Seattle’s first Pride Parade, and the importance of visibility, resilience, and solidarity. This year’s theme, “Louder,” reflects the power of collective action and the need to speak out against discrimination, especially as harmful policies continue to threaten the rights of LGBTQIA+ people across the country. King County reaffirms its commitment to equity, safety, and belonging for all, particularly those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Pride is more than a celebration – it's a call to action. Let’s honor the past, support the present, and fight for a more inclusive future. Happy Pride!
June is Ride Transit Month in King County!
 The Council also proclaimed June 2025 as Ride Transit Month, celebrating the essential role of public transit in our community. With nearly $5 billion invested annually in Washington’s transit systems, public transportation connects people to jobs, healthcare, and vital services, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. King County’s diverse transit options, including buses, vanpools, and paratransit services, help keep our communities moving and support a healthier, more sustainable transportation system. With the Move Ahead Washington initiative investing over $3 billion in transit improvements, the future of local transit looks bright. This June, residents are encouraged to embrace transit, explore alternatives to driving, and remember that all youth 18 and under ride for free. Let’s keep the momentum going and celebrate Ride Transit Month!
United Farm Workers Luncheon – Boycott Windmill Farms!
 It was an honor to meet with the national United Farm Workers (UFW) President Teresa Romero and members of UFW from Washington State who courageously told their stories of intimidation, retaliation, and unsafe working conditions at Windmill Farms as they work daily to pick mushrooms. These brave workers are demanding better working conditions and union recognition and in return, they’ve faced harassment, retaliation, and union-busting tactics. Now they’re calling for a boycott of Windmill Farms mushrooms until their union is recognized. Incredibly powerful stories were shared with union presidents and members of the Washington State Labor Movement, affiliates of the Washington State Labor Council and MLK Labor. To bear witness to these stories I was honored to join with Senator Bob Hasegawa and Representatives Sharon Tomiko-Santos, Mia Gregerson, Cindy Ryu, and Julio Coretz. We stand in solidarity with the mushroom UFW farmworkers in this fight for dignity and justice.
Groundbreaking for HealthPoint Tukwila Commons
 I was honored to attend, with my daughter, the groundbreaking ceremony for HealthPoint's new Health & Wellness Center in Tukwila – called HealthPoint Tukwila Commons! This project will provide essential healthcare services – including medical, dental, and behavioral health – right in the heart of the community. This is a project that has long been in the making, and thanks to my current colleague and former Tukwila Councilmember, King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn for his and the City of Tukwila’s Mayor and Council, along with fierce community efforts, to bring this health home to reality. The Phase I building, which will be 63,000 square feet, will also feature a YMCA-run childcare center and integrated care services, making it a one-stop shop for families and individuals in need of care. Located near Foster High School and a Link Light Rail station, it’s designed to be easily accessible to those who need it most. This new center will double the number of patients served compared to the current clinic, expanding HealthPoint’s reach and impact in South King County. It’s part of a larger vision that will include affordable housing, a community center, and more in Phase II, making Tukwila a healthier and more connected place for all. It’s exciting to see this vision come to life, and I look forward to all the good it will bring to our community.
District 8 Day on Vashon
 From left to right: Vashon Rowing Club youth and adult rowers, Health Care District swearing-in for Commissioner Chavez, Vashon Heritage Museum, leaders from Comunidad.
Last Friday, my staff and I spent a meaningful and energizing day on Vashon Island made even more eventful by relying only on our bikes to transverse the island. We started off meeting with the incredible group, Women Hold the Key to hear about their efforts to lift up women and those who support them on the island.
 Meeting with members of Women Hold the Key
I spent time with Comunidad de Vashon and hear about their powerful work to uplift and empower residents across the Island. Their commitment to equity and community well-being is inspiring, and I look forward to supporting their continued efforts.
I was honored to swear in Dr. Rebecca Chavez, the newly appointed commissioner of the Vashon Health Care District. I’m excited to partner together to ensure healthcare remains accessible and responsive to the needs of all Vashon residents.
I also visited the Vashon Island Rowing Club, where it’s clear that the dedication to training young athletes goes far beyond sport – it’s about building character and community.
Our last planned stop was the Vashon Heritage Museum, where I had the pleasure of touring their new exhibit – thank you to Greta and the entire team for the warm welcome and thoughtful curation.
Before heading to catch the ferry, as the excitement of first Friday was building, I had the chance to stop in the Swiftwater Gallery to hear from Marc Pease about their work to boost the profiles of some of the incredible local artists.
Peace in the Hood Job Fair & Basketball Tournament
 I was thrilled to attend the Peace N the Hood (PNTH) Youth Job Fair and Basketball Tournament last week at Steve Cox Memorial Park and see the tremendous turnout. Now in its ninth year, PNTH Job Fair is an annual employment event connecting connect youth to meaningful employment opportunities and local support services. Participants were able to ask questions, practice job interview techniques, and explore different career paths. Organizers also provided guidance on the application process and the types of skills employers are seeking. To date, over 500 youth have secured their first job through the PNTH Job Fair. This event is made possible by the White Center Teen Program (WCTP) – check out their website for more teen and young adult activities.
Missed this event? You can view previously recorded sessions of Job Launch – WCTP’s online career development program for ages 16 – 24, providing pathways to specific education and employment opportunities.
🌈 White Center Pride 🌈
 Me with White Center Pride President, Eliot Hills.
White Center Pride 2025 was a beautiful, bold, and joyful celebration of love, authenticity, and community. It was incredibly powerful to witness people from across our region come together to honor the strength and resilience of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. From vibrant performances to heartfelt conversations, the energy was electric and the message was clear: everyone deserves to live fully, love freely, and be exactly who they are. Events like this remind us that pride is not just a celebration – it's a statement of solidarity, resistance, and hope. I'm so proud to stand with White Center as we continue building a more inclusive, liberated future for all.
Para Los Niños Graduation
It was a joy to join Para Los Niños for their graduation celebration, honoring students moving from preschool through middle school. Families came together to share dances and stories – some even about the solar system – showcasing what they’ve learned side by side. This is a powerful example of how we can support the next generation and their families in building a strong foundation for success in our education system.
Water Taxi Summer Weeknight Late Night Service
 Mortimer Moose – better known as the Mariner Moose – joined the crew of King County Water Taxi to celebrate the return of weeknight post-game water taxi service Monday through Thursday to West Seattle starting on Tuesday, June 3. There will be three sailings between Pier 50 and the Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. The boat will leave downtown at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm.
There will be no delays in the schedule due to extra innings. If you miss the last sailing, simply take a stroll or roll to Alaskan Way South at South Jackson Street and catch a bus back to West Seattle, with the RapidRide C Line (which connects with the Washington State Ferry to Vashon), the RapidRide H Line or other routes.
The weekday service will end on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Late night weekend (Friday through Saturday) service to West Seattle will continue through Oct. 10.
The free Metro water taxi shuttles to and from the dock at Seacrest Park will operate and meet the post-game sailings. Route 773 will get you to the businesses and restaurants in the West Seattle junction. Route 775 takes you along Alki and into the Admiral District.
Along with post-game sailings for the M’s, the water taxi will provide evening post-match service for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The world is coming to Lumen Field and the water taxi is ready to get you there and back, offering post-match service on Sunday, June 15 (Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders FC) and Wednesday, June 25 (FC Internazionale Milano vs. CA River Plate).
Adult fare to West Seattle is $5.75 one way ($5 with an ORCA card; young people 18 years old and younger can ride the Water Taxi, and most regional transit, for free!
King County Perinatal Providers Gathering: A Self Care Event
 Click on the flyer above for more information.
Join for the next King County Perinatal Providers Gathering on June 27, 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm in West Seattle (exact location details to be shared after registration). This gathering is for King County birthworkers to focus on self care. They’re excited to welcome Dr. Sabine Thomas, Executive Director of JSOL Studios, to lead in a wellness activity focused on healing and connection to nature.
This will be a fun and interactive family-friendly outdoor event with relationship building activities and delicious food. Babies and school-aged children are welcome! They will have kids activities and snacks available.
Hot deals on cool pets at Regional Animal Services
What better way to spend long, summer days than with a new pet from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)?
Now through July 31, RASKC will have daily pet adoption specials, with a theme for each day of the week. Enjoy these pawsitively awesome discounts on dogs, cats, and all adoptable pets.
Senior Sundays: $30 adoption fee for all pets over five years old, or for pet adopters 65+
Mixed Breed Mondays: $30 adoption fee for all mixed breed dogs
Toe Bean Tuesdays: $30 adoption fee for all cats
Black and Gray Wednesdays: $30 adoption fee for all pets with black or gray coats
Thirty-Buck Thursdays: Every cat or dog, one adoption fee: $30
Feline Fridays: $50 adoption fee for kittens under six months
Staff Pick Saturdays: $30 adoption fee for select dogs
Adopted pets also come with coupons for local pet stores, discounts for training, and 30 days of free pet insurance, among other benefits. All pets also come with an adoption guarantee. If a pet isn't a good match, adopters have 90 days to return the pet to RASKC for a full refund of the adoption fee. No refund is available if a pet is returned after 90 days.
The King County Pet Adoption Center is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Pet adoption hours are weekdays from noon to 5 pm and weekends from noon to 4 pm. Learn more on the Tails from RASKC blog and see all pets available for adoption at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.
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Minor home repair program available at no cost to income-qualified homeowners in White Center
Habitat for Humanity’s Minor Home Repair Program is currently offering no-cost services to income-qualified home owners in White Center, Skyway, and Glendale. To apply, submit an intake form on their website or call their office at 206-866-7617. Note: the website says the minor repair program charges a $50 fee, but that fee is currently being waived in White Center and Skyway.
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South Park Summer Pop-up Market
Growing Contigo invites you to come support the vibrant South Park community, connect with your neighbors, and experience the spirit of creativity and togetherness in a fun-filled atmosphere.
☀️Local Vendors: Explore unique crafts, handmade goods, and local products from talented artisans and small businesses in the community.
☀️Community Resources: Learn about and connect with local resources from nonprofits and government agencies.
☀️Live Entertainment: Enjoy music, performances, and special activities suitable for all ages.
Summer Teen Leadership Program
Click on the flyer above for more information.
Do you know a teen who'd be interested in gaining leadership experience in advocacy, environmentalism, and food justice?
Register for Food Lifeline’s Summer Teen Leadership Program! This is an 8-week program involving teens in the core mission of Food Lifeline. Uplifting everyone's right to nourishing culturally relevant food for today and forever. and provides 18 hours of required community service hours.
Join Communities of Opportunity (COO) Governance Group
COO has been recruiting new members to fill up to 6 positions on their Governance Group (GG), also known as the COO-Best Starts for Kids Advisory Group, this summer. They are accepting applications on a rolling basis and encourage partners who live in King County to consider applying.
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 by June 25th at 5 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.
King Conservation District’s Seattle Community Partnership Grant Applications due by July 14th at 5 pm.
Best Starts for Kids Youth Healing Project 4.0 Request for Proposals Applications due by July 17th at 5 pm.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) FS 6: Human Services Workforce Stabilization Funding Opportunity
Applications due by July 18th at 2 pm.
Auditor Seeking Suggestions & Community Input for
Future Reviews
 Click on the image above to take the survey.
The King County Auditor’s Office is looking for input from the public as it plans its work for the next two years. To gather that input, they have launched a new website where community members can suggest agencies and activities that should be audited. The public can also offer specific suggestions on how to improve.
The King County Auditor’s Office conducts oversight of county government through independent audits, capital projects oversight, and other studies. Every other year, the Auditor assembles a work program for approval by the King County Council.
Members of the public have until July 1, 2025 to offer their ideas and feedback. All submissions will be considered for inclusion in the next work plan.
Pride Survey
Since 2009, Public Health – Seattle & King County has been conducting surveys at Pride events in Seattle annually.
They are seeking LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit folks who live in Washington State to complete this survey. The questions will ask about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, health matters, drug use, and sex. All information you give us is kept private, and your responses will be grouped with interview answers from other persons. More information about how the data are used is available on kingcounty.gov/pride.
The last day for survey and drawing entry is August 29th at 11:59 pm. Providing your contact information for the drawing is optional. If you give us your contact information to enter the drawing, it will not be connected to your survey answers, will only be used for the drawing, and will be deleted after the drawing.
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Hazardous Waste Management Program
 Click on the flyer above to launch the survey.
The Hazardous Waste Management Program (the Program), a collaboration of King County and the 39 cities within the County, needs your input and experiences to help improve collection services for all residents. This brief survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will not require any personally identifiable information.
Once you complete the survey, you’ll be redirected to sign up for the raffle to win one out of five $50 gift cards. You must complete the survey to access the raffle; however, you have the right to withdraw from the survey at any point. The raffle information will not be connected to your responses to this survey.
Vashon Center for the Arts presents
STANCE | Forever Here, Forever Queer
Click on the image above to see all of the cool events Vashon Center for the Arts has in store!
Join this Friday for STANCE! The Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble (STANCE) is proud to present their Spring 2025 Pride concert titled "Forever Here, Forever Queer." This concert will feature the works of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC composers and will highlight the history of queer music and resistance from across the musical ages. Your support of this event will allow them to continue building community for the Seattle area gender diverse community. $35 General admission | youth free | Pay-What-You-Can option for at the door purchases only. Get your tickets now!
 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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