Fighting for Health Care Access in King County
 Yesterday, I stood with Senator Alvarado (D-34), Planned Parenthood Alliance, SeaMar Community Health Centers, physicians, and local public health providers to speak out against a dangerous (not so beautiful) federal budget bill that would defund Planned Parenthood, harm healthcare providers’ ability to care for patients, and strip health care away from millions.
If passed, this bill would ban Medicaid patients from accessing care at Planned Parenthood – risking the closure of a third of its clinics nationwide. Here in Washington, nearly 200,000 people could lose Medicaid coverage, and 150,000 could lose SNAP benefits.
This is not just cruel – it's deadly. Local providers like Planned Parenthood and Sea Mar are critical for reproductive and primary care, preventing cancer and treatable diseases, especially in South King County. If this bill passes the US Senate and becomes law, it will strain our already overwhelmed public health system, more people will become infected with preventable diseases, and more people will die.
King County is fighting back. We’re standing up in the courts, advancing local protections for reproductive health, and pushing for progressive revenue solutions to protect care access. In King County, we protect health care – we don’t cut it. We’re committed to keeping clinic doors open and ensuring everyone can access the care they need.
This is a fight for our values – and for the health of our communities. The guest editorial below is from one of the providers who spoke at the press conference:
  Are federal cuts affecting your life or community?
Share your story with us –
your insights help inform our advocacy.
King County Officials Head to DC
 Click on the image above to read the full article.
As if it wasn’t going to be hot enough this week, we are headed to DC to turn up the heat to put down the Big Bad Bill. Those who want to rip away care for millions of Americans should be sweating!
I landed today in the other Washington to advocate for King County communities alongside my colleagues on Council and the King County Executive team. Every year, King County elected officials make the trip to meet with our federal delegation, lift up issues impacting our communities, and advocate for resources to support health, housing, workforce, transportation, and climate and environmental needs at home. The tone and message this year is different, as we see federal attacks on our communities targeting our immigrant neighbors, unconstitutional withholding of federal grants, rollbacks on environmental and worker protections, unilateral deployment of the military at home and abroad, and devastating potential cuts to critical healthcare and safety net services.
We are traveling to DC with our 2025 Federal Priorities (below) in hand and to deliver the message that King County will continue to resist and fight back against these attacks, to bring the stories of the impacts this administration is having on communities in King County, and to partner with our Washington state delegation to protect the foundational and civil rights of our communities, and unlawful rollbacks of funding.
 
Vashon Midday Water Taxi Service Secured Through 2027
Click on the image above to read the full press release.
Great news was announced a week ago! For all Vashon Island residents and visitors – the popular midday King County Water Taxi sailings will continue through at least June 2027, thanks to to our 34th Legislative District members, especially Senator Alvarado who helped secure flexible funding in the state transportation budget adopted in May. This essential midday service, which launched last July, has already driven a 55% increase in ridership, averaging 3,500 riders each month!
The continued support ensures four midday round trips will remain part of the 10 weekday sailings between Vashon’s North-End Ferry Terminal and downtown Seattle. The route will also remain connected via Metro routes 118 and 119. Stay tuned for more way-finding efforts to be displayed and announced on island to make it easier for folks to leave their cars at home and come to and from Vashon Island by foot – saving time and our planet! We hear you loud and clear on the need for expanded service on the weekend and evenings and are actively looking at options as well.
Special thank you to Metro for the updated way-finding flyer that helps align the Water Taxi sailings with the 118 and 119 bus routes to and from the ferry terminal, and to our King County Executive Shannon Braddock who helped finalize and secure the midday Water Taxi service for the next two years.
Mosqueda Introduces Welcoming County Motion
Last week I introduced legislation to strengthen our commitment and policies that make King County a Welcoming County. Next week in the Health, Housing, & Human Services Committee we will discuss, consider, and vote on this Welcoming County motion I am proposing with co-sponsors, Councilmembers Barón and Dembowski, and with feedback from Executive’s Office as well. We will hear from a panel of local immigration experts on why actions like this – giving direction and committing to future action – are needed in light of the current state of immigration enforcement and intimidation in our country.
This motion expresses the Council’s intent to support and defend our immigrant and refugee community members however possible and asks the Executive, as well as our judicial branch, to take concrete actions to ensure King County is a welcoming and safe county for all. This follows the legislation that the Council passed earlier this year to better align King County with Washington State's Keep Washington Working Act, led by Councilmember Barón.
Tune in or join the meeting, starting at 9:30 am on July 1st, to learn more about the motion and hear from our panel of experts, including Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network!
June Board of Health Meeting Summary
On June 18th, I chaired the Board of Health meeting where we focused on critical issues impacting King County residents and received other relevant updates. View the agenda and watch the full meeting here.
Infant Health Outcomes: Local leaders and community partners presented updated data on infant mortality rates in King County, highlighting both progress and persistent disparities. While King County’s rate (4.33 per 1,000 live births) remains below state and national averages, significant racial disparities continue to impact outcomes. The Infant Mortality Prevention Network, supported by Best Starts for Kids, is a network of six local organizations tackling this issue with culturally relevant, community-designed approaches including perinatal case management, doula services, and mother-centered care.
King County’s new Health Officer: PHSKC is proud to welcome Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano as the new Health Officer. A nationally recognized leader in public health, Dr. Valenciano brings deep experience in advancing health equity and strengthening community partnerships, and will begin her new role on August 4, 2025.
Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, new PHSKC Health Officer
Join the Board of Health: Applications to join the Board are welcome from King County residents who share a commitment to public health principles and addressing racism as a public health crisis. The Board is currently considering applications for one vacant position to join in 2026. The Public Health, Health Care Facilities, and Provider position represents individuals in King County who work in or have expertise in areas like medical ethics, epidemiology, environmental health, and community health. This includes those with advanced degrees in public health or hospital employees and licensed (active or retired) health care providers.
Click on the image above for more information.
This fall, the Board will send their recommendations to fill this vacancy to the King County Council, who will appoint a new member before the end of the year. The new member will begin their three-year term January 1, 2026.
If you're interested, learn more about the roles and responsibilities of being a board member and complete the application by July 22nd 11:59 pm.
Juneteenth Proclamation
 Last week, the Council honored Juneteenth led by Councilmember Quinn, Chair Zahilay, and Executive Braddock, which commemorates the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to announce the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The day first celebrated in Texas in 1866, was recognized as a federal holiday in 2022. In 2020, King County made Juneteenth an official holiday for its employees. As we approach the 160th anniversary in 2025, Juneteenth serves as a time to reflect on African American contributions, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward social and economic equity.
Labor and Employment Relations (LERA) Opening Plenary
 I was honored to be asked to be a part of the opening plenary for the Labor and Employment Relations Association’s National Conference which was held here in Seattle. I was joined by Danielle Alvarado, Executive Director of Working Washington and the Fair Work Center, and Steven Marchese, Director of the Office of Labor Standards for Seattle. The title of our panel was “Seattle: The City of Workers Rights." I’m proud of what we have accomplished in Seattle and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share it with leaders in labor, academia and employers. Lifting up labor standards is something we should continue to work towards across our county and country because when workers do better, we all do better.
Garfield Super Block Groundbreaking
 Right to left: CM Mosqueda with Roma Shah from Seattle Parks and Recreation, Robert Stephens Jr. GSB Core Coalition Member and Community Advocate, Duwamish Tribal Leader Ken Workman, Seattle CM Joy Hollingsworth, Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Sharon Khosla of GSB Coalition, and Representative Chipalo Street (D-370).
After more than two decades of community advocacy, ground has finally been broken on the $9.5 million Garfield Super Block project in Seattle’s Central District. Centered around Garfield High School and the Community Center, the transformation will include a new promenade, play areas, sports courts, and Seattle’s first parkour park! The project celebrates the neighborhood’s rich cultural history through public art honoring the Duwamish, Jewish, African American, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Italian communities. As a longtime champion for equity in public space and a strong supporter of community-led development, I’m proud to have helped secure critical funding for capacity building efforts while I served while on Seattle City Council to make this vision a reality. With construction expected to begin this summer and wrap by spring 2026, the Garfield Super Block marks a milestone in building a vibrant, inclusive hub shaped by and for the community.
Harborview Medical Center (HMC) Tour
 CM Mosqueda with union members who work at HMC, represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW, CIR, SEIU 925, and AFSCME Council 28.
 Left to right: Tom Goff - KC Government Affairs, Sommer Kleweno Walley - HMC CEO, Brian Edwards - HMC Chapter President of AFSCME 28, Clayton Lewis - D8 Representative, CM Mosqueda, Keri Nasebery - Chief Nursing Officer, and Madeline Grant - HMC CAO.
During the pandemic, Harborview was the epicenter of not just our region’s response to COVID but also for our entire nation as it dealt with the first cases. One thing this made painfully clear is that the County-owned medical center not only didn’t have enough space for patients, but that the rooms they did have didn’t meet the needs of the patients in them or the healthcare workers providing care in those settings. I got the chance to visit and tour two new ICU units featuring single-occupancy rooms, giving patients and their families greater privacy, improving infection control, and helping staff deliver even better care. I’m looking forward to continuing to build at Harborview as we ensure it will be there for years to come as a resource both locally and nationally. While on campus I also got the opportunity to hear from the workers who are there every day about what they are seeing and the impacts of potential federal cuts to their work. We are all committed to fighting back against any potential cuts that could put care in jeopardy.
New Segment of the Lake to Sound Trail Opens!
 Click the image above to read more about the trail project
King County Parks has unveiled a 7-mile, paved segment of the Lake to Sound Trail (Segment C), now linking Burien and SeaTac to the Des Moines Creek Trail. This achievement means 11 out of 16 miles of the regional, non-motorized corridor are now complete, stretching from Lake Washington to Puget Sound! Designed with a 12-foot-wide asphalt path, elevated boardwalks to protect wetlands, and accessible standards, the trail enhances safe, healthy active travel—and connects to four other regional trails, Sound Transit rail, and Sea‑Tac Airport. Funded through the Parks Levy, WSDOT, state grants, and local city partnerships, this trail segment showcases regional collaboration and a shared commitment to equitable access across South King County.
Overnight paving for 3 weeks in White Center
 Click on the flyer above for updates on the project.
This work is associated with the 16th Avenue SW: SW 100th Street to SW 107th Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements & Traffic Calming Project and the pavement preservation program. The pavement in all three locations is cracked in places and will benefit from new asphalt. Working at night helps keep nearby businesses open and parking available during the day.
The paving contractor working for Road Services will repave in the follow locations:
- 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th streets.
- SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th Street and 17th Avenue SW.
- SW 100th Street between 14th Avenue SW and just west of 11th Avenue SW (funded by Metro Transit Division)
Crews will grind out the old pavement and repave the full width of the road at each location. Only 16th Ave SW will be reconfigured. After repaving, this section will get new striping that changes the layout of the road to:
- One lane in each direction.
- A center turn lane.
- Bike lanes on both sides.
The other two locations will only be repaved, and the striping will stay the same as it is today.
Upcoming Culvert Replacement at 141st Ave SW on Vashon
 Click on the flyer above for updates on the project.
Starting as early Monday, July 7th, King County Road Services Crews will replace a failing culvert under 141st Avenue SW (a sole access road) between SW 216th St and SW 220th St on Vashon Island. An old and rusted pipe must be replaced in the ravine. The pipe is getting plugged and doesn't allow water to flow through the culvert as it should. Sections of the pipe have fallen off causing the west side of the road to sink and slope outward.
A new larger diameter longer pipe will replace the existing culvert, and the road will be reconstructed at the pipe crossing. This work requires crews to close a section of road for up to seven weeks. Crews will work 7:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday and will open the road at night and daily for a lunch break.
For updates check out the project website with a status box that is regularly updated or MyCommute interactive map.
Survey Work to Begin in SODO and West Seattle
King County recently proposed a solution to control overflows from five combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls at the mouth of the Duwamish River. We will be conducting above-ground survey work in SODO and West Seattle (Industrial District West) to better understand building, roadway, sidewalk, vegetation, and utility conditions near the sites of proposed wet weather facilities included in that proposed solution. Crews will visit the locations mapped below and use handheld equipment to conduct the survey. Once the survey is complete, crews will remove equipment and restore any disturbed surfaces.
Map of survey locations in SODO and West Seattle (Industrial District West)
What you can expect
- A two-person crew and one van or full-size truck on site.
- Most work will occur off of the roadway. If temporary lane, shoulder, or sidewalk detours are necessary, flaggers will be on site to assist vehicle and pedestrian movement.
- Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm for up to three months, with intermittent pauses, starting as early as June 23rd. Work will occur at as many as two locations at a time.
Meet them at the upcoming SODO BIA Q2 Business Networking Event community event on Thursday, June 26th from 4-6 pm, at Riot Creative, 1750 Fourth Ave. S to learn more about the proposed solution and share your questions.
BIPOC Wilderness First Aid Training 2025
Click on the flyer above to launch the application
In partnership with the Bronze Chapter, King County Play Equity Coalition is hosting their 2nd free BIPOC Wilderness First Aid Training at the Tukwila Community Center in early August. Spots are limited and this was a popular training last year, so sign up today to secure your spot! Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Taste of White Center
 Click on the flyer above for more details.
Join White Center Food Bank for their FOURTH ANNUAL TASTE OF WHITE CENTER!
Bringing together the neighborhood’s incredible variety of restaurants for a family-friendly event and fundraiser you won’t want to miss! With 30+ restaurants participating, attendees can purchase $5 tickets to sample delicious bites like 🥪 banh mi, 🧋 bubble tea, 🌮 tacos, 🍕 pizza, and so much more!
🎶 Live music 🎨 Local vendors 👧🧒 Kid’s area 🍽️ TONS of food!
Free Flo Fit Event at Cal Anderson
 Fit Melanin Summer Festival is coming to Cal Anderson Park in Seattle
Calling all vendors, performers and volunteers, REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
Just want to attend? You can RSVP too.
Commissary Kitchen Program Request for Applications
Applications due by July 16th at 2 pm.
 The Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Environmental Health Services (EHS) Division Food Safety Program is conducting a program designed to provide financial assistance to independently owned or operated street food vendors to cover the costs of their commissary kitchen operating fees for a period of up to 6 months. The Food Safety Program is creating a partnership with organizations or businesses that are able to offer commissary kitchen access at reduced kitchen rental fees, to help lower financial barriers for street food vendors who are new to the food permitting process. The Food Safety Program’s goal is to partner with up to 15 organizations to secure kitchen spaces for up to 50 street food vendors to use for 10-15 hours or more per week. By increasing access to commissary kitchens and food safety training for food vendors, this project will advance food safety in public health. Commissary kitchen access will ensure that businesses are able to safely handle food and meet regulatory requirements.
Eligible applicants are commissary kitchens and restaurants with shared kitchen spaces. In addition, community organizations, Donated Food Distribution Organizations, community coalitions/networking/partnership organizations, social service organizations, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations with shared kitchen spaces are also eligible.
Pre-Application Conference
PHSKC will conduct a pre-Application conference for this RFA. This conference will be an opportunity for interested organizations to hear more about the program and to ask questions about the program and/or the application process.
Monday June 30th, 10:00-11:00 am
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 230 656 386 924 3
Passcode: jX6uf2Lf
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.
Community Buildings Decarbonization Program Request for Applications Applications due by July 16th at 11:59 pm.
The King County Executive Climate Office (ECO), in partnership with Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, is seeking a consultant to provide technical assistance and program design support for the Community Buildings Decarbonization Program. The program is a new offering administered by King County, funded through a U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).
The Community Buildings Decarbonization Program aims to improve indoor air quality, increase climate resilience, and reduce GHG emissions from community buildings, defined as buildings that serve as community gathering spaces or offer community services. Examples of such spaces include food banks, places of worship, and community centers, among others. The program also aims to provide workforce development opportunities through trainee placements with entities involved in program implementation.
Firms with experience delivering decarbonization services to community buildings or small-medium sized commercial buildings and working with communities to reduce operational GHG emissions from buildings are encouraged to apply.
Best Starts for Kids Youth Healing Project 4.0 Request for Proposals Applications due by July 17th at 5 pm.
Best Starts for Kids Help Me Grow Request for Proposals
Applications due by July 18th at 2 pm.
VSHSL FS 6: Human Services Workforce Stabilization Funding Opportunity
Applications due by July 18th at 2 pm.
King Conservation District’s 2025 Regional Food System Competitive Grant Program
Applications due by August 25th 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.
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4Culture's Launch Grant Workshops
4Culture will be holding Launch Grant Workshops beginning July through August 2025. Workshops can make a major difference in how competitive an application is. They provide an opportunity for applicants to meet staff, learn about the process, meet other applicants, and ask questions.
- Thursday, July 10, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm on Zoom | Register
- Tuesday, July 22, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm at the Kent Historical Museum (855 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030) | Register
- Monday, August 4, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm on Zoom | Register
- Thursday, August 21, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom | Register
4Culture is also working with local experts to produce three Lunch & Learn events on nonprofit management topics that will be most relevant to Launch applicants as they are drafting their applications. These Lunch + Learn topics were selected based on what will be most relevant to Launch applicants, but they are open to anyone. For more information, contact Casey Moser at 206-477-2316, casey.moser@4culture.org, or visit 4Culture’s website.
Introduction to Board Development with Dr. Naho Shioya
July 16, 12 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom | Register
Introduction to Grant Writing with Gabriela Denise Frank
July 29, 12 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom | Register
Introduction to Hiring Your First Staff Member with Jodi Nishioka
August 6, 12 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom | Register
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Best Starts is redesigning their blog and request your input!
Best Starts is partnering with Resource Media to redesign the Best Starts for Kids blog! They want to create a site that is responsive, accessible, easy to navigate, and aligned with their core values.
Your feedback is essential and will help them understand how you currently use the blog and identify areas for improvement. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The deadline to share feedback is Friday, June 27th.
Focus groups
You will also have an opportunity to participate in a focus group in July to share feedback. Community members will receive a stipend for their time. If you’re interested in participating, please indicate in the last question of the survey.
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Check out a show at Unexpected Productions, Seattle’s longest-running improv theater, located in Pike Place Market. They also happen to be beneficiaries of 4Culture funding!
 Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter and spontaneity at their electrifying TheatreSports Improv! This fast-paced improv competition, a favorite with their audience for years, features the city’s best improvisers who will use your suggestions to create a one-of-a-kind performance. With two teams, a lively host, and (ahem) “horrible” judges to keep things in line, TheatreSports guarantees non-stop hilarity and excitement. Join the Unexpected Productions ensemble split as they weave side-splitting stories, scenes, songs, and high-energy improv games on the spot. Boo the judges, cheer during the gum wall race, and become part of unforgettable moments of on-the-spot creativity! Doors open at 9 pm every Friday and Saturday, with the show starting at 9:30 pm. Don’t miss the fun—be part of the action!
 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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