King County Reinforces Support to Immigrant Community Amid Federal Deportation Efforts
 From left to right: Co-sponsor of the motion, Councilmember Barón, Jessica Castellanos of Kids in Need of Defense, Cindy Liou and Guillermo Zazueta of One America, Lorena González of ACLU of Washington, me, Kayley Bebber and Malou Chavez of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), not pictured co-sponsors Councilmembers Dembowski and Quinn.
Today King County Council overwhelmingly passed the “Welcoming County” motion that I sponsored along with co-sponsors, Councilmembers Barón Dembowski, and Quinn to strengthen our commitment to protecting immigrant residents by limiting county assistance with federal investigation, data sharing for surveillance programs, or any other federal policies that target residents solely on the basis of their immigration or citizenship status. This motion builds on King County’s commitment to being a Welcoming Jurisdiction – where it is a point of pride that a quarter of our population is made up of immigrants - because we know our economy and community is stronger, healthier and more vibrant because of immigrants. This motion reflects our staff’s work to compare the existing King County policy to other neighboring and west coast counties to see where our existing policy could be strengthened. The motion indicates the council’s intent to pursue several steps to further King County’s support immigrant and refugee communities, including:
- Limiting county assistance or cooperation with federal investigation, enforcement of registration or surveillance programs, or any other federal policies that target residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin;
- Increasing staffing in the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice dedicated to boosting outreach to and engagement with immigrant and refugee communities;
- Creating a ‘Know Your Rights’ web hub and multilingual alerts for immigrant residents;
- Increasing funding for deportation defense and rapid response to ICE raids;
- Installing signage in County buildings to block warrantless federal access;
- Urging courts and prosecutors to consider potential “double punishment” of immigrants through increased consequences of criminal legal system involvement solely due to one’s status as an immigrant; and
- Affirming voter access for multilingual, immigrant electorate ahead of 2026 races.
We know that Welcoming Jurisdiction policies are effective as residents are able to live better, healthier, and safer lives when they are not afraid of their local governments – public institutions like schools, our county clinics and hospitals, our KC libraries, or local law enforcement. This motion also builds on the work King County has done in the past to protect immigrant residents and wall-off data, and we must continue to scare up our protections and investments in light of the targeted attack from the federal administration on our residents.
Prior to the passage of the motion, we held a press conference with Councilmember Barón and community partners on the front lines of defending our civil liberties who helped draft the motion: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), One America, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), ACLU-WA, and KIND. Click the image below to watch the press conference and the detailed description of the motion:
#TeamTeresa was at Local Progress in Chicago!
Last week, I traveled to Chicago for the Board Meeting and annual convening of Local Progress, a national network of local elected officials and partners committed to advancing racial and economic justice through local government. From school boards to city councils, county commissions to mayoral offices, we’re united in our work to build community power, advance progressive policy, and create inclusive, welcoming communities. The annual convening is a powerful space for exchanging ideas, finding inspiration, and building strategy together.
This year’s focus was on how we, as local leaders, can use our legislative power to protect our communities and advance equity in the face of a hostile federal administration. With the rollback of local resources and civil rights, and a surge in targeted attacks on vulnerable communities, local government leadership is more critical than ever.
I was honored to host a plenary titled "Organizing Together: Courage and Resistance in the Face of Authoritarianism" alongside bold leaders who have organized against abuses of power in the workplace, in institutions, and in the streets. We heard from Latonia Marshall, a hotel housekeeper and Executive Board Secretary of UNITE HERE in Chicago, who helped lead a unionization effort despite intense retaliation from management. Along with Jennifer Berkshire—educator, writer, and co-host of the Have You Heard podcast—shared insights on pushing back against federal assaults on higher education. And San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera spoke about confronting the disappearance of immigrant neighbors without due process. Together, we explored how to organize in solidarity and with community to actively disrupt authoritarianism—and build a just, democratic future from the ground up.
 Top right: Members of #TeamTeresa: Erin House, Kamilah Brown, and Melanie Kray. Bottom right: With Councilmember Iris Guzman of SeaTac City Council.
Advocating for King County in D.C.
Two weeks ago, I joined my King County Council colleagues in Washington, D.C. for our annual federal advocacy trip. Over three days, delegates of King County Council met with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Representatives Suzan DelBene, Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, and Kim Schrier – to elevate the voices of King County residents and push for continued federal support on our top priorities.
We emphasized the importance of federal investments in transit, housing, behavioral health, and public health infrastructure. I specifically shared how cuts to federal funding are already affecting grants that King County regularly relies on and stressed the urgent need to protect federal programs that connect people to health care and housing stability.
 Senator Patty Murray heard us out on the importance of federal transit funding for King County Metro service.
 We spoke with Representative Suzan DelBene about KC priorities like federal funding for affordable housing.
Our trip took place just days before Congress passed H.R. 1 – the (not-so) Big Beautiful Bill. This legislation includes deep cuts to Medicaid and public health, imposes new work requirements, and makes it harder for millions, including the 1 in 5 Washingtonians who rely on Apple Health to get the care they need. The consequences of this bill will be severe: fewer people with access to vaccines, preventive care, and behavioral health support, and more avoidable visits to already-strained emergency departments.
Before the trip, the Council passed a motion opposing the proposed cuts – and during our meetings, we made sure our federal partners understood what this would mean on the ground. We asked all members to VOTE NO on the “Big (Ugly) Bill” and all the members we met with voted no the following week. We thank them for their vote and support for King County residents.
 My Council colleagues and I meeting with Representative Adam Smith.
 Pictured outside with members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) who, despite the 100-degree heat, showed up to advocate against Medicaid cuts and against the Big Ugly Bill.
July Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee
On July 1st, I chaired the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting where we focused on some of the critical issues below that impact King County residents. View the agenda and watch the full meeting here.
Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Sales Tax Funded Program Update
 We received a briefing on the MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax – a vital tool for expanding access to mental health and substance use services across King County. Funded by a 0.1% countywide sales tax, MIDD invests nearly $97 million annually, making up 15% of the County’s behavioral health funding. Since its inception in 2008, and MIDD 2 in 2017, the program has supported over 100,000 people with community-based care, housing stability, and crisis response. Each year, MIDD connects thousands of residents – including those not eligible for Medicaid – to timely, trauma-informed treatment and services. MIDD-funded programs are showing strong, consistent outcomes.
Entheogens: Supporting Recovery in Local Jurisdictions
We had the opportunity to hear from Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour on her experience passing and implementing a resolution that designated possession of entheogens (certain psychedelic plants often used for medical or spiritual purposes) as the lowest enforcement priority for law enforcement and prosecution. The Jefferson County resolution expressed support for the decriminalization of entheogens at the state level and asked that no county resources be spent on the enforcement of laws related to their safe use, cultivation or possession.
Similar resolutions to the one in Jefferson County have been passed in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Port Townsend.
There is significant peer-reviewed research that indicates a number of health benefits from safe use of entheogens, including alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorder, and more. There is also a rich history of these plant medicines being used in Indigenous cultures.
July is Disability Pride Month
 July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, honoring the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation signed in 1990 after years of advocacy by people with disabilities and their allies. This month celebrates the diversity, resilience, and contributions of the disability community, while also acknowledging the ongoing fight against discrimination, stereotypes, and systemic barriers – especially for those with intersecting marginalized identities. The King County Council proudly proclaims July 2025 as Disability Pride Month and encourages everyone to learn more about disability history, uplift disabled voices, and foster a more inclusive and accessible community for all.
Dockton Marina Improvements
We appreciate the Vashon residents that flagged the King County Parks sign that notified of a planned closure of the only public boat launch on Vashon. My office was unaware of the plans until it was brought to our attention and we tried getting the project delayed. What follows is the explanation we received from King County Parks. We recognize that this comes at peak boating weeks of the summer and are still hoping that we can delay or find a creative solution that allows for boats to be launched during construction. I apologize for the inconvenience this will cause and understand the frustration – we will keep you updated if we can find an alternative resolution.
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Information from King County Parks:
From August 1st through September 30th, Dockton Park Marina will undergo Phase 2 of its improvement project. Construction activities will include:
- Replacing the breakwater
- Replacing all finger piers
- Upgrading the boat ramp dock
- Replacing the floating dock at Dockton Moorage
What to Expect During Construction
To complete this work safely, the entire dock area—including the boat ramp and floating dock—will be closed. The playground and picnic area will remain open throughout the project, but parking may be reduced due to construction activities.
Construction Timeline
This work must be completed during a short window set by federal and state permits to protect local endangered species. Unfortunately, that window overlaps with peak boating season. Delaying the project would push it to the same time next year and increase the risk of longer unplanned closures due to worsening conditions of the breakwater and dock structures.
We know this impacts summer plans and appreciate your patience as we improve safety and accessibility for years to come.
Questions?
Visit the Dockton Park and Marina page for updates or contact parksinfo@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-4527.
Overnight Paving in White Center
 Overnight paving work in White Center is scheduled to begin July 16th at the following locations:
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16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th streets
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SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th St and 17th Ave SW
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SW 100th Street between 14th Ave SW and just west of 11th Ave SW
Free earplugs available while supplies last. Community members can pick up free earplugs at:
- White Center Library
- The Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park
- The White Center Food Bank
- Or request a pair by emailing AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov. Be sure to include your mailing address.
Sign up for email or text Road alerts to learn more about road projects in WC.
King County Local Services South Park Office Hours
The Department of Local Services has new Community Service Area office hours in South Park! Our Community Service Liaison, Bong Sto. Domingo, will be at The Scene at South Park, 1 to 3:30 pm on the first and third Tuesdays. Stop by to get information about county services, technical assistance, notary services, voter registration, and much more. For more information: Community office hours - Local Services - King County, Washington
County and Community Join to Support Events in
White Center/North Highline
The King County Department of Local Services has announced $200,000 in participatory budgeting grants for five community events in the White Center/North Highline unincorporated area.
Community members voted during the 2023-2024 participatory budgeting process to allocate county funding to events and festivals that uplift cultural celebration, connection, and visibility in the area. A review panel made up of community members and Local Services staff members chose events to fund through a competitive process.
Find more information, including a list and descriptions of the events chosen to receive funding, on the King County Local blog.
Apply Now for the 2025 King County Executive’s Small Business Awards
 Nominees and winners of the 2024 Executive’s Small Business Awards. Photo courtesy of King County FBOD.
Celebrate your impact! The King County Executive’s Small Business Awards honor outstanding small businesses that fuel our local economy, create jobs, strengthen our communities, and exemplify King County's values. If your business is making a difference, we want to hear from you. Submit your application today and be recognized among the best in King County.
Timeline
- Application Launch: July 3, 2025
- Application Closing Date: August 10, 2025
- Notification of Application Status: on or before August 31, 2025
- Awards Celebration and Announcement of Winners: October 1, 2025, 3-6pm at Washington State Convention Center Summit Building
Categories
- Small Business of the Year
- Exporting Small Business of the Year
- Rural Small Business of the Year
- Workforce Development Small Business of the Year
- Women-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year
- Creative Economy Small Business of the Year
Qualifications
- Business is located within King County
- Under 50 employees
- In operation for at least 3 years
- Past winners are not eligible
Contact
King County Office of Economic Opportunity and Creative Economy, Susanо̄ Surface - ssurface@kingcounty.gov
4Culture Open House
Hey South King County,
4Culture, your cultural funding agency, and would love to meet you!
📅 Tuesday, July 29th, 6–8 pm
📍 The Roadhouse (19955 28th Ave S, SeaTac, WA)
Join for a free, drop-in evening of community, conversation, and light refreshments. They'll kick things off with a short presentation, and many of their program managers will be there to answer questions about grants, artist calls, and more. No RSVP needed — just stop by!
Questions or access needs? Email sol.dressa@4culture.org
Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
Click on the flyer above for more information.
I hope to see you at the Vashon Strawberry Festival, July 18-20! It's sure to be a jam-packed weekend of live music, artisan vendors, youth activities, parades, a classic car show, and so much more. Don't miss out on all the strawberry treats and community vibes.
Environmental Science Center Celebration July 19th!
Click on the flyer for more information.
Celebrate 25 years of the Environmental Science Center at Seahurst Park on Saturday, July 19th, from 12–4 pm! Enjoy games, food, learning stations, and more - free and fun for all ages.
Aquí Mercado at Pier 62, Waterfront Park
Click on the flyer above to find out more information
In the face of ongoing harm to our Latino community—here in Seattle and across the country—we are reminded why spaces like Aquí Mercado matter so deeply.
We’re proud to announce that their next Mercado will take place on the Seattle Waterfront Pier 62: a moment of joy, resistance, and visibility for our gente. ✨ Música, cultura, comida, y comunidad. ✨
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsafe right now—you’re not alone. Come as you are.
Mercado is a space of care, connection, and comunidad. We’ll hold each other through it.
Friday, July 18 & July 25 | 4 to 10 pm | Fridays | Pier 62 | Free | All ages
This Mercado is more than a pop-up—it’s a reminder que estamos aquí.
King County Primary Election is August 5th
Click above to see a video about registering to vote.
Register to vote online, 24 hours a day, at the Washington Secretary of State's website. You will need to register online at least 8 days in advance of the next election.
To register, you will need either:
- A current Washington State driver license, or
- A current Washington State ID card, or
- Last 4 digits of Social Security Number
If you do not have either of these, you can still register by mail or in-person.
Registrations done by mail needs to be received, not postmarked, by the 8-day deadline.
You can register in-person through election day at the King County Elections Office in Renton, 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 100 Renton, WA 98057. You can also register to vote in-person at a vote center or at one of our community events.
Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship Now Open
 Are you driven by a vision of government that lifts every community and places equity at the heart of its work? Apply now for the Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship, King County’s year-long, paid gateway into public service.
Named for the late “Auntie Ruth” Woo—legendary civic strategist, civil-rights advocate, and mentor to leaders across our state—this fellowship embodies her lifelong belief that democracy works best when everyone has a seat at the table. From transforming her living room into a campaign hub to coaching rising leaders of color, Woo turned commitment into opportunity and made Washington’s halls of power more inclusive.
In that spirit, King County will select four full-time fellows who are passionate about amplifying under-represented voices and championing social justice. Over twelve months you will:
- Rotate through a host agency—County Council, Executive’s Office of Performance Strategy & Budget, Community & Human Services, or King County International Airport;
- Support real-world projects, from policy research and strategic planning to community outreach and social-media storytelling; and
- Track legislation, measure impact, and help shape initiatives that improve health, mobility, and opportunity across our region.
Along the way, seasoned public servants will coach you in the mechanics of government, the art of collaborative leadership, and the power of servant-hearted work. By the end you will leave with sharpened skills, a robust network, and the confidence to build a career that honors Ruth Woo’s legacy of empowerment.
Commissary Kitchen Program Request for Applications
Applications due by July 16th at 2 pm.
Community Buildings Decarbonization Program Request for Applications Applications due by July 16th at 11:59 pm.
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.
Post-Crisis Care RFP
Applications due by August 1st at 2 pm.
Best Starts for Kids Workforce Development Mini Grants Request for Applications
Applications due by August 11th at 4 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.
Workshops:
- Tuesday, July 22, from 2:30–4 pm at the Kent Historical Museum (855 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030) | Register
- Monday, August 4, from 4:30–6 pm on Zoom | Register
- Thursday, August 21, from 12–1:30 pm on Zoom | Register
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.
Link Light Rail is coming to South King County. Metro wants to hear from you!!
New Link light rail stations will open in Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Transit Center as soon as 2026. Metro is seeking feedback from communities in Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, and Tukwila on several proposed changes to our transit services in South King County. Attend an upcoming virtual open house and share your thoughts in a survey by August 31st. For more information, visit Metro South Link Connections.
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Help Shape the Look and Feel of Proposed Clean Water Facilities In SODO
Click on the image above to view the full Proposed Facilities Fact Sheet.
In May 2025, King County announced their proposed solution (above) for Mouth of Duwamish Wet Weather Facilities, which will help improve water quality in the Duwamish River and Elliott Bay. The proposed solution includes:
- A new wet weather treatment station in SODO
- A new storage tank in West Seattle (Industrial District West)
- A new outfall for cleaned water
- New pipes and supporting facilities to connect flows along the way
They are now moving forward with environmental review and design! Complete the survey linked below to help the look and feel of the proposed facilities in SODO. This survey will be live through Sunday, August 31st. Finish and enter to win a $50 gift card!
If you would like to complete the survey by mail or over the phone, please contact research@prrbiz.com or call 206-957-2985. Or find them at an upcoming event:
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SODO BIA Q3 Networking Event and National Night Out: Tuesday, August 5, from 4 to 6 pm, in the Graybar Electric parking lot at 1919 Sixth Ave. S.
Woodland Park Zoo Community Voice Survey
 Woodland Park Zoo is planning for our future—and your voice and ideas are needed to shape it. The zoo is developing a Long-Range Facilities Plan (LRFP) to guide the physical development of the zoo over the next 20 years.
What is a Long-Range Facilities Plan? A Long-Range Facilities Plan creates a big-picture plan for how the zoo's buildings, animal spaces, and guest areas will grow, improve and stay sustainable over many years.
Learning about your experiences and needs helps them make sure the zoo’s spaces reflect and support the communities we serve. Your feedback will guide plans for updates that strengthen their commitment to conservation and sustainability, celebrate diversity, and build deeper connections across people, animals, and nature.
📣 Call for Mural Artists 📣
Click on the flyer above for more information.
206 Zulu and SCIDpda are seeking mural artists or artist teams to design and install publicly viewable murals on the 13th & Fir building exterior located in Seattle's Yesler Terrace neighborhood.
The goal for this project is to create large-scale art at an affordable housing building, 13th & Fir, that is impactful and reflective of the immediate neighborhoods’ collective values and diverse community. 13th & Fir is a 6-story mixed use housing project providing space for 156 low-income family-sized apartment units, community-based commercial spaces, and a childcare center.
This project is funded through a grant from the Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Program.
More information on the Request For Qualifications (RFQ) is available here.
206 Zulu is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible spaces while serving communities through the upliftment, preservation, and celebration of Hip Hop culture.
The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) is a community development organization whose mission is to preserve, promote, and develop the Seattle Chinatown International District (CID) as a vibrant community and unique ethnic neighborhood.
Special Note of Appreciation
This Teresa Tuesday marks a bittersweet farewell as we celebrate the incredible contributions of our Veteran Fellow, Marilyn Miquel. Since joining our office last year as a U.S. Air Force veteran and active Reservist, Marilyn has been a driving force in our communications and community engagement efforts. She quickly took the lead on this very newsletter, elevated our social media presence, and played a key role in strengthening ties with the community and expanding our work to combat food insecurity across District 8. Marilyn brought skill, heart, and dedication to everything she did, and her impact on our team and the community has been profound. We are so grateful for her service and will miss her deeply – thank you, Marilyn, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
 Marilyn on the far left during a community visit to Vashon.
 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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