Throughout 2025 we have heard reports of federal funding cuts and thousands of staffing lay-offs for federal agencies that provide public services. Staffing lay-offs which have affected thousands of veterans who served their country in the military and then worked for a federal agency.
The recent domestic policy and budget bill passed by Congress reinforces reduced investment in public service. The main focus has been reductions in Medicaid which means less available health care for individuals and potentially a major cut to hospitals which rely on Medicaid reimbursement – hospitals which serve all of us.
Now is the time for us to stand together and support our local communities.
The council addressed these concerns by allocating small grants to local providers who have felt the impact of federal reductions either to their bottom line or increased demand for service.
As a result of this work, King County will be supporting our communities in District 5 through financial grants to the following organizations:
In addition, the council was able to direct some funding toward youth and amateur sports. Here are organizations in district 5 which received support:
I was pleased to advocate for all these organizations knowing that they create a sense of community, one where we support each other.
If you are aware of organizations in your neighborhood who are making a difference, let me know at desean.quinn@kingcounty.gov.
Applications are due July 29 (see more below)
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.
Mural at Open Doors
On Monday, I met toured the Open Doors Multi-Cultural Village in Kent. The vision of this effort is inspiring! The founder of Open Doors, Ginger Kwan, explained that Open Doors was created to help families with children with disabilities.
Open Doors works on a cultural brokerage model where individuals with disabilities and their families are connected to services that provide specialized programming to help them thrive in an inclusive society of their design.
Ginger Kwan saw a need for a system that works to meet people where they are at and turned it into an organization that is focused on serving a diverse range of communities.
I also had a meeting regarding challenges facing the development of the *new* RapidRide I-line which will run from Renton to Auburn. Construction will begin this fall with service scheduled to start in 2027
I met with Larry Phillips at
Marine View Park in Normandy Park
And I had the opportunity to discuss Conservation Futures funding with former King County Councilmember Larry Phillips. We met at Marine View Park and I asked him about his leadership on conserving forests, farmlands and open space for future generations.
Midday, I received a briefing on the Critical Areas Ordinance which is legislation regarding zoning regulations around critical habitat and conservation areas.
At the afternoon council meeting, we presented a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month.
Left to right: CM Dembowski, CM von Reichbauer, CM Perry, CM Balducci, CM Zahilay,
Ariele Belo, Co-Executive Director/Director of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC), CM Mosqueda, CM Quinn, CM Dunn, CM Baron
The Council also passed the mid-year budget ordinance which included the small grants for service organizations in District 5 above as well as support for public safety services including the sheriff’s office. Funding for these grants was provided by the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy.
Click above to see CM Quinn’s speaking
about local efforts to address federal funding cuts
We also passed a motion to support immigrants and refugees in our communities. I was pleased to speak to this motion and sign-on as a co-sponsor.
Click above to see CM Quinn’s speaking
about local efforts to support immigrant families in King County
On Wednesday, the Local Services and Land Use committee reviewed the chair’s proposal for the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) legislation.
This legislation was proposed using best available science to determine how to protect riparian areas, wetlands and habitat for salmon, other fish species and wildlife while also supporting our farms. The final vote on the CAO in committee will be August 20.
I also toured an affordable housing project at Fort Lawton which is seeking support from King County.
Personal note:
My son is playing in the WA state championship Little League play-off game this weekend. My wife and I are so proud of his team!
I hope this information is helpful to you. I strive to be transparent and share what I am doing on behalf of District 5.
King County Councilmember, District 5
Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila
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