 Dear King County District 2 Resident,
This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay.
Below are some news, updates, and events that I think you’ll find useful. This email will provide you a snapshot of recent updates. For a more comprehensive list of my office’s legislation and priorities, check out my King County website, where I list what we’ve been working on over the past year. You can also follow my Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates on all our work!
Announcements & Policy Updates
Budget Season updates
For the past month, your King County Council has been hard at work writing the 2026-2027 biennial budget. Executive Braddock transmitted her $19.7 billion proposed budget to the Council last month, and since then, we’ve been reviewing her proposals, meeting with constituents, holding budget panels, hearing from experts, and making crucial decisions on how to allocate county funds.
It’s been a difficult budget season, with a revenue shortfall combining with volatility from the federal government leading to hard discussions and decisions. Budget Chair Dembowski will be sharing his budget striker soon, which the Council will be discussing, amending, and voting on in November.
As always, I encourage you to stay informed about the budget and share your thoughts, concerns, and priorities as things progress. Every comment helps guide how your tax dollars support the services our community relies on.
We’ve passed our Strategic Climate Action Plan
After months of discussion and deliberation that built on years of work, King County passed our updated Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP), a 5-year blueprint for how the County will tackle the climate crisis. The plan centers frontline communities, commits every county department to measurable reductions, and creates transparent reporting so residents can track our progress year by year.
King County communities are already facing the impacts of climate change, from warmer air and heavier rain events to declining long-term snowpack and changing ocean chemistry. Actions in the 2025 SCAP will help communities prepare for climate impacts on health, homes, businesses, and the environment, while also building stronger, more resilient ecosystems.
In short, it makes climate accountability permanent and it puts King County on the path to net-zero operations by 2030 and community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Some of the changes the SCAP makes include:
- Carbon-neutral operations are back on the books for DNRP, Wastewater, and Solid Waste
- The Solid Waste Division keeps the carbon-neutral goal and doubles down on reducing emissions from trucks and landfill systems
- Several county departments such as the Wastewater Treatment Division and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, will move away from offsets and toward direct reductions in emissions
- Future Parks capital projects must meet Salmon-Safe standards to protect local waterways
- New buildings will need to meet higher green-building and net-zero standards starting in 2026
- All new County buildings must meet top-tier green standards like LEED Platinum or Zero-Carbon certification
- Big infrastructure projects will have to meet Envision Platinum, ensuring sustainability is built in from the start
- King County will launch a public dashboard showing how the County is doing on climate goals
This is an immediate and lasting commitment to both address the climate crisis and build a more resilient King County. This updated Strategic Climate Action Plan is the first step to help us address our greenhouse gas emissions while also preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already here. From protecting frontline communities to pushing for faster and more aggressive reductions, this plan will hold us accountable and drive action now.
I want to thank the Executive’s team, the Climate Office, Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, and all the community members and advocates who’ve helped shape the SCAP. We are taking steps today and every day to create a livable, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Read more about the SCAP and what it entails here.
Federal Government Shutdown
As of today, the federal government has been shut down for a month. While it’s unclear when the shutdown will end, one thing has been clear from the beginning: if the shutdown persists, the effect will be devastating for our communities. The federal administration has been threatening layoffs, the 80,000 federal workers in Washington state aren’t getting paid, food banks are being stretched thin, nearly 42 million people may lose SNAP or WIC benefits, and so much more is at stake as the shutdown continues with no end in sight.
As of the morning of October 31st, two federal judges have ruled that the federal administration must continue funding SNAP using contingency funds during the shutdown. While this is great news, the rulings may face appeals, and we want to ensure that our communities are supported in this volatile situation. With that in mind, we've compiled resources and information you can rely on in the meantime.
The impacts to SNAP and WIC are particularly dire, with government funding for these programs running out by November 1st. Nearly 1 million people in Washington rely on SNAP benefits, and 145,000 rely on WIC. As the federal government shutdown stretches on, many of these people won’t have enough money for their next meal.
My office has compiled information and resources on what'll happen to these benefits, what you should know, and places to go if you need help.
What to Know:
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SNAP: SNAP beneficiaries will not receive November food benefits if federal funding does not resume before November 1st. You can still use any funds already on your EBT card. Unused funds roll over each month and are only removed after 274 days without use.
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WIC: Temporary state and county funds will keep WIC operating through mid-to-late November. Public Health Seattle and King County is also partnering with Safeway to distribute one-time food and infant formula vouchers to current WIC clients.
Food Resources:
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Call or text 211, or visit wa211.org for food banks, free meal sites, and delivery options.
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Visit foodlifeline.org/find-food for a map of food resources.
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Culturally specific food banks include ACRS Food Bank, Byrd Barr Place, Cultivate South Park, El Centro de la Raza, Filipino Community of Seattle, Seattle Indian Center, and Washington West African Center.
Stay Informed:
Our office will continue to monitor developments and share updates as they come. King County and our partners are here to help you stay healthy, safe, and supported.
King County launches new Stop Hate Hotline
King County recently launched the new Stop Hate Hotline, a confidential reporting system designed to help victims of hate crimes and bias incidents access immediate support and community resources. Operated by the nonprofit organization Crisis Connections, the hotline is available 24/7 at 833-786-7481 (833-STOP-H81) and offers real-time interpretation in more than 200 languages. Callers can choose to report anonymously or provide their contact information for follow-up services.
The Stop Hate Hotline was developed through collaboration between King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Councilmember Reagan Dunn, and the King County Coalition Against Hate and Bias. The initiative builds on legislation unanimously approved by the County Council to expand reporting options for hate crime victims. Leaders emphasized that the hotline aims to create a safer, more inclusive community by connecting residents with trauma-informed care and resources while encouraging the reporting of hate incidents. The Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice will continue working with community partners to monitor the hotline’s effectiveness and ensure that everyone in King County has access to compassionate, culturally responsive support.
Read more here.
No Kings Rally
This month, I spoke at the No Kings Rally at Seattle Center to an audience of nearly 90,000. Standing on that stage was an incredible reminder of the power we have when we come together. Seeing so many voices united for justice, equity, and community safety showed me that we are stronger than any attempt to divide or intimidate us. It is also a reminder that this energy has to translate into action. We cannot rely on others to protect our communities—we must organize, watch out for our neighbors, and make our voices heard at every level of government.
Now is the time to turn solidarity into results. Get involved with local efforts, support those whose rights are under attack, and help keep our communities safe if federal overreach occurs. Stand together, speak up, and hold leaders accountable. Every action matters. Today we showed our strength in numbers; tomorrow, we keep building the safer, fairer future that we all deserve.
Watch my full remarks here.
 Photo courtesy of Jack Storms
Recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the City of Algona
This month, King County recognized the 70th anniversary of the City of Algona, celebrating seven decades of community, growth, and local pride. Established in 1955, Algona has maintained its close-knit, small-town character while evolving into a vibrant and welcoming city that values connection, diversity, and civic engagement.
The milestone marks an important moment in the city’s history and offers an opportunity to reflect on Algona’s enduring commitment to its residents and its continued role as a valued part of King County’s network of communities.
Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation
This month, King County recognized Disability Employment Awareness Month, honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities and reaffirming the County’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. The observance highlights the importance of creating equitable employment opportunities and fostering environments where every person can thrive.
The recognition serves as a reminder of the value that individuals with disabilities bring to King County’s workforce and communities. It also underscores the County’s ongoing efforts to promote accessibility, remove barriers to employment, and build a culture of belonging for all residents.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
This month, King County recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing attention to the ongoing efforts to support survivors, prevent abuse, and promote safe, healthy relationships throughout the community. The observance highlights the importance of raising awareness, breaking the silence around domestic violence, and ensuring that resources remain available for those in need.
The recognition serves as a reminder of King County’s commitment to working alongside community partners and advocacy organizations to strengthen prevention efforts, expand access to support services, and build a future free from violence for all residents.
Errol the Courthouse Dog Proclamation
This month, King County recognized Errol, the Courthouse Facility Dog, for his dedicated service in providing comfort and support to individuals involved in the justice system. Since joining the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Errol has played a vital role in helping victims and witnesses, especially children, feel more at ease during difficult legal proceedings.
The recognition celebrates Errol’s years of compassionate service and the positive impact courthouse facility dogs have in promoting healing and emotional well-being within the justice system. His presence serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, care, and innovation in supporting those navigating challenging experiences.
Pro Bono Week Proclamation
This month, King County recognized Pro Bono Week, honoring the dedication of legal professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to provide free legal services to individuals and communities in need. The observance highlights the vital role of pro bono work in promoting access to justice and ensuring that all residents have the support they need to navigate the legal system.
The recognition celebrates the commitment of attorneys and legal organizations who contribute their skills to serve vulnerable populations, strengthen communities, and uphold the principle that everyone deserves fair and equal access to legal assistance.
Sound Transit seeks public feedback on 2026 service plan
Sound Transit invites the public to learn more and provide feedback about proposed changes to future ST Express bus service.
By the end of 2026, Link light rail will provide expanded service to many communities across the Central Puget Sound region. To maximize the benefits of this new service, Sound Transit is developing a plan to change some ST Express Routes to improve regional mobility.
The 2026 Service Plan survey is open from Oct. 6 to Nov. 7. Riders are asked to provide their feedback on proposed changes ST Express service, including a new overnight bus service.
The public can learn more about the 2026 Service Plan at http://www.soundtransit.org/2026serviceplan
The website includes an online survey for the public to provide feedback. The website and survey are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Russian.
Sound Transit retains committed to working closely with its partners to continue serving the public. Efforts will continue to prioritize serving riders who depend on Sound Transit’s services, including seniors, people with disabilities, Title VI protected populations (race, color, national origin), low-income and limited-English-proficiency populations.
Road Services Seeks Input on Traffic Safety in Unincorporated King County
Road Services is working on a plan to improve traffic safety in unincorporated King County, and would like to hear from you. Your insight will help them build a clearer picture of what’s happening in your community, and will help King County apply for grants to improve traffic safety.
Help make county roads safer to drive, bike, walk, and roll on. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts at Traffic safety planning - PublicInput.
Community Advisory Committee for Law Enforcement Seek Members
The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) represents the interests of the public in its efforts to hold the King County Sheriff’s Office accountable for providing fair and just police services. OLEO is looking for community members who want to serve as advocates for the interests of the diverse communities across King County. Learn more and apply here by November 19th.
Auditor’s Office Seeks Public Input
Have you experienced challenges with King County services or have ideas for how things could work better? The King County Auditor’s Office wants to hear from you! They’ve launched a public input portal where community members can share their experiences and suggest potential topics for future audits. Your input helps ensure the government works effectively, efficiently and equitably for everyone. You can read more about the King County Auditor’s Office here.
FREE dental services for Medicaid-enrolled kids
The King County Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program (ABCD) focuses on preventive and restorative dental care for Medicaid-eligible children, with an emphasis on "First Tooth, First Birthday, First Dental Exam" by a dentist or a doctor.
Do any of these apply to your children?
- On Medicaid (Apple Health)
- Suffering from tooth pain
- Sensitivity to heat/cold
- Cavities that need to be addressed
- Thumb/lip sucking
- Premature tooth loss
- Lack a dental care provider
- Gingivitis & gum disease
If so, they may be eligible for free dental services through ABCD. The next free dental service day will be:
Date: December 6
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Skyway Resource Center, 12610 76th Avenue S
Call or email to see if your child is eligible for an appointment:
1-800-756-5437 | abcd@kingcounty.gov.
All kids ages 0-18 in Washington State can get free vaccines!
Kids 18 and under in Washington can get all routinely recommended vaccines at no cost from a health care provider that participates in the Childhood Vaccine program.
Families might be charged an administration fee by the vaccine provider, but don't have to pay if they can't afford it.
If children receive other services at the same time, like a sports physical or well-child check, families might be charged an office visit fee. But they'll never be charged for the cost of the vaccine.
The Washington State Department of Health provides a full list of school and child care vaccination requirements in multiple languages for families to check that children are up to date.
There are about 300 Childhood Vaccine Program providers in King County.
Assistance Filling Out Immigrant Safety Plan
The Legal Counsel for Youth and Children is now offering virtual one-on-one appointments with trained staff to fill out the Immigrant Safety Plan with community members who live, work, or study in Seattle. This is a community resource to help parents plan for the care of their children in the event that a parent is unable to care for their child, particularly if the parent is detained or deported. Virtual appointments are available in Spanish and English. Sign up here: https://lcycwa.org/isp.
Garfield Super Block Coalition Seeks Artist
The Garfield Super Block Coalition (GSB) is seeking an artist to create a piece of artwork that is one part map of the Garfield Super Block, one part history, and one part artwork. This call is open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in Washington State. For help with the submission process, join us for an online Application Workshop on Monday, November 10th at 6pm.
Applications due November 24th, 2025. Apply today here
Alan M. Painter Grants: Community project organizers in unincorporated King County have until Dec. 5 to apply for 2026 funds
The Department of Local Services is now accepting applications for the 2026 Alan M. Painter Grant Program. This popular program supports projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance unincorporated communities. Funded projects benefit all community members, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Funds may not be used for political activities.
A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2026, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for chosen projects will begin in March 2026.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
Learn more or to apply on the Alan M. Painter Grant Program page.
Background:
The King County Council approved renaming the grants program to honor Alan M. Painter, the founding director of King County’s Community Service Areas program. Alan was a long-time public servant who also worked in the City of Seattle and served communities across King County.
The grant program that now bears his name supports projects that advance the King County Strategic Plan and achieve one or more of the following goals:
- Promote the engagement of unincorporated area residents in community or civic activities
- Educate local residents about issues that affect them
- Identify and gather community needs and priorities
- Meet King County’s equity and social justice goals of increasing fairness and opportunity for all people, particularly people of color and those with low incomes and/or limited English.
Since the program began, King County has awarded more than $1 million in grant money to community organizations.
Allen Family Philanthropies Announces Creative Youth Development RFP
Allen Family Philanthropies (formerly the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation) has released a Request for Proposals focused on Creative Youth Development in Washington State. The initiative aims to expand access to existing (not new) high-quality youth programs that combine hands-on artmaking with life skill development.
The foundation expects to award 10–12 three-year grants, with each grant up to $500,000, to eligible community-based nonprofits and Tribal organizations. Funding will support ongoing efforts that give Washington’s young people (ages 13–26) opportunities for artistic growth and leadership development outside of school. All eligible organizations are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, which is due November 19, 2025. For more details, please visit their web page.
AED Program Now Open!
AED Grant Program Now Open!
The Medic One Foundation is offering grants to help local nonprofits & government groups in King & Snohomish counties purchase AEDs for public spaces like community centers, parks, and law enforcement vehicles.
- Priority for vulnerable & underserved communities
- Grants cover up to 75% of AED costs (typically $1,500–$10,000)
- Includes optional CPR/AED training
- Recent recipients: Bigfoot BMX, El Centro de la Raza, Snohomish & White Center Food Banks, and more!
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) or government entities, no consecutive-year funding, AEDs must be publicly accessible.
Interested? Apply now and help save lives.
Minor home repair program available at no cost to income-qualified homeowners in White Center and Skyway
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.
4Culture Cultural Support Services Projects
4Culture’s Cultural Support Services Projects program provides funding for organizations and Tribes that improve the quality of life and careers for King County cultural services workers by funding the continuation, creation, and expansion of various cultural support services in King County.
Cultural Support Services Projects grants are available for King County-based nonprofit arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science & technology organizations, as well as Tribal governments, public development authorities, and public agencies.
Awards range from $30,000 to $225,000 total ($10,000 to $75,000 per year for a three-year funding period).
Applications are due Wednesday, November 12 @ 5:00 p.m.
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or contact Cassie Chinn by email at cassie.chinn@4culture.org or by phone at 206-263-8324.
WA State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities Expansion and Maintenance Grant
The purpose of this grant is to assist early learning and childcare providers to remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms to create more early learning opportunities for children from income-qualified households.
Organizations that are eligible for this funding include early childhood education and assistance program providers, licensed early learning facilities, developers of housing and community facilities, local governments, tribes and tribal organizations, and public school districts.
Award amounts are variable. Grant awards of $250,000 and higher must be secured by real estate.
Applications are due Friday, October 31 @ 5:00 p.m. Apply now at this link!
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or contact Kristin Ramos at Kristin.Ramos@commerce.wa.gov.
NextCycle Washington Business & Nonprofit Circular Accelerator Program
Applications are due Friday, October 31 @ 11:59 p.m. Apply now at this link!
Details: NextCycle Washington’s Circular Accelerator Program supports businesses and projects focused on reuse, repair, recycling, composting, and the use of recycled content in new products. It provides business planning and technical support for organizations to execute promising circular businesses and projects.
The program is open to private sector businesses, nonprofits, community-based organizations, institutions, and Tribal nations and organizations. Applicants are selected for a six-month program to advance their ventures.
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, email NextCycleWA@recycle.com.
King County Public Health Promoting First Relationships: Agency Training Project
Applications are due Tuesday, November 4 @ 2:00 p.m. To apply, email your application to cpres-CHS@kingcounty.gov!
Details: King County Public Health is requesting applications from community-based agencies to participate in Promoting First Relationships training. This training equips service providers to help parents and other caregivers nurture young children’s social and emotional development. Agencies can apply for training at two levels: Level 2 Certified Provider or Level 3 Agency Trainer. Additionally, agencies may request an individual or several individuals from an agency to participate in the Promoting First Relationships training, depending on agency needs. The funding level will vary between $2,000-$20,000.
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please contact Saba Al Harazi at cpres-CHS@kingcounty.gov
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Game Ready Activation Grants
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is offering Game Ready Activation Grants to support short-term, community-led activations across King County. These events are intended to promote public engagement, tourism, and small business visibility in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Grants of $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 are awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early — funding is limited and may be exhausted before the final deadline.
All of District 2 is eligible. You may check the chamber’s Small Business Activation Grant Eligible Areas map to confirm that your business or organization is eligible.
Applications are due Monday, November 10 @ 11:59 p.m. Apply now at this link!
For more details, please see the grant proposal documents, or contact Eric Glaze at SMCOC@InclusiveDataSolutions.com.
Home repair funds are available for residents in unincorporated Skyway/West Hill and East Renton
As part of King County's Participatory Budgeting program, residents in Skyway/West Hill and East Renton voted to provide funds to repair homes for income-qualified owners in these areas. The funds—$300,000 for Skyway and $100,000 for East Renton—are available to cover roof repair or replacement; plumbing, electrical, or furnace repairs; painting, drywall, weatherization, home access modifications, and more.
Call 206-263-9095 to learn about the process, who is eligible, and how to get services. Let them know you heard about the repair program through Participatory Budgeting!
Where to go During a Medical Emergency
When facing a medical emergency, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. To help you navigate your options, check out this guide from Seattle Children’s Hospital to help you decide whether to go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care based on your symptoms. Translations are available at the bottom of the page in Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese.
makeitthrough.org.
Help us grow our reach!
My team and I send email updates like the one you’re currently reading every couple of weeks and we want to ensure we’re reaching as many of you in our community as possible. If you know anyone who would like to receive these updates, please be sure to send them over to our County Council website to sign up!
And as always, for more frequent and daily updates, you can check out our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages. For the latest news, resources, and opportunities to engage with your King County government, follow me on the social media channels of your choice:
Facebook: facebook.com/Councilmember.Girmay
Twitter: @CMGirmayZahilay
Sincerely,
Councilmember Girmay Zahilay
King County Council
District 2
206-477-1002
girmay.zahilay@kingcounty.gov
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