November 21st Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 11/21/2025 05:00 PM PST
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News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives. Dear Friends: Today’s update includes news about the King County 2026-27 Budget, the David E. Hill Memorial Wetland Preserve, travel industry and airport updates, and more.
Washington Trivia On November 20, 1903, the leader of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce Tribe, along with his nephew Red Thunder, attended a University of Washington football game in Seattle. Later, they addressed an audience at the Seattle Theatre. Who was this notable figure? (Answer is at the bottom) On Tuesday, November 18, King County Council approved the budget for 2026-27. The Council’s Budget Leadership Team built on the Executive’s proposal to boost funding for food security, housing and homelessness, accountability and more. Read more here.
David E. Hill Memorial Wetland Preserve Former Algona Mayor David Hill had a dream of a wetland preserve for Blue Herons and everyday people alike, and we recently had the honor of dedicating this space in his memory. Algona, originally known as Algoma, an Indigenous term which means “Valley of the Flowers,” is now home to one of the most remarkable accessible wetland preserves in the nation. Congratulations Mayor Troy Linnell for finishing the dream and bringing this vision to fruition!
With Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, 30th Legislative District Senator Claire Wilson, and Auburn Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kacie Bray
Travel Industry Update In September 2025, the travel industry update from Visit Seattle showed a slight decline in downtown hotel demand, with an occupancy rate of 83.5%, down from 85.8% in August. However, room revenue improved compared to September 2024 due to a rise in Average Daily Rate (ADR). The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, while inflation rose to 3%. Despite concerns over rising prices, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.8%, although retail sales fell by 0.66%. Additionally, Customs and Border Protection reported an 8% decrease in inbound arrivals, continuing a five-month trend of year-over-year declines.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Updates
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Checkpoint 6 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reopened on Monday, November 17. This revamped checkpoint boasts a more efficient layout and a larger space for travelers to collect their belongings. For more information about each checkpoint, click here. Holiday Traffic As construction progresses on the Arrivals Drive, traffic lanes will be redirected to the newly paved areas as part of the Roadway Improvements project. While this upgrade promises a smoother driving experience, please exercise caution and adjust to the new lane configurations. To facilitate airport pick-up and drop-off during the holiday season, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is offering complimentary General Parking for the first 90 minutes from November 24 to 30 and December 22 to 28, applicable only between 7 PM and midnight. To sign up for timely alerts, visit WSDOT | King County Roads | King County Metro | SEA Airport | Sound Transit | Federal Way | Auburn | Kent | Snow and Ice | Be Flood Ready
Local Events Community Clothing Swap
The City of Federal Way will host another free community clothing swap on Saturday, November 22, at the South King Tool Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home items while helping reduce textile waste. Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for fall/winter). Items on hangers are appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling. Click here to learn more.
Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade Returns The Lighted Santa Parade returns this December with enhanced lighting from new string lights on Main Street. Join the parade in Downtown Auburn on December 6 at 4:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at City Hall Plaza. Read more here.
South King Fire Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive
Dec. 1 at North Hill/Zenith
Visit soundtransit.org/southkinglink for details about opening day activities, schedule information, and to sign up for project alerts.
Non-Profit Corner
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Easy as pie Meaning: Very easy. Origin: The expression “easy as pie” has its roots in the United States, emerging in the late 19th century. It likely reflects the enjoyable and uncomplicated experience of eating pie, rather than the challenges of baking it. A related phrase, “nice as pie,” was noted as early as 1855, while “easy as pie” made its first printed appearance in newspapers during the late 1880s, including the June 1887 edition of The Newport Mercury. Sandwich Meaning: A sandwich consists of two or more slices of bread or a split roll, with a filling placed in between. Origin: The term "sandwich" is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who in the 18th century requested meat between two slices of bread to avoid greasy hands while playing cards. His title comes from the town of Sandwich in Kent, England, derived from the Old English "sandwic," meaning "sandy place" or "trading place on the sand."
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Mariners 2026 Spring Training Schedule Take transit to all your sporting and community events in Seattle. Metro and Link light rail serve riders heading to T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Lumen Field, and Climate Pledge Arena.
Remembering Lenny Wilkens MVP: Most Valuable Person. October 1937 – November 2025. I have known Lenny Wilkens for over 45 years and you could not have a better friend. During the COVID pandemic, he would make weekly calls to check in. A Hall of Famer as a player, coach, and person. Rest in peace. Prayers for Marilyn and family.
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer: On November 20, 1903, Chief Joseph and his nephew attended a University of Washington (UW) football game in Seattle, where he later spoke at the Seattle Theatre.
Chief Joseph was invited to speak in Seattle by the Washington State Historical Society, generating significant interest. He arrived on November 19 with his nephew, Red Thunder, who served as his interpreter. They were welcomed by Professor Edmond Meany, a close friend who had previously written a thesis about Joseph. The next day, Meany excitedly took them to a UW football game where UW won 2-0. Meany advised taking the last streetcar for good seats, but it dropped them off downtown, leading to a tiring climb for them. Arriving late for his speech at the Seattle Theatre, Chief Joseph and Red Thunder joined the event after a brief delay explained by Meany. Judge Cornelius Hanford opened the meeting, and Chief Joseph prepared to speak with former Indian Agent Henry Steele at his side as interpreter. Chief Joseph and Red Thunder spent several days in Seattle before eventually returning to the Colville reservation. However, Chief Joseph would not travel again, passing away less than a year later. He was laid to rest in Nespelem, never to return to his homeland in the Wallowa Valley. Photo source: HistoryLink.org
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TSA Checkpoint 6 Reopens
South King Fire began Santa Parades in 2020 to support and connect with the community throughout a difficult time. The 
Chief Joseph, a leader of the Nez Perce Tribe, gained fame during the 1877 Nez Perce War for his resistance against the U.S. Army's efforts to remove his people from their ancestral land in Northeast Oregon. After surrendering, he and his tribe were relocated to reservations in Oklahoma and later Washington. Joseph's political skills and dedication to his land earned him admiration, leading him to advocate for his tribe's return to the Wallowa Valley through various speeches and trips to Washington D.C.
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