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Summary
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has transmitted seven nominations to the Board of Directors for Sound Transit. The nominations will be considered by the King County Council at their December 9 meeting.
Story
Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted his first ever slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. This is his second transmittal since taking office last week, following his nominations to the District 2 King County Council seat yesterday.
The County Council will consider both the Sound Transit Board nominations and District 2 Councilmember nominations at their meeting on Tuesday, December 9.
As part of the Sound Transit slate, Zahilay and Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson will replace former Executive Shannon Braddock and outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell. Zahilay previously served on the Board as a King County Councilmember.
Zahilay’s nominations reflect the need for true regional collaboration on the future of mass transit, ensuring representation for both East and South King County, and representation for Seattle as the Link Extension enters a critical period.
The King County Executive appoints 10 total seats to the 18-member Sound Transit Board, which are staggered in two-year intervals. Board Members serve four-year terms.
Full list of nominations:
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Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive
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Katie Wilson, Mayor-elect of Seattle
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Steffanie Fain, King County Councilmember (District 5)
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Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember (District 7)
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Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember (District 8)
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Angela Birney, Mayor of Redmond
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Thomas McLeod, Mayor of Tukwila
Statement from King County Executive Girmay Zahilay:
“The future of our region relies on safe and reliable mass transportation, and it is more important than ever that Sound Transit’s Board of Directors collaborate with staff and community partners to fulfill our promises to taxpayers on time and within budget. We are entering a monumental phase for Sound Transit as the Federal Way Link Extension opens this weekend, the Eastside Link Extension nears completion in 2026, and future extensions reach important planning phases. Communities that have felt cut off from our region’s transit systems will be connected to key areas like Downtown Seattle, Downtown Bellevue, and Sea-Tac International Airport. I am confident that this slate of Sound Transit Board nominees will serve our transit system well in the short- and long-term as they advocate for their constituencies and look to the future of regional transportation.”
Statement from Mayor-elect of Seattle Katie Wilson:
“I've spent years advocating for the fast, frequent, reliable, and affordable mass transit system that Seattle and our entire region deserve. I'm excited to get to work and help make that happen as a member of the Sound Transit board.”
Statement from King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain (District 5):
“I’m honored to serve on the Sound Transit Board and grateful to Executive Zahilay for the opportunity to represent South King County as we shape the future of transit. As Chair of the Council’s Transit, Economy, and Environment Committee, as well as the Regional Transit Committee, I’m committed to prioritizing safety, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Sound Transit, and meeting the growing needs of our transit-dependent communities in South King County. I look forward to working collaboratively to deliver a cohesive system that supports our residents, our workforce, and our local economy.”
Statement from King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer (District 7):
“I have been a long-time advocate for South King County on the Board of Sound Transit, and I want to continue to advocate for the South Puget Sound region because my district is the linchpin between Pierce and King counties. I am excited about this coming Saturday’s opening of the link to Federal Way because it recognizes the growth and transportation needs in South King County. I look forward to advocating for the completion of this transportation spine.”
Statement from King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (District 8):
“Light rail holds incredible promise for shared prosperity, long-term climate resilience, self-determination, and access to opportunity for communities across the region. Representing a King County district that encompasses diverse communities home to current and future Sound Transit stations—from Chinatown-International District and SODO to Downtown, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle—I’m committed to supporting transit access, affordability and equity in light rail planning, while complementing existing community assets and ensuring that our systems remain safe, reliable, and accessible to the communities we serve. I’m grateful to Executive Zahilay for the opportunity to serve on the Sound Transit Board at such a crucial moment for our region.”
Statement from Mayor of Redmond Angela Birney:
“Thank you to Executive Zahilay for the opportunity to continue serving on the Sound Transit Board with this reappointment. East King County plays a critical role in the success of our regional transit system, and I’m committed to ensuring our communities’ needs and priorities are clearly represented as we advance projects that improve mobility, reliability, and access for everyone.”
Statement from Mayor of Tukwila Thomas McLeod:
“I am honored to be nominated by King County Executive Zahilay to represent South King County on the Sound Transit Board. Sound Transit is building more than a system to move people; it is helping to build vibrant, equitable, and thriving communities throughout our region. An exciting time for us all. And while there are important decisions ahead for Sound Transit, I look forward to working with Board members, staff, and the community to address any challenges in strengthening our regional transit system.”
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