 Dear King County District 2 Resident,
I’m honored to introduce myself as your newly appointed King County Councilmember. Serving the district I call home is an honor and a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community’s values, challenges, and aspirations. This has been my home since 1982, when Lenny Wilkens was coaching the Sonics, Gaylord Perry was pitching for the Mariners, and Charlie Royer was mayor of Seattle.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the honor of serving D2 as then-Councilmember Zahilay’s Chief of Staff, where I’ve worked with folks throughout the county and the district to better the lives of people living here. I know the challenges we face, and I know the immense potential here. From advocating for financial support for Lambert House, to mentoring students at the University of Washington, to working with Skyway partners like Homestead Community Land Trust and Skyway Coalition, I’ve worked hand in hand with people and communities across the district throughout my years here, and I will continue to do so in this new capacity.
In the coming months through November, my focus will be on listening to residents, community organizations, and local businesses so I can advocate effectively on your behalf. I will use my knowledge of the district and my years of experience in the county to leverage every available resource to improve quality of life for our residents. My goal is to maintain momentum on critical projects like the Youth Achievement Center and the Skyway Community Center, while strengthening relationships across the district and leaving it in excellent shape for the councilmember who will be elected in November 2026.
Please never hesitate to reach out—my office and I are here to help.
Thank you for welcoming me into this role. I look forward to working with you and for you.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lewis
King County Councilmember, District 2
Flood Resources
With the continuing floods affecting King County and Western Washington, I wanted to share some resources for anyone who might need them. While no area of D2 is currently under a flood watch or an evacuation order, given the continued heavy rains this week, it is important to know where to go for accurate information and what resources are available to you and your loved ones.
Flash Flood Alert for Tukwila
A levee failure could cause life threatening flash flooding in Tukwila near the Green River. King County has issued a GO NOW evacuation notice for residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia areas in Tukwila, Renton, and Kent. Conditions are dangerous and access routes may be lost at any time.
Go north or south of evacuated area, away from flooding waters. Do not drive or walk through standing or moving water. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive around barricades or road closures. If you need emergency evacuation assistance, call 911.
Shelter is available:
- Auburn Community and Event Center, 910 9th St. SE, Auburn, WA, 98002
- Ray of Hope Shelter, 2806 Auburn Way N. Auburn, WA, 98002
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE., Monroe, WA 98272 (Open 24 hours) – Pets welcomed
Go to kcemergency.com for information and updates.
Flood Alerts
For information about potential flooding, sign up for Flood Alerts. For river levels, flood conditions, and sandbag resources and distribution, go to flood.kingcounty.gov.
Call 206-296-8200 during flood events to get the latest information on conditions or ask questions about river flooding. Please call 911 if you are experiencing a flood emergency.
Call the Flood Warning Center phone number to:
- Hear current river flow data
- Get information about sandbags
- Learn background information on flood phases
- Connect to the River and Floodplain Management section during business hours
Hours: 24-hours a day | Live representatives answer calls during flood events. Interpreters available by request.
For more information and resources from the County's Flood Warning System, go to their website here.
Before the Flood
- Learn the safest route from your home or business to higher ground.
- Make arrangements for housing in the event you need to evacuate your home.
- Teach all family members how, where, and when to turn off utilities.
- Plan for a meeting place outside of the hazard area.
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or raining steadily for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
- Consider purchasing one more pump to use to remove water in and around your home during heavy rains or flooding.
- Prepare for utility outages which often accompany floods.
- Review your flood insurance policies for structure and contents coverage. Don't have insurance? Contact your insurance representative or visit Floodsmart.gov.
During the Flood
If you are trapped in your home or building by rapidly rising waters, call 911 for help, then move to a higher floor or to the roof. Take warm, weatherproof clothing, a flashlight, a cell phone, and a portable radio.
Monitor the radio or television for weather updates. Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station and follow all emergency instructions.
Do not walk or wade or drive in flooded areas. Turn around. Don’t drown. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Walk back to safety in the direction you came from.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately:
- Evacuation is safer before flood waters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
- If you evacuate by car, do not drive where water is over the road or past barricaded road signs.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes, as shortcuts may be blocked.
If you have enough time before you evacuate:
- Close the main gas valve in your building.
- Turn off all utilities in your building at the main power switch. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area, or you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves.
- Record flood statistics such as time, gage reading and local flood elevations for use in future home flood forecasting.
After the Flood
Check for structural damage that could cause the building to collapse before re-entering your home. Be cautious of potential gas leaks, electrical shorts and live wires.
- Use flashlights rather than lanterns or candles when re-entering a building in case of gas leaks.
- Have a professional check your heating system, electrical panel, outlets and appliances for safety before using.
- Call the gas company to have them turn the gas back on.
Road Closures
Stay home and avoid driving if you can. Stay away from landslides and downed power lines. Do not drive in flooded areas. Do not drive past barricaded road signs. Remember: turn around, don't drown.
For information about road closures in unincorporated King County, sign up for Road Alerts. Check out road closures and restrictions throughout King County and nearby areas on My Commute.
Report road maintenance and safety issues in unincorporated King County on the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206‑477‑8100 or 1‑800‑527‑6237.
Shelter
If you are experiencing homelessness and need information about shelters and navigating to shelter locations, call 206‑245‑1026 between 8 AM and 11:30 PM.
For more information, see the King County Regional Homelessness Authority's Severe Weather Response website, which has a full list of available shelters.
Home, Property, and Debris Cleanup
Property damage caused by flooding can feel overwhelming and stressful. King County’s priority is keeping you safe and support your recovery.
Find more information here on how to report damage to your property or home and which resources may become available to help you.
Solid waste
King County transfer stations and drop boxes remain open to self-haul customers and are accepting garbage, recycling and yard waste.
Hazardous waste
If you have questions or concerns about hazardous waste at your home—and where you can dispose of it—contact King County’s Hazardous Waste team at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov or 206‑296‑4692.
Stay Informed
King County will share updates as soon as they become available. Check kcemergency.com and sign up for emergency alerts at ALERT King County-King County, Washington
King County Council
District 2
206-477-1002
Rhonda.Lewis@kingcounty.gov
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