Emergency Moratorium on Detention Facilities
 I sat down with our local media to talk about how we are standing up to federal overreach and protecting the health and safety of our residents.. Click the photo above to watch King 5's coverage of this story.
Last Tuesday, I brought forward and the County Council approved an emergency one-year moratorium on new detention facilities in unincorporated King County. The moratorium immediately blocks acceptance of permits for new or expanded detention facilities in unincorporated King County, preventing the siting of publicly or privately operated facilities, including potential ICE detention centers.
King County’s land and resources should be used to support the health, safety, and well-being of our communities — not to build systems that isolate, intimidate, and cause harm. Detention facilities are being used to disappear our friends, family, and community members into inhumane conditions, often without due process — and they also carry serious consequences for the health and safety of surrounding neighborhoods. When our neighbors are afraid to seek medical care, shop for groceries, or send their children to school, they bear the immediate harm — and our communities lose the trust, connection, and stability that allow us all to thrive.
The ordinance prohibits the county from accepting applications for new or expanded detention centers, whether proposed as permanent or temporary uses. It also prevents approvals obtained through vague or misleading project descriptions and closes regulatory gaps that could otherwise allow private detention facilities to move forward before updated rules are adopted.
 Click this this picture to see all the coverage.
 West Seattle Sound Transit Forum April 1st Youngstown Cultural Art Center. Click the image above for a map of the location.
I’m pleased to invite you to join me on April 1st at Youngstown Cultural Art Center for a spring West Seattle Light Rail Forum. This West Seattle Forum will be an opportunity to get more detailed information and analyses on potential cost-savings and service delivery updates to West Seattle. This event is intended to follow-up on last year's November forum where I committed to gathering this spring to get greater details on cost-reductions and design efficiency. This April 1st forum will discuss options for cost-savings and continuing momentum on the West Seattle light rail expansion. I hope you can join us for this important discussion on April 1st!
West Seattle Light Rail Forum: Momentum and Updates
Date: Wednesday, April 1st
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Please join me and Sound Transit Boardmember Mayor Katie Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Constantine, Capital Delivery ED Brad Owen, and guest Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1). Thanks to our community partners elevating this forum, including the West Seattle Chamber, West Seattle Junction Association, MLK Labor, the 34th Legislative District and our host Delridge Neighborhood Development Association.
Health, Housing, and Human Services:
 Entheogens are an option for treatment for many dealing with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injuries. Click the image above to watch video of the HHHS Committee
I am proud to share that the motion I sponsored calling for additional scientific research to be conducted on the medical benefits of entheogens, and for possession and cultivation of entheogens in personal use quantities by adults aged 21+ to be designated as among King County’s lowest law enforcement priorities, unanimously passed out of the Health, Housing, & Human Services Committee!
This motion does not change any current King County practice—the Sheriff’s office and the Prosecuting Attorney have established that these substances have never been a priority for them, nor have they found that they pose a significant public safety risk based on cases they have prosecuted where entheogens have been at issue. Entheogens have been found to be beneficial in treating a wide range of medical challenges, including Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Substance Use Disorder, and more. This motion simply adds King County’s voice to the conversation at the state and federal levels to support further study and safer use of these substances. The legislation will go before the full council on Tuesday, March 17th.
Continuum of Care Updates:
 Contium of Care brings millions of dollars to help house those who need wrap around care to address their conditions. Click the image above to view the entire Powerpoint presentation.
The Health, Housing, and Human Services committee also received an update on the Continuum of Care potential federal funding cuts from our partners at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) and Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC). Continuum of Care funding is the foundation of our homelessness response system that provides stable housing for thousands of households at risk of or recovering from homelessness. The current federal administration is seeking to upend these systems by pulling long-time federal support, and the county is leading on lawsuits to fight back in the courts. A lot is riding on federal court rulings we’re expecting in the coming weeks.
I have shared previously our efforts to shore up against looming cuts to the HUD Continuum of Care federal funding, and we will continue to monitor what is happening in the courts and within the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency so that we are able to respond as quickly, effectively, and collaboratively as possible with our partners at the City of Seattle, KCRHA, and our state partners and federal delegation. We will keep working to create contingency plans and do everything we can to keep folks housed in the midst of these cruel efforts to dismantle our permanent supportive housing system.
Sound Transit Light Rail Expansion Tour
 Getting to see potential site locations solutions to minimize community impacts are crucial for preparing those of us on the Sound Transit Board to make important decisions coming up. Click the picture above to learn more about the West Seattle light rail extension
Last week I was excited to join my Sound Transit board colleagues for a light rail tour covering West Seattle, Downtown, SODO, Chinatown/ID, Lower Queen Anne, Interbay and Ballard. Our neighborhoods shouldn’t feel worlds apart, and light rail will help build our region’s connectedness. Thank you to Boardmember Seattle Mayor Wilson, Boardmember Tukwila Mayor McLeod, Boardmember King County Councilmember Fain (D5), Boardmember Seattle City Councilmember Strauss (D6) and Boardmember Fircrest City Councilmember George (Pos 5) for doing this work alongside me and thank you to Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, Seattle Department of Transportation and the office of Boardmember King County Executive Zahilay for hitting the streets with us despite the rain.
We previewed some of the latest thinking on cost reductions and service delivery for West Seattle. Speaking of West Seattle, if you missed it earlier in this Teresa Tuesday, please join us April 1st, 6:30pm, at Youngstown Cultural Art Center for the next West Seattle Light Rail Momentum and Updates forum to hear the latest.
We loaded the van with: Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, Sound Transit staff Codey Reiter, Fircrest City Councilmember Hunter George, Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Sound Transit Staff Jason Hampton, Carrie Avila-Mooney of King County Metro, Me, Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Consultant Andrew Austin, Sound Transit ED of Capital Delivery Brad Owen
ICHS Foundation Event – Healthcare for All
 Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, CEO of ICHS Kelli Nomura and myself at their Healthcare for All Benefit. Click the image above to learn more about ICHS
I joined Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson in support of International Community Health Services (ICHS) at their 2nd annual Healthcare for All Benefit. ICHS provides vital care to our community, and this event is just one way they build the resources needed to support that work. Thank you ICHS CEO Kelli Nomura for such a wonderful and engaging event. ICHS like the other Community Health Centers and our own Public Health system is facing drastic cuts and treats to funding due to Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and health services in the Big Bad Bill, HR1. On top of that, community members are now beginning to miss appointments due to the fear and intimidation from ICE and federal immigration enforcement. This is catastrophic. Our team is looking at ways that we could potentially support and increase more home-based healthcare visits. More to come!
State of Africatown.
 The State of Africatown took place at the historic Lanston Hughes performing arts institute in the Central District. Click the image above to learn more about Africatown
My team was able to join the State of Africatown 2026 at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, focused on the theme "From Harm to Repair.” Africatown leaders focused on addressing the displacement of over 70% of the Central District's Black residents due to a history of discriminatory policies and present-day rapid spikes in the cost of living, and how to harness the power of community to right these wrongs through investments in Black homeownership, support for businesses, and long-term community stability.
In addition to celebrating the Central District elders who have held together and led in community over the decades in the Central District, the event featured researcher and author Bernadette Atuahene, who drew from her book Plundered: How Racist Policies Undermine Black Homeownership in America, to discuss her experiences studying and pushing back on policy-driven displacement in Detroit, and outline strategies for reparative justice and community-centered development. It was an insightful and inspiring community event!
King County Veterans Symposium
 The King County Veterans Symposium brought together veterans and leaders from across different governments to plan our work supporting those who served. Click the image above to learn more about the King County Veterans Program
My office attended the King County Veterans Symposium convened by the King County Veterans Program. When it comes to caring for and supporting our veterans it takes a multi-layered approach across actors inside and outside of government to set those who served our country up for success. Many veterans and their spouses don’t know all the services they qualify for as they re-enter civilian life, including great job and apprenticeship opportunities. We are looking forward to building on the work we’ve done with organizations such as the Minority Veterans of America and the West Seattle Veterans Center to make sure the vets in District 8 are getting what they need to thrive.
Night at the Museum - SAM's Beyond Mysticism
 The Seattle Art Museum brings culture alive. Thank you to Theresa Papanikolas for her incredible work. Click the picture above to learn more about the Beyond Mysticism exhibit.
Thank you to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for inviting me to their Beyond Mysticism exhibit and talk last week. Theresa Papanikolas, the museum's Curator of American Art is an absolute font of knowledge when it comes to the incredible work coming out of our region. I'm proud that SAM is in District 8, and I'm also proud to have the district with the most art exhibits and art walks in all of the county. That’s why we feature an artist each TeresaTuesday. See below for our featured arts/cultural event this week!
Cirque Du Soleil - Echo
 A few pictures from the show but they can't fully do it justice. You've gotta see it for yourself. Click above to watch a trailer for the performance.
Speaking of arts and culture, I was so thrilled to join Cirque Du Soleil newest show - Echo - recently with our six year old. What an incredible show of talent and bravery. The Cube at the center of the tale is 2 stories high. There are still shows happening at King County Park's own Marymoor Park. If you haven’t been, you must go!
Free weekend storm debris disposal extended through March 22
 Three sites are accepting free flood debris through March 22. Click the image above to learn more about the services provided during flood recovery
In order to provide resources to communities who continue to recover from the impacts of the December flooding events, King County Solid Waste has extended free weekend disposal of storm debris through March 22 at three station locations. There will be no charge for flood debris brought to the following stations on Saturdays or Sundays through March 22:
Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
18800 Orillia Rd. S, Tukwila
Garbage disposal hours
Sat-Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Recycling & yard waste area hours
Sat-Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station
2300 N 165th St., Shoreline
Sat & Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station
1650 Battersby Ave E, Enumclaw
Garbage disposal hours
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hazardous waste disposal hours
Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For a full list of accepted items at each stations, view our Guide to King County Recycling and Transfer Facilities.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.
 The Small Business Administration's mission is supporting small businesses across the country. Click the image above to learn more about SBA disaster loan program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Auburn, Chehalis, Fall City, Sedro-Woolley, Snohomish and Sumas to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.
Questions? Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
The Future of Parks Grants
 Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy gets out and about in the community. Click the image above to learn more about the parks levy
The 2026-2031 King County Parks Levy reimagines grant programs to better provide support where it is needed and sustains funding for another six years. Below outlines the grant programs that are planned for the coming years.
Accepting applications Fall 2026:
- Healthy Communities and Parks
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Aquatic Facilities
- NEW! Ballfield Preservation and Access
Accepting applications Fall 2027:
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Youth and Amateur Sports Grants
The following grant programs will not continue into the 2026-2031 Parks Levy:
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Parks Capital and Open Space
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Open Space - River Corridors
The community engagement survey will directly inform the updated grant guidelines, so expect more resources coming this Spring!
Youth Safety and Belonging RFP – Due March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST
King County Housing Authority is inviting community-based organizations to apply for their Youth Safety and Belonging Initiative. This initiative focuses on supporting high-school-aged youth in select KCHA communities (Auburn, Shoreline, and Kent) who may be at elevated risk of community violence or who have already been impacted by it. They’re looking to partner with organizations that bring strong intervention experience, deep community relationships, and culturally responsive approaches to working with young people. If your organization is leading impactful work in youth engagement, violence interruption, mentorship, or restorative programming, I encourage you to explore this opportunity.
To submit an application, view the RFPs on this website: https://www.kcha.org/business/professional/open/.
Applications are due on March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST.
Questions? Contact sicontracts@kcha.org
BSK: Prenatal to Five Innovation Fund RFP - apply by May 15!
P-5 Innovation Funds aim to build up the power of Community-led Innovation to meet the emergent needs of families in King County. King County seeks community leaders to design, develop, test, and build the potential of innovative Anti-racist approaches (e.g. policies, programs, products, media, places, and services) so that ALL babies and children in King County grow up to be happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. Attend Information Sessions + Community Building and Idea Sharing: I strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend the information session to learn more.
Round 3: March 17, 2026, 1:00pm – 2:30pm (In-Person & Virtual) Register and access meeting details for the information sessions within the full RFP document.
Questions? Email Shannon Brooks – shabrooks@kingcounty.gov
Help inform the next chapter of Parks Grants through their survey.
 Your voice is important to help shape the future of Parks in King County. Click the image above to take the Parks survey
With the passage of the 2026 – 2031 Parks Levy, King County Parks is building an improved process to award $117 million in new grants over the next six years to local nonprofits, cities, and other public agencies. They are seeking input from partners across King County to inform updates to all Parks grant programs through questions like:
- What are the most important ways to define equity?
- Who should be involved in scoring and awarding applications?
- How should success be measured in a community project?
Your feedback will help Parks award grant funds equitably, expedite approval and contracting timelines, and support grantees throughout their project.
Share your thoughts by taking this short survey by March 26th! Please complete the survey on behalf of your organization.
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Last year I got the opportunity to experience the Unspoken Truths exhibit and spend time learning from Delbert Richardson. It was powerful and moving and you have the opportunity to experience it for yourself.
"I truly believe that all of us should continue to be on this journey of self discovery because we all have inherited some stuff that really isn't good for society. Even though we live in a white-washed world today, our planet has always been a product of African DNA, advancements, and origin. These are the unspoken truths."
― Delbert Richardson
Second Generation Storyteller
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Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery - Chinga La Migra Art Show
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Art is a powerful tool of resistance. This month, Nepantla Cultural Arts Galley is hosting a Chinga La Migra art show that you should definitely check out. |
Rooted in White Center - Debut Screening!
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Rooted in White Center is a testament to the deep-seated belonging of immigrants and refugees in the PNW.
When: March 14th, Saturday, 6:45 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: White Center HUB, Savusa Hall 10829 8th Ave. SW
Please RSVP if you plan to join for the premiere screening of Rooted in White Center ! https://tinyurl.com/RWCDD2026
There is capacity for approximately 150 attendees so getting a prior head count asap is helpful to event organizers.
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 Thank you for signing up for the #TeresaTuesday Newsletter. We will send you regular updates every other week. If you’d like to reach out or have an issue we can help with, please reach out anytime.
Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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