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Dear Neighbor,
Between longer days and Friday’s surprise snowstorm, March is certainly keeping us on our toes. My boys took full advantage of the unexpected weather—their grandparents ended up with three snowmen in the yard by the end of the day—a reminder that even in the middle of a busy season, it’s important to enjoy the small moments our Pacific Northwest weather sometimes delivers.
As we move into spring, our team is settling into the work of serving District 5, and I want to thank everyone who has reached out with ideas, concerns, and thoughtful feedback. Hearing directly from you helps ensure our work stays focused on what matters most in our community.
Last month, my office sent out a constituent survey to better understand the issues impacting District 5 residents. While the response sample was relatively small (106 responses), the priorities that emerged were clear and consistent with what I hear throughout South King County: public safety, cost of living, and transportation.
 Families across our communities are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Many residents and business owners want to see stronger improvements in public safety, and people across the district are looking for more reliable and accessible transportation options. These concerns are shaping the conversations I’m having at the County and regional level.
As Chair of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee and the Regional Transit Committee, much of my work focuses on improving mobility, strengthening our regional economy, and ensuring infrastructure investments keep pace with our growing communities. At the same time, in my role as Vice Chair of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, I remain focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring public resources are used effectively.
Your feedback helps guide these efforts. If you missed this survey but would still like to share your perspective, please keep an eye out for future opportunities to participate or reach out to my office anytime at steffanie.fain@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1005.
If you would like more frequent updates on the work we are doing, please follow along on social media:
Instagram - @CMSteffanieFain
Facebook – @CMSteffanieFain
I’m honored to serve as your King County Councilmember and look forward to working with you in the months ahead.
 
King County Metro’s Proposed South Link Connections
Following nearly two years of community engagement, King County Metro has proposed a plan to restructure Metro bus service in South King County to align with our three new Link light rail stations: Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. The following bus lines running through District 5 will have more frequent service and longer hours - 121, 156, 165, 168, 183, 193 and Rapid Ride A - with a 28% overall service increase and minimal service reduction. Click here for specifics on your routes and view the full proposed restructure in the map below:
 My colleagues and I in the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee are scheduled to vote on the proposed restructure tomorrow, March 17 at 9:30 AM. The full King County Council will consider the proposal next Tuesday, March 24. If approved, Metro will begin implementing changes this spring with additional changes expected this fall.
As always, I would like to hear your thoughts, especially if any of your regular routes are impacted. You are welcome to send your public comments to kcccommitt@kingcounty.gov by 8AM on March 17. You are also invited to provide public comment:
 King County Transportation District (KCTD)
King County’s Transportation District is a special purpose government that raises revenue for and implements transportation improvements across the county and is governed by a nine-member board of King County Councilmembers.
Last month, the KTCD met to discuss long-term funding needs for King County Metro transit service and for maintaining roads and bridges in unincorporated King County. The Board also received an overview of potential revenue options to support those needs. You can watch the meeting here.
Snapshot from last month's meeting in Issaquah
At our next meeting this Thursday, March 19 at 9:00 AM, the Board will discuss a proposal to adopt a countywide transportation funding measure. The proposal would authorize the KCTD to impose a one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax (0.1%) to support transportation infrastructure (roads and bridges) in unincorporated King County.
For most purchases, this would mean about 10 cents on a $100 purchase. If approved, the funding could help support road and bridge needs across King County.
Whether you drive on county roads or simply want to understand how transportation investments affect your cost of living, your perspective matters. I’m particularly interested in hearing about road conditions in District 5 unincorporated areas such as Franklin, Lake Fenwick, and Grandview.
You can share feedback by emailing steffanie.fain@kingcounty.gov, sending comments to the full committee at kcccommitt@kingcounty.gov, or participating in the upcoming meeting.
King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA)
At the most recent meeting of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority Governing Board, the Board passed the 2026 budget and the updated Five-Year Strategic Plan, which incorporates changes required under state law.
These decisions matter for South King County. Our communities represent the second-largest share of the region’s homeless population after Seattle, yet many cities in South King County continue to express concern that resources, services, and decision-making have not always reflected the needs on the ground. Residents and local leaders have raised questions about whether investments are producing measurable improvements in our neighborhoods.
As the KCRHA moves forward with its updated strategic plan, I will continue advocating for greater transparency, stronger performance metrics, and a fair distribution of resources so that South King County communities are not left behind. The goal must be clear: investments in outreach, shelter, behavioral health support, and housing should translate into visible improvements in stability, safety, and long-term housing outcomes for residents throughout the county.
You can review the KCRHA Budget (p.10) and Five-Year Strategic Plan (p.40) via the link below.
Sound Transit - Enterprise Initiative
This Wednesday, March 18, the Sound Transit Board of Directors will hold our spring retreat, where we will discuss the agency’s effort to ensure that Sound Transit can deliver the greatest benefits of Sound Transit 3 within available financial resources.
Sound Transit is currently facing more than $34 billion in financial challenges affecting how, when, and where major projects are delivered. During the retreat, the Board will review potential cost-saving strategies, revenue options, and project priorities.
As a member of the Sound Transit Board representing South King County, I’ll be closely focused on how these decisions affect our transit investments, including future light rail, Sounder service, and regional bus rapid transit connections.
I’ll continue sharing updates and opportunities for public engagement as this work moves forward.
Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee Meeting Recap - February
King County Metro provided a detailed briefing on the South Link Restructure proposal. As I mentioned above, we will continue that discussion tomorrow and are expected to vote on the proposal. The committee will also receive an update on safety and security preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
View February 17, 2026 Meeting Materials and Video Here.
Regional Transit Committee Meeting Recap - February
Committee members discussed priorities for the committee’s 2026 work plan, including:
- Expanding rural transit service options
- Improving inclement weather response
- Planning for service recovery and reliability
- Addressing human trafficking risks on transit systems
- King County Transportation District
The committee also elected Renton City Council President Pro Tem Ryan McIrvin as Vice Chair. Congratulations to Vice Chair McIrvin (and to South King County)!
View February 18, 2026 Meeting Materials and Video Here.
Attended Renton’s Lunar New Year Celebration with my boys and ran into new Vice Chair McIrvin.
Attended, along with CM Jorge Barón, Executive Zahilay’s announcement - at Angle Lake Station in SeaTac - of his executive order to support our immigrant community.
Joined Des Moines Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui, Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger, and the Des Moines Garden Club at the Blue Star Highway Marker Dedication on President’s Day to honor the individuals who serve and have served in our Armed Forces.
Met with DAWN leadership to hear how they are supporting survivors of domestic violence in Kent and across the region.
Spoke at the Low Income Housing Institute’s grand opening of a new tiny home village in Tukwila, in partnership with Church by the Side of the Road, to celebrate 40 new tiny homes retrofitted with heating and A/C, as well as onsite laundry, community kitchen, fully plumbed restrooms/showers, and 24/7 security and staff.
Flood Relief Opportunities
Low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are now available for King County residents and businesses impacted by the historic December 2025 winter storm.
Who should apply?
Homeowners & Renters
- Up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property (clothing, furniture, cars, appliances)
- Up to $500,000 for homeowners to repair or replace a primary residence
Small Businesses & Nonprofits
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available for working capital needs — even if there was no physical damage
- Funds may be used for payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other bills impacted by the disaster
Deadlines to apply:
- April 27, 2026 – Property damage
- November 24, 2026 – Economic injury
Learn more and apply today at sba.gov/disaster.
Apply for Cultural and Science Grants through 4Culture
The Launch program supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. Organizations that are selected through the Launch program will receive three years of general operating support and will also have access to additional capacity-building support services. To find out more about what this grant funds and eligibility, review the complete guidelines and access the online application here, or contact our office (district5.kingcountycouncil@kingcounty.gov) so we can connect you directly with a 4Culture consultant. Please note: the Intent to Apply form is due Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM; only applicants who complete the Intent to Apply form by this date will be able to apply for Launch. The final application is due Wednesday, May 6th at 5:00 PM.
View additional available cultural funding and support opportunities here!
Best Starts for Kids – Child Care Subsidies Available
Childcare costs are higher than ever, and we may be able to help! If you are a King County parent with a child 12 or younger, check out the Best Starts Child Care Subsidy.
It only takes a minute to fill out a quick eligibility form to see if you qualify. If you do, you’ll be invited to complete the full application. Please visit https://families.bskchildcare.org/ or share with someone who should!
Questions? Email support@bskchildcare.org or call 206-208-6865.
March Pet Adoption Special
Adoption fees for adult dogs (six months and older) are just $50 through March 31 at Regional Animal Services of King County! Visit kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet or visit the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. RASKC is open for adoptions on weekdays from noon to 5pm and weekends from noon to 4pm.
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