Executive Order - Breaking the Cycle
 From left to right: Dominique Alex of Mary's Place, Derrick Belgarde of Chief Seattle Club, Executive Girmay Zahilay, Councilmembers Fain, Dembowski, Lewis, myself, Matt Sanders, Director of KC Dept of Public Defense, and Alison Eisinger of Seattle/KC Coalition on Homelessness.
The single biggest concern I hear from people across District 8 – from South Park to the CID, from Vashon to White Center – is the need for more affordable homes. We see the toll this is taking in our community every day. That’s why I was proud to stand with Executive Zahilay last week as he announced his executive order to support greater housing stability in King County.
The Break the Cycle executive order consists of:
- Opening 500 units of shelter and housing in 500 days.
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Scanning the County’s underutilized properties to identify more land to build housing.
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Better coordination across housing, health and crisis response systems to identify gaps in services.
- Find new revenue sources for housing.
In King County, we don’t want people to just keep their heads above water – we want them to be able to thrive, to break out of cycles of homelessness, to pursue their goals and live full lives. Housing is the foundation that makes every other goal possible – holding a job, staying healthy, supporting a family, maintaining ties to your community, being productive and thriving. I’m looking forward to working with the Executive to build more housing!
West Seattle Light Rail is Shovel-Ready
 Click on the image above to view videos and the full slidedeck.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on April 1st for the West Seattle Light Rail Forum. It was an excellent discussion featuring Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine and Sound Transit staff, and a full hour of questions and feedback from West Seattle community members.
Sound Transit presented their updated cost savings design analysis for the first time in community – including news about properties avoided (like the West Seattle Health Club pool and businesses and homes in Avalon and the Junction), ridership retained even with the elimination of the Avalon station, and up to $2.6 billion saved.
Sound Transit, King County Metro, and City of Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development answered many questions about the project during the 1-hour Q&A session after the presentation. I very much appreciate all the community members who came out and joined the discussion. West Seattle is shovel-ready, and I’m committed to continuing to facilitate clearer and more consistent information from Sound Transit to the community. In the coming months, the Sound Transit Board will deliberate on the Enterprise Initiative to create an affordable plan for ST3 – stay tuned here for updates on that discussion, and read more about the forum by clicking on the image above.
I am committed to moving forward on the momentum that West Seattle light rail has, and getting from Everett to Tacoma, and ultimately out to Issaquah and Ballard! We can do it, as CEO Constantine said at the forum – we will deliver on what the voters asked for!
See what the news is saying:
West Seattle light rail ‘shovel ready,’ construction could start this year Fox13
VIDEO: ‘We are going to get to West Seattle,’ Sound Transit reps promise overflow crowd at light-rail forum West Seattle Blog
Sound Transit unveils $2.6 Billion savings for "Shovel Ready" West Seattle Light Rail redesign; Other major changes shared Westside Seattle
KUOW Soundside Interview with Councilmember Barón
 Click on the image above to listen to the episode.
I was thrilled to join Libby Denkmann on KUOW’s Soundside with Councilmember Jorge Barón (District 4) to discuss our most recent work on championing and defending immigrants and their communities across the county. As I’ve shared in several recent Teresa Tuesdays, we have partnered with other councilmembers including Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis and Rod Dembowski to pass a Welcoming County motion, Responsible Contracting ordinance, motion calling for guardrails on the federal Department of Homeland Security, 9-month moratorium on new or expanded detention centers, and most recently an ordinance that prohibits the use of King County-owned and controlled properties for immigration staging, operations bases, or processing locations.
I look forward to continuing to seek opportunities to ensure King County remains a safe and welcoming place for every person who wishes to call it home.
Crosslake Connection Opening Was A Success
Thanks To You!
 CM Mosqueda in center between US Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell!
Thank you for celebrating the historic opening of the Crosslake Connection with us! It was an incredible day marking the first time light rail carried passengers across a floating bridge - a true milestone for our region.
With the completion of the 2 Line, communities across the Eastside and Seattle are now more connected than ever. Our system now spans 63 miles and 50 stations, delivering faster, more reliable service and expanding access to opportunity throughout the region.
This moment was made possible by decades of vision, partnership, and dedication. We’re so grateful to all of you who helped bring this transformational project to life.
For a look back at the event, check out our photo gallery. We’d love to see your favorite moments on social media - don’t forget to tag @soundtransit and use #CrosslakeConnection!
Cheers to the Crosslake Connection!
April Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee
On April 7th, I chaired the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting where we focused on some of the critical issues below that impact King County residents. View the agenda and watch the full meeting here.
Making the World Cup Work for Workers
 HHHS Committee members hearing from Rigo Valdez, Executive Director of the People's Organizing Center at MLK Labor; Greg Ramirez, Deputy Director of SEIU6 Property Services NW; and April Putney, Chief of Staff & Chief Strategy Officer with Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee and Former Deputy Executive for King County.
Far too often, mega events like the Super Bowl or World Cup come to town and residents are left afterwards asking – what just happened?? In extreme cases, these events have left behind a legacy of exploitation and even worker deaths, as we saw when the games were held in Qatar. That's why I've been working hard to ensure that the games being held here in our region leave a legacy of prosperity.
Today, we convened a panel briefing focused on workforce training and cooperative opportunities ahead of and during the FIFA World Cup in Seattle, hearing from labor industry panelists about workforce opportunities, labor standards, training, and more. This work builds on the worker centered platform crafted by the AFL-CIO Executive Committee that demanded the 2026 games work for workers and our local communities. Part of that work is also relying on trusted partners to lift those who have often been excluded from the decision making around these mega events – we heard from our partners at MLK Labor, SEIU Local 6, and the Seattle World Cup host committee about the work being done to ensure workers who make the games possible will benefit from the games long after they are over, and our communities are able to enjoy lasting benefits. Click here to watch the presentation and here to see the slides.
Law and Justice Committee
On April 1st, I attended the Law and Justice Committee meeting where we discussed the critical role of public defenders, as well as other critical issues impacting King County residents. View the agenda and watch the full meeting here.
 From left to right: Zachary Brusseau, Public Defense Attorney, Office of Public Defense (DPD) and Molly Gilbert, DPD Investigator & SEIU 925 Chapter President
Our public defenders are critical to ensuring the rights of those accused of crimes or awaiting involuntary behavioral health treatment are upheld. The professional staff of paralegals, investigators and others who make our public defenders work possible is also critical to all of us being able to have our rights protected in the criminal justice system. At our Law and Justice Committee this month, we got a chance to hear about the work professional staff performs and how it contributes to the work of the entire department and helps the county move towards our equity goals.
Rainier Beach Boys Basketball Team Proclamation
 Congratulations to the Rainier Beach High School boys' basketball team for their state championship. Proudly representing South Seattle, the Vikings, delivered an extraordinary season, earning the Metro League Championship, the SeaKing District Championship, and the 2026 WIAA Class 3A State Championship. They visited us at Council to celebrate and share what led to their victory.
Black Wellness Week
 We also took time at Council to proclaim it Black Wellness Week. Our nation has a tragic history when it comes to healthcare and our Black population which has led to many in this community not seeking care when it is needed. We must all work to address this history and create conditions for everyone to feel safe and welcomed when it comes to getting care. Many preventable conditions left untreated can become much more serious, having dire outcomes when combined with the social determinants of health that are already stacked against many in our Black community. Thank you to Councilmember Lewis for leading on this.
D8 Day in West Seattle
West Seattle Junction
 CM Mosqueda with Stacie Woods, Marketing & Events Director, and Christine Mackay, Executive Director.
The Junction is a cherished part of West Seattle that people come from all over the region to visit. Chris and Tracy sat down we me and my team to talk about what small businesses in the area need with light rail coming to West Seattle. I was glad I got the chance to share that the new design would not cause a large disruption for many of the businesses currently in the junction while still serving as a huge transit resource for the working families of West Seattle who also patronize the Junction.
West Seattle Food Bank
 CM Mosqueda pictured with Karla Marifjeren, Fran Yeatts, Robbin Peterson, staffer Erin House, Emma Smith, and staffer Kamilah Brown.
I’ve been able to award some councilmanic grants to the West Seattle Food Bank and I was thrilled when I got a chance to visit to see the incredible work they are doing. They make 400 home deliveries a week and backpacks with food for students in need over the weekend – last year they gave out 14,600 of these weekend bags! But their mission doesn’t stop there – their pantry provides pet food, infant and baby items, feminine hygiene products, clothing, and much more. The food bank has been in their current space since 2007 and partners with our friends at the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association to offer affordable housing in the units above the food bank. As the food bank continues to see increased need as many in the community are struggling to meet their basic needs, you can help your neighbors by clicking on the image below.
Vashon Summer Sundays
 I am thrilled that Summer Sundays are coming to the Vashon Water Taxi!
King County Metro is launching a pilot program this summer that will bring Sunday Water Taxi service to Vashon Island, providing seven-day-a-week access between Seattle and Vashon Island.
The first Sunday sailing departs Pier 50 in downtown Seattle on April 12, with morning, afternoon, and early evening crossings to the Vashon Ferry Terminal into early fall.
This milestone brings us to seven-day-a-week service to and from the Island, building reliability for workers getting to their jobs on and off the island, creating more opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of all that Vashon has to offer, and strengthening connections to the mainland. Huge thanks to our partners at the state level and the tireless advocacy of islanders for making this possible, and to Executive Zahilay and Metro for their partnership.
The announcement marks the latest step in the expansion of Water Taxi service that began in June 2024, when King County Metro first extended beyond traditional weekday commuter routes to offer Vashon residents more frequent and midday crossings. That expansion grew again in 2025 with the addition of Saturday service, and now, with Sundays included, the service runs seven days a week.
Funding for the Sunday pilot was secured through a partnership between state and county resources. King County Metro worked alongside State Senator Emily Alvarado and County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, both of whose districts include Vashon Island, to close the final funding gap and keep the boats running through the weekend.
Funds will allow the late Friday and weekend service to run through October 9, 2026.
This increased service comes when the change in the weather means more riders traveling to Vashon and Vashon residents taking advantage for work and shopping as well as events along the waterfront.
More night, weekend service ahead for West Seattle Riders in West Seattle will also see an increase in service starting April 11 with more late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays and many more additional weekend trips.
Summer Road Construction planned for
White Center & Vashon-Maury Island
 16th Ave SW: SW 100th Street to SW 107th Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements & Traffic Calming Project – phase three of this project began in early January and will continue through the spring. This phase includes:
- Adding a bike lane in each direction. Crews have already added a center turn lane and one travel lane in each direction.
- Building curb extensions at SW 104th and SW 106th streets to make it safer for people to cross the road.
- Adding new signs and other safety features between SW 100th and SW 107th streets.
- Replacing existing ADA curb ramps on 16th and 100th and 102nd to make it easier to cross the street.
White Center Pedestrian Improvement Project will make it easier to cross the street at three intersections in White Center:
- 10th Ave SW and SW 112th St
- 10th Ave SW and SW 114th St
- SW 102nd Street at 13th Ave SW
White Center Drainage Improvement Project: We expect to begin construction in the spring of 2026, crews will add new catch basins as part of a new drainage system under 1st Avenue S between SW 102nd Street and SW 104th Street, and SW 102nd Street between 1st Avenue SW and 1st Avenue S in White Center. Crews will install 12” diameter pipes about three feet underground. This will collect rainwater and connect it to an existing drainage system.
S 96th Street Drainage Improvement Project: crews will install a heavy-duty plastic liner in an existing metal pipe. This will extend the life of the current drainage system and make it more reliable. During the project, crews will close the sidewalk, bicycle lane, and eastbound travel lane. Flaggers will direct two-way traffic through the two-way turn and direct two-way traffic through a single open lane.
Sidewalk repairs are anticipated on 26th Ave SW between SW 107th Way and SW 112th Street. Where possible, crews will remove sidewalk panels that have been damaged by tree roots, make the underlying surface flat and cover the space with non-slip aluminum panels. Some tree removal may be needed depending on the health of the tree.
 Judd Creek Bridge #3184 Resurfacing Project: up to a six-week long road closure of Vashon Highway SW at MP 5.6 for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. All traffic will use a posted detour during the closure. Contractor crews working for King County will remove the top layer of worn-out concrete on the bridge deck and replace it with new specialized polyester polymer concrete. This work will protect and extend the bridge deck for 30 years or longer. This federal funded project will also preserve the useful life of the bridge.
This full 24/7 road closure will affect all through traffic, including emergency response vehicles and school buses. More information will be provided in the coming months to keep you updated and prepared. Projects may be rescheduled for future years due to funding restraints, crew or equipment/material availability, or weather.
View this overview map of all planned significant Road Services Division projects in unincorporated King County this year.
Crew will also focus on projects in unincorporated King County that don’t include multi-week road closures this year. Please click on the links to see the planned locations. These projects include:
Vashon Food Banks Full Plates April 17th
Full Plates 2026 is the Vashon Food Bank’s annual fundraiser, held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 PM at Open Space for Arts and Community.
This year’s event celebrates the opening of the food bank’s new home while raising funds to support its future work in partnership with the community. The evening will feature a multi-course meal by Dre Neeley of Gravy, a silent auction, entertainment, and more.
Tickets and table options are available here.
King County’s Target Zero Coalition's Traffic Safety Events
 Teen Safe Driving Fair
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1-3pm
William C. Warren Building, 411 E. St. NE
Auburn, WA
King County’s Target Zero Coalition is partnering with Auburn’s Prevention Coalition to host a Teen Safe Driving Fair. Teens and their families can learn about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, talk to experts from Auburn PD, MADD, Target Zero, and more! Join us for this fun and interactive resource fair!
Free Webinar! “Ins and Outs of Boosters: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know”
April 22, 2026, 6:00 p.m. OR May 12, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/InsandOutsofBoosters
Join King County’s Target Zero Coalition for this free and informative 90-minute webinar focused on the important transition from into and out of a booster seat. Learn when to know whether your child is ready to move into a booster, and when they are big enough to fit just the seat belt alone. Learn critical information that is going to help keep your elementary school child as safe as possible in the car.
Register for the Best Starts IECMH Summit on May 15-16
Registration is now open for Best Starts Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Summit on May 15-16, 2026!
All King County providers are invited to enhance knowledge in community and solidarity. Centering the baby in all sessions and grounding our work in equity and social justice, we will promote the social emotional development of our prenatal to five children.
Explore the schedule of keynote speakers and facilitators with over 25 breakout sessions!
The deadline to register for the IECMH Summit is April 24, 2026.
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King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission
is recruiting
 The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC) is looking to fill five (5) open positions. The Commission is prioritizing members that can represent an immigrant-led organization that serves immigrant and refugee communities in King County.
The application period will run from April 1 – 30, 2026.
Contact the commission at kcirc@kingcounty.gov
Get Involved in Local Government:
Volunteer for your County Weed Control Board
 King County is seeking volunteers to fill a position on its Noxious Weed Control Board. The Board advises the program on noxious weed control, ensuring appropriate direction to minimize the impact of noxious weeds on agriculture, natural areas and the residents of King County. Applicants must live in Weed Control District 1, which includes Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Mercer Island.
Serving on the board is a great way to contribute to noxious weed policy and support the work being done in our communities to reduce the impacts and harm caused by noxious weeds.
For more information and instructions on how to apply visit: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/about-us/noxious-weed-control-board/opportunity, call (206) 477-9333, or email noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov.
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026
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White Center Ponds Banners
Applications due by April 23rd at 4 pm.
A group of five individual artists will be commissioned to create two-dimensional designs that will be printed on banners and displayed as part of a rotating banner art installation celebrating the White Center Ponds stormwater facility and greenspace.
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Sound Transit Seeks Your Input!
Like many agencies nationwide, Sound Transit is working to reduce the impact of historic inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and other factors on its ability to plan, build, and deliver transit to the region.
The agency currently estimates that it will need to close a $34.5 billion funding gap to deliver what's outlined in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 program. ST3 includes light rail extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma, and Everett, new service between South Kirkland and Issaquah, and much more.
Sound Transit’s Board of Directors and Sound Transit staff are taking steps to solve this long-term financial challenge, and a comprehensive agencywide effort is underway.
The following survey is designed to capture your feedback and should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Community Survey on Immigration Enforcement
Do you have thoughts about how the Sheriff’s Office should respond to increased federal immigration activity in King County? The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) wants to hear from community to understand your experiences and to inform our recommendations for the King County Sheriff’s Office policies, practices, and trainings. OLEO is not part of the Sheriff’s Office and identifying data will not be shared with law enforcement.
Share your feedback with OLEO through the survey below. The survey will close on April 30, 2026. If you have questions, please contact the OLEO Policy Team at OLEOpolicy@kingcounty.gov.
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Department of Housing Task Force Survey Now Open
Share your experiences with housing in Washington. Your feedback will help inform the Department of Housing Task Force report, which will provide recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to structure a new Department of Housing, which will serve as the state's coordinating and problem-solving hub to ensure adequate housing supply and housing stability for everyone in Washington
The survey will take about 15 minutes and is open to anyone who is interested. We are not collecting names or personally identifying information. The survey closes April 26.
Responses will be reviewed by Task Force members and Commerce staff to understand public feedback. We are not collecting names or personally identifying information through this survey. If you would like to submit feedback on behalf of an organization, please send your comments directly to housingpolicy@commerce.wa.gov.
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West Seattle Art Walk - Second Thursdays
Click on the image above to view the list and map in more detail.
Come spend a fun filled evening wandering through this month’s art walk. The art walk keeps expanding and we now have showings in the Admiral district, the Alaska and Morgan Junctions as well as Alki. So it may be rainy or cold outside, or it may be lovely and springlike, anything goes in the Northwest this time of year, but it will be warm and inviting at all the businesses that support our artists. Plus they usually have something nice to drink and nosh on! So, mark your calendars to join us Thursday April 9th! Also, make sure to enjoy a wide variety of “Art Walk Specials” at 20 cozy bars, restaurants and cafes (see map below) while viewing the evening art walk.
 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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