King County District 2: History is Made Here
King County Council Appoints Rhonda Lewis, Making History with First Black Woman and First Majority-Woman Council - Madison Park Times January 2026
April 20, 2026
Good Afternoon Neighbors-
It is my honor to represent you on the King County Council.
District 2 (D2) is comprised of 273,758 constituents living in Skyway, Rainier Beach, Columbia City, Rainier Valley, Central District, Capitol Hill, Montlake, Eastlake, U-District and Ravenna. It is a beautiful district full of talent and diverse heritages and families. 22% of the D2 population is foreign-born, 28% multi-lingual and 52% rent their homes. Forty-one of Seattle Public Schools’ 109 schools are in District 2.
I would like to keep you apprised of my work on the King County Council, share the work of community leaders in the district and celebrate success.
As Dave Chappelle said this week, let's "remember how good it feels to be together" in turbulent times. Democracy lives in us if we support each other – in that spirit . . .
 Caption: Metropolitan King County Council, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and the Washington State Champion 2026 Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball Team.
King County honored State Champion Rainier Beach High School boys’ basketball team for their unparalleled achievement!
On March 7, Rainier Beach High School won its 11th Class 3A Washington State High School Championship, the 10th under the leadership of Coach Mike Bethea in its final game of a 3-game series. Rainier Beach beat top teams solidly: O’Dea by 17 points, Bellarmine Prep by 22 points and finally Lincoln by 22 points.
The Seattle Times reported on the final championship game (read here), calling the team “powerful”. See them in action by clicking on the photo below.
 Click above to see an action-packed montage of Rainier Beach High School games. The athletic power is amazing! This video montage was created by D2 constituent Thomas Stephens.
I led honoring ceremonies to recognize and congratulate the 2026 Rainier Beach Boys’ Basketball Team for their “outstanding commitment, accomplishment, and teamwork to reach the highest level of excellence in high school basketball in the state of Washington”. This recognition was signed by all nine King County King County Councilmembers and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.
This proclamation was presented to Coach Bethea and the team including Wes Armstrong, Kam Babbs, JJ Crawford, Gavin Guillermo-Juangco, Louis Harris, KJ Hightower, Marques Ili-Meneese, Micah Ili-Meneese, Achilles Reyna, Tariq Shabazz, Tyran Stokes, and Knowledge Wright. You can watch this presentation and the fine words of Coach Bethea by clicking on the photo below.
 CM Rhonda Lewis (D2) and Executive Girmay Zahilay representing 2.3 million King County residents present the Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball team with recognition of their 2026 State Championship. This is the 11th State Championship for Rainier Beach High School.
I had Councilmembers and our County Executive also sign an NBA basketball for display alongside the proclamation in the trophy case at Rainier Beach High School.
This year’s Rainier Beach High School basketball team won 29 games and lost one for a 97% winning record. Rainier Beach High School has won 11 state championships since 1988. To see these excellent athletes in action, click on the photo below.
 This video montage was created by Thomas Stephens.
Developing this type of athletic prowess and sportsmanship is the result of strong coaching and a strong athletic program. To support future development of athletes and leaders, I was proud to present a $10,000 King County grant to Rainier Beach High School. Coach Bethea welcomed the support for this successful program.
 CM Rhonda Lewis presents a check for $10,000 on behalf of King County in support of the Rainier Beach High School athletic program. This program has produced 11 boys basketball state championships, developing athletes and King County’s future leaders.
The RBHS Team took time to honor two outstanding seniors and members of the Rainier Beach basketball family who tragically lost their lives recently, Tyjon Stewart and Tra’veiah Houfmuse. Team members spoke out about the need to end gun violence, and actions they are taking in support of that, at the King County ceremony.
I invite you to hear their words--click on the photo below. These are inspiring young men whose leadership we need. I am so very proud of them. They are true champions.
 Rainier Beach High School State Champion players Achilles Reyna, Wesley Armstrong and Kam Babbs speak to local leaders about the need to end gun violence. King County Councilmembers and King County Executive listen to their comments.
Thank you for reading my e-news. I look forward to using this to keep you updated while serving as your representative on the King County Council. Together, we can make history.
You are always welcome to contact my office at 206 477-1002 or Rhonda.lewis@kingcounty.gov.
My D2 team looks forward to assisting you.
Sincerely,
 Rhonda Lewis, Councilmember
Metropolitan King County Council, District 2.
The art above was created by artist Erynne Byrd, a Skyway family member and US Navy veteran.
It is on display in my council office at the King County Courthouse.
You can see more of her work at https://www.instagram.com/boydandbyrd/
I am pleased to share a view into issues facing the King County Council, District 2 and my work so far this month.
Your input, concerns and questions are welcome. Rhonda.lewis@kingcounty.gov
April 1 – No fools today!
I chaired my third Law & Justice Committee meeting.
The Law & Justice Committee is responsible for making recommendations on policies relating to law, safety, and criminal justice programs, including:
- implementation of the charter amendments related to the duties of the sheriff's office;
- public safety;
- adult detention;
- juvenile justice and youth services;
- superior and district courts;
- judicial administration;
- prosecuting attorney;
- public defense;
- emergency medical services;
- office of law enforcement oversight;
- bail reform;
- pretrial services;
- alternatives to incarceration;
- combating human trafficking;
- hate crime prevention; and
civil rights.
We welcomed a panel speaking redoubling our efforts to protect our community from human trafficking with a focus on the upcoming six World Cup games in Seattle beginning on June 15.
We also welcomed Molly Gilbert, Public Defense Investigator and SEIU 925 Chapter President representing support staff for the Public Defenders’office. Molly and public defense attorney Zachary Brusseau spoke about the important investigatory work to support the attorneys who balance large caseloads.
 And finally, we heard a report on traffic enforcement from the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).
You are welcome to watch this Law & Justice committee meeting here. We are committed to keeping meetings open and available to the public so you can see what questions are asked, what information is presented and how decisions are made.
On April 1, I also participated in a meeting of the King County Flood District Executive Committee where we discussed plans for levee and revetment repair after damage caused by flooding in December.
Rounding out the day, I joined regional leaders in deliberations of the Regional Water Quality Committee over anticipated increases to the sewer rate to pay for state and federal regulatory requirements.
The following day – April 2 – I joined members of the King County Transportation Districtin a meeting to deliberate a 0.10% increase in the sales tax countywide to pay for the repair, maintenance and safety of King County roads. You can take a look at the proposal here.
 In District 2, Skyway would be the primary beneficiary of these funds. King County is responsible for the repair, maintenance and safety of all roads in unincorporated King County – this includes urban areas such as Skyway and White Center. It also includes rural areas such as Vashon Island and roads connecting towns in east King County such as Snoqualmie and Duvall.
In Skyway, we need accessible sidewalks , crosswalks, and safe places for children to wait for their school bus. Click on the photo below to hear me outline the need for fundamental safety improvements in Skyway:
 The total cost of needed capital improvements to repair and maintain safe county-owned roads is $2 billion or $200 million per year for 10 years. A 0.10% increase in the sales tax would pay for $1 billion or $100 million per year – enough to pay for 50% of the needed work.
The Transportation District did not make a determination on April 2. The next meeting will be in May. Please send me your thoughts about the conditions of county-owned roads and what you would like to see as the next step to improving safety. Rhonda.lewis@kingcounty.gov.
The Health, Housing and Human Services Committee (HHH) met on April 7 where it considered and voted on the 2025 King County Youth Action Plan which identifies priorities for investments in youth (age 0-24). You can see this plan here.
I continue to advocate for youth employment opportunities, which has been a recurring concern expressed by community leaders on my listening tour in D2.
The HHH committee also heard from labor representatives on preparations for ensuring safety and fairness for workers during the 2026 World Cup. You can see that briefing here.
 Left to right: Councilmember Jorge Baron, CM Claudia Balducci, Christina Blocker, Co-Founder – Elevate Black Wellness and her sons, CM Rhonda Lewis, Devon Love, CM Teresa Mosqueda, CM Peter von Reichbauer, CM Rod Dembowski.
The Council Proclaimed April 13-17 to be Black Wellness Week. I led the proclamation and appreciated the very wise words of Christina Blocker from Elevate Black Wellness. You can hear them here.
On April 8, the Budget and Fiscal Management committee heard from King County Chief Budget Officer Aaron Rubardt on the Financial Outlook for King County. While King County will be facing economic challenges forcing difficult decisions, it remains a stable, well-managed government.
Chief Budget Officer Rubardt also gave a preview of legislation proposed by Executive Zahilay to create a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Bellevue to enable development of a connector bridge over I-405 ; this bridge will provide safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists as well as be a catalyst for the development of affordable housing.
I support efforts like this one to build more affordable housing and safety for pedestrians and will continue to advocate for investments like these in high needs areas of D2. King County needs investments like these in high-needs areas – like Skyway.
See my comments below:
 D2 Listening Tour – April Edition
In January, I began a listening tour of D2 with the goal of connecting with community leaders.
King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis and Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin.
In April, I was pleased to meet with Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin on a number of transportation, housing, and safety issues facing District 2.
I also met with Paul and Shantel Patu who lead Urban Family – a collection of programs supported by United Way, most of which assist underresourced families in D2. Programs include SkywayCares, Neighborhood 360, Youth 360, Peace Streets..
Sharon Lee, Executive Director of from the Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and I met to discuss future opportunities for housing in areas like Skyway and neighborhoods in Seattle. LIHI is the leading nonprofit building tiny house villages to support transition from homelessness to affordable housing.
On April 10, my staff and I toured BikeWorks in Columbia City. Bikeworks is a full-service repair shop that also offers bicycle classes, camps and clubs for youth age 9-17.
My staff also met with the Congolese Integration Network which has launched a campaign to build a welcoming and healing center for immigrants and refugees.
It has been inspirational to meet with so many talented community leaders. Good ideas and a deeply caring community spirit fuel groups like these.
Our communities will reap the benefits if we can stay unified and invest in making our world a better place.
I will continue to provide updates on my work as your representative. I invite you to reach out, let me know what your thoughts are and what you think District 2 could look like in the future
District 2 - a great place to live, lead and make history! Together!
Rhonda Lewis
King County Councilmember, District 2
206-477-1002
Rhonda.Lewis@kingcounty.gov
www.kingcounty.gov/lewis
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