May Day – Workers of the World Unite!
Click the image above to see The Seattle Time’s short video coverage of this year's May Day.
Attacks on workers are nothing new, but the groundswell of organizing emerging in response to federal efforts to undermine worker power is astonishing. Across the world and across all industries, workers are coming together to demand their fair share and hold bad bosses accountable. This May Day, workers made it clear: it is the workers who show up for our communities every single day who are responsible for our shared prosperity. I am proud to stand with them in this movement as we continue to fight for a just future where we can all thrive, not just survive.
And as Mother's Day approaches, it's worth pausing to recognize that so many of those workers are mothers – women who clock in at the hospital, the grocery store, the school, and the job site, and then come home to do it all over again for their families. The fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, childcare, and basic dignity isn't abstract for them – it's personal. This Mother's Day, the best way we can honor the mothers in our lives is to keep fighting for the conditions that allow them to thrive. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there – we see you, we thank you, and we've got your back.
 Showing up for May Day with Councilmember Barón, US Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and State Senator Rebecca Saldaña
Board of Health
World Cup Update
Click on the image to watch the World Cup presentation.
With the World Cup getting started shortly, it was great to hear from Interim Director of SKC Public Health, Dr. Sandra Valenciano, on what Public Health is doing to help welcome the world to our region and keep everyone safe and healthy. Public Health leadership and staff is ready to meet the needs of our current residents and the nearly 750,000 visitors who will be joining to celebrate the beautiful game.
Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Click on the clip above to watch the presentation.
We heard an incredible presentation from Director Eleuthera Lisch, Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla, and Mark Rivers of Community Passageways on the work they are doing in partnership together related to youth violence prevention, intervention, and response. They shared powerful stories of the kids they have worked with to build skills for conflict resolution and get their basic needs met. Investing in our kiddos is the most critical way we can prevent future gun violence, and I am glad to support this work being implemented in White Center too.
Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee
Click on the image above to watch the Public Health financial update briefing.
Our Public Health system is part of the reason we had some of the best outcomes during the pandemic despite seeing some of the first cases in the nation during the pandemic. But our Public Health clinics have been operating at a structural deficit for years and are at risk of exhausting their reserves by the end of this decade – putting the care they provide at risk. We heard from department staff and from the Executive’s budget office what the fiscal situation looks like for Public Health and I continue to have concerns for the out years. Right now people can still get the care they need at their local public health clinic but unless we take action this might not be the case in several years time.
Recognition of the 51st Anniversary of the
Khmer Rouge Genocide
 Last week, I sponsored and the Council recognized April 14, 2026 as the 51st Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge Genocide, honoring the memory of the approximately 2 million lives lost between 1975 and 1979 and acknowledging the over 22,000 Khmer residents who call King County home. This recognition carries weight given the current moment – the federal administration has deported more Southeast Asian American refugees this past year than any prior administration, causing renewed trauma and instability in Khmer American communities. I was proud to join my colleagues in affirming that King County remains a welcoming and safe home for Khmer refugees and immigrants, and in standing firmly against policies that put our neighbors at risk.
Recognition Supporting the
Iranian Community in King County
 Today, Council proudly recognized the Iranian community in King County, affirming our solidarity with Iranian residents, neighbors, coworkers, and friends who are a valued and vibrant part of our region's cultural, civic, and economic fabric. The proclamation honors the resilience of the Iranian people and acknowledges the profound emotional toll that violence and instability in Iran has placed on families here at home, while standing firmly on the side of peace, dignity, and the right of all people to freedom and self-determination. King County welcomes and honors the Iranian community – today and always.
The World Cup Comes to Seattle
 From left to right: Greg Ramirez, Deputy Director of SEIU6 Property Services NW; CJ Garcia, Co-Director of Organizing at Working Washington; myself; Professor Anita Ramasastry; and Professor Ron Krabill
I was honored to join with leaders from MLK Labor and Working Washington to discuss how we’ve worked to strengthen labor protections and job opportunities for the people who will make the World Cup possible in a several weeks. This panel discussion was part of a broader speaker series, which can be found here: The World (Cup) Comes to Seattle: Spring Speaker Series - The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies. There are three more sessions if you're interested – sessions run Mondays, 5-6pm through June 1st! Thank you to Professor Ron Krabill for the invitation to share about the County’s efforts and thank you to Professor Anita Ramasastry for your facilitation of the panel.
Vashon Day of Exile – May 16th
Click on the image above for more information.
Join me on May 16th, 11am at Ober Park on Vashon Island for the annual Day of Exile commemoration marking the anniversary of the forced removal of Nikkei people under Executive Order 9066 – this year featuring the dedication of a new sculpture by Miya Sukune honoring the stories of Vashon's Japanese American families, followed by a reception at 1pm celebrating the sculpture and welcoming descendants.
Tubman Health Launches Black Elders Wellness Program
Click on the photo above to learn about Tubman Health's Healing House.
Exciting news for Black elders in our region: beginning Summer 2026, the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom will launch the Black Elders Wellness (BE Well) Program, assuming responsibility for delivering Seattle-King County Aging and Disability Services' support for Black elders. The program takes a holistic, community-designed approach that goes beyond traditional services to include primary care, mental health therapy, social connection programming, wraparound resource coordination, and wellness offerings like intergenerational cooking classes and personal training – all rooted in the understanding that aging is not a race-neutral experience. This is a meaningful step toward ensuring Black elders in our community can access care and support that truly reflects their needs and honors their dignity, and I look forward to seeing this program grow.
Help Shape Affordable Housing in
Unincorporated King County
Click on the flyer above to learn more!
King County wants to hear from you on affordable housing! A series of three virtual workshops is coming up to gather community input on new housing policy tools for unincorporated King County, including a Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption to incentivize affordable development, Inclusionary Housing policies that create affordable homes as new housing is built, and a Community Preference program to help prevent displacement by prioritizing housing for people with existing ties to a neighborhood. Workshops are scheduled for May 7, May 12, and May 18 from 5–6pm – register here to attend, or visit the public input page to engage on your own time.
King County Youth Leadership Summit – May 30th
Click on the image above for more information.
Ready to make a difference in your community? Join young leaders and aspiring changemakers from every corner of the county for a full day of networking and collaborative learning as we champion the mission of the King County Youth Bill of Rights (Articles I–X). This event is completely FREE and designed specifically for youth and young adults ages 14–24.
The 2026 King County Youth Leadership Summit is about championing youth leadership through connection and collaboration. The script is flipped! Here, you are the experts and the leaders. Get ready for a high-energy day of networking, creativity, and advocacy as we work together to turn the Youth Bill of Rights, the future King County Youth Commission, and your vision into powerful realities.
For the latest summit news and updates, visit the webpage.
4Culture Grant: Curiosity Pass: A Cultural Education Program
4Culture is accepting applications for grants supporting arts, cultural, and science educational experiences for King County K-12 students – both in-school and off-site programs are eligible. Interested organizations should note an important early deadline: a draft application must be saved by May 28 at 5pm in order to complete eligibility pre-screening, with final applications due June 11. Workshops and office hours are available throughout May and June to help applicants strengthen their submissions – visit 4culture.org/workshops for details.
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Commerce Accepting Grant Proposals Supporting
Firearm Relinquishment Laws
Washington State's Department of Commerce is accepting grant applications for projects that support the implementation of firearm relinquishment laws, including Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Up to $2.2 million in total funding is available through the federal State Crisis Intervention Program, with individual grants capped at $500,000. Applications are due May 31st – learn more and apply here.
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Lead in Traditional Eyeliner:
Community Outreach and Education RFA
 Click on the image above for more information.
King County's Public Health department has opened a new funding opportunity for community-based organizations to help reduce lead exposure from traditional eyeliners – commonly known as kajal, kohl, surma, or tiro – which are used in many South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities. Up to $279,500 is available across up to five organizations, with a maximum award of $55,000 each, to support culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and community engagement around lead exposure risks and safer alternatives. Applications are due May 29th – eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and free technical assistance is available to help with the process. Learn more here.
Rat City Art Walk – White Center Glow Up
Click on the flyer above to learn more.
The May Rat City Artwalk will be a special one – it’s the White Center Glow Up, where not only will there be incredible artists displaying their talents, but we will also be turning on the new lighting along 16th Ave!
And make sure to go by Nepantla Art Gallery this month to check out this incredible showing I had the chance to see briefly last weekend! Viva La Raza: Social Justice Art Show.
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Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
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