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Monday, June 8 – Committee of the Whole (COW)
 Click on the image above to hear CM Lewis ask Dr. McLaughlin how the King County Department of Community and Human Services can help ensure contractors are both accountable and successful in providing services to people in need.
Dr. Susan McLaughlin was interviewed by the committee to be the new Director of the Department of Community and Human Services. Dr. McLaughlin was appointed in January to serve as interim Director by Executive Zahilay. Her leadership comes at a critical juncture in the history of the department.
As has been reported, an audit found that DCHS needs to make significant improvements in its contracting practices to guard against fraud and abuse.
After much questioning, I was pleased to support Dr. McLaughlin’s appointment with confidence that her leadership is right for the job of getting DCHS on the right track.
The committee also heard an extensive presentation on the forensic audit of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). KCRHA presented its corrective action plan and then Executive Zahilay’s office presented their plans to propose changes to address the audit. The Council anticipates a full proposal from the Executive’s office in August.
Tuesday, June 9 – Council
 Click on the image above to hear about the history and significance of Juneteenth as CM Lewis presents the Northwest African-American Museum with the 2026 proclamation.
I was pleased to present the 2026 Juneteenth proclamation to the Northwest African-American Museum for their work to tell the story of freedom in America – and the on-going work to protect it.
Join the NAAM for Juneteenth celebrations. For details click here.
 Left to right: CM Balducci (D6), CM Barón (D4), CM Dunn (D9), Eric Greer, Board Member Northwest African-American Museum (NAAM), Sherry Williams Board Vice Chair, NAAM, CM Perry (D3), CM Lewis (D2), CM von Reichbauer (D7), CM Mosqueda (D8) CM Dembowski (D9) and CM Fain (D5).
The Council also commemorated PRIDE with a proclamation recognizing the movement for respect and dignity to people of all orientations and identities. Councilmember Jorge L. Barón presented this proclamation to Entre Hermanos.
 Left to right: Timothy Billing – CM Fain (D5), Hyeok Kim, Chief Operating Officer -Executive Zahilay, CM Mosqueda (D8), CM Fain (D5), friends, CM Perry (D3), Deaunte Damper 2026 Seattle PRIDE Grand Marshal, Evelyn Chow, CM Balducci, Jose Vazquez - Entre Hermanos, CM von Reichbauer (D7), CM Lewis (D2), CM Barón (D4), CM Dembowski (D1).
Wednesday, June 10 – Budget and Fiscal Management Committee (BFM)
The Budget Committee considered a proposal to raise the sewer rate to pay for federal and state required improvements to the wastewater treatment system. These improvements will serve to protect both public health and Puget Sound from untreated discharge and pollution.
These improvements are expensive and the rate increase is 12.75% which made this a difficult decision. The Regional Water Quality Committee spent months debating this rate looking for ways to keep rates low.
After extensive deliberation, I supported investing in the infrastructure to protect the quality of our water and this rate increase.
The Budget Committee also considered the Executive’s proposal to modify the 2026 budget. I was pleased to advocate for support for schools and organizations in District 2 who are helping youth, families and providing services to those in need. The Budget Committee recommended a limited amount of funding to support these efforts.
Both of these pieces of legislation will be considered by the full council on June 23. You are welcome to provide public comment in person or virtually.
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