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As we approach July 4th and the 250th anniversary of the United States, it's a moment that calls for reflection more than fireworks. The ideals this Country purports to praise itself for – equality, justice, the common good – are ones worth recommitting to, even when, perhaps especially when, the actual country’s founding didn’t uphold those and the distance between those ideals and our current reality feels wide. That work happens here, in our communities, every day. We are the last line of defense at the local level when it comes to attacks on our basic rights and protections, and that is what I am committed to continuing to fight for as your workhorse! If you need more reasons to celebrate this 4th of July, just know that it’s also my birthday, and this firecracker won’t back down when it comes to investing in our community.
Board of Health
At the June 18th King County Board of Health meeting, we received updates on two critical public health topics: progress and persistent disparities in HIV and STI prevention across King County, and findings from Washington State's Maternal Mortality Review Panel showing that the vast majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Read on for summaries of each presentation. Thanks to Vice Chair Daniels for a stellar job chairing the Board of Health meeting!
 Innovations in Sexual Health
Click on the image above to review the entire presentation.
Thanks to the request of Boardmember Milinganyo, the Board of Health received an update on local HIV and STI trends. King County has achieved a 65% reduction in new HIV diagnoses since 2002, with the lowest numbers since the epidemic began in the 1980s. Still, Black and Latino residents continue to be disproportionately impacted, as do people experiencing homelessness and residents in South King County.
On the STI front, syphilis cases are declining countywide – in part due to doxy-PEP, a preventive antibiotic treatment that reduces chlamydia and syphilis risk by over 80% – though cases among pregnant women and newborns remain a concern. Read the full presentation here.
Findings and Recommendations from Washington’s
Maternal Mortality Review Panel Report
Click on the image above to view the full presentation.
Board of Health also received a presentation on WA State's latest Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP) report. The pregnancy-related maternal mortality rate rose to 30.5 per 100,000 live births in 2021–2022 – a statistically significant increase from the prior period – with behavioral health conditions, primarily accidental fentanyl overdose, accounting for nearly half of all pregnancy-related deaths.
The Panel found 82% of these deaths were preventable, and identified racism, discrimination, or bias as a factor in 76% of preventable deaths. American Indian and Alaska Native people faced the highest risk – 7.3 times higher than non-Hispanic white people – with Black, Multiracial, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander communities also disproportionately impacted.
The report's three priority recommendations focus on improving health care quality and access, strengthening community support services, and providing equitable, culturally responsive care. The panel also flagged emerging challenges including Medicaid funding changes, rural maternity care shortages, and threats to immigrant, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities. See the full presentation here.
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Pet Code Updates
Click on the image above to review the proposed changes.
King County is updating the codes for pet-related businesses to better protect people and pets and there are multiple ways to help!
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Join an upcoming open house to ask questions and give feedback on the impact of the changes. This is not a webinar or presentation. The open houses are drop-in sessions to ask questions and discuss any concerns or feedback on the proposed code updates. Thursday, July 9th, 10–11 am. Register here.
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Take a survey – multiple times! Feedback accepted through July 13th.
Local Elected Leaders Australia Parliament Match
Click on the image above to see West Seattle Blog's coverage with videos from the match.
Before Team USA took on Australia in Seattle on Friday June 19th, I helped to organize a friendly match between elected leaders from around Washington took to the field for an international soccer "friendly" against a visiting delegation of Australian Parliamentarians on Thursday June 18th. When I called Jessica Pierce, owner of West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC, she jumped into action to open the field, get us suited up, find announcers and a referee, and host us all with open arms! Cameron Caldwell, District Director for Congressman Rick Larsen, helped recruit players and coordinate the match, which celebrated the spirit of international friendship, civic exchange, and the global excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup. Special thanks to White Center Pride for their co-sponsorship of the event, which ended with a 4-3 victory for the home team. We may have had a little extra help from the women’s team, Rhodies FC (currently placed 3rd in nation), and men’s team, Junction FC, as well! We were proud to host the Australian Parliamentary members and only found out at the game they had two former Aussie World Cup players on their team to boot!
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WA State Senator, Marcus Riccelli, celebrating Team USA's win, due in part to the 2 goals he singlehandedly scored!
See the full press release of the event. Very thankful to Mayor Wilson whose skills were impressive, and the very talented colleague of mine, Councilmember BarĂłn! Below is the full Team USA roster:
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
- Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans
- Senator Marcus Riccelli (3rd Legislative District)Â
- Senator Emily Alvarado (34th Legislative District)Â
- Representative Julio Cortes (38th Legislative District)Â
- Representative Osman Salahuddin (48th Legislative District)Â
- Representative Chipalo Street (37th Legislative District and former MLS referee)Â
- Representative Sharlett Mena (29th Legislative District)Â
- Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (King County Council, District 8)Â
- Councilmember Jorge BarĂłn (King County Council, District 4)Â
- Councilmember Rob Saka (Seattle City Council, District 1)Â
- Councilmember Vivek Prakriya (Redmond City Council)Â
- Councilmember Kelly Jiang (Issaquah City Council)
- Joe Mizrahi, Seattle School Board (District 4)Â
- Gina Topp, Seattle School Board President (District 6)Â
- Glenn Carpenter – District Director, Congressman Adam Smith
- Cameron Caldwell – District Director, Congressman Rick Larsen (Co-chair congressional soccer caucus)
- Chris Lampkin – Dep Chief of Staff, Councilmember Mosqueda
- West Seattle Junction FC players, Kellen Pierce and Will Masschmedt
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Taste of White Center
 Pictured with Carmen Smith, White Center Food Bank's Executive Director and Donna Chan, Owner of Puffy Pandy.
I had a great time at the fifth annual Taste of White Center on June 20th! The street festival took over 16th SW in the heart of White Center, with more than three dozen local venues offering special bites and sips – all as a benefit for the White Center Food Bank. They even sold out early – so we’re getting there extra early next year! Live music filled the air, from DJ sets to mariachi, making for a festive afternoon. It's the kind of event that demonstrates what makes this community so vibrant. Read more here and find out how to support the White Center Food Bank.
Community Open House: Seattle's Crisis Care Center
Click on the flyer above for more information about the Crisis Care Centers Initiative.
King County’s second Crisis Care Center will be located in Seattle’s First Hill and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Renovations will begin in 2026 and the soonest the center will open is by the end of 2027. Come learn about the new Crisis Care Center, and what services will be provided, as well as 24/7 crisis services available today.
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Forthcoming Changes to Apple Health
 Unjustly and infuriatingly, federal changes to Medicaid driven by passage of H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) in 2025 will impact Washingtonians’ eligibility for Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program, starting October 2026. The Washington State Health Care Authority’s (HCA) top priority is to implement new federal requirements in ways that minimize loss of coverage and reduce client burden.
HCA produced a desk guide that can help you as we navigate these changes. It includes a timeline of upcoming changes, when notices will go out, where you can learn more, and how to stay informed. My colleagues and I, led by Councilmembers Fain and BarĂłn, following my Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting on this topic, helped secure some additional funding for possible healthcare subsides to try to keep some King County residents covered, more work to do and more information to come soon.Â
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New King County Data Shows Stable Housing Associated with Sustained Reductions in Jail Bookings
Crossposted from the Executive Press Office
Birch Grove, DESC’s 20th permanent supportive housing building made possible through support from multiple public and private funders, including King County’s Operating Support, Rental Assistance and Supportive Services (ORS) and Housing Finance Program (HFP).
New King County data found jail bookings dropped nearly 27% in the first year after people moved into supportive housing – and fell even further over time, reaching a 37.6% reduction within three years. The findings reinforce that housing stability can interrupt cycles of homelessness and criminal-legal involvement, though racial disparities in outcomes persist. Read the full news release for more details.
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Q’mmunity House’s Impact on
LGBTQIA+ Veterans in King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
 Right here in District 8, Q'mmunity House – the first-in-the-nation transitional home designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ veterans experiencing homelessness – has completed its first year of operation, reaching full occupancy and serving eight individuals with on-site case management and affirming, culturally responsive support. Two residents have already successfully transitioned into their preferred housing situations. Operated by Minority Veterans of America and funded by King County's Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, the program has become an especially vital resource amid federal policy changes that have created heightened uncertainty for LGBTQ+ veterans. Read the full story here.
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Local Solutions to Food Insecurity
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Click on the image above to watch the video.
Between the high cost of living and unprecedented cuts to federal food programs, many people in King County are struggling to put food on the table. In 2018-2022, 9.5% of all residents in King County reported that food they purchased sometimes or often did not last, and they did not have money to buy more. Food banks are having a hard time keeping up, and workers who help people find resources are overwhelmed by the growing number of people who need help.
“This is a critical moment for people working on assuring all King County residents have enough food,” said Elizabeth Kimball, food policy lead for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Our food access partners are coming together like never before, and when we intentionally work together, innovative local solutions arise.” Read more.
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How To Help Someone in a Behavioral
Health Crisis in King County
Crossposted from Cultivating ConnectionsÂ
Click on the image above to read the full article.
When we see someone experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol related crisis in public, we want to help and often hear from residents and local businesses asking us who they can call.Â
With summer and World Cup kicking off this week, we wanted to share some tips for locals to know from a training hosted earlier this month by the Department of Community and Human Services’ Dr. Matt Goldman and Kelly Tongg, LICSW.
Tips to help someone in a crisis:
- Anyone can call or text 988 to help themselves or to help someone else. A local crisis counselor from Crisis Connections will offer immediate support over the phone, assess the situation, determine the appropriate response and send help if needed and requested.Â
- Put your safety first.
- Keep a safe distance. Do not physically intervene.
- If you feel unsafe or the person becomes more agitated, move away. Read more.
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Celebrating D8's Clarissa Perez: 2026 Husky 100 Recipient
We're proud to share that Clarissa Perez, a White Center resident, has been named to the 2026 Husky 100 – a UW honor recognizing 100 students across the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses who are making the most of their education to create change on campus, in their communities, and beyond.
Clarissa, a Social Welfare graduate, is a first-generation student who experienced housing insecurity while living with bipolar disorder, and fought to stay at UW long enough to transform survival into purpose. She found her voice through hip-hop storytelling and resistance, and her social welfare education inspired her to create Joy&theHood – Youth Healing Justice Collective, a space where healing arts, community care, and youth empowerment intersect. As Clarissa put it: she honors "the students who never saw themselves as leaders, but kept going long enough to become them."Â
Congratulations, Clarissa – we're so proud to have you representing District 8!
Learn more about Clarissa and the other Husky 100s.
Join the King County Board of Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Click on the image above for more information.
This vacancy is for a public health, facilities and providers alternate position. The person selected for this role will serve as the alternate for the three Board members representing public health, facilities, and providers. The alternate is invited to attend all Board meetings and may vote when any of the public health, facilities and providers Board members are absent.Â
Applications must be received by July 22nd, 11:59 pm PST at KCBOHAdmin@kingcounty.gov.
This fall the Board will send their recommendation to fill this vacancy to the King County Council, who will appoint the alternate member before the end of the year. The new member will begin their three-year term January 1, 2027.
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Join King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee
Click on the image above for more information.
Check out this opportunity to serve on the King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee (CEOC). The CEOC is a 16-member committee of volunteers who have interest or expertise in elections. The committee produces an annual report to the King County Council on its observations, findings, and recommendations on election-related matters. Currently, the CEOC has one vacant position that needs to be filled. The position is the following:Â
Representative from an academic institution who has knowledge of elections. The term of this position is three years, ending September 2029.
The applications are requested to be submitted by Thursday, July 9th. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/ceoc.
WaterWorks Grant Program
 Got a project that would improve water quality, reduce pollution, or support healthier waterways? King County's WaterWorks Grant Program is expected to open for applications next week.
Funding may be available for projects such as habitat restoration, rain gardens, stormwater improvements, environmental education, and other community-based efforts that benefit water quality. Nonprofits, schools, tribes, cities, and special purpose districts may be eligible. Applications open through July 20th.
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Climate Pledge Area 2026 Community Fund
Exciting news! 📣 Applications open on July 13th for the 2026 Climate Pledge Arena Community Fund! The fund was created to further Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Kraken, and One Roof Foundation’s shared commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive arts and culture community. Grant applications will be accepted for 501c3 non-profit organizations in the Seattle area focused on serving marginalized youth or youth of color with authenticity and intentionality. Applications due August 14th!
Take the KCIA Community Outreach Survey
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) is looking for ways to improve their outreach and better connect with the communities we serve. Your feedback is invaluable in helping them understand what is working well and where they can improve.
You're invited to take a few minutes to complete their Community Outreach Survey. Your responses will help guide their efforts to improve communication, engagement opportunities, and access to resources and programs at KCIA. This survey is voluntary and anonymous. Please share your input by July 17th.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, you can contact Communications Fellow Nada Ramadan at NRamadan@kingcounty.gov.
Rising Waters Collective Summer Performances
Rising Waters Collective is an all-women-led organization whose most fundamental priorities are to support and amplify our own regional artists and creatives here in the Puget Sound region, and to present works that reflect the issues facing our communities today, turning the spotlight on historically excluded perspectives and storytellers, and shining a light on the many experiences that exist in our region. They do this through the genres of chamber opera and chamber music.Â
Click on the image above for more information.
The West Coast Premiere of "Songs of Resilience" by Sheila Silver – August 8th and 9th
Songs of Resilience is a powerful song cycle by award-winning Seattle-born composer Sheila Silver, whose critically acclaimed opera A Thousand Splendid Suns premiered at Seattle Opera in 2023. This new song cycle gives voice to individuals confronting today's urgent social, political, and humanitarian crises. The songs feature texts by seven different authors, from a Pulitzer-winning journalist witnessing hunger in Sudan, a mother discovering banned books in Florida, a Palestinian American writer and a Turkish student navigating systemic oppression, and a cry to action, appealing to our best selves to create community, take a stand, and lend a hand to those in need. Each song captures courage, conscience, and the weight of moral reckoning.
Performance 1: ArtLove Salon in Seattle (110 Union St.). Start time: 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm)
Performance 2: Vashon Center for the Arts (19600 Vashon Hwy SW) Start time: 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)Â
Click on the image above for more information.
disPLACE, a chamber opera in 2 acts – August 21st and 22nd
disPLACE is a contemporary chamber opera that gives voice to those caught in the tide of urban “renewal.” Through two intertwining stories of loss, resilience, and belonging, it explores how the search for home collides with the forces of gentrification.
disPLACE brings together performance artist Julia Benzinger, baritone José Rubio, cellist Grant Olsen, and violist Kayleigh Miller. Directed by Kelly Kitchens, conducted by Jay Rozendaal.
Presented in partnership with Theatre Off Jackson, disPLACE finds powerful resonance in the International District, a neighborhood shaped by migration, displacement, and enduring community. Here, the opera becomes more than performance, it’s a reflection of the changing city itself.
Opening Night: August 21st, 7 pm start time at Theatre off Jackson (409 7th Ave S)
Additional performances on August 22nd at 2 pm and 7 pm.Â
 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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