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June 30, 2026
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June has been an exciting month across our region. With FIFA World Cup matches underway in Seattle, we're seeing the energy, visitors, and international attention that come with hosting one of the world's largest sporting events. The World Cup showcases the transportation networks and public infrastructure our region has built over decades, which South King County residents depend on every day to get to work, school, medical appointments, and home.
June was also one of the busiest policy months of the year. At both Sound Transit and King County, we made decisions that will shape transportation, infrastructure, affordability, and accountability across South King County for years to come.
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Transportation: Major South King County transit projects moved forward, alongside new independent oversight of Sound Transit's capital program.
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Affordability: Although I voted against the new county transportation sales tax, I created a program to ensure that, if it passed, District 5 cities would receive a fair share of the revenue. Beginning in 2027, the program will return more than $2 million annually for local transportation improvements.
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Accountability: The Council adopted the supplemental budget for the remainder of 2026, approved the 2027 regional wastewater rate, and continued strengthening oversight of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.
Below is a look at what changed this month, what it means for South King County, and what comes next.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
 Sound Transit Update
During World Cup matches, many of us have seen firsthand what a strong regional transit system can accomplish. During Seattle's FIFA World Cup matches, Link light rail carried record numbers of riders as residents and visitors traveled safely and efficiently throughout the region.
The June 19 match between United States and Australia generated approximately 280,000 Link boardings - the highest single-day ridership in Sound Transit history - surpassing the previous record set earlier this year during the Super Bowl celebration. Multiple World Cup match days have now exceeded 200,000 riders, reinforcing why our continued investment in transit and delivering projects efficiently and responsibly is critical for South King County.
The Sound Transit Board recently adopted the updated implementation plan for the remaining voter-approved ST3 projects. The plan reflects today's financial realities while preserving several important South King County priorities and establishing stronger independent oversight of one of the largest transit construction programs in the country.
New Renton Transit Center Garage Fully Funded
Thousands more South King County riders will have access to regional transit after the Board fully funded the new Renton Transit Center parking garage, which will serve the future Stride station at Rainier Avenue South and South Grady Way. I co-sponsored the successful amendment because, for many South King County residents, access to transit begins with access to the station. Not every neighborhood has frequent bus service, safe bicycle connections, or convenient walking routes. Without practical first-mile access, many residents simply drive their entire trip.
Fully funding this project will allow thousands more riders to connect to Stride and the broader regional transit system while helping reduce congestion along I-405 and SR 167.
I appreciate Executive Girmay Zahilay’s thoughtful partnership throughout the process, Renton Councilmember Ed Prince's advocacy for the project, and Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod's support in helping build the Board consensus needed to fully fund the garage. Regional transportation projects move forward when communities work together.
North Tukwila Receives $10M for Transit Access
North Tukwila will receive up to $10 million in near-term transit access improvements while Boeing Access Road Station continues through final design. The Board approved my co-sponsored amendment to deliver meaningful improvements now while keeping the long-term project moving forward. The amendment:
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Invests up to $10 million to improve transit access in North Tukwila before station construction begins.
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Keeps Boeing Access Road Station funded through final design while additional funding opportunities are pursued.
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Directs Sound Transit to continue pursuing grants, partnerships, and cost-saving strategies.
Reaching final design is an important milestone, but significant work remains before construction can begin. I'll continue working closely with the City of Tukwila, the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, and our regional partners to secure construction funding and improve mobility throughout North Tukwila.
Stronger Accountability Approved
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New accountability measures include:
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Quarterly reporting on project costs, schedules, and risks.
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A new Independent Oversight Program reporting directly to the Board.
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Independent technical experts selected by the Board to provide outside consulting and peer review.
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Clear Board decision points before major construction commitments.
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Annual reporting on projects that remain unfunded.
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Continued efforts to identify cost savings, pursue grants, strengthen partnerships, and improve project delivery.
These reforms give Board members—and the public—better visibility into project performance while ensuring major decisions receive independent technical review before billions of dollars are committed.
As implementation continues, my priorities remain clear:
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Deliver the projects voters approved.
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Strengthen accountability and transparency.
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Improve transit access throughout South King County.
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Pursue additional state, federal, and local funding to accelerate future investments.
King County Transportation District
Beginning January 1, 2027, a new 0.1% countywide sales tax will help fund road and bridge preservation in unincorporated King County.
I voted against the proposal because of the affordability concerns I consistently hear from residents, small businesses, and local governments. Every new tax deserves careful scrutiny.
Although I opposed the tax, I also believe South King County communities should benefit if it moved forward. That's why I created the City Transportation Improvement Program (CTIP), which was adopted as part of the final tax package.
Beginning next year, District 5 cities are expected to receive more than $2 million annually through CTIP for local transportation projects, including:
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ADA accessibility improvements
If you'd like additional background on the King County Transportation District, and how this tax evolved over the past several months, please see my previous newsletters here.
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
KCRHA continues making progress implementing stronger financial controls following this year's forensic review. King County and Seattle will also embed independent financial expertise within the organization to strengthen day-to-day operations. Important financial reconciliation work remains underway before full confidence can be restored.
What happens next? The Executive is scheduled to return to the Council with recommendations on the Authority's long-term governance and organizational structure.
My priorities remain unchanged:
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Protect essential services.
- Measure progress through facts and results.
2026 Supplemental Budget Invests in Immediate Needs
Last week, the King County Council approved its supplemental budget. Rather than creating major new programs, the Council focused on targeted investments while maintaining fiscal discipline. Highlights include:
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Additional support for South King County food banks.
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Expanded Medicaid enrollment assistance.
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Stronger Best Starts for Kids levy oversight.
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Improved contractor accountability.
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Comprehensive review of the County's safer smoking supply programs to better inform future policy decisions.
Although this budget addresses current priorities, larger fiscal challenges remain ahead, including inflation, uncertainty around federal funding, and projected General Fund deficits.
Sewer Rates Increasing in 2027
The King County Council recently approved a 12.75% increase in the 2027 regional wholesale sewer rate. This rate is paid by local sewer utilities that participate in King County's regional wastewater system, and many residents served by those utilities may see an increase in their sewer bills next year. The exact impact will vary because each local utility sets its own customer rates.
The blue shaded area shows communities served by King County's regional wastewater system. District 5 residents served by Midway Sewer District and Southwest Suburban Sewer District are outside the regional system and are not affected by this wholesale rate increase.
Earlier this year, I toured the South Treatment Plant in Renton to better understand the infrastructure behind these costs. Seeing the system firsthand reinforced two realities:
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Much of our regional wastewater system is decades old and requires significant reinvestment to remain safe and reliable.
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Many of these projects are required under federal and state environmental regulations to protect Puget Sound, reduce sewer overflows, and ensure reliable service for future generations.
These investments are essential, but so is affordability. As rates continue to rise, I'll continue asking whether projects are being delivered on time, staying within budget, and ways we can reduce costs through innovation, grants, partnerships, and efficient project delivery.
Reliable wastewater infrastructure protects public health and our environment, but residents also deserve confidence that these investments are being managed responsibly.
Over the next several months, I'll continue focusing on:
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Implementing Sound Transit's new oversight program.
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Advancing transit access to North Tukwila.
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Metro's long-range service planning.
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Preparing for the County's fall supplemental budget.
These decisions will shape transportation, public services, and County finances for years to come.
 Beyond policy decisions, one of the most rewarding parts of this work is spending time with the people, businesses, and organizations that make South King County such a special place to call home.
Legacy Square Opens in Renton
Downtown Renton has a new gathering place. Legacy Square officially opened this month, creating a welcoming space for community events, families, and local businesses. It's exciting to see another investment that strengthens downtown and creates opportunities for people to connect while supporting nearby restaurants and shops.
SeaTac State of the City & Farmers Market
It was great to join community leaders at SeaTac's State of the City and celebrate another exciting milestone: the opening of the SeaTac Farmers Market at Angle Lake Station. Running every Wednesday through October, the market supports local farmers and small businesses while creating another reason for residents to gather in the heart of the community. Check out the hours here.
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Supporting Small Businesses
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with members of Tabor 100 in Tukwila to discuss transportation, affordability, and the challenges facing entrepreneurs across South King County. Hearing directly from small business owners helps shape better policy decisions and reminds me that local businesses remain one of the strongest drivers of our regional economy.
Executive Zahilay’s State of the County
Executive Zahilay's State of the County brought together leaders from across King County to reflect on where we've been and where we're headed. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph delivered a thoughtful introduction, emphasizing that South King County communities make the most progress when cities and the County work together to solve shared challenges. That spirit of partnership was reflected throughout the event.
The Executive also highlighted continued investments in South King County. I appreciated his continued commitment to investing in South King County and look forward to working together on transportation, public safety, economic opportunity, and other priorities that matter to our communities.
Juneteenth celebrations across District 5 highlighted the history, culture, and leadership that strengthen our communities. I was honored to attend the Kent Black Action Commission's celebration, celebrate the remarkable leadership of Gwen Allen-Carston, who I recently recognized with my District 5 Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, and received the KBAC Juneteenth Award of Excellence.
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 Looking for ways to get involved? Here are three current opportunities.
Learn more and apply for Waterworks Grants Here
Learn more and apply for Sound Transit's Community Oversight Panel Here
Learn more and apply for the Human & Civil Rights Commission Here
Whether you have a question, concern, or idea, I want to hear from you. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more frequent updates from around District 5.
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Steffanie Fain
King County Councilmember, District 5
(206) 477-1005 Send me an email
www.kingcounty.gov/fain |
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