Councilmember Mosqueda on the National Stage
Local government is where we can make a real difference, both by protecting our communities from federal overreach that threatens funding and threatens the lives of our residents—and by investing in communities and solutions that make a real and immediate impact. That’s the value of local governing and that that’s the obligation we have to step up in this moment. Over the last two weeks, I joined hundreds of local elected officials at two national forums as local elected leaders come together to harness our power, gather energy and drive solutions to invest in and protect our local residents.
(from left to right) CM Mosqueda with Commissioner A'Dorian Murray-Thomas of NJ, presenting at a work session, and with the WA delegation.
First, as a Local Progress Board Member and active Local Progress member for almost a decade, I was proud to join over 550 city, county, and school board elected leaders from across 41 states at the Local Progress Annual National Convening in Baltimore. It’s always one of the most energizing gatherings of the year. This year's theme, "Fearless Leadership, Joyful Liberation," felt exactly right for this moment. We heard from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and incoming DC Mayor Janeese Lewis George who both spoke about finding strength in partnership, being relentless for our constituents, and never backing down when it comes to protecting our rights and our dignity. On the national stage I was proud to acknowledge and cheer on our workforce and teams that make this local governing work possible, and to present on strategies to secure revenue for vital investments in housing, economic stability and the workforce.
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Newly elected Second Vice President Sarah Benatar, sixth from left, surrounded by ambassadors who supported her bid, including CM Mosqueda, at the recent NACo Annual Conference in New Orleans. Many members of her team and the National Association for Hispanic County Officials are represented
This weekend, I had the opportunity to serve as the delegate and cast votes for King County at the National Association for Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, where over 3,000 county officials from across the country gathered to set federal policy priorities and elect new leadership. I was proud to stand with Washington State colleagues from King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Kitsap, Spokane, Island County and others as we learned of various ways to push back together on the Federal government to maintain the resources our counties need as we fight federal overreach under this administration. It was also my incredible honor to serve as an ambassador for Sarah Benatar, Treasurer of Arizona’s Coconino County and President of the National Association of Hispanic County Officials, who won the role of NACo Second Vice President at the conference—putting her on a path to become the next Vice President and then organization's first Latina president in two years.
For the past twelve years, Sarah has been serving as the elected County Treasurer, and has worked to advance NACo’s work as Chair and Vice Chairs of various committees, Chair of the National Association for Hispanic County officials, and as a NACo Board Member. She is the definition of a selfless public servant and I know this organization is in good hands with her at the helm. Felicidades 2nd VP Benatar!
Second Vice President Sarah Benatar immediately sworn in and assumed the position during the Board Meeting on the final day of the NACo convening.
Board of Health
On July 16th, I chaired the Board of Health meeting where we focused on some of the critical issues below that impact King County residents. View the full agenda and meeting here.
Continuum of Care Updates
Click on the image above to view the presentation.
This is one of the most urgent issues on my radar right now—the future of federal Continuum of Care funding for our region's homelessness response. King County currently receives $67 million annually in federal HUD funding that supports permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, coordinated entry, and other critical services—92% of which goes directly toward permanent housing. We got a first look at this at the July 16th Board of Health meeting, and what we heard was alarming: the new federal Notice of Funding Opportunity comes with strings attached that would require cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, abandonment of Housing First principles, a redefinition of "self-sufficiency" that cuts people off from care, enforcement of a sex binary, and prohibition of harm reduction services like needle exchanges. The practical impact: an estimated $22 million in existing local programs could go unfunded under the new rules. We'll be continuing this critical conversation at this Thursday's Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting on July 23rd—stay tuned for updates as we work on application and litigation strategies to mitigate the harmful effects on our community.
Threats to Gender Affirming Care
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We received a sobering and important presentation on the impacts of the current political environment on gender-affirming care. Presenters Ro Yoon from Fred Hutch and Christopher Archiopoli from the Board of Health walked us through the national landscape where approximately 2.8 million Americans identify as transgender, yet 19% have been denied care due to their gender identity and 28% have experienced harassment in healthcare settings. As restrictions multiply in other states, Washington is seeing increased demand as patients travel here for care we are proud to protect. Washington's shield laws and insurance coverage mandates are a real lifeline right now and this presentation was a reminder of just how important it is that we hold that line and keep gender-affirming care accessible, dignified, and rooted in what the research is clear about: kids who are safe, loved, and affirmed at home do well.
Disability Pride Month Proclamation
 King County Council proclaimed July 26th as Disability Pride Day in King County marking 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law and honoring the activists who fought, crawled, and organized to make it happen. King County has deep roots in this movement—we were home to the first public transit agency in the country to build a fully accessible bus fleet back in 1978 and today one in five adults in our county lives with a disability. Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate that resilience and recommit to the principle that has always anchored this movement: Nothing About Us Without Us. We will also be presenting a proclamation on this topic soon and will be covering in my June 23rd Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee how King County is doing with implementing the necessary rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act enhancements.
KCRHA Path Forward
 King County Executive Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a three-step plan to stabilize, right-size, and reset the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) following an independent forensic evaluation that raised significant concerns about the agency's financial management and internal controls. The plan strengthens fiscal oversight, refocuses KCRHA on its core regional coordination responsibilities, and transitions homelessness service contracts back to King County and the City of Seattle beginning in January 2027, while keeping the agency positioned to compete for critical federal HUD funding. Here's what I had to say:
"The most important thing right now for our region's homelessness response system is stability — stability of housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, stability for the providers delivering essential services, and stability in the funding that makes this work possible. I appreciate that the County Executive, the Mayor, and our regional partners are working together to chart a path forward that protects people experiencing homelessness, supports our service providers, and shores up against cuts to critical federal resources. At a time when uncertainty at the federal level is creating chaos in communities across the country, our region is stepping up to work together and care for our most vulnerable neighbors. There is still important work ahead, and many details remain to be worked out, but I am optimistic that through partnership and shared commitment we can build a more stable and effective system — that is what our community deserves."
Read the full announcement here.
Future of Harbor Island Studios
Click on the image of Harbor Island studios to learn more about this West Seattle gem!
Great news for Harbor Island Studios! Executive Zahilay has announced a one-year lease agreement with CREATE48 Media Network to keep the region's only publicly owned soundstage up and running while a long-term strategy is developed. The 89,000 square-foot facility has hosted over 160 productions since 2023, and this agreement keeps it alive as a hub for local filmmakers, union jobs, and career pathways in the creative economy. As I said in the announcement: "District 8 is home to some of our most cherished cultural institutions and a thriving homegrown arts scene, and I'm thrilled that we have been able to keep a driver of our arts economy alive at Harbor Island Studios. In partnership with Executive Zahilay, this agreement with Create48 allows for continued film and commercial production, providing a space for our next generation of creators to bring their visions to life, while spurring business at our local shops and employing community members in good union wage jobs." Read the full story for more details on what's next for the studio.
Thunderbird Treatment Center Opens on Vashon Island
Esther Lucero, President and CEO of SIHB (center) pictured with CM Mosqueda, US Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Chris Stearns (D-47 LD), and many others infront of the new treatment facility on Vashon.
Last Saturday, I had the honor of speaking at the grand opening of the Thunderbird Treatment Center on Vashon Island, and it reminded me exactly why this work matters. The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) has built something truly extraordinary—a $36 million, 92-bed facility that will be the largest drug and alcohol inpatient treatment center in King County, increasing the county's inpatient bed count by nearly 50% at a moment when we desperately need it. Since 2018, our region has lost more than 100 community-based residential mental health beds, and in 2023 alone King County saw a 47% increase in fatal fentanyl overdoses. With the opening of this new facility—that statistic starts to change today. What makes Thunderbird special isn't just the beds—it's the cedar-clad ceremonial room for talking circles and traditional healers, the Indigenous medicine room, the dedicated wing for pregnant and parenting residents so families can stay together through recovery, and a full-service clinic that will be open to anyone on Vashon Island regardless of background. As Esther Lucero of SIHB said, "Healing happens here” and I am so proud to have stood with this community to celebrate it. Special thank you to Erin House, Chief of Staff in my office who has been a constant force in helping to move along the permitting and overcoming hurdles so that the true vision could become a reality! So much appreciation for all involved. Read more from KNKX and The Vashon Beachcomber.
Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) Site Visit
 CM Mosqueda with Chief of Staff, Erin House, Representative Nicole Macri (D-43 LD), and members of DESC.
Last week my team and I had the chance to tour DESC's new ORCA and STAR centers on 3rd Avenue near Pioneer Square, and it was a powerful reminder of what it looks like when services are truly designed around what people need in the moment. From service connections and long-acting buprenorphine injections for opioid use disorder, to permanent supportive housing and a drop-in day center with places to rest and get a hot meal. What really stood out was how DESC has been using JumpStart flexible dollars to increase enrollment in federal and state benefits to 90%. Now that is progressive revenue at work, multiplying the public dollars we have available to make a tangible difference in people's lives. The team at DESC is doing incredible, life-saving work, and I'm grateful for their dedication to dignity and care for our most vulnerable neighbors.
White Center Business Alliance
CM Mosqueda speaking with members of White Center Business Alliance in Lumberyard Bar.
Earlier this month I joined the White Center Business Alliance to share updates on investments coming to the neighborhood and hear directly from small business owners about what they need. On the beautification front, we have $30,000 earmarked in the Department of Local Services' White Center Beautification fund for murals—if you know of a great site, reach out to my office or community liaison Bong Sto. Domingo. We also have a Vacant to Vibrant pilot underway to activate empty properties with artist studios, small business pop-ups, and community org spaces—same deal, let us know if you have a site in mind. On the green side, we secured $250,000 for street trees in White Center through last year's Parks Levy, alongside $2 million for a pocket park and climate resilience grant program to build heat reduction hubs in the neighborhood. I also shared ICE OUT signage for business owners who want to assert their rights that ICE may not use their property for staging or operations—reach out to my office if you'd like signs or Know Your Rights cards for your establishment. And of course, the King County Transportation District vote means more funding for roads and sidewalks in unincorporated areas like White Center is finally on its way — long overdue, and a real win for this community.
Vashon-Maury Community Council
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I was pleased to join the Vashon Community Council last week to share updates on what I've been working on to support the island. That list included fighting for metro shuttles to the strawberry festival from the northern ferry dock so that more families from off island can come and enjoy the event while leaving their cars at home, making it easier for ADU’s to be built on island and providing updates on MIDD and the new resources that will be available to improve the roads on island through the King Country Transpiration District. It was also helpful for me to hear from islanders about their concerns regarding proposed changes to the Marine Recovery Area or MRA and how that will impact homeowners with shoreline property. I heard the concerns on the timing, the inspection and evaluation process, and worries over the cost—and while we all are committed to maintaining and improving water quality and health for island residents, we need to ensure that any proposed policy is actionable, logical, and affordable to strike the right balance. More updates to come soon.
Soccer Fever! Elected Officials Match with Mayor Wilson
CM Mosqueda (center) pictured with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson; Rep. Osman Salahuddin (48th LD); Bellevue Councilmembers Lynne Robinson, Vishal Bhargava, and Naren Briar; Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson; Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans; Port of Seattle Commissioners Toshiko Hasegawa, Sam Cho, and Ryan Calkins; Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod; Senator Rebecca Saldaña (37th LD); Jose Mariscal-Cruz, Senator Murray staff member; Tribal Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe Leonard Forsman, and referee Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins!
Soccer fever was real this month and what better way to close out an incredible stretch of hosting FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle than with a friendly match between elected officials from across the region! Mayor Katie Wilson's Team Orca edged out my Team Evergreen 5-4 in a hard-fought game that brought together state legislators, city councilmembers, port commissioners, a tribal chairman, and yours truly. The World Cup brought our region together in a big way, and this match was a fun reminder that even off the field, we're stronger as a team.
Summer Road Work Is Coming to Vashon
 Temporary pothole patches are visible on the Judd Creek Bridge on Vashon Highway SW. Both directions of Vashon Highway SW will be closed to all traffic in August 2026 so the bridge can be fully resurfaced.
From north to south, King County Road Services is gearing up for a busy summer on Vashon Island. Several important projects will break ground in July and August to keep roads and bridges on the island safe and reliable. Whether you’re a resident, a commuter, a bicyclist, or simply someone enjoying all that Vashon has to offer, here’s your preview of what’s coming. Note that these projects are weather-dependent, so schedules may shift as conditions change.
91st Avenue SW and SW Dilworth Road culvert replacement
Beginning as early as mid-July, crews will work to repair a broken, clogged pipe on 91st Avenue SW, just south of SW Dilworth Road. The break has led to a sinkhole. If the culvert is not replaced, the road could collapse, causing a sudden, long-term road closure for emergency repairs. Traffic impacts: 91st Avenue SW will be fully closed, 24/7, at a spot just south of SW Dilworth Road for up to three weeks. Local access will be available south of the closure. All travelers, including pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, and emergency services, must use alternate routes.
Judd Creek Bridge deck resurfacing
As early as next month, crews will remove the top layer of worn-out concrete on the bridge deck and replace it with new, specialized polyester polymer concrete. This will protect and extend the bridge deck for 30 years or more. Traffic impacts: Full 24/7 closure of Vashon Highway SW at the Judd Creek Bridge from SW Quartermaster Drive to SW 228th Street, for up to six weeks. All travelers, including pedestrians and cyclists, must use the signed detour. Learn more about this project
- To receive email and/or text updates about these projects and future work on Vashon, sign up for Road Alerts.
- Find the latest information about lane restrictions and road closures in unincorporated King County on the MyCommute map.
A Day of Learning for Forest and Woodland Owners
The 2026 Vashon Forest Owners Field Day will be on Saturday, August 8. This out-in-the-woods education event allows you to attend a variety of workshops, all in the same day. The field day will help you address challenges on your property, foster healthy and resilient forest conditions, pursue fun new projects, and achieve your goals. Cost: $20 per individual or $35 per couple. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
You want to make sure that climate stress, fire, and unwanted pests and diseases don’t derail the future of your forest, but incomplete, inconsistent, and unverified information makes it hard to know what to do, when to do it, or whom to trust. That’s why WSU Extension offers the Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course. They turn guesswork into actionable, research-based steps to meet your goals. They'll give you the tools you need to reduce risks, enhance value, avoid costly mistakes, and promote a vibrant, resilient forest so you have peace of mind in knowing your property is on the right track for decades to come. Both a morning and an evening course will be offered online on Tuesdays, September 1 – October 27.
Kick it in the CID
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Explore the neighborhood and win prizes! Thru August 29, pick up a stamp book at any of the participating 72 businesses. Make a purchase of $10 or more (after discounts) to receive a stamp. Collect stamps to redeem prizes.
Prizes include:
- First 100 to 20 stamps get a SeattleFWC26 Pin
- First 50 to 36 stamps get a limited-edition Chinatown-ID soccer scarf
- First 30 to 50 stamps get an Uwajimaya Grocery Grab Bag
- Earn 72 stamps to enter to win a Nintendo Switch 2 (3 winners will be drawn - 1 on 7/6, 1 on 7/25, and 1 on 8/29)
- Complete the Stamp Book to enter the giveaway for 2 international round-trip Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines tickets! 1 Winner will be selected after the event ends.
CID Summer Food Walk Returns!
Click on the flyer for more information.
Calling all foodies! Come try new foods and support local at the CID Food Walk. Participating businesses across Chinatown-International District will offer special $6 + $8 bites and other discounts.
Pick up a printed menu at the CIDBIA information booth at Hing Hay Park, plan your route, and dig in! 😋
Duwamish River Festival
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The Duwamish River Festival is a celebration of community, connection, and the shared vision we hold for the future of the Duwamish Valley. It brings together neighbors, families, youth, elders, artists, and community organizations to honor the river that has shaped our history and continues to connect us today.
At its heart, the festival is about people coming together across cultures, generations, and backgrounds to celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of our community. Through music, art, storytelling, cultural traditions, and hands-on activities, we create a space where everyone belongs and every voice matters.
The Duwamish River reminds us that we are all connected. As we gather along its shores, we celebrate not only the progress that has been made to restore and protect this important waterway, but also the collective power of community action. Together, we can build healthier neighborhoods, create new opportunities for future generations, and ensure that the Duwamish Valley remains a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.
Multicultural Youth Festival
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A vibrant, youth-engaged celebration of culture, identity, and community. Hosted at the Highline Heritage Museum, the festival showcases creative work from young people and cultural groups through art, storytelling, performances, and interactive experiences. It creates a welcoming space where diverse voices are celebrated and shared, inviting the community to connect, learn, and experience the richness of cultural expression together.
Design-Only Artist Opportunity:
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)
One Washington state-based artist will be commissioned to create six to eight two-dimensional designs for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Kent.
For this design-only project, the selected artist will deliver digital files for fabrication onto metal panels and window film, with fabrication and installation managed by 4Culture.
The artwork will honor and celebrate the human-animal bond and RASKC’s role in supporting the pets and people in the community they serve.
Applications due July 29th by 4 pm.
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4Culture Landmarks Capital Grant
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The entire community benefits when we make our historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes a priority. Large and small, urban and rural: the Landmarks Capital program supports the bricks-and-mortar projects that contribute to our region’s identity.
Applicants must complete their account profile and save a draft application by Thursday, August 27th at 5 pm. After this time, new applications cannot be started. Final applications must be completed and submitted for review by Thurs, September 10th at 5 pm Pacific.
Sound Transit Seeks Public Feedback on 2027 Service Plan
The 2027 Service Plan proposals respond to changing ST Express ridership patterns, the expanding Link system’s need for more overnight maintenance time, and the future transition of some ST Express routes to Stride bus rapid transit.
We want to hear from you about how these changes could affect your ride. Please share your opinions with us on the 2027 Service Plan Survey.
Visit soundtransit.org/2027serviceplan to learn more!
Website and survey are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), and Tagalog.
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Free First Thursdays at Wing Luke Museum
Click on the flyer to plan your visit!
Free First Thursday Evenings are back at the Wing Luke Museum. Enjoy free general admission every first Thursday of the month during our extended evening hours from 5-8 PM, complimentary of King County's 4Culture!
D8 Staff Spotlight
Our District 8 team has been so blessed and grateful to have been able to work with Marilyn Miquel for an extended period of time, and it’s with a deep heart and a heart full of excitement for her that we bid her farewell. Marilyn first started with #TeamTeresa in my first year at King County as a Veteran Fellow beginning in 2024 through mid 2025, and then we were lucky to be able to extend a contract for part time work again starting in 2026! She has been the drafter behind these #TeresaTuesday newsletters, the social media posts and engagement strategies, the author of many moving speeches and talking points, and the letters to constituents and King County grant recipients. We will miss the talent, attention to detail and proactive thinking that she brought to the team! We wish her well as she sails onto her next adventure at the Port of Seattle.
 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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