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King County District 2: History is Made Here
King County Council Appoints Rhonda Lewis, Making History with First Black Woman and First Majority-Woman Council
July 31st, 2026
Sunday’s tragedy that took place at Bite Seattle has left an unforgettable mark on our community. Many of us are feeling shaken, grieving, angry, and exhausted. In the face of our incredible pain, I can't help but reflect on how our community’s strength has always been rooted in how we show up for and lean on one another during our darkest times.
Whether you were directly impacted or feeling the heavy effects in the aftermath of Sunday's tragedy, there are resources available to help. Below is a list of resources to provide a safety net for anyone needing services, guidance, or professional support. Resources include crisis hotlines, counseling, services for victims who were directly impacted, and other national resources for anyone who needs them.
In addition to the resources below, the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) is available to help support you and your families. The ROGVP staff are available to actively help you and your loved ones navigate the specific resources you need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them directly via email at rgv@kingcounty.gov.
We stand in solidarity with you and we will navigate the path of healing with our communities every step of the way.
Resources for Those Impacted By Seattle’s Recent Mass Shooting
Crisis Support:
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988 Hotline: 24/7 crisis counselors available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
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NAMI HelpLine: Call 800-950-6264 or text “NAMI” to 62640, available Monday to Friday 7 AM to 7 PM PST for one-on-one, confidential, emotional support.
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Youth Peace & Justice Foundation: Dial 254-499-8027 to get connected to 24/7 crisis support.
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Therapy Fund Foundation: Free, culturally responsive mental health service connection for Seattle youth.
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Washington TeenLink: Washington State-based peer volunteers available by call, text, or chat seven days a week from 6 am -10 pm. For teen peer-to-peer support, visit www.teenlink.org or call or text 866-833-6546.
Victim Services:
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City of Seattle Victim Support Team (VST): VST advocates and volunteers address immediate safety concerns and offer connections to resources. To connect to Victim Support Team services, call (206) 684-7721 or email VictimSupportTeam@seattle.gov.
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Harborview Medical Center Violence Intervention & Prevention Program (VIPP): Harborview Medical Center’s VIPP provides support for victims of firearm injury. The team provides medical advocacy, victim assistance, peer support, support with crime victims' compensation applications, and emotional support for traumatic stress, in addition to referrals for trauma-focused therapy, legal advocacy, housing, life skills training, and substance abuse assistance. This resource is accessed through Harborview Medical Center.
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Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Victim Services Resource Guide: View the comprehensive list of victim services on the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Victim Services Resource Guide.
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Victim Connect Resource Center: A U.S. Office of Crime Victims-funded service that offers confidential assistance to victims of crime. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to help victims locate services in their area, including mental health counseling, legal services, and more. This service is available by phone or text: 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or by chat at https://victimconnect.org/chat.
Local and National Resources:
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Regional Gun Violence Community Resource Guide: If you or someone you know has been impacted by gun violence and needs support, please view the Regional Gun Violence Community Resource Guide to view local resources.
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National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center’s Grounding Tips for Crime Victims, Survivors and Family Members: View resources for individuals and communities recovering from mass violence on the Grounding Tips for Crime Victims, Survivors and Family Members guide.
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U.S. Office of Victims of Crime Resources for the Victims of Recent Mass Violence Incidents: View the Resources for the Victims of Recent Mass Violence Incidents list for supports for individuals impacted by tragedy, service providers, law enforcement, first responders, and community leaders.
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Everytown For Gun Safety Guide to Support Those Impacted By a Mass Shooting: The Everytown for Gun Safety Guide provides resources for those looking to support survivors and communities affected by mass casualty events.
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Remember to vote! Election Day is Tuesday, August 4. If you are registered to vote, your ballot should have been mailed to you. King County Elections also mailed a voter’s pamphlet with information on every candidate and measure on your ballot.
This is your opportunity to influence who represents you and for you to express support or opposition to issues on the ballot. Democracy depends on voters showing up and casting their ballots.
The Election is here. Join CM Lewis in casting your ballot!
You can vote with ease in your own home, just make sure to turn in that ballot by Tuesday!
To find a ballot drop box near you, click here!
If you or someone in your family needs assistance in voting, please go to King County Elections in Renton at 919 Southwest Grady Wy, Renton, WA 98057.
King County Elections will also be at the Downtown Seattle Public Library on Saturday, August 1 10 am – 1 pm (1000 4th Ave, Seattle).
Once you have voted and turned in your ballot, you can track the processing of your ballot by signing up for “ballot tracker” with King County Elections. This service will report to you that your ballot was received and counted. Click here for more information.
Have a question or need help navigating county resources?
Please reach out to my District Director, Saeed Mahamood, at saeed.mahamood@kingcounty.gov or (206) 572-5828.
It is my honor to represent you on the King County Council.
My D2 team looks forward to assisting you.
Sincerely,
 Rhonda Lewis, Councilmember
Metropolitan King County Council, District 2
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Tuesday, July 28: Council
Click on the image above to watch the King County Council Meeting from July 28, 2026.
The Council met remotely on Tuesday due to construction in council chambers. Council Chambers is being renovated to provide new spaces for clerks. Clerks serve democracy at every meeting by ensuring meetings operate consistently, fairly and according to parliamentary procedures and rules. Clerks also record proceedings to create a reliable, trusted record of decision-making. It is an invaluable part of the democratic process. Next time you interact with a clerk – say thank you!
At Tuesday’s remote meeting, CM Dunn spoke to proposed changes to the Ethics Code to ensure clarity in rules governing financial disclosure.
The Council also considered two collective bargaining agreements (CBA) both regarding employees with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. The King County Office of Labor Relations negotiated the first CBA with PROTEC17 regarding environmental engineers and the second CBA with Teamsters local 174 regarding drivers, haulers and handlers in Solid Waste including those who handle hazardous waste.
Juan Cotto has served as the Director of Government Affairs & Community Engagement for Bloodworks Northwest since 2018. He has led state and federal strategy to strengthen the blood supply, emergency preparedness, and equitable donor access across Washington and Oregon. He has built coalitions to align advocacy and messaging and advocated for legislation at the state level in Washington and Oregon focused on blood donation.
Mr. Cotto is the president and CEO of The GOOD Neighbor Baseball League. The semi-professional league, which is under development, is intended to foster opportunities for minority athletes and revitalize neighborhood parks.
Prior to his current roles, Mr. Cotto served as Community & Government Affairs Lead for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 2006 until 2018 and as the Development Director of St. Joseph School from 2002 to 2006. He has served on several boards including the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Board, the Children's Campaign Fund, and El Centro de la Raza
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CM Lewis alongside Juan Cotto
Documents include the Treaty of Paris, the Bill of Rights (1789), the Secret Printing of the Constitution (1787) and an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence (1823).
Coming up: the Council will be on “recess” August 3-August 14. This means that the Council will not be holding its weekly council meeting or committee meetings. However, offices will remain open for business. The next Council meeting will be August 18.
Want to stay informed about what's happening in District 2? Follow Council Member Rhonda Lewis on Instagram for timely updates, community news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done on behalf of our residents.
By following along, you'll receive updates on:
- Volunteer opportunities and community engagement events
- Grants and other community opportunities
- Behind-the-scenes updates from District 2
- And so much more!
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Thursday, July 23: King County Forward Together Substance Abuse Recovery Conference
King County Forward Together Substance Use Recovery Conference.
Last Thursday, D2 staff attended the 6th annual King County Forward Together Substance Use Recovery Conference. Keynote speaker Regina LaBelle, professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University and formerly drug policy in the Obama White House, spoke about the need for community organizing, activism and influence on federal drug policy.
Friday, July 24: Homelessness & U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
On Friday CM Lewis attended the Seattle Regional Homelessness Forum with Dr. Robert Marbut Homelessness and US Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Dr. Marbut gave a history of federal policy on homelessness and also shared success stories he has seen around the United States.
CM Dembowski as well as the Mayors of Tukwila, Renton and Auburn attended the presentation along with community housing and services leaders Sharon Lee – LIHI, Dan Malone – DESC, Alison Eisinger, Coalition on Homelessness, Jeff Sims, Regional Homelessness Authority and many more.
Tuesday, July 28: Community Meeting in Allentown regarding 42nd Ave S. Bridge
On Tuesday, CM Lewis attended a community meeting in Allentown regarding the 42nd Ave S. Bridge. At this meeting constituents learned more about latest project updates and the impacts to the Tukwila Community Center and the Green River Trail during construction.
Wednesday, July 29: Tour of King County Downtown Corrections Center
On Wednesday , the D2 office had the opportunity of touring the King County Correctional Facility in downtown Seattle. As the Chair of the Law and Justice committee at the King County Council, CM Lewis’ along with her committee members have the responsibility to consider and make recommendations on policies relating to law, safety, and our detention facilities. This tour was insightful for our office as we continue to improve our justice system and programs here in King County.
Thursday, July 30: Meetings with King County Coalition of Human Services, Black Women Experience Project, Auditor’s Office and the Boeing Seafair Air Show
On Thursday, CM Lewis and her staff met with the King County Alliance for Human Services where we discussed human services needs across King County. CM Lewis and her staff also met with the project managers for the Black Women’s Experience Project. The purpose of the project is to understand the current state of Black Women employed at King County and to provide recommendations to address inequities and promote a healthy work culture. You can read more about the project here.
Started in 1950, Seafair began as a plan to celebrate Seattle’s centennial in 1951. The Seattle area was without major league sports teams or the Seattle Center.
Seafair was designed to attract tourists and showcase marine events in keeping with Seattle’s boast as the “boating capital of the world.”
Prominent Seattle business leaders recruited St. Paul, Minnesota’s Winter Carnival director Walter Van Camp to help produce a similar summertime event in the Emerald City.
Van Camp planned a ten-day celebration for August 11 – 20, 1950 which featured parades, boat races on Green Lake, amateur athletic events, royalty, and a number of community festivals. This included building the 5,500 seat Aqua Theater at Green Lake.
As it enters its 75th year, Seafair is a multi-week festival featuring over 30 community events that reach more than two-million people. The festival is made possible with the help of nearly 3,000 volunteers.
To buy tickets for the hydroplane races or air show – click here.
Tuesday August 4, 2026: Election Day
Remember to Vote! Election Day is Tuesday August 4!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2026: NIGHT OUT
Night Out is a national event promoted in Seattle by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention. It is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities. Night Out is traditionally held the first Tuesday night in August
Wednesday August 5, 2026: Pacific Tower Visioning Project
(In-Person at KCIA Airport Terminal Meeting Room)
Saturday, August 15: CHOMP
Mark your Calendars! Learn what’s fresh in King County and join a full-day of family-friendly fun with free activities, live music, food vendors, hands-on activities, and more at King County’s CHOMP! on Aug. 15 at Marymoor Park in Redmond.
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I will continue to provide updates on my work as your representative. I invite you to reach out, let me know what your thoughts are and what you think District 2 could look like in the future
District 2 - a great place to live, lead and make history! Together!
District 2 (D2) is comprised of 273,758 constituents living in Skyway, Rainier Beach, Columbia City, Rainier Valley, Central District, Capitol Hill, Montlake, Eastlake, U-District and Ravenna. It is a beautiful district full of talent and diverse heritages and families. 22% of the D2 population is foreign-born, 28% multi-lingual and 52% rent their homes. Forty-one of Seattle Public Schools’ 109 schools are in District 2.
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