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

August 7, 2026

Good Evening Neighbors,

Councilmember Rhonda Lewis with her dog, Theo!

Trying to beat the August dog days? Why not visit the Regional Animal Services of King County? King County Animal Services might just your new best friend!

The Regional Animal Services of King County provides our County with an affordable service that protects both people and animals. As a partnership between King County and more than two dozen cities, RASKC helps countless animals be rehomed each year. Today, RASKC provides services to more than one million residents living in King County. About 100,000 cats and dogs are protected with identification through licensing provided by RASKC each year. Animal services cover more than 1,1000 square miles, that’s nearly the size of Rhode Island! Staff and volunteers at RASKC give thousands of animals every year a second chance with their high-quality care.

We hope that you will visit to give one of them their “fur-ever” home! Like Phoebe (above), King County’s Pet of the Week. Phoebe is a 2 year old domestic shorthair. Phoebe, along with her three kittens, was living at a home that had been foreclosed on. Her wonderful foster family says that “If you’re looking for a cat with a heart as big as her personality, meet Phoebe. Phoebe is the kind of cat who believes every day is better with a walking buddy. She loves exploring the outdoors and will happily “walk” you around the yard before coming inside for cuddles and conversation. She is wonderfully chatty and has a sweet way of letting you know exactly what she thinks. As a mama, Phoebe has been incredibly nurturing, patient, and devoted to her kittens. Now it’s her turn to be the one who’s loved and cared for. Phoebe would do best in a home where she can continue enjoying both indoor comforts and safe outdoor adventures. She is very affectionate with her people but would prefer a home without dogs. If you're hoping for a loyal companion who will greet you, chat with you, and make every day feel a little brighter, Phoebe is ready to find her forever family."

For more information about Phoebe and other cats looking for a home, go to the Pet Adoption Center. Staff there will help you find a great match for every adopter looking to make a decision about what pet is right for their family.

Walk-in hours at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent are from noon to 6 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. You can also browse online anytime at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.  If you have questions, contact Regional Animal Services at (206) 296-7387 (PETS) or pets@kingcounty.gov.  For more information on the new pet adoption center expected to open in 2027 click here.

Scam warning

Please be aware: FOX 13 Seattle has shared that scammers are contacting owners of lost pets in our area, claiming their pet has been found needing surgery and demanding immediate payment. Some are using AI-generated images of an animal in surgery as "proof."

THESE ARE SCAMS!

RASKC will NEVER ask you for payment by phone or text to treat your sick or injured pet!

If you think your lost pet is in our shelter, visit kingcounty.gov/LostAPet or stop by in person.

It is my honor to represent you on the King County Council.

You are always welcome to contact my office at 206 477-1002 or Rhonda.lewis@kingcounty.gov.

My D2 team looks forward to assisting you.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lewis, Councilmember
Metropolitan King County Council, District 2

August 3-7: Council & Committee Actions

Recess

The King County Council is on “recess” August 3-August 14. This means that the Council will not be holding its weekly council meeting or most committee meetings. However, offices will remain open for business. The next Council meeting will be August 18.

Wednesday, August 5: Regional Water Quality Committee

Click the image above to watch the latest RWQC meeting.

The Regional Water Quality Committee met remotely on Wednesday and members were briefed by the Department of Ecology on Washington’s Water Future Initiative. This briefing by Department of Ecology staff addresses the topic of climate impacts on Washington’s water. CM Lewis and her colleagues learned that warmer winters are resulting in more winter rain and as a result, reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelt. Concerns resulting from these conditions include higher water temperatures, increased drought risk, reduced reservoir storage, and increased winter flooding. Sea level rise also impacts freshwater water ecosystems.

The committee was also briefed on financial and system sustainability for the Wastewater Treatment Division. The briefing focused on WTD financial policies, practices, and financial planning tools

August 3-6: This week in D2

Monday, August 3^rd: Seafair Weekend Festival

Starting 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.

Councilmember Lewis alongside Coast Guard Lt Fager at the Seafair Reception

Seafair was designed to attract tourists and showcase marine events in keeping with Seattle’s boast as the “boating capital of the world.”

Councilmember Lewis and Former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best.

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.

Tuesday, August 4^th: Nationwide Night Out

Seattle Mayor, Katie Wilson, and Councilmember Lewis in conversation at the 2026 Night Out.

Night Out is a national event promoted in 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 and this year, our Councilmember, Rhonda Lewis, was able to attend and connect with many elected officials, friends, constituents, and more!

CM Lewis alongside Community Engagement Specialist for King County Public Health’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Seattle Prides 2026 Grand Marshal, Deaunte Damper at the 2026 Night Out!

Councilmember Lewis also spoke with Rainier Beach High School student Christian Scott, who asked thoughtful questions about her priorities, her hopes for the community, and how we can work together to build a stronger future. Their conversation reflected the importance of centering young people’s voices as we move our communities forward.

Wednesday, August 5: African Community Housing & Development and Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties Ground Breaking

This past Wednesday, the District 2 team had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by African Community Housing & Development and Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (SKKC). The event marked an exciting step forward in creating affordable and accessible housing opportunities for families in our community. We are grateful to the organizations and community partners whose dedication and collaboration are helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for King County. We look forward to seeing this project come to life and the lasting impact it will have on the community.

Over the past 40 years, Habitat for Humanity SKKC has built and renovated 458 Habitat homes, serving 520 households and benefiting over 1,700 individuals.

Wednesday, August 5^th: Pacific Tower Visioning Project

District Director, Saeed Mahamood, at the Pacific Tower Visioning Project event!

The Washington State Department of Commerce held various listening sessions regarding Beacon Hills landmark building, Pacific Tower. The Pacific Tower is a 16-story Art Deco building designed by Carl Frelinghuysen Gould of Bebb and Gould. Completed in 1932 and opened in 1933 as a U.S. Marine Hospital, it later served as Amazon’s global headquarters and was eventually redeveloped into a community health and nonprofit innovation center. The listening sessions were dedicated to hearing and learning from community members about their needs and vision for Pacific Tower. The sessions were virtual or held at the King County International Airport, and on August 5^th our District Director, Saeed Mahamood had the honor of attending the last summer session. He heard from current tenants, community members, local businesses and various leaders on their current desires for the Tower!

Coming Up...

July 10-August 15: Shakespeare in the Park

Looking for a fun, affordable way to enjoy summer in Seattle? GreenStage invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of Shakespeare in the park, completely free. GreenStage has spent decades bringing high-quality productions of Shakespeare's plays to parks throughout Seattle and King County. There are no tickets, reservations, or admission fees required . Find more info, here!

Monday, August 10: King County Dependency CASA Program

Become a CASA Volunteer and Make a Difference

King County's Dependency Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is seeking volunteers to advocate for children involved in the foster care system. CASA volunteers provide consistent support and help ensure each child's best interests are represented throughout the dependency court process.

Join a virtual information session on Monday, August 10, from noon–1:00 p.m. to learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity. Visit kingcountycasa.org to register and learn how you can make a lasting impact in a child's life.

Saturday, August 15: King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk

All community members are invited to the King County International Airport (KCIA) Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. It is a great opportunity to walking around the airport runway, help keep the airfield safe for aircraft, and enjoy refreshments. Participation is limited. Please RSVP here.

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. 

Saturday, August 15: Youth Art Exhibition

The Communities of Rooted Brilliance alongside the Best Starts for Kids Division at Public Health of Seattle & King County, is hosting a BIPOC Youth Artistic Showcase and Workshop on August 15th from 12 PM to 5 PM! Go celebrate talented youth artists from across King County showcasing original works centered on youth healing through the lens of cultural heritage, identity, and community!

Saturday, August 15: Columbia City Night Market

Come visit the Columbia City Night Market on August 15^th. Held every third Saturday of the month, the Columbia City Night Market is a lively, free, street market that features over 50 local vendors, food trucks, and live music. For more information on how to get involved and volunteer click here.

Tuesday, August 25: King County Home Improvement Fair (Skyway)

Do you have a home improvement project and need help getting started? King County’s Department of Local Services is offering two free events to assist with your needs! Home improvements can include house remodels, new accessory dwelling units, deck construction, and more! Meet with home construction vendors and King County Permitting staff and learn more about the process to improve your home. The Home Improvement Fair will take place at the Skyway Resource Center located on 12610 76^th Ave S, Seattle WA 98178. For more information click here.

September, 12: Best Starts Family Engagement Resource Fair

The Positive Family Connections (PFC) Family Network will be hosting their second annual Family Engagement Resource Fair on September 12! They are seeking up to 50 organizations to participate as a vendor to share resources and support for families across King County. For more information click here.

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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Rhonda Lewis
King County Councilmember, District 2
206-477-1002
Rhonda.Lewis@kingcounty.gov
kingcounty.gov/lewis