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After our two week Council Recess, we are back and running full speed at the end of summer. As we get ready for the legislative work on the horizon this fall, I want to share a couple of important updates that have taken place while we were out.
Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee
Our next Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee meeting will be on September 1st. We will continue our work on the implementation plan of what was previously known as MIDD but is now known as the Behavioral Health Bridge program. We will also be receiving a briefing on what County property is suitable for development of affordable housing. You can learn more about the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee here.
Board of Health
 Board of Health meetings will resume next month; in the meantime I want to share an important update from Public Health:
Public Health has reported on two rabid bats identified in July, one at a park in Renton and one in Seattle’s University District. Warmer weather means bats come out of hibernation, and it’s not unusual to have reports of rabid bats this time of year. Never touch a bat: What you need to know about bats and rabies – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER
Full Council meetings have resumed their regular schedule of Tuesdays at 1:30pm. If you are interested in attending or watching these meetings you can find out more information here.
Marine Recovery Area (MRA) Timeline Update on Vashon Maury Island
 After hearing from community and our office, Public Health is delaying their initial proposed timeline for implementing a new Marine Recovery Area until 2027. In the coming months, Public Health will engage stakeholders to hear their concerns, share information about why the Marine Recovery Area is being proposed and work to create an update plan that reflects these key points:
- Strategies to reduce costs of inspections,
- Service provider availability and training, and
- Effective implementation of risk-based septic inspection model.
Take the MRA Program Update survey by September 15 to provide initial feedback for Public Health to consider as we continue work on the proposal. Visit kingcounty.gov/mra to stay updated on upcoming engagement opportunities and new information.
Metro Bus Route 121 is BACK!
Along with many others in District 8
 Starting Aug. 29, riders across King County, and specifically in District 8, will see one of King County Metro’s largest service expansions in recent years, including nine new bus routes and more than 3,000 additional bus trips each week. In response to feedback from riders, Metro is boosting frequency and expanding service earlier in the morning, later in the evening and on weekends, making transit more convenient, reliable and better connected to the region’s expanding Link light rail network.
The most significant improvements are in South King County, where Metro is making major investments to improve all-day and weekend service while strengthening connections to new Sound Transit Link light rail stations. Metro adjusts bus schedules twice a year to respond to ridership demand, traffic conditions, and the region’s expanding transit network. This fall’s service change was shaped by public feedback and redesigns that reduce duplication with light rail while improving connections where riders need them most. Riders can preview updated maps and schedules in English, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Better South King County bus service
South King County will see the largest service improvements in Metro’s Aug. 29 service change, with more frequent trips, expanded service hours, new weekend service and stronger connections to Link light rail and RapidRide.
Highlights include:
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New Route 164 will provide frequent service between Des Moines, Kent, and Auburn, replacing some of the deleted Route 165.
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New Route 166 will provide peak-frequent service between Burien and Kent Des Moines Station, replacing some of the deleted Route 165.
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New Route 902 will replace DART Route 901 and a DART service in Federal Way.
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Route 121 will return to operation with new AM and PM peak trips.
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RapidRide A Line will increase overnight frequency to every 30 minutes.
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Route 156 will have added trips to increase frequency and run earlier on weekends.
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Route 168 will have added weekday peak-service trips to provide 15-minute service.
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Route 181 will have extended hours to midnight and increase weekday frequency.
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Route 182 will expand and improve weekday and weekend service and connect with Route 187.
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Route 183 will extend Saturday hours and add Sunday service.
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Route 187 will have earlier and later trips, more trips, and provide two-way service on Hoyt Road Southwest.
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Route 631 will have new weekend service.
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Route 903 will increase span and frequency and connect with Route 902.
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Route 987 southbound will extend to Westwood Village.
Changes coming to SW Wildwood Place Increasing Bike Safety
 Earlier this month, my office joined the Fauntleroy Community Association's meeting on pedestrian and bike safety held in response to the death of Vashon Island resident Maridee Bondea who died while cycling on SW Wildwood Pl. Representatives from the Seattle Department of Transportation, Metro, Washington State Ferries, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's Office and Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka made up the panel charged with fielding and responding to questions from the community including Maridee's family and friends. SDOT made several commitments to increase safety including removing parking along SW Wildwood Pl. SDOT has followed through on their commitment and we look forward to working with them to improve cyclist safety not just in this neighborhood but throughout the region.
You can read West Seattle Blog's Coverage of the meeting here.
New Sound Transit Plan Means Less Impact in SODO
 Last week, Sound Transit announced a new design for the SODO segment of the West Seattle Link Extension project. This new plan will mean fewer property and construction impacts all while lowering costs for the project. By relocating major City infrastructure and Seattle City Light's transmission poles and lines the project will now have a smaller footprint and save over $100 million.
I’m thankful to Sound Transit and the City of Seattle for taking the time to listen to feedback from local businesses and community members and address their concerns. The cost-saving measures we’ve identified, along with the work to reduce impacts on businesses in SODO, are helping to complement existing community assets and put this project on a stronger path. This is more affordable and better addresses the needs of the SODO and adjacent communities.
Thank you to all of the community and labor partners for your feedback including ILWU 52 and the SODO BIA.
WaterWorks Grant Program
 The WaterWorks Grant Program provides approximately $6 million in funding every two years to organizations carrying out a variety of water quality improvement projects in the service area for King County's regional wastewater system. The competitive track process has now closed and my office is beginning our tracking process for the council-allocated track ahead of selection decisions to be made in the fall. If your organization would like to be considered for the council-allocated track process, please email Chris Lampkin in my office at Chris.Lampkin@Kingcounty.gov to indicate your interest with a description of your proposed project.
White Center Block Party - Saturday August 22nd
Tukwila Historical Society Parking Lot Sale
 Seattle FlyDogs - The Museum of Flight
Acts on Stage Presents: Peter Pan: Ready to Rise
2026 Teen Summer Musical
 The Teen Summer Musical put on by Acts on Stage is always one of my favorite events of the summer. You can still get tickets to see Peter Pan: Ready to Rise here.
 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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