|
Greetings! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the final days of summer in our beautiful region and possibly got a glimpse of the orcas who made a quick pit stop at the Ballard Locks earlier in the month. I unfortunately did not witness the orcas passing through the district as I was in my native Colombia visiting family. While council meetings were on break earlier this month as part of our summer recess, I am grateful to my team for keeping the District 4 office up and running. However, the council is back on our normal schedule and preparing for the busy months ahead!
Last month, my team and I had a successful “Brewing Conversations with Jorge” session at the Queen Anne Farmers Market. I am grateful to everyone who stopped by and I'm excited to share news of the next opportunity to connect with me in the District. The next session will be held on Friday, October 2 at the Broadview Branch Library from 3 pm to 5 pm. I invite you and your fellow neighbors to stop by to discuss questions, comments, or ideas on how King County can better serve you. I hope to see you there.
Read on for updates on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, Ballard Link extension, and more!
With gratitude,
 Jorge
Click image to access the recording of the August Committee of the Whole meeting.
Committee of the Whole Update
We had another substantive meeting of the Committee of the Whole this month, which included the following items:
Background – A foundational concept of the EEO/AA Plan is that a county workforce that more accurately reflects the composition of our residents is better able to serve the needs of our communities. It provides an overview of key policies, procedures, tools, and efforts related to addressing underrepresentation in the workforce.
Why this matters – This plan, if adopted, would adopt guidance to county departments through 2029 on tools and metrics to achieve equal employment opportunities across the county.
 King County Ombuds Office Update
The King County Ombuds Office announced that they are now accepting complaints or concerns from the public directly through their online complaint form. The Ombuds Office is an independent agency within our county government responsible for:
-
Investigating complaints from the public about county departments, including but not limited to alleged violations of the employee code of ethics, the lobbyist disclosure code, administrative misconduct, and improper governmental action or retaliation,
-
Ensuring county services are being provided fairly, and
-
Responding to citizen concerns in an impartial, efficient, and timely manner.
This online form gives residents the option to submit complaints along with any supporting documents, at any time and from anywhere. Please note, the Ombuds Office will continue to be reachable via email, phone, and US mail.
Click image for source.
Ballard Link Extension
On July 31, Sound Transit released a roadmap of how the agency could deliver light rail to Ballard as early as 2042 if it is able to use specific financial and policy tools and identify cost savings between now and 2033. The Sound Transit announcement highlights that, in order to make the 2042 date a reality, our region will need to undertake significant policy changes, including actions at the state level. Over the past several months, I’ve witnessed residents across Seattle organizing strategically and rallying together to support this effort. Now, we need to keep the energy up to hold Sound Transit accountable, meet deadlines, and ensure that light rail makes it to Market Street as soon as possible. As updates come out and opportunities to engage arise, I’ll do my best to include them in future newsletters. For more timely updates, I encourage you to sign up for Sound Transit’s newsletter to receive direct communications to your inbox.
 Expanding Transit Access
Metro’s Fall Service Change will take effect on August 29! This change will include:
-
Improved services in South, East, and North King County, including Seattle,
-
Addition of 9 new routes,
-
More than 3,000 additional weekly trips, and
-
Stronger Link light rail connections.
While most of these changes do not directly take place in District 4, the frequency and end points for some routes will be adjusted slightly. If you are a regular rider of Routes 8, 45, 62, or the RapidRide E Line, I would encourage you to check for potential changes that could impact your commute.
 King County Regional Homelessness Authority Update
As noted earlier, on August 25, the Committee of the Whole met to hear an update about the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). This session was particularly important because it gave the council an opportunity to hear directly about how identified deficiencies are being addressed, as called for in the motion the council passed earlier this year. The motion required a full accounting of the KCRHA's finances and a clear path forward for next steps. During the meeting, Executive Zahilay’s staff presented their formal response to the motion, and KCRHA presented an update on its Corrective Action Plan.
What we learned – The main takeaway from the session is that we are beginning to see a credible path toward accountability, though significant work remains before we have a full picture. The Executive and the City of Seattle have a plan to stabilize KCRHA and transition most locally funded contracts back to the county and the city starting in January 2027. KCRHA will retain its core regional functions and its role as the applicant for roughly $67 million dollars in annual federal funding. An external financial consultant is now embedded with KCRHA to reconcile several years of transactions. Importantly, the negative balance in the county investment pool is a serious cash flow and timing concern, but it is not yet an established loss, and the reconciliation now underway is expected to provide greater clarity on this issue. I will continue to stay closely engaged on behalf of District 4 residents, because a functioning regional homelessness response is one of my highest priorities, and a concern I often hear about directly from constituents.
Next steps – Over the next several weeks, the embedded financial consultant is expected to complete their reconciliation, which will give the council a clearer accounting of KCRHA's finances. The Executive will also begin a series of regional stakeholder conversations about the long-term structure of our homelessness response, with recommendations expected by the first quarter of 2027. In the meantime, the council has held off on any decision about dissolving KCRHA until those numbers and conversations produce a clearer picture. I will keep pressing for that clarity and update you as this work progresses.
Click image to access the recording of the August Regional Policy Committee meeting.
King County Behavioral Health Bridge Update
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the council is currently considering the implementation plan for an important local resource that supports behavioral health. Executive Zahilay’s proposal includes new investments, strategies, and renames the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency sales tax to the King County Behavioral Health Bridge, or simply "the Bridge."
Why this matters – This fund invests roughly $172 million every two years in prevention, treatment, and recovery services across our county, much of it filling gaps that state and federal dollars leave behind. As the council reviews the proposal, I want to hear from you about what is working, as well as areas where our behavioral health system can improve.
Timeline update – When the Executive first transmitted the proposed plan, the goal was for the council to adopt it by November. That timeline has since been extended to December. A proposal that would shape how we invest in behavioral health through 2034 deserves a careful and deliberate review, not a rushed one. The extended timeline means more opportunities for you to weigh in before the council votes, and I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts. Community input has already shaped this proposal, and it will continue to as we move toward a final decision.
Get involved – In the coming months, the council will hold hearings and briefings on the proposed plan. Public comment is one of the most direct ways to help shape how these dollars are invested in our communities. Your participation matters, and the extended timeline means there is time to weigh in before a final vote.
Here is how you can be part of the conversation:
 August General Election Highlights
The August 2026 primary election is now officially certified. I am grateful to the King County Elections team for conducting an accurate, secure, and accessible election for our 1.4 million voters.
Turnout and results – Turnout came in at just over 37%, approximately 540,000 returned ballots. This is unfortunately under the projected goal of 45% and is a bit lower than other similar Primary elections. Ballot drop boxes were very busy in this election, receiving about 70% of total ballots. The top performing drop box continued to be the one located at the Ballard Branch Library. Great job Ballard for staying engaged and exercising your right to vote!
Next up – The 2026 November general election is right around the corner! Our King County Elections team is projecting a 75% turnout for this midterm election. Let’s try to break that goal by speaking with our friends and neighbors about making sure they are ready to vote! I want to remind you that the Elections team has various resources to help you through the process.
Every vote matters. Every election matters. Make your voice count!
 King County Council Review of 2026 Update to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan
On August 20, the Local Services and Land Use Committee (LSLU) chair submitted the proposed 2026 annual King County Comprehensive Plan update to the King County Council for introduction.
Why this matters – The annual update would align the county's Comprehensive Plan and development code with separately proposed changes to the Countywide Planning Policies, allowing and setting standards for technical amendments to the Urban Growth Area boundary.
Next steps – The legislation is being referred to the LSLU committee for review over the next several months for potential amendment and recommendation. There will be opportunities to provide public comment between now and the final adoption by the full council which is anticipated to take place in December 2026.
Pictured with Executive Director Ed King and Jessica Nieves.
Pottery and Community Building
Pottery Northwest will be returning to District 4 in a brand-new space later this year. Located at the corner of 7th Avenue and Bell Street, Pottery Northwest’s new space will be more than just a place to see and make beautiful ceramics – it will be a place for community members to gather, learn, and connect with one another. It was great to join Pottery Northwest’s leadership for a tour of the space during its construction phase, and hear about the many ways they seek to make art accessible, inclusive, and educational. Now more than ever, we need spaces that foster creativity and community. Welcome back to District 4, Pottery Northwest, and I look forward to the opening of your new space in November!
Pictured on right with Anne Martin, Wendy Caldwell, Executive Director of the Associated Recreation Council Jackie Jainga Hyllseth, and my District 4 team member Clara Manahan.
STEM to Stern at Green Lake
I joined the STEM to Stern team and youth participants from Bitter Lake Community Center for their last day of summer camp! Throughout August, young people have been starting their mornings with engaging science lessons and at the same time learning how to row at the Green Lake Boat House. They’ve been learning about water safety, technique, and of course the teamwork that comes with crew. Our office was thrilled to have been able to direct King County funding to support these sessions. I joined them on the last day of camp to watch teams of youth racing in the water and enjoyed a celebratory barbecue with family and friends of participants. Thanks, STEM to Stern, for having me, and to Associated Recreation Council for also investing in our youth!
 Cultural Support Services Project Funds
4Culture is accepting applications for Cultural Support Services Projects which aim to support organizations and Tribes that are contributing to the quality of life and career development for cultural workers. This grant is made possible through King County’s Lodging Tax and Sales Tax through the Doors Open legislation.
Submit your application by Wednesday, September 2 at 5 PM.
 Support for Veterans
The King County Department of Community and Human Services is accepting applications for the Request for Proposals for SS1: Veteran Outreach Programs funded through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy. This funding opportunity is intended to provide services for veterans, military service members, and their families in King County.
Submit your application by Thursday, September 17 at 2 PM.
|
