September brought several developments that directly affect South King County, from transportation projects moving forward to preparations for flood season and the beginning of the County's fall budget review.
On September 24, Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted a $746 million supplemental proposal to amend the County's 2026-2027 budget, and the Council will spend the coming weeks reviewing what should move forward, what should change, and where we can control costs.
My office is also accepting applications for 2027 District 5 Councilmanic grants, with funding available for local organizations serving District 5. Applications are due October 19.
 One of the highlights this month was our South King County Transportation Forum at Kent City Hall. I was joined by Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, and Sound Transit's Michael Padilla Ocampo, along with an engaged group of community members and transit riders from across South King County.
We had a practical conversation about transit safety, reliability, the South Link bus restructure, RapidRide I Line, and gaps in east-west service. Residents brought their own questions and experiences, asking for more frequent and reliable service and more options like Metro Flex and DART in areas without fixed-route bus service.
October 1-8 is Week Without Driving, another opportunity to better understand how our transportation system works for people who don't drive. I encourage you to participate and consider how you would get to work, school, appointments, groceries, or other daily needs without getting behind the wheel. For many of our neighbors, including people with disabilities, older adults, young people, and those who can't afford a car, that's not an exercise, it's everyday life. Learn more here.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
 Steffanie Fain
King County Councilmember | District 5
steffanie.fain@kingcounty.gov
206-477-1005
Kingcounty.gov/fain
RapidRide I Line Construction Underway
Construction is underway on Metro's future RapidRide I Line, which will replace Route 160 and connect Renton, Kent and Auburn beginning in 2027. Buses are planned to arrive as often as every 10 minutes during weekday peak periods.
Residents may see temporary lane, sidewalk, parking and bus stop changes as construction continues. Renton residents may also notice activity at the Red Lion property on South Grady Way, which is being used as a temporary construction staging area.
To learn more about the RapidRide I Line and a list of construction notices, please visit Metro's website.
Renton Transit Center Garage Takes Another Step Forward
Earlier this year, I worked with Renton leaders and colleagues on the Sound Transit Board to secure approximately $100 million to fund the long-planned Renton Transit Center garage. This month, Sound Transit approved the first budget action to formally establish the garage as a project and restart design work.
The garage will give more South King County residents a practical way to access Stride S1 service between Renton and Bellevue when it opens.
Boeing Access Road Station Moving Forward
Sound Transit is moving the long-planned Boeing Access Road Station into final design, keeping the project moving while work continues to close the remaining construction funding gap. The Board also directed up to $10 million toward developing additional transit options in north Tukwila.
Solid Waste Rate Increase Approved
This month, the Council approved an 8.5% increase in solid-waste disposal rates. I voted no. I sponsored an accountability measure, which passed unanimously, to require reporting on spending, financial performance, cost controls and affordability programs before the next rate increase.
The increase is expected to add about 73 cents per month to a typical residential garbage bill. While modest on its own, it comes as residents face rising costs across housing, utilities, transportation and other necessities.
Reviewing the Supplemental Budget
Executive Zahilay transmitted the supplemental budget to the Council on September 24, beginning our review of proposed changes to the County's current two-year budget. The proposal is the starting point, not the final budget
I'll be focused on affordability, long-term sustainability, accountability for new spending, and investments that address South King County's needs.
Proposed Sales Tax for Family and Youth Shelter
The Council is considering a proposal for a 0.01% sales tax for services for children and families experiencing homelessness. Cities can also adopt the tax. If they do, the County would no longer retain the revenue generated within that city, which means Countywide revenue could decline as additional cities opt in.
 The services are clearly needed, and the proposal would also unlock private matching funds. While this tax is smaller than the 0.1% transportation sales tax the Council approved just a few months ago, it is still another increase for residents already facing higher costs. My concerns are whether this is an affordable way to fund them and whether providers can rely on the revenue over the long term. The Council will take a final vote on October 6 and I welcome your feedback.
Prepare Now for Flood Season
After last winter's significant flooding, I joined Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and Kent Public Works this month to tour Green River flood infrastructure and discuss lessons learned and preparations for the coming season.
 If you live or work in a potential flood area, sign up now for King County Flood Alerts. The free service can notify you by text, phone or email when conditions change.
We're also investing in prevention. This month, the King County Flood Control District approved approximately $1.7 million for four projects in District 5 addressing local flooding, drainage and erosion that can affect homes, businesses, roads, and public infrastructure.
Here are the projects funded in District 5:
- King Conservation District received $350,000 for the KCD Agricultural Drainage Project – Phase 13
- City of Renton received $400,000 for the Hardie Ave SW Flood Risk Reduction
- City of Kent received $750,000 for the Earthworks Sediment Pond Culvert Replacement
- City of Des Moines received $200,000 for the Des Moines Creek Estuary Restoration Final Design
Learn more about what else was funded here.
Behavioral Health Bridge Implementation Plan
The Council is reviewing the Executive’s proposed implementation plan for the Behavioral Health Bridge sales tax, formerly Mental Illness and Drug Dependency or MIDD, which was passed by Council last fall. The implementation plan will guide approximately $180 million per biennium in mental health and substance-use investments from 2028 through 2034.
The implementation plan reexamines programs funded through the tax, some dating to 2008, and expands behavioral-health workforce investments. My priorities are results, South King County access and outcomes, Council oversight, and ensuring changes don't disrupt services people rely on. A final vote is expected later this fall.
Details about Executive Zahilay’s proposed plan can be found here.
Planning for a South King County Crisis Care Center
King County recently hosted a community meeting in Renton about existing crisis services and plans for a permanent South King County Crisis Care Center.
MultiCare, the provider selected by King County to operate this center, is now charged with engaging cities and communities, selecting a viable site for the center, and obtaining a letter of support from the city in which it will be located. The center needs to be accessible throughout South King County and well connected to transportation, hospitals, first responders and other crisis services.
I'll continue sharing updates as the site-selection process moves forward.
  Congratulations to new Fire District 24 Commissioners Anton Zgraggen and James Hopf. Their service comes as the district continues working toward a long-term solution for fire governance and service in the Grandview community.
 Congratulations to the newest graduates of WeTrain Washington, which helps local veterans transition into union grocery careers and provides a full year of follow-up support to help them stay employed and build stability.
 King County welcomed Korea's new Consul General, Sung Gil Chang, with a proclamation, which I co-sponsored with my colleague, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, recognizing the Consul General’s new role and the contributions of our region's Korean American community. On a personal note, I was glad my mom could join us for the occasion.
 Renton celebrated 125 years this month, bringing neighbors together at Liberty Park to recognize the generations of residents who have helped shape the city.
2027 District 5 Grant Applications Available – Due October 19
King County Gun Buyback – October 17
King County is hosting an anonymous drive-thru gun buyback Saturday, October 17, from 8AM – 12PM at the Sheriff's Office Southwest Precinct in Burien (14905 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166).
Participants can safely dispose of unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards, and mental-health and safety resources will also be available.
To learn more about this event, please email rgv@kingcounty.gov.
Stay In Touch
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