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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
October 3, 2026
Community safety is a shared responsibility, and creating safer neighborhoods means listening to the people who live, work, and learn in them. It requires schools, families, community organizations, local government, and public safety partners to understand what our communities are experiencing and work together on solutions that help students and residents feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
On September 30, my team and I attended the Southeast Public Safety Forum at Rainier Beach High School, bringing together Seattle Public Schools administrators, principals, families, community organizations, and public safety leaders for an important conversation about school and community safety.
We heard directly from students’ families and school leaders about their concerns, ideas, and hopes for how we can work together to create safer school environments and stronger communities.
The conversation also provided an opportunity to better understand what is happening on the ground across District 2. Representatives from Community Passageways and the Rainier Beach Action Coalition, along with Captain Heidi Tuttle of the Seattle Police Department, shared perspectives on the challenges communities and schools are seeing, the work already underway to address them, and the importance of ensuring students can learn in safe and supportive environments.
Keeping our communities safe takes more than any one institution or approach. It means investing in the people and organizations already doing this work, listening to families and educators, and building strong partnerships across our community. I remain committed to bringing these voices to the table and working alongside District 2 residents to advance practical, community-informed approaches to safety.
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.
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
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Let’s Put D2 priorities in the Budget! 2026-27 Budget Review:
On September 24, Executive Zahilay transmitted his proposed budget to the King County Council, and the Council has started its review.
Over the next two months, councilmembers will study the proposal and shape amendments before a final vote.
This is our chance to learn more about the needs in our district. If your organization has a budget request or if you have questions about the King County budget, please email my District Director, Saeed Mahamood, at saeed.mahamood@kingcounty.gov. Please reach out by October 12 so we can review your request.
You are also welcome to attend the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, where the Council discusses the budget proposal:
- Wednesday, October 14, 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 28, 9:30 a.m.
- Monday, November 16, 1:30 p.m.
Meeting details and agendas are available here.
The budget reflects our values and is a statement of our priorities in King County.
I hope you will join us at a committee meeting or contact Saeed about what your neighborhood needs. Your voice is important to me, and I look forward to hearing from you.
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The District 2 Team! From left to right: BrynDel Swift, Kathleen Quinene, Councilmember Rhonda Lewis, Lydia Berhanu, & Saeed Mahamood!
Monday, September 28
CM Lewis met with D2 staff to plan for her final two months serving District 2.
Tuesday, September 29
CM Lewis met with CM Baron regarding the 2026-2029 King County Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Plan currently under consideration by the Committee of the Whole.
CM Lewis also met with the Council’s communications manager about her reflections on serving District 2 this year. At the end of the day, CM Lewis attended a World Cup Legacy Celebration in downtown Seattle.
Wednesday, September 30
CM Lewis and her staff met with the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) regarding progress on secondary review of contracts with community organizations.
CM Lewis is a strong advocate for ensuring community organizations – especially small and new organizations – have appropriate technical training and support to ensure that they are equipped to comply with county contracting requirements and are successful in expanding access to county services.
CM Lewis also met with Chief Budget Officer Aaron Rubart regarding the Executive’s proposed legislation modifying the county budget. CM Lewis is an advocate for investments in housing, youth employment and prevention of gun violence.
CM Lewis also attended a 4Culture Board meeting. 4Culture supports arts and cultural organizations throughout King County. She then attended the Safety Forum held at Rainier Beach High School.
Thursday, October 1
King County’s federal and state lobby team updated CM Lewis and her colleagues on several of her priority issues including:
- Medicaid funding reductions and their impacts on families in D2
- Gun Violence Prevention
Note: US Senator Patty Murray wants to hear from families affected by Medicaid reductions. She can be reached at Home - Senator Patty Murray
CM Lewis met with central staff analysts on amendments to the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) / Bridge plan for assisting people facing behavioral health issues. The MIDD/Bridge plan will be considered by the Housing, Health and Human Services (HHHS) committee on Tuesday October 6.
CM Lewis is serving as a Co-Chair for King County’s Annual Employee Giving program. King County employees are encouraged to participate in giving to a charity of their choice via a paycheck deduction. CM Lewis met with staff regarding this year’s giving plan.
Friday, October 2
CM Lewis plans to attend the Women Supporting Girls’ Education luncheon in D2 with her staff.
She also plans to attend the opening of Verity Credit Union Rainier branch in D2.
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Mark Your Calendar: Skyway Participatory Budgeting
The 2026 Participatory Budgeting applications for Skyway/West Hill is now open! King County Department of Local Services is now accepting applications for the Elevate Skyway Community Fund until Sunday, October 11, at 11:59 p.m. This community-led grantmaking process is intended to create equitable, thriving, and connected communities by ensuring those most impacted by community challenges are at the center in shaping the solution. To learn more click here.
2026 McGirt-Adair Scholarship Applications are open! Due October 10, 2026
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Are you a college student in Washington state, pursuing a behavioral health degree, and committed to addressing systemic racism in health care?
The McGirt-Adair Scholarship, presented by the Therapy Fund Foundation, is now accepting applications. This year, $45,000 in scholarships will be awarded to support undergraduate and graduate school students who are committed to doing the hard necessary work of decolonizing the mental health field.
Students pursuing a behavioral health related degree, committed to being anti-racist, and who wish to serve the Black community, are encouraged to apply. This cash award is designed to lessen the financial burden of life and support the next generation of culturally responsive clinicians.
The McGirt-Adair Scholarship is sponsored by Coordinated Care and Best Starts for Kids.
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Sound Transit North Tukwila Community Meeting
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Sound Transit and the City of Tukwila hosted an event on September 30 regarding transit access in North Tukwila. This meeting included an update on the Boeing Access Road (BAR) Light Rail Station. Additionally, as part of the Sound Transit Enterprise Initiative, funds were also allocated to explore creative transit options in North Tukwila. These transit options would also benefit residents in Georgetown and South Seattle.
King County wants to hear from you . . .
The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission is gathering feedback via survey. Below is the QR code link to the survey. The results will be used to inform the development of the KCIRC’s workplan and the Welcoming County Subcabinet.
The survey has now been translated into over 15 languages!
The survey will be open for four weeks. Feel free to invite others to participate.
Register to Vote Today! It is Easy! Click on video below
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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