Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes new information on the state’s coronavirus response and the projected impact to revenues, another Washington trivia question, a case update and more.

Washington Trivia

How big is the Tacoma Dome in seating capacity, height and diameter?

How big was the Kingdome in seating capacity, height and diameter? (Answers at the bottom).



Coronavirus Economic Impact

Today Governor Inslee announced the state expects substantial revenue forecast impacts due to COVID-19. The state expects revenues to be down $4.5 billion from original forecasts for this biennium and $4.3 billion for the next biennium. There will also be furloughs and foregone salary increases for state employees to help mitigate the projected revenue losses.

The Washington State Economic & Revenue Forecast Council also announced a variety of other forecasts in today’s press conference. GDP is now projected to decline -6.1% in 2020, updated from -5.8% earlier this month. In April, employment in Washington declined by 468,800. In April, unemployment in our state soared to 16.3% from 5.1% in March and 3.8% in February. As of May, unemployment in our state stood at 15.1%. You can read more about the Economic & Revenue Update here.

Seattle Foundation Grants

The Seattle Foundation announced a total of $9.2 million in grants, funded by private philanthropic donors to support childcare, mental and behavioral health, and emergency financial assistance for vulnerable workers and families. You can learn more about the grants here.

COVID-19 Exacerbates Food Insecurity

During the COVID-19 crisis, food insecurity has come to the forefront as a critical issue in communities in King County and across the country. According to Public Health, food insecurity occurs when people don’t have the resources to provide for the food they need. Before COVID-19, 11% of King County adults experienced food insecurity, and it has grown worse over the last three months. You can read more about food insecurity at the Public Health Insider blog.



Sound Transit and King County Metro Updates

As the “Safe Start” plan continues moving forward, King County Metro will restore service on dozens of bus routes and increase water taxi service on Monday, June 22. The move restores 23 bus routes that were cancelled in March and April and adds trips to other routes. More information can be found at the Metro Matters blog.

In addition, Sound Transit announced that fares on many ST Express bus routes will be restored on July 1st, and that a flat fare will be implemented systemwide. Fares will return on routes where operator protections make front-door boarding possible, and a new $3.25 adult flat fare will align Sound Transit with other regional transit agencies.

King County Case Update

As of today, Seattle – King County Public Health was reporting 38 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 8,893. In addition, Public Health reported -1 new death (due to an adjustment of city limits), bringing the total in the county to 575.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answers: The capacity for the Tacoma Dome is 26,000. Its height is 150 feet and diameter is 530 feet.

The largest crowd on hand for any event at the Kingdome was 74,000 people. Its height was 250 feet and diameter was 720 feet. And the longest bathroom line in America was at the Kingdome!