News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes news about this year's District 7 MLK Medal of Distinguished Service Award recipient, the "Good Eggs” Breakfast with Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, flood control updates, travel industry update, local events, changes to King County Code Enforcement, and more.




Washington Trivia

The world’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament is hosted annually in what Washington city?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service Award

“What are you doing for others?” was the question Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. regularly asked those around him. Every year, as a member of the King County Council, I recognize a South King County resident who answers that call with the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service Award. This year’s awardee was Terrell Dorsey, who is fighting school truancy as the founder of Unleash the Brilliance (UTB). Thank you, Terrell, for working to keep kids on the path to graduation!

Previous MLK Awardees included: Looking Out Foundation Executive Director Catherine Carlile (2023), Muckleshoot Tribal Councilmember John Daniels Jr. (2022), Overcomer Covenant Church Pastor Gordon Banks (2021), Café Pacific Owners Amy and John Hatcher (2020), FUSION Founder Peggy LaPorte (2019), Former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park (2018), Thomas Jefferson High School Baseball & Girls Bowling Coach Joseph Townsend (2017), and The Auburn Food Bank Executive Director Debbie Christian (2016). For more information about all the 2024 awardees, click here.



With Unleash the Brilliance Founder Terrell Dorsey, members of the UTB team, and other special guests


“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman

Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO of Sound Transit, was the speaker at our June “Good Eggs” meeting. Since his appointment in early 2024, Goran has worked hard to address some of the challenges facing Sound Transit and our guests appreciated his candor and emphasis on the important roles that safety and fare collection play in getting our transit system back on track. Thank you, Goran!



With Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Pastor Gordon Banks, and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell


Flood Control District Updates

Reducing Flood Risk: A Look Back at Completed Flood Mitigation Projects

The King County Flood Control District’s (KCFCD) weekly blog typically shares information about new and ongoing projects, and each month it will highlight a completed project that is quietly doing its job to safeguard our community against the threat of flooding.

This month, KCFCD highlights the 1,400 feet of HESCO barriers – wire and fabric baskets filled with sand – that were installed in early February on both banks of the White River upstream of the A Street Bridge to reduce near-term flood risk in the area. The new barriers work in conjunction with HESCO barriers in Pacific installed and maintained by the KCFCD since 2009. Read more here.

Celebrating National Rivers Month

June marks the celebration of National Rivers Month, a time dedicated to honoring and preserving the invaluable rivers that weave through our communities. KCFCD shares many ways to get involved and show love for King County’s rivers. Read more here.

Alumni Corner

While our work is based on policies and programs, it is the people we work with who make the difference. Previously featured alumni included: Chris Cho, Tom Pierson, Bailey Stenson Gordon, Agnes Wooters, Jim Ferrell, Jackie Schneider, Megan Rage, Thomas Efrem, Jenny Faubion, Sue Park, Dani Cortez, Joey Schneider, Caroline Vadino, and Brooks Meadowcroft.

This week’s featured District 7 alum is Nathan Angle. Nathan worked in my office in 2011-2012 as a legislative aide and later as the staff and communications director. In his role, he was responsible for coordinating district projects and events, staffing committee meetings and managing communications.

“Working for Pete, I gained a diverse skill set and knowledge base. Most importantly, I learned the importance of communication, especially when it comes to constituent relations. Pete prioritizes communication with all his constituents, making sure there is always an open line of communication with the community. One of my most rewarding jobs was managing relationships with constituents, responding to their inquiries and concerns, and organizing events and town halls to engage the community."

After working in my office, Nathan joined a local startup called PitchBook, where he managed research teams and operations. The company was acquired by Morningstar (NASDAQ: MORN) in 2016 for $225.0 million. Since PitchBook, he has been leveraging skill sets in research and strategy development by providing market and competitive intelligence for companies in the software and technology sector.

In his free time, Nathan enjoys running, hiking, traveling, cooking, and hosting friends and family. They like to spend time in Bellingham with his parents and on San Juan Island with his in-laws, and venture to the Oregon and Washington coast as often as they can. Thank you, Nathan!


April Travel Industry Update

Visit Seattle’s April 2024 travel industry update shows positive results for the hotel market with Downtown occupancy running 69.4% (10.4% higher than April 2023 and the highest since April 2019 at 77.8%). The average daily rate (ADR) slightly dropped, running $197 or 1.4% below prior year levels, however, due to demand, revenue increased 7.5% to $62.4M. On a YTD basis, revenue is at $215.2M, 10.8% higher than prior year.




Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance


Local Events

South King Fire Open House

In honor of South King Fire’s 75th Anniversary, there will be an open house on June 15th, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at Station 62 with demonstrations, hands-only CPR training, kids firefighter obstacle course, fire engines, and hotdogs.

Muckleshoot Tribe Veteran’s Powwow

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe will be hosting its annual Muckleshoot Tribe Veteran’s Powwow this weekend, June 14th -16th, at the at the Muckleshoot Community Center. Click here for more information.

Small Business Coaching

Join a counselor from Business Impact NW for free, in-person, small business coaching on June 24th, 1:00-3:00 PM, and every last Monday of the month. Schedule an appointment or drop-in during your next visit to the Federal Way Library (34200 1st Way S).

Auburn's KidsDay 2024

Auburn's KidsDay is geared toward Auburn-area kids as a kickoff to summer and coincides with the end of school calendar for the Auburn School District. Live entertainment, inflatable rides, face painting, a variety of activity/info booths, craft vendor sales, miniature golf, rock climbing wall, ArtRageous hands-on art experiences, large vehicle & equipment display, a variety of food concessions, and much more. Click here for more information.

Summer Self-Care: Introduction to Tai Chi

Practice self-care this summer with integrative health coach Hansie Wong, MD, at the Federal Way 320th Library (848 S 320th St.) on June 25th, 5:00-6:00 PM. All experience levels welcome. Click here for more information.

Engineering with the Pacific Science Center

Connect gears, engineer bridges, and try electrical engineering in this fun exhibit on June 26th, 1:30-4:30 PM, at the Federal Way Library (34200 1st Way S). Registration not required. Click here for more information.


Changes are coming to King County Code Enforcement

King County is developing changes to the way it enforces its rules and regulations. The proposed changes will streamline the process and prioritize enforcement for cases that have the greatest potential to harm human and/or environmental health and safety. The public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed changes starting in mid-June, when they will be posted on the Local Services website.


Local Services Contact Information

Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.

Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator. For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

For over 33 years, the city of Spokane has played host to Hoopfest, which has been billed as the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world. In 2019, the tournament featured 24,000 players, ranging in age from 3rd grade and up, from 44 states and 6 countries. Stretching over 45 city blocks, the tournament features 422 courts for 465 brackets and 250,000 people. Hoopfest often includes live music played in Riverfront Park, with merchandisers and food tents also on site. This year’s tournament will take place June 29-30, 2024.



Photo source: Spokane Hoopfest Association

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