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Home My WebLink About2025-09 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 45 No. 9Westfield Southcenter parking lot set up and ready for visitors at Tukwila's special Touch -A -Truck event on August23 The Hazelnut A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities SEPTEMBER 2025 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 9 Do you want FREE trees? The fourth annual Tukwila Tree Giveaway is back, helping grow the tree canopy in our City! One or two free trees are available for planting in Tukwila. Choose from 10 different tree species - there's something for everyone! Complete the online application by September 15 to secure your free trees. Explore more at TukwilaWA.gov Tukwila Tree Giveaway program is taking applications now! Pickup day at Hazelnut Park will be Saturday, October 4. If you need any help selecting a tree or signing up, please call or text Heidi Watters, City Arborist/ Urban Environmentalist, at 206-839-6483, or email Heidi.Watters@TukwilaWA.gov. Sign up and learn more at TukwilaWA.gov/tree-giveaway Ad — Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice Mayor's Message Supporting tomorrow's work force On August 15, I joined Mayor Traci Buxton of Des Moines and Mayor Mohamed Egal of SeaTac to recognize 23 high school students from Tukwila and the Highline School Districts who completed the Workforce Discovery Lab, a five-day summer program hosted by the Seattle Southside Chamber's Success Foundation. These students worked hard to develop professional skills, explore career options, and learn how education connects to real -world opportunities. Each graduate received a cer- tificate and a $500 stipend for their dedication. Listening to their reflections, I was inspired by their recognition that careers can evolve, the importance of perseverance, and the impact of seeing role models who look like them succeeding in the workforce. At the same time, we are working to ensure our students have the financial support they need to pursue higher education. I recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program to launch Tukwila Promise. This program will provide Foster High School (FHS) graduates attending Highline College with "gap funding" to cover their tuition costs after scholarships and grants —up to an associate's degree or certificate program. Tukwila has committed $200,000 over the next two years, which the State of Washington will match, potentially doubling the benefit for our students. Already, more than 50 graduates from the Class of 2025 have applied for the program —triple the number of FHS students who attended Highline College last year. Both the Workforce Discovery Lab and Tukwila Promise reflect our city's commitment to investing in our young people. Together, we are building a stronger future by ensuring every student has the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed. coga-11 Mayor, City of Tukwila NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING! Do you live or work along Interurban Avenue South or Foster Point? The City of Tukwila is hosting a gathering and you are invited! Learn about City initiatives - including projects in your area - and share what's important to you. When: Tuesday, October 14 - 6:00 to 8:00PM Where: Billy Baroo's Restaurant - Banquet Room 13500 Interurban Avenue South Information/RSVP/Accommodations, contact Jo.Anderson@TukwilaWA.gov Building a sustainable budget Like most cities, Tukwila's costs grow at a faster rate (3.6% per year) than our revenues grow (2.4% per year). Cities are required by law to balance the budget, and the City's current 2025-26 budget was partly balanced using one-time funds from the sale of unneeded City properties. Best practices for City budgeting don't rely on one-time funds to maintain ongoing operations. This presents challenging financial planning to make up the deficit of every two-year budget. The City has resolved to create future, more sustainable balanced budgets without reliance on one-time revenues. First looking at a wide realm of ideas to generate efficiencies, cost reductions or spending cuts, then considering any revenue changes that could help fill the gap for the longer term, this is Tukwila's Budget Sustainability Project. Last year's Financial Sustainability Committee made recommendations to the City regarding financial sustainability that current staff can build upon. It's an effort to build a City budget where ongoing revenues will exceed ongoing spending. Tukwila needs a balanced operating budget to maintain into the future, beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2032. Changes to both city revenues and expenditures of about $6M each year are needed for balancing these six years. Currently the City is examining ways to increase revenues or reduce costs over a sustained period of time - many ideas across the whole range of all City operations, efficiencies, salaries and benefits. Expenditure changes could include program reductions, spending cuts, efficiency changes, or reorganization. In Spring 2026, Mayor McLeod will ask the community and City staff for input and ideas to shape the next biennial budget - a budget that needs to include changes to spending and revenues. Maybe you have ideas that will help with this financial problem. Your ideas are invited and welcome. Any suggestions or questions regarding the City's financial sustainability and budget process? Please email City Administrator Marty.Wine@TukwilaWA.gov. 2 The Hazelnut - September2025 How to Reduce Wasted food and Save Money Join us for a fun, interactive class to learn how to maximize your food through proper storage, label reading, and innovative recipes. All participants will receive a kit to take home that will help reduce wasted food at home, including a food storage guide. All are welcome. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Class is FREE. Registration pref' erred- walk ins will be welcome. Tuesday, September 16 - 6.3 0 to 8:0 OPM Tukwila Community Center 12424 42nd Avenue • 206-768-2822 Scan the code to register for the event Questions? Recycle@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-431-2445 This event is made possible in part by support from the King County Solid Waste Division. COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR Tukwila School District welcomes students back The 2025-2026 school year begins Wednesday, September 3 for K-12 students, and we are excited to welcome students and families back with open arms, high expectations, and strong support. This year we continue to focus on academic excellence, equity and student well-being, with a renewed emphasis on inclusive practices and support for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. A new cell phone policy will also take effect, helping create focused, distraction -free classrooms that promote stronger learning and reduced anxiety. Families can find supply lists, calendars, transportation details, and other back -to -school resources on the Tukwila School District website. Stay connected by following @TukwilaSchools on Instagram and Facebook. Together, we are building joyful, safe and inspiring schools where every scholar can thrive. Dr. Concie Pedroza Superintendent, Tukwila School District J` Tukwila SCHOOL DISTRICT a world of possibility FREE PAINT RECYCLING EVENT with GreenSheen Paint and the City of Tukwila Saturday, September 27th 1 9am-3pm Tukwila Community Center 12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila, WA 98168 Accepted Items: • Latex paint • Oil -based paint • Stains and shellacs • Lacquers, sealers, and varnishes • Urethanes and textured coatings UNLMIITED AMOUNTS! 5-gallon or smaller containers SIGN UP 01•`•'0 HERE l� •,��•' • i• D. https://circular.eco/event/Tukwila92725 NOT Accepted: • Aerosol (spray paint) • Paint thinner • Solvents • Cleaning agents • Drywall mud, roof patch, adhesives • Hazardous waste materials GreenSheen Frn•Frirndlu Pain: CITY OF TUKWILA The Hazelnut - September2025 3 FREE event for Tukwila residents Recycling drop-off event: Mattresses & box springs Saturday, October 11-10:00aM to 2:OOPM Location: Drop off at Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South DONATE Limit: four units per vehicle. Must be dry and free of bed bugs. For more details about this event, contact recycle@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-431-2445 ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIES Don't let your usable art materials end up in the landfill - donate to help continue the creative reuse cycle! Seattle ReCreative accepts: • Sewing: fabric larger than 1/4 yard, notions such as ribbon/trim. NO scraps, curtains, clothing or linens • Fiber crafts: yarn, crochet hooks, and knitting needles • Fine art supplies: paint (acrylic, watercolor, oil), brushes, pastels, pencils, printmaking supplies, paper, and canvas • General supplies: scissors, glue/ glue guns, pipe cleaners, pom poms, markers, and crayons This event is made possible in part by support from Washington State Department of Ecology and King County Solid Waste Division SEATTLE Q 4 The Hazelnut - September2025 On July 12, more than 70 people took advantage of King County's free community repair event at Tukwila Community Center. Items successfully repaired/mended at this event included lamps, sewing machines, a paper shredder, a pressure washer, vacuum cleaners, strings COUNCIL CORNER As students return to school, safety is top of mind. Drivers are reminded to slow down in school zones, watch for children crossing streets, and never pass a stopped school bus. A few moments of caution help ensure that kids arrive at school and back home safely. At the same time, schools thrive when parents are engaged, whether by attending conferences, volunteering, or simply staying in touch with teachers. Research shows that children do better academically and socially when families and educators work together. This season is also a reminder of the power of civic engagement. Local elections shape our everyday lives, from road improvements to public safety and housing. Every vote carries weight, especially at the city level, and your ballot is your voice. Serving on City Council has shown me firsthand how important that voice is. As Council President, I help set agendas, guide discussions, and ensure that community input is heard, an experience that highlights both the responsibility and rewards of local leadership. Looking ahead, Council will be reviewing two significant items. The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) will strengthen the City's preparedness for natural disasters and emergencies, helping us remain resilient in the face of challenges. We'll also be considering zoning updates along Tukwila International Boulevard to balance growth, housing, and business opportunities with neighborhood needs. Your participation - whether by staying involved at school, engaging with city government, or casting your vote - helps keep Tukwila safe, strong and thriving. What this season can bring with your participation by Tosh Sharp, 2025 Council President RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS ■ Granted a franchise to Hyper Fiber for broadband services fiber optic network (Ord. 2767) ■ Adopted an updated debt policy (Res. 2120) ■ Adopted an updated investment policy (Res. 2121) ■ Held work session on the Human Services program and the budget proviso report on revenue options ■ Awarded a bid for the 2025 Annual Overlay Project ■ Awarded bid for the Sewer Lift Station #2 Structural Modifications Project ■ Awarded a bid for the Gilliam Creek Culvert Erosion Repair Project ■ Authorized a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local Union #117 for Commissioned Police Officers City Council meeting minutes and the complete text of all legislative items are available online in the Digital Records Center at TukwilaWA.gov. For additional information about the work of the City Council, please call 206-433-8993. Tukwila Community Center hosts free repair event of Christmas lights, small appliances (Magic Bullet blender, coffee maker, induction cooktop, Instant Pot multicooker), clothing (dresses, gown, shirt, sweater, pants/jeans, jewelry, bathing suit, backpack, duffle bag, sheet pillow, and more. Event staff provided helpful work, diagnosis and advice. They also supplemented this event with online, phone and in -person assistance, resulting in people finding other options such as repair businesses, company product support, or fixing the item themselves. This was King County's 94th repair event overall, and the second one held at TCC. The Hazelnut - September2025 5 September is National Preparedness Month! Test your preparedness knowledge and disaster history with this crossword. Participants who complete the crossword can enter a drawing to win a two-person/three-day emergency preparedness kit. You can complete the crossword puzzle in this newsletter, or download and print a copy of the page from TukwilaWA.gov/PreparednessCrossword. Snap a photo of your completed puzzle, then attach it to an email with your name and contact information. Send it to EmergencyPrep@TukwilaWA.gov and you will be entered in the drawing. The crossword answers and winners of the kits will be published in a future edition of the Hazelnut. If you need any help with submitting the puzzle, please email EmergencyPrep@TukwilaWA.gov. Make a difference in your Tukwila community! CERT Disaster Response Training Tukwila Emergency Management, in partnership with Puget Sound Fire, is hosting a Fall CERT class. This training is FREE of charge. About CERT If a disaster overwhelms or delays the community's professional response, CERT- trained individuals can assist others by applying basic response and organizational skills learned during CERT training. These skills can help in a disaster until help arrives. Next session soon The next CERT session will begin in October 2025 and finish mid - November. For each class, there will be an afternoon session from 1:00-4:30PM, or an evening session from 6:00-9:30PM. Registration opens August 18, 2025 What you will learn Disaster preparedness ► CERT members' role in disaster response ► Hazards most likely to affect the community ► How to prepare Disaster fire extinguishment ► Reduce fire risks and engage in limited fire extinguishment using basic safety precautions Disaster medical operations ► Airway obstruction ► Excessive bleeding ► Treatment of wounds ► Shock ► Prioritizing and treating multiple patients Search and rescue ► Safely search astructure ► Debris removal ► Victim extrication ► Rescuer protection Disaster psychology ► Identify and relieve post -disaster emotional stressors in rescuers and survivors Team organization ► How to organize and function as a team with other CERT members Classes are taught by members of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, serving the cities of Covington, Kent, Maple Valley, SeaTac, and Tukwila. To register Visit PugetSoundFire.org ro .I"T• or scan this _•RI QR code Program Contact Jenny Keizer, Emergency Management Program Coordinator Phone: 253-856-4342 jdkeizer@pugetsoundfire.org PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY 6 The Hazelnut - September2025 Tukwila Emergency Management presents a Preparedness Crossword! September is National Preparedness Month — encouraging and reminding Americans to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. Learn more at ready.gov/september 9 11 12 13 14 ACROSS 1 A sudden event — such as an accident or natural catastrophe — that causes great damage or loss 4 WA State's most memorable natural hazard 5 Before, during and after a disaster, it's important to check on friends and these people living around you 10 Securing a building or physical space against intruders 11 Discuss your emergency plan with your 13 Common household cleaner used to purify water by adding 1/8 teaspoon (6-8 drops) to one gallon of water and letting it sit for 30 minutes 17 It's recommended that you store one gallon per person per day of this vital liquid 18 Your emergency kit should contain foods considered -stable, like canned goods and granola bars 21 Subduction Zone, a major fault line extending from northern California to British Columbia 10 15 16 17 18 19 21 20 1 DOWN 2 A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action 3 During an active threat incident where someone is trying to harm you, apply the FBI tactics of " , Hide, Fight" options 6 These detectors alert you to a potential fire 7 Popular phrase discouraging people from entering flood waters: "Turn around, don't 8 How often to check your emergency kit for expirations and refresh your supplies 9 This magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked our region in 2001 12 During a power outage, you should avoid the use of candles and other open flames, using this battery -operated light source instead 14 In May of 1980, this volcano in WA erupted (Mount St. 15 WA State recommends you have enough supplies on hand for this duration (two words) 16 During an earthquake, you should , cover, and hold 19 Federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster response (acronym) 20 Abbreviation for Air Quality Index, used to communicate the level of air pollution and its possible health effects The Hazelnut - September2025 7 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter B[vd. Tukwila, WA 98188 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 R 000-IS-WEYUHRRSIORDIIFIOTR B DBRRDO LEH IYO TUUR TUURISTR Nagu soo biir aqoon-is-weydaarsi bilaash ah si aad u barato sida: • Baro alaabta nadiifinta khatarta ah • Dooro beddelaad badbaado leh • Si badbaado leh u qub kiimikooyinka guriga Waxaad kaga tagi doontaa talooyin wax ku ool ah iyo agab si ay kaaga caawiyaan abuurista guri badbaado leh oo caafimaad qaba adiga iyo qoyskaaga. Aqoon-is-weydaarsigu wuxuu ku baxayaa af-soomaali kaliya. 10/25/2025 NCO 1:00-3:00PM Xarunta Beesha Tukwila BARAHA WAA XADIDAN YIHIIN! SI AAD ISU DIIWAAN GELISO:ISKAAN KOODKA QR AMA WAC XARUNTA BEESHATUKWILA 206-768-2822 tinyurl.com/yvptptkh Munaasabadan ayaa waxaa iska kaashaday Maamulka Magaalada Tukwila iyo Barnaamijka Maareynta Qashinka Khatarta ah TALLER DE LIn]PIEZR Y ELIn1IDRCIOD MRS SEGURR Unase a nosotros en un taller gratuito para aprender sobre: • Productos de limpieza peligrosos • Elegir alternativas mas seguras • Desechar de forma segura los Productos quimicos domesticos Saldra con consejos practicos y recursos para ayudar a crear un hogar mas seguro y saludable para usted y su familia. El taller se realizara CInicamente en espanol. 10/28/2025 • NO 6:30 - 8:00 PM CilCentro comunitario de Tukwila ILAS PLAZAS SON LIMITADAS! PARA REGISTRARSE: ESCANEE EL CODIGO QR 0 LLAME AL CENTRO COMUNITARIO DE TUKWILA AL 206-768-2822 ,11111, /' 66.f 8 uHazardous Waste Management Program Este evento es un esfuerzo conjunto de la Ciudad de Tukwila y el Programa de Gestibn de Residuos Peligrosos. TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday —Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833 Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Website: TukwilaWA.gov MAYOR Thomas McLeod 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 Marty Wine, CityAdministrator 206-433-1851 Brandon Miles, Director, Strategic Initiatives/ Government Relations 206-431-3684 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Community Engagement206-454-7564 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Resources- Personnel206-433-1831 Human Services 206-433-7181 Emergency Management206-971-8750 Technology Services 206-454-7575 Community Development Dept. Nora Gierloff, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Aaron BeMiller, Director 206-433-1835 Parks/Recreation Department Pete Mayer, Director and interim City Administrator 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 Public Works Department Jen Tetatzin, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency - Fire, Police 911 MUNICIPAL COURT 15005Tukwila International Blvd206-433-1840 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424- 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2321 Facility Rentals 206-767-2323 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY All fire -related services 253-856-4300 PugetSoundFire.org 2025 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tosh Sharp, Council President206 507-6440 Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWAgov Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872 Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWA.gov Armen Papyan 206-888-3380 Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov Joe Camacho Joe.Camacho@TukwilaWA.gov Dennis Martinez 206-960-1607 Dennis.Martinez@TukwilaWA.gov Hannah Hedrick 206-580-8123 Hannah.Hedrick@TukwilaWA.gov Verna Seal. 206-724-4548 Verna.Seal@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov Laurel Humphrey,Analyst206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00PM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole2nd/4th Mondays