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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 45 No. 12II Catch ASaimon Cob ar rarcbndatmon Wbatb{e ulYmmmdidMaeateh,ma, hbk i DECEMBER 2025 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 12 TukwilaWA.gov/CommSurvey State of the City lYll , n „�1J17GG i' M. Juneteenth Celebration AY, UN 19TH ;iullllw��ul4rwi';,ull�.�k!uiG �IP� rg qurLa;iv the Hazelnut A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities How can the City better connect with you? Throughout the year, the City shares a wide variety of events, activities, notices, and community updates with Tukwila residents. To reach as many people as possible, we use multiple communication channels —from printed materials to digital tools. As social media and online platforms continue to evolve, we are always looking for new and better ways to stay connected with our community. Effective communication is essential to strong community engagement, and we want to ensure we're meeting your needs. That's why we're launching a short survey to learn how you prefer to receive information from the City. Do you read the Hazelnut? Are our social media channels where you get most of your updates? Do you check our website for information? How do you usually learn about City projects, programs, and services? We invite all Tukwila community members to share their input. Please take a moment to complete the survey (linked at left) and let us know how we can communicate with you more effectively and your preferred mode of communication. Your feedback will help shape how the City shares information moving forward. Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIi I V V VIII '.1111!tlitlitltlitlitlitlitlitli pililB Vi u� ail far v As 2025 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the ac- complishments our City achieved over the past year and halfway through my term as Mayor. I believe 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year for Tukwila, one in which strategic investments, community partnerships and thoughtful planning came together to shape our future. I called the current 2025-2026 budget a navigational bud- get in that it would lead us on a path forward. Below are some of the key milestones we reached this year: t°°,te of the City speech - We brought the community together for the first ever State of the City speech at Foster High School. It was a great privilege for me to speak directly to the community about City accomplishments, but more importantly it was an opportunity for City staff and myself to hear directly from community members about their interests and concerns. TtlakwilQ°° romise le isla° lion - Working closely with our representatives in the State Legislature, we successfully passed legislation establishing the Tukwila Promise. This program will help Foster High School graduates pursue their dream of attending college. TtlakwilQ°° Intern lion a°° 1 Bouler- The City Council and the Planning Commission adopted a vibrant new vision for the Tukwila International Blvd that was years in the making. Support for a° sylum seekers - We addressed the growing needs of asylum seekers in our community by providing thousands of room nights in local hotels and through a network of churches across the Puget Sound region. Importantly, this work was accomplished largely through grants from King County and the State of Washington. Pr to istrict a°° "eelopment a° greement - The City negotiated and executed a development agreement for the Prato District in Tukwila South - the largest undeveloped greenfield in the Seattle metro area. This project represents significant future opportunities for housing, jobs and economic development. Worl " Cup plq 1Q° nclp - We initiated the City's planning efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ensure that Tukwila is a welcoming and vibrant destination for visitors from around the globe. Se tide Se 'wooles p 'r't°nership renew '1- The City renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Seattle Seawolves of Major League Rugby for the 2025-26 seasons. public sfety fen - The adoption of House Bill 2015 secured dedicated funding for public safety including police, municipal court, human services, and mental health services. Preferre ° a° 1'ter►"pe for North TiptkwilQ°° .i ht R St a Non - Sound Transit selected a preferred alternative location for the Boeing Access Road Infill Light Rail Station. Located along the west side of East Marginal Way South just north of South 112th Street, it marks a significant step forward for regional mobility. ��wa°nisi a° rk imroementas - In partnership with KABOOM! and Delta Air Lines, the City completed the build -out of new park amenities at Duwamish Park. All these accomplishments and more were made possible through strong relationships and partnerships. While new technologies, including Al, can help streamline City operations and expand opportunities for engagement, they can never replace the importance of human connection and collaboration. Our success will be built through our collaborative connections. I am a strong believer: relationships matter. As we enter 2026, I am optimistic about how the partnerships we have strengthened and the new ones we have formed will continue to support our community and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Tukwila. I hope your own relationships at this time of the year lead to a happy and fulfilling holiday season. Mayor, City of Tukwila The Hazelnut December 2025 Recology°t� ti�1; ;1fi Tree Composting! For customers already subscribed to yard waste services, we will collect your unflocked, undecorated natural holiday tree on your regular yard waste service day. For customers not subscribed to yard waste services, please call Recology's customer service team at 206.944.3900 to schedule a free pickup of your holiday tree! "°°�°1 Portions of your tree 4r that are in excess of 5ft can be placed into your yard waste cart! 000 5ft Call Recology King County's Customer Service at 206.944.3900 to get set up with no -cost compost service! oumm�muirmllu mm�i g 1, 'jj+l ulmpipuuuuuu uuuuu um i i iiuuuuuuuuuuuuquuu6iifi mlJllll""'ilum umllllll II1I Q,,p�H I III,I IlUululllll PPP! lili1 )lnuuvuui)i Al IIIIII11I111 , -,, 12,d„1,,. ,..A111..li, olounno Make a lasting impact on our local ecosystem! Volunteers are the heart of our restoration efforts, and every action contributes to creating a healthier, more resilient environment for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or new to environmental stewardship, your help is invaluable. So come on out to an event - Green Tukwila provides all necessary tools, gloves, and on -site training. Dress for the weather, wear closed -toe shoes, and cover your legs and arms; blackberries can be very scratchy. Sign up today: TukwitaWA.gov/GreenTukwita PARTNERSHIP PLEASE JOIN US IN 2026: Thursday, January 8 11:OOAM-2:OOPM Planting at Cottonwood Corner....Riverton Creek Tuesday, January 13 11:30AM-1:30PM Restoration at Riverton ................Riverton Park Wednesday, January 14 9:30AM-12:30PM Riverside Restoration with RE!......StranderRight-of-way Green Tu kwi la Day Saturday, November 15 was Green Tukwila Day at the Duwamish Hill Preserve. The rain held out as the fall work party planted 175 Camas bulbs - a beautiful and culturally important native flower - and cleared tons of young blackberry. Volunteers enjoyed snacks, coffee and hot cider, and were treated to live music by The Buskings. Plus, the volunteers got new Green Tukwila Winter Hats! The Hazelnut IDecemlber2025 IIIIIII i klllll When it rains, pollution from cars wash into storm drains, and then straight into local streams, lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Pollutants like oil, car wash soaps and chemicals, and bits of tire dust are bad for water quality. Pollution harms people and wildlife, salmon and orcas. We all depend on clean water to survive. Ma. i lriI to m y ul u, v . II's m c l . II's ., I III °w s III °w u,.,� . c ul u, . Ir Iv m u,.,� Ir I u MAINTAIN YOUR TIRES tlj SAVE MONEY! Taking care of your tires reduces wear and prevents pollution. As we drive, tires wear down, leaving tiny bits of tire on our roads. Chemicals in those tire bits (6PPD-q) are toxic to fish. Simple maintenance extends the life of your tires and saves you money. It can even help save salmon. Check tire pressure monthly and add air ASAP if needed. Get tire alignment checked and rotate tires according to the manufacturer's instructions. FIX LEAKS IC;1ar� IGt ,f10 D ir,ve, DON'T DRIP Et DRIVE! Check for leaks regularly and get them fixed promptly. Even a small oil leak can have a big impact on your car and Puget Sound. Every drop on your driveway means a shorter lifespan for your car. Plus, oil and other petroleum products are toxic to people, wildlife, and plants. 11ll�ll 11poirl ll111 1ll�llll11 IIIIII III�I lu IIII lu IIMI1011011 III III�I II II II 00 II�III II�1II1II II IIII IIIIIII 1000� „0,,,100000001000000000000 rA r, E' ' ®III10 �III r ® Lb N�llllli11n11100000000000 ��ulIIIIIIIIIIII1111 III Iulo IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII WATCH FOR DRIPS front/engine near wheels rear/exhaust • 1illlllllllllll, • 0 0 DON'T DRIP Et DRIVE! Check for leaks regularly and get them fixed promptly. Use ground cloths or drip pans if you find a leak or are doing engine work. Clean up spills immediately with sand or kitty litter. 1 i i` • engine oil • power steering coolant fluid ransmission brake fluid O water luid starts Hell, 1IIIIIIIIIIIIIP """""""",,llllll I GO TO A CAR WASH WASH RIGHT! If you wash your car on the street or in your driveway, dirty water runs down the street and into the storm drain. Car rinse water has pollutants like oil, grease, heavy metals, and soaps. Commercial car washes are required to treat their dirty wash water. If a commercial car wash is not an option, wash your car on a grassy area that can soak up the wash water. RECYCLE DIRTY OIL 1-800-RECYCLE (1-800-732-9253) II�IIiIl�ll �IIII� mll KEEP OIL OUT OF STORM DRAINS! Always dispose of used motor oil by bringing it to your local auto shop or recycler. Call or visit 1-800-RECYCLE for a location near you. You can find local recyclers for used motor oil, filters, old tires, and even leftover paint. Remember, what goes down storm drains washes straight into local streams! Iu ullllll Illlllulllll IIIIII a 11 �IIpIII�IIIII�ii�I III III I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 00 illlll IIIIllllllllIIIII01 III pII t I i I mIl t Yotstiloidit. „lots Ihio mm • 11111111111111 II .w�w^,,';" ,u,„„„„:„„:„„:„„:::„�,., 4 the Hazelnut December 2025 4 slingTukwila resi i enis recycle I III ;111,1,1,1,1,111111111111,11„, On November 1, Tukwila's Police and Public Works Departments held a combination drive -through recycling event at Tukwila's Community Center. Almost 100 vehicles came with paper to be securely shredded on site and autumn yard waste to be collected. COUNCIL CORNER Bonding, support, and community by Tosh Sharp, 2025 Council President As we close out the year, we reflect on what makes Tukwila special: our people, our families, and our community. This year's elections reminded us that every voice matters and that by coming together, we shape the future of our city. Each conversation, each vote, and each act of participation strengthens the bonds that hold us together. The holidays are a time to celebrate those bonds. They remind us that the heart of our city is not in buildings or streets, but in the care we show for one another. Whether with family, friends, or neighbors, these moments of connection are what make Tukwila truly thrive. Looking ahead, let us carry this spirit forward. By working together, supporting one another, and lifting up every member of our community, we can make Tukwila stronger, safer, and more welcoming for all. Our shared efforts and shared hope are what will continue to make our city a place we are proud to call home. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, hope, and opportunity. Let us enter the year ahead ready to collaborate, to care, and to continue building a Tukwila where everyone belongs. RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS • Accepted King County grant funding for Chinook Wind Extension project • Accepted WSDOT Safe Routes to School grant funding for 46th Avenue South • Accepted State Department of Ecology grant funding for water pollution activities • Authorized contract for investment advisory services • Adopted 2025 year-end budget amendments (Ord. 2772) • Adopted 2026 mid -biennium budget adjustment Ord. 2773) • Adopted 2026 excess property tax levy (Ord. 2774) • Adopted 2026 regular property tax levy (Ord. 2775) • Approved lodging tax funding for World Cup Activations and Destination Development • Ratified appointment of a Hearing Examiner (Res. 2126) • Adopted Development Agreement for Prato District Project (Ord. 2776) • Conducted work sessions on inclusive City policies and neighborhood traffic calming The Hazelnut December 2025 5 City outreach team promotes transportation options During 2025, Tukwila's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) team provided community outreach at over 20 events. TDM's goal is to encourage sustainable transportation options for decreasing traffic congestion and improving air quality in Tukwila and South King County. This outreach and education help community members learn about different transportation options: accessing transit, Vanpooling, carpooling, walking and biking. In August, the team attended the Reconnect to Opportunity Back -to -School Resource Fair, where they provided transportation information to families, youth and young adults. (And did you know? Youth ride transit for free!) In anticipation of the December 6 opening for the new Kent Des Moines light rail station, the team has been doing outreach at Highline College. In October, Tukwila's TDM team partnered with the Port of Seattle and Port Jobs at the annual transportation fair for airport workers, drawing more than 500 attendees. SEA Federal Worker Resource Fair f, A Federal Worker Resource Fair was added to the event to support workers who went without pay during the federal government shutdown. So far in 2025, the team has distributed 430 adult transit passes and 235 youth transit passes. Having access to free transit passes reduces barriers and makes it easier for people to try out riding the bus, train or services like Metro Flex. In addition to community outreach, the team supports larger employers in Tukwila to provide Commute Trip 1,11 1,051::?1:11ATIUN II1 Mld'dl.iiiom II 1 l% Reduction resources to workers, helping their employees get to work more sustainably. Learn more at TukwilaWA.gov/TDM Contact the TDM Team at TDM@TukwilaWA.gov Special event focused on women's safety On October 24, the Tukwila Police Department hosted its first Women's Safety Tactics event in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This powerful and empowering event focused on equipping participants with practical tools and vital resources for personal safety and well-being. The event featured a panel of professionals, including: • The Tukwila Police Department victim advocate who shared information on recognizing abuse and accessing support services; • A co -responder who shared mental health and substance abuse information; • A 911 supervisor who provided insight into emergency response protocols and how to effectively communicate during crises; and • AYWCA advocate who offered guidance on shelter options and long-term resources. The highlight of the session was a dynamic self-defense demonstration led by Tukwila police officers Joshua Hinson and Dustin Johnson, who taught participants simple yet effective techniques to protect themselves in threatening situations. mom mm SCHOOL DISTRICT a world of ,ot,r='lkrrtif:y k COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR Tukwila School District: Celebrating a season of community and care As 2025 comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary ways our Tukwila community has shown up for our scholars and families. This season reminds us that education is not just about what happens in classrooms —it's about the people, partnerships and care that surround every learner. CARE Nights - Last month, Showalter Middle School and Foster High School hosted CARE Nights, bringing together families, staff and community partners to support the whole child and the whole family. These events centered on collecting and distributing clothing, non-perishable foods, and personal care items to families in need. D III NN�k'nriii��iu� ��b1lllll dmid Operation Ware : Coats for scholars - At Thorndyke and Tukwila Elementary, our scholars were welcomed with warm, high -quality coats thanks to Operation Warm, as well as generous support from FedEx and Nordstrom. These coats reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that every scholar can attend school confident, warm, and ready to learn. Wellness and co u ity support - This season also brought essential preventive care through successful vaccination and dental clinics. At Showalter Middle School, the Seattle Seahawks and Everfi joined our 8th-grade scholars for a special wellness event with breathing exercises and mental health activities, highlighting the importance of self - care and resilience. 1 nun A community hat cares - Across Tukwila, countless organizations and individuals have invested time, resources and heart into supporting our schools. We are deeply grateful to: • CARE Night organizers and partners • Local food donors and support organizations • Still Waters • Tukwila Children's Foundation And thank you to every volunteer, family member, and staff person who lifts our scholars every day Your generosity, dedication and care create the foundation for thriving schools and empowered students. As we close the year, we celebrate not only what our community has done but the spirit of connection, kindness, and support that makes Tukwila such a special place to learn and grow. The Hazelnut December 2025 C'"MI II IA 7EIIL.....III Al C'" City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 udlll uuui iullmi ulVllu WVI1,1111111111 uljVl III IIIII1111 VllliiilllilliihliiiIVi1V IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Community members responded to the call for ideas for The People's Project - Tukwila's first -ever Participatory Budgeting initiative. Through this project, the community decides how the City invests funds set aside for small, visible improvements. Between October 1 and November 15, the City received 156 unique ideas using both an online and paper format. Ideas were submitted under five categories: Art (10% of ideas), Education/ Historical (11%), Health/Wellness (25%), Recreation (29%), and Safety (25%). The majority of submissions were by Tukwila residents (75%) from ten neighborhoods, with the most ideas coming from Cascade, Foster, and Tukwila Hill. To create a fair and inclusive process, the steering committee - six residents and three staff - promoted the project. The City made efforts to reach diverse populations, which included attending public events at the Tukwila Library and Tukwila Community Center, as well as going to Foster High School civics classes. The largest groups to submit ideas were those under 18 (45%) and those that speak a language other than English (64%). ALL ideas are currently being reviewed by the steering committee. They will select from the submitted ideas those to move forward to expert City staff for a feasibility study. A feasibility study determines if an idea will be successful based on things like cost, benefit, risk and resources. In 2026 the resulting short list of ideas will be put to a ballot for ALL community members to vote on. Do you want to stay connected? Sign up to receive email updates at TukwilaWA.gov/ The PeoplesProject. uwwwwwwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiwwiww TUKWILA CITY HALL Finance Department 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Aaron BeMiller, Director 206-433-1835 City Hall campus in -person hours: Parks/Recreation Department Monday —Thursday, 8:3OAM-4:OOPM Pete Mayer, Director and Deputy Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833 City Administrator 206-767-2342 Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Police Department Website: TukwilaWA.gov Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 MAYOR Thomas McLeod 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 Marty Wine, City Administrator 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 Public Works Department Jen Tetatzin, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency - Fire, Police 911 MUNICIPAL COURT 15005 Tukwila 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 lnterurban 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 President.. 206 507-6440 Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWA.gov Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872 Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWA.gov Armen Papyan 206-888-3380 Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov Dennis Martinez 206-960-1607 Dennis.Martinez@TukwilaWA.gov Hannah Hedrick 206-580-8123 Hannah.Hedrick@TukwilaWA.gov Joe Camacho 206-351-3378 Joe.Camacho@TukwilaWA.gov Jane Ho 206-640-8837 Jane. Ho@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