HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 46 No. 2FEBRUARY 2026
VOLUME 46, NUMBER 2
City offices will be closed
on Monday, February16
in observance of the
Presidents' Day holiday
Foster Golf Links will be open
Tukwila Community Center
special hours: 8:OOaM to 12:00PM
High waters near the
Tukwila Community Center
during 2025 flood event
The Hazelnut
A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities
Volunteer with the Green Tukwila Partnership
Since 2017, the City of Tukwila has been part of the Green Cities Partnership —
working with local organizations and community members to care for natural
open spaces. Tukwila's own effort, the Green Tukwila Partnership, is supported
by Forterra, EarthCorps, Duwamish Alive Coalition, Partner in Employment, the
Service Board, Dirt Corps, King County Parks, and dedicated volunteers.
Together, we're restoring 138 acres of urban forest over the next 20 years —
creating healthier parks for all.
What to expect: Work parties are fun, hands-
on events for all ages. Activities include T LJ I(V'I1 I I_A1
removing invasive plants, planting natives
and mulching. No experience needed— PARTNERSHIP
training and tools are provided.
February 2026 Restoration Work Parties
02/10 Restoration at Riverton - Riverton Park
02/11 Restoration at Riverton - Strander ROW
02/12 Planting at Cottonwood Corner - Riverton Creek
02/20 Fabulous Forterra Friday - Duwamish Hill Preserve
02/21 We Love the DH Preserve - Duwamish Hill Preserve
GREEN
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
LEARN MORE! Go to
TukwilaWA.gov/GreenTukwila
Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice
Mayor's Message
Flooding and Partnerships
Last month, the region experienced significant flooding
that impacted communities throughout Western
Washington. In Tukwila, the Green River surpassed water
levels not seen since the mid-1990s. Fortunately, the
impacts in Tukwila were limited, and the City did not
experience significant damage.
In past Hazelnut editions, you may have heard me talk
about the importance of partnerships and relationships.
I am a strong believer that we can accomplish more by
working together and collaborating. Few situations
demonstrate the power of partnership and collaboration
more clearly than severe weather events like last
month's flooding.
For more than a decade, King County, the King County
Flood Control District, US Army Corps of Engineers, and
the cities of Tukwila, Kent, Auburn and Renton have
worked together to improve flood resiliency along the
Green River. Levees have been rebuilt and strengthened,
and contingency plans were in place as river levels rose.
Agencies were prepared to respond quickly in the event
of a levee breach or failure.
Valley Mayors
(left to right):
Thomas McLeod,
Tukwila
Armondo Pavone,
Renton
Nancy Backus,
Auburn
Dana Ralph,
Kent
On December 15, despite the best efforts of government
agencies at all levels, a portion of the Desimone levee
breached, allowing water to flow into Tukwila. It is
important to note that a breach at this location also
affects the cities of Renton and Kent. As soon as the
breach occurred, public agency partners initiated
a coordinated response. King County crews began
repairing the breach, Kent provided materials, and
CC
Atone we can
do so tittle;
together we can
do so much.
- Helen Keller
On December 12, Governor Bob Ferguson held a
briefing and press conference in Tukwila regarding
current regional flooding. Participants included
Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Maria Cantwell,
Mayor Thomas McLeod, King County Executive Girmay
Zahilay, County Councilmembers Steffanie Fain and
Sarah Perry, and State representatives Steve Berquist
and David Hackney.
the US Army Corps of Engineers provided techincal
assistance, and Tukwila provided logistical support.
Collaboration extended beyond public agencies.
Property owners in the area offered space to store
response materials, businesses provided equipment,
and community members volunteered to assist anyone
who might need to evacuate. After the breach was
secured, King County and the State of Washington
began assessing the damage and making resources
available to support cleanup and recovery.
Responding to a crisis like this flood event truly requires
a collaborative effort. I am deeply grateful to all the
partners who stepped up to support not only Tukwila,
but our entire region during this storm.
45V
Mayor, City of Tukwila
2
The Hazelnut - January2026
reuse
PROJECT RECYCLE -RIGHT:
2026 Earth Day Art/
(r'D-- Photo 'Video Contest
ABOUT THE CONTEST
PSE RE CYGIE PArc.
Y.:
Presented by the
City of Tukwila and Recology
WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
Share your message on how you reduce waste, reuse items, Each winner in the categories below will receive a gift from
the Recology Store, in addition to an option between a select
choice of gift cards corresponding to the prize amount.
and/or recycle correctly with a drawing, photo of an art piece,
photograph, or short video (6o seconds or less).
Winning entries will be presented to City Council and shared
on City of Tukwila and Recology websites, social media, and
an Earth Day news release. Winning art pieces may also be
displayed at Southcenter Mall.
WHO CAN All students I<-12 who live or go to school in Tukwila.
ENTER?
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. For complete rules and to download an entry form, visit
tinyurl.com/2o26-Art, Recology.com/Tukwila, or email
RKCArtContest@recology.com. Paper forms are available.
2. Submityour completed entry form attinyurl.com/2o26-Art by
noon on Sunday, March 8.
3. Finalists will be announced on Monday, April 13 by noon.
Questions? Email us at RKCArtContest@recology.com.
Please note: Al submissions or incomplete forms
may result in disquali flcation of entry.
Elementary School
1st place: $15o gift card
end place: $too gift card
3rd place: $5o gift card
High School
1st place: $30o gift card
end place: $20o gift card
3rd place: $too gift card
Middle School
1st place: $20o gift card
end place: $15o gift card
3rd place: $too gift card
Best Group Project
(Two or more students)
$15o gift card
Teacher having the most submissions from one class*
$40o for class supplies
Teachers must teach in the Tukwila School District to qualify.
If there is a tie, the $40o will be split evenly
between the winning teachers.
Improving access to City laws — new online Tukwila Municipal Code
The City of Tukwila's Municipal Code (TMC) is the
official compilation of City laws and regulations.
Adopted ordinances and their amending updates are
consolidated into this large reference document.
To improve public access and ease of use, an interactive
and user-friendly resource has replaced a previous
online PDF version. Some highlights of the functionality:
Navigation:
Dynamic Table of Contents - no getting "lost in the code"
Quick search bar at the top of the screen
New alphabetical Index for subject -focused searches
Accessiblity:
• Google translation enabled for over 200 languages
• Greater ADA compliance with accessibility standards
• Easily shared code text by email or printing
Real time status
You can sign up for automatic notifications by email
when the TMC or specific portions of the code are
updated.
A gavel icon shown next to a Title indicates a new law
has been passed but not yet incorporated into the Code.
Click the icon to view the pending law.
Find the new interactive code at ecode360.com/TU6948
For additional information regarding the new online
platform or code updates, please contact the City
Clerk's Office at TukwilaCityClerk@TukwilaWA.gov or
by phone at 206-433-1800.
The Hazelnut - January2026
3
Duwamish Habitat Restoration in
Industrial and Urban Environments
Our objective: To share knowledge and lessons learned -
from the first initial Duwamish River habitat restoration
projects to new ones- through the 20-year evolution of
challenging river restoration understanding and experience.
Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 9:OOAM - 4:30PM
Location: Tukwila Community Center
12424 - 42nd Avenue S, Tukwila
Register now at give.seattleparksfoundation.org/event/duwamish-river-symposium/e755561
Join us as we focus on one of the river's most industrialized and urbanized segments, which has faced
significant environmental challenges over the past century, especially in the restoration of native
habitat. These challenges are not only from increasing industrialization/urbanization but also from
the impacts of climate change throughout the whole watershed. As we gain a deeper understanding
of these impacts, how we address them and find opportunities, we will shape our region's future.
Convene with restoration practitioners, planners, youth, and other interested groups to share lessons
learned, successes, and technical knowledge from large restoration efforts in a welcoming and
inclusive environment to promote sharing and new perspectives.
Co -hosted by Duwamish Alive Coalition Partners: Port of Seattle, King County, City of Seattle, and City of Tukwila
Affected employers have new way to
certify minimum wage compliance
The Minimum Wage & Fair Access to Additional Work Hours Ordinance is the result
of a citizen -led effort that voters approved in 2022 and became law July 1, 2023.
The wage rate is adjusted annually. As of January 1, the 2026 minimum wage is
$21.65.
Employers covered by Tukwila's Minimum Wage Ordinance are required to certify
their compliance with the law each year by January 31.
After listening to customer feedback, Tukwila has modernized its compliance
certification process. The City now offers a new online portal for employers to
complete their annual certification. Paper forms, which had to be physically
mailed or emailed to our office, are no longer required - streamlining staff time
and records management.
This is free and quick for employers to use. You can access the Portal For
Employer -Required Certifications on the Minimum Wage page at TukwilaWA.
gov/MinimumWage. For questions or assistance, you can contact the Labor
Standards Office by email at MinimumWage@TukwilaWA.gov.
Fort Dent levee
tree removal
King County plans to repair and
set back the slope for the Fort
Dent Levee. Pending receipt of
all the necessary environmental
permits, the project is scheduled
for this summer.
Essential for the levee repair,
several large trees along the
trail will be cut down In the
next month (to comply with
nesting season restrictions).
Potential temporary
trail closures are
anticipated during
the removal work.
4
The Hazelnut - January2026
Anewyearfora
busy City Council
by Armen Papyan,
2026 Council President
Hello, Tukwila Community! I am honored to have been
elected by my colleagues to serve as this year's Council
President, and I thank them for entrusting me with this
duty. I'm excited to be working with new and returning
Councilmembers this year - we have a great group of
dedicated leaders. I would also like to thank Tosh Sharp
and Mohamed Abdi upon their departure for their four
years of hard work. I know they will stay involved in our
community.
Last year was challenging and busy - we had some
unexpected transitions on the Council which required
us to run two separate appointment processes. We
adopted a new Development Agreement for the
Prato District, amended cannabis retail zoning, and
completed a long-awaited update to zoning standards
in our Tukwila International Boulevard district, which
will help us get to the walkable, transit -oriented, and
culturally vibrant neighborhood first envisioned many
years ago. Further, I am proud to say that 65 Foster High
students have taken advantage of our Tukwila Promise
program.
You will read more about the response and preparation
for the historic December flooding elsewhere in this
issue, but I would like to say how thankful I am to City
COUNCIL ACTIONS
• Authorized new criminal justice sales tax per House
Bill 2015 (Ord. 2777)
• Accepted Flood Control District grant funding for
Gilliam Creek Fish Barrier removal project
• Accepted King County grant funding for the Chinook
Wind Extension project
• Conducted work session on Flock Safety Automatic
License Plate Readers
• Accepted King County grant funding for the Tukwila
Community Center Riverside Campus & Canoe
Launch project
COUNCIL CORNER
staff and our regional partners for their quick response
and coordination. The City has been investing in flood risk
reduction for decades - most recently transferring the
George Long Property on Interurban to the Flood Control
District for preservation of three acres of critical shoreline.
As flood events grow more frequent and more serious, I
am grateful for the foresight of our City's leaders over time.
Looking ahead, the City Council will work with the
community, the Mayor and staff on a variety of
important issues this year. We stay vigilant for impacts
of federal policies on vulnerable members of our
diverse community, as we simultaneously support that
community through our budget and affirmations of
welcoming. We are continuing the conversation around
Flock license plate readers in response to concerns we
have heard from our community. We have every intention
of ensuring safeguards and policies around privacy and
data security. We have already restricted data access to
certain jurisdictions.
I will continue to use this space to share important City
Council updates with you. In return, I ask you to be
involved - reach out to us to share your views. Subscribe
to City Council meeting agendas to see what's coming.
This year is one in which we will develop and adopt a
budget for the next two years, and like all cities we are in
a position of declining revenues requiring us to do more
with less. We need your help, so please stay engaged.
If you'd like to contact the City Council, please email
CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov, or find our phone numbers
on the last page.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Expressed appreciation to outgoing Councilmembers
Tosh Sharp and Mohamed Abdi (Res. 2129 & 2130)
Awarded lodging tax funding for the Tukwila Pac NW
Tournament
Adopted a legislative agenda for use in the 2026
Washington State Legislative Session (Res. 2133)
Oaths of Office taken by Verna Seal, Kate Kruller,
Hannah Hedrick and Jane Ho
Elected Armen Papyan as 2026 Council President
Established the 2026 schedule for standing
committees and work sessions (Res. 2134)
Updated Business and Occupation Tax Regulations in
accordance with state requirements (Ord. 2781)
The Hazelnut - January2026
5
Crisis response to historic levels of rain and river flows
On Monday, December 15 at 11:31AM, Tukwila's
Emergency Management Office received an urgent
notification from King County Emergency Management
that the Desimone levee in Tukwila had breached.
The City activated the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) - a central hub where people come together
to provide support and coordination for the first
responders (Police, Fire, Public Works) who are doing
the work out in the field.
In a dedicated space located in Tukwila's Justice Center,
staff from multiple City departments worked together
in the EOC for the next two days to coordinate the City's
response to the levee breach, as well as coordinating
multiple issues with our local partners.
The areas of departmental involvement were diverse.
City Communications provided timely public
information and messaging.
Public Works provided EOC staff with technical
expertise on flood plain management, staff to support
the operations at the levy, and conducted additional
patrols along the levees.
The Tukwila Police Department coordinated road
closures and provided traffic control, as well as
providing additional public information support, staff
to support planning and logistics efforts, and drone
operators for river and landslide risk assessments
Parks & Recreation ensured public safety through
trail closures, and prepared for potential sheltering
operations.
The Finance Department implemented financial
practices to ensure accurate documentation of all
related emergency costs, which is essential to be
eligible for Federal reimbursement to the City.
The Special Emphasis Unit (SEU) conducted
homeless outreach and flood evacuation.
The EOC activation concluded at 5:00PM on December
16, but remains ready to reactivate if needed, ensuring
the safety of our community.
Do you have any questions about preparedness for
you and your family? Want to know more
about Emergency Management?
Please write us with your questions -
Emergency Management@TukwilaWA.gov -
we are happy to answer. And we'll publish
the Q&A in the next edition of the Hazelnut.
6
The Hazelnut - January2026
Photos from December 2025 flood event
Desimone Levee breach near Riverside Drive
Fort Dent Park Playground
Green River Trail near Holiday Inn
Green River Trail under Tukwila International Blvd.
Looking across river towards Interurban from Fort Dent Park
r
Foster Golf Course off Hole 15
d
The Hazelnut - January2026
7
THE HAZELNUT
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
PRESORT STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO. 12698
Your opportunity to get involved
The City of Tukwila is assisted in its operations in
several areas by the volunteers who serve on our
Boards, Commissions and Committees. These
advisory bodies provide guidance to decision -
makers and represent the diverse viewpoints of
the community, bringing public participation into
government. Volunteers serve a vital function by
offering their time and expertise as members.
If you are interested in serving on one of the
following advisory bodies, please submit a
completed Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment to the Mayor's Office by
5:00PM on February 15, 2026.
The following advisory bodies have vacant positions
or positions with terms ending March 31, 2026:
ADVISORY BODY
VACANCIES
Arts Commission
Civil Service Commission
Community -Oriented Policing
Citizens Advisory Board
Equity and Social Justice
Commission
Human Services Advisory
Board
Library Advisory Board
Park Commission
Planning Commission
3 resident positions
1 resident position
1 business position &
3 resident positions
2 community positions &
2 education positions
1 resident position,
1 school district position &
1 medical/health position
3 resident positions
2 community positions
1 business position &
1 resident position
Information about all of the City's boards, commissions and committees can be found on the
City's website at TukwilaWA.gov/boards. Want more information? Please call 206-433-1850.
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 Deputy
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
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 Interurban Avenue South
Pro Shop 206-242-4221
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
All fire -related services 253-856-4300
PugetSoundFire.org
2026 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Armen Papyan, Council Pres.206-888-3380
Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov
Verna Seal 206-724-4548
Verna.Seal@TukwilaWAgov
Kate Kruller 206-678-2863
Mohamed.Abdi@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,Ano/yst206-433-8993
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
7:00PM in Council Chambers
Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays
Committee of the Whole2nd/4th Mondays