Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 46 No. 2FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 2 Tukwila Twelves - City staff wore their favorite football garb in support of Superbowl champions Seattle Seahawks. r e Hazelnut A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities Volunteers needed for The Voices of Tukwila All -City Choir Do you love to sing? Join us for The Voices of Tukwila All City Choir, in preparation for the Tukwila State of the City address on April 29. All singers are invited and welcome to this safe space to lift your voice. Rehearsals begin every Monday, March 30-April 27, 6:00PM at the Justice Center (15005 Tukwila International Blvd). If you would like to participate, please register with your name, email address and cell phone number at VOT@TukwilaWA.gov. We look forward to seeing you there! Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice Mayor's Message J_0 r2i7i STATE TCHFE CITY Doors open at 5:OOPM - Presentation at 6:OOPM Foster High School Performing Arts Center olicitud de traduccion • Codsiga Turjumaada • You'Cau Ban Dich LanguageHelp@TukwilaWA.gov / 206.658.7849 I am excited to invite you to my second annual State of the City address on Wednesday, April 29, at the Foster High School Performing Arts Center. This event is an opportunity for me to connect directly with the Tukwila community and share how our city is doing, where we are headed, and how we can continue working together. In addition to the address, the event will feature a community resource fair with a variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses offering services and information for Tukwila residents. This evening is not just about hearing from me, it's about creating space for meaningful engagement between community members and City staff. Representatives from every City department will be on hand to answer questions and provide support. As a small but vibrant community, it's important that we continue finding ways to come together, connect, and engage. One of my priorities as Mayor is to create welcoming spaces where community members can interact, build relationships, and strengthen our sense of belonging. In a world increasingly shaped by text messages and social media, face-to-face connection matters more than ever. I'm a strong believer in the idea of "third places" — spaces outside of home and work where people can gather, connect, and build trust. These can be places like a coffee shop, the Tukwila Library, or the Tukwila Community Center. Our State of the City event is one such opportunity to create that sense of community and connection. I hope you'll join me on Wednesday, April 29, at the Foster High School Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 5:00PM, and the presentation begins at 6:00PM. I look forward to seeing you there. cfemet. 4564:Q Mayor, City of Tukwila 2 The Hazelnut - February2026 Tukwila's 2025 Leadership Program ends in celebration The third annual Tukwila Community Leadership Initiative held a celebration at the Justice Center. A diverse cohort of 17 community members successfully completed this seven -week civics program. They received insight into how local government works, how to get involved, and made valuable connections with each other and city leaders. As stated by a participant, "I learned that many things only seem difficult until you finally understand them. Because I had no prior connections or experience, I never really explored how city government worked. "It always felt distant and intimidating. But this program changed that. It broke everything down, made the process feel approachable, and opened a door I didn't even realize was there. Now I see that getting involved isn't just possible, it's surprisingly accessible." The annual program's goal is to increase civic engagement, trust -building, and including the voices of diverse communities. For more information about the program, please contact Inclusion & Engagement Manager Jo Anderson at Jo.Anderson@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-758-7849. Program participants learn about court basics from Judge Kimberly Walden of Tukwila's Municipal Court. Does your Foster or Showalter student want to go to c It's never too early or too late for your student to plan their future. Foster High School and Showalter Middle School families, your student is invited to join TRIO Talent Search (TS), a federally funded program from Highline College that helps 6th-12th graders graduate high school and get into college. TRIO TS offers support with academics, college prep, financial aid, career exploration, and personal growth. Students can access workshops, fun field trips, and 1:1 mentorship. Most activities happen during the school week, with some opportunities on non - school days. Apply now by scanning the QR code or visiting our website: trio.highline.edu/talentsearch/apply/. ollege? i . .:;:' ........... .... . :: : :.....::••• The Hazelnut- February2026 3 GREEN TUKWILA PARTNERSHIP - BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE TREEATA TIME Volunteer opportunities with Green Tukwila 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. Healthy green spaces improve air and water quality, support wildlife, and help fight climate change. With your help, we can keep Tukwila's parks thriving —now and for future generations. Work parties are fun, hands-on events for all ages. Activities include removing invasive plants, planting natives, and mulching. No experience needed —training and tools are provided —so just bring your energy. Everyone is welcome! Restoration Work Parties in March Restoration at Riverton March 10 Riverton Park Riverside Restoration with REI March 11 Strander ROW Restore Cottonwood Corner March 12 Riverton Creek ECO ED: Watershed Eco Systems March 18 Tukwila Community Center First Ever Forterra Friday at Crestview Park March 20 Crestview Park Restore Duwamish Hill Preserve March 21 Duwamish Hill Preserve GREEN, TUKWILA PARTNERSHIP Attention, Tukwila small businesses: Take advantage of World Cup opportunities The FIFA World Cup 26TM is coming to Seattle! The tournament, which is the world's largest spectator event, will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with six matches being held in Seattle. We anticipate many visitors to the Seattle area, including Tukwila. The City of Tukwila offers tips on how our businesses can make the most of the opportunity: TukwilaWA.gov/WC2026. SEA26 TUKW1LA26 City of Tukwila Scholarship The City of Tukwila Scholarship Program was established in 2014. The mission of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to individuals enrolled for undergraduate study in colleges, community colleges, trade schools and universities. Selection criteria include but are not limited to academic accomplishments, community ser- vice, references, financial need, and personal essay. The deadline to submit scholarship applications is March 31, 2026 - no exceptions. Download the application: TukwilaWA.gov/Scholarship Eligibility Criteria: ► Must be a resident of the City of Tukwila. Proof of residency is required at the time of application: most recent utility bill. ► Must be equivalent to a Senior in High School. ► Must demonstrate a substantial financial need as indicated on the FAFSA Student Aid Report. ► Must have applied to an undergraduate program at a Community College, Trade School or University. ► Must demonstrate leadership qualities as evidenced by involvement in extra -curricular activities. ► Must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher. ► Must have completed a minimum of 15 hours of community service. For more information, contact Executive Assistant Cheryl Thompson at Cheryl.Thompson@TukwilaWA.gov or call 206-433-1850. 4 The Hazelnut - February2026 COUNCIL CORNER The Council's work includes listening to you by Armen Papyan, 2026 Council President Being a Councilmember is a significant time commitment. Not only do we attend and prepare for City of Tukwila Committee and Council meetings, but all seven of us also participate in various regional boards and committees at the local, state and federal level. This allows us to network and problem solve with elected leaders at all levels to help us tackle issues at home. These appointments keep coming in, and as of this week Councilmembers are representing Tukwila on 27 different regional boards, tackling subjects like climate resiliency, emergency management, housing, the watershed ecosystem and more. February is here and two months into 2026 we as a Council are working hard for our Tukwila community. The Council's four standing committees - Finance & Governance, Planning & Community Development, Human Services grant funding cycle opens for non -profits Every two years, Tukwila participates in a joint non-profit application process for grant funding through 17 King County cities. How to Apply: The application for 2027-28 funding will open on March 2, 2026 and close at 4:00PM on April 6, 2026. To receive full details on the application process, email Redmond.gov/1000/Application-Process. Before Applying with Tukwila: Contact Stacy.Hansen@TukwilaWA.gov to set up an initial pre -application virtual meeting. Community Services & Safety, and Transportation & Infrastructure Services - have begun their monthly meetings and we are also in the planning stages for an annual Council Retreat where we can work on effective group decision -making. Strong and productive collaboration will help us serve the community better as we tackle the biennial budget, which is really just solving a math equation - what services can and should we fund with the revenue we have available. We are always hoping to hear from you, our community members. You can engage with us by attending Council meetings (in person or online), following the City of Tukwila social media, sending us email, or calling at the contact info listed on the back page. You can help shape the current and future direction of this city. After hosting a successful coffee chat in January, we're excited to expand the series across the city this year. To make these gatherings more accessible and inclusive, we'll be hosting them in different neighborhoods and at different times every month. Each event will spotlight either a local business, community stakeholders, or neighborhood groups, creating meaningful opportunities to connect and hear from you. I anticipate other Councilmembers will join when they can or host networking opportunities of their own. If you would like to hear more about when and where these will take place, give us a call or email CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov. COUNCIL ACTIONS • Authorized contract for classification and compensation study • Adopted updated Compensation Policy (Res. 2135) • Authorized an agreement for facilitation of regional events for the 2026 World Cup • Accepted Washington State Department of Ecology grant funding for Lower Green Riverfront Master Plan • Accepted Washington State Capital Budget Appropriation for Tukwila Community Center HVAC • Accepted National Highway System grant funding for Airport Way Overlay Project • Conducted work session on Human Services program and World Cup preparations • Awarded contract for design of the Nelsen Side Channel Salmon Habitat Project The Hazelnut- February2026 5 New transit center breaks ground On February 4, Sound Transit, the City of Renton, and regional partners celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Renton Transit Center —an important milestone for transit riders across South King County. This project is a key part of the future Stride Si Bus Rapid Transit line, which will connect Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila and Burien with fast, frequent, all -day service. The Stride fleet will be Sound Transit's first battery - electric fleet, and the first of its kind in the country to use this technology for double-decker buses. Stride Si will be welcoming riders in 2028. For Tukwila residents, this means better access to jobs, education and family on the east side, and stronger connections to Link light rail at Tukwila International Boulevard Station. Investments like Stride S1 will help reduce congestion, improve travel reliability, and support sustainable growth while strengthening Tukwila's role as a regional transportation hub. Learn more about Stride here: SoundTransit.org/system-expansion/stride-bus-rapid-transit Tukwila Mayor McLeod with Renton City Councilmember/ Sound Transit Board Member Ed Prince, and King County Councilmember/Sound Transit Board Member Steffanie Fain at the Transit Center groundbreaking. FREE PAINT RECYCLING EVENT Saturday, March 28 - 9AM TO 3PM Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue S, Tukwila Find details at TukwilaWA.gov/recycle COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR Celebrating opportunity, access, and public education in Tukwila February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Tukwila School District is proud to celebrate the hands-on learning, career pathways, and real -world experiences available to our scholars. Each year, the CTE department hosts a community -wide event in the spring that highlights scholar learning, industry partnerships, and the many ways scholars explore careers in health sciences, skilled trades, technology, and beyond. CTE in Tukwila prepares scholars for college, careers, and life - while helping them discover their passions and purpose. We're also excited to share an update on the Tukwila Promise Program. This year, the Promise is expanding to include South Seattle College, and we are currently working to finalize this addition. Last year, 30% of Foster High School graduates took advantage of the Tukwila Promise, opening doors to postsecondary education with reduced financial barriers. We look forward to continued growth and expanded access as more scholars and families benefit from this powerful opportunity. Finally, as we continue to honor public education, we are proud to highlight the meaningful programs, experiences, and relationships that shape learning in Tukwila schools. Public education is a cornerstone of our community, and we encourage everyone to think about this question: Why did you love your public education experience? We invite you to reflect on it and discuss with your family, friends, or community. Sharing these reflections helps us celebrate the impact of public schools and the experiences that connect us all. Together, we are building pathways, expanding opportunity, and celebrating the power of public education in Tukwila. Dr. Concie Pedroza Superintendent, Tukwila School District Tukwila �a • SCHOOL DISTRICT J\: 6 The Hazelnut - February2026 Roadway preservation projects coming Some heavily -used roads in Tukwila are slated for significant improvements this year and next. The City will be working on three of its major arterials: • Boeing Access Road • Interurban Avenue • Orillia Road All of these projects were awarded full federal funding by National Highway Performance Program. Federal money protects Tukwila's city budget from significant financial impacts. Boeing Access Road - from Martin Luther King Jr Way S to E Marginal Way/Tukwila International Blvd Grind and overlay roadway, replace concrete overlay of bridge deck over BNSF railway. Existing bridge deck concrete is breaking off, making an uneven surface with the potential to cause flying debris. Interurban Avenue South from E Marginal Way to S 143th Street Complete pavement repairs, overlay, and curb and gutter repair. Orillia Road South from S 188th Street to S 200th Street Complete pavement repairs, overlay, and curb and gutter, sidewalk, and guardrail repair. These projects are expected to start construction after the World Cup to avoid congestion during these activities. Rental Housing License renewals Rental Housing License renewals were due on January 31, 2026. To avoid late fees, please submit your 2026 Rental Housing License renewal no later than March 1, 2026. You can renew online using your Rental License number at the licensing portal: tukw-egov.aspgov.com/BL/index.html For questions or assistance, please call 206-431-3674, or contact the Rental Housing Program at RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov. Vacancies on Sound Transit oversight panel Created in 1997, the Community Oversight Panel (COP) independently monitors Sound Transit and its commitment to build and operate the region's high - capacity regional bus, light rail and commuter rail transit system. COP currently has five vacancies in the South King County, North King County, East King County, and Snohomish County Subareas. Sound Transit is recruiting to fill the vacancies, with an eye toward increasing diversity on the panel. The Sound Transit Board of Directors appoints and tasks COP members. Acting as an independent oversight entity, the COP asks hard questions, reviews details, and reports findings back to the Board. Its 15 volunteers represent a variety of interests, professional expertise and experience. The COP meets once monthly in the evening. To qualify, an applicant must: • Reside and/or work in the subareas mentioned above • Be able to attend meetings each month during the evening. • Have experience, skills, or insight in one or more areas related to the panel's responsibilities: community engagement activities, project planning & alignment decisions, budget & financial plan, project schedule and budget adherence, agency performance audits, social justice & equity, passenger experience. To apply: Submit an application online, or send a completed application and a resume, CV, or list of experience to Dave Somers, Sound Transit Board Chair, at COP@SoundTransit.org or via mail at 401 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104-2826. Boeing Access Road bridge deck The Hazelnut- February2026 7 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 Donate blood — the need is great THURSDAY, MARCH 5 9:OOAM - 3:00PM Tukwila City Hall - Council Chambers 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Winter -storm -related closures and canceled blood drives are causing significant drops in blood donation, while patient need for blood never stops. Join us for the City of Tukwila blood drive on Thursday, March 5. Appointments are available between 9:OOAM and 3:00PM. Book your appointment today! Donate.BloodWorksNW.org/donor/schedules/sponsor_code WAILEA BEA H RESORT DONATE BLOOD FEB 1 - MARCH 31 & ENTER TO WIN A TRIP FOR 2! 800-398-7888 I bloodworksnw.org/win fdbloodworksnw O Li in O Bloodworks Northwest TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday —Thursday, 8:3OAM-4:OOPM 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, 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 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 lnterurban 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,Analyst206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00PM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole2nd/4th Mondays