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Photo gallery – 2026
View photos from Councilmember von Reichbauer’s events.
2026
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks
Sports brings people together has been my mantra for as long as I remember. This was evident February 2, 2014, and again on February 8, 2026, along with countless moments in between and across all sports.
Thank you, Allen Family, John Schneider, Mike Macdonald, and Bert Kolde. Although Paul Allen’s first sport was basketball, his legacy is with the Seahawks today! I had the honor of joining Paul and Bert Kolde at the old Harbor Club on March 26, 2000, for the implosion of the Kingdome, and I truly appreciate the sense of pride and commitment that Mike Macdonald brings to the Allen legacy. Go Hawks!
Pete Carroll: “This is the world’s oldest selfie.”
Me: “Why?”
Pete: “Because of OUR combined ages!”
Captured on May 21, 2014, the selfie with then-63-year-old Coach Pete was taken outside the Obama White House. From the oldest to 38-year-old Mike Macdonald, one of the youngest NFL coaches, inside the Seahawks’ locker room at Lumen Field. Two different coaches, but one legacy of commitment!
Harborview Board of Trustees
In 2015, I nominated Steffanie Moxon Fain to be my representative on the Harborview Board of Trustees, where she served as president for over five years. In 2025, I nominated Richa Malik to be our new board member as Steffanie was elected to the King County Council. Both are mothers of two, accomplished attorneys, and strong advocates for medical care in South King County, representing the best and brightest of our underserved region. Richa speaks fluent English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and is learning other languages reflective of our growing region.
With Richa Malik, her daughter, and Steffanie Fain
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with King County Executive Girmay Zahilay
Thank you to Girmay Zahilay, the newly elected and first King County Executive from outside Seattle, for participating in the January “Good Eggs” Breakfast in Auburn. During the meeting, he outlined his goals and emphasized the importance of listening to the community during the recent election.
Thanks to John Daniels Jr., Vice Chair of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, for presenting a Muckleshoot blanket to our speaker. In population alone, King County would be the 37the largest state.
With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and South King County mayors and councilmembers
King County Regional Policy Committee Invites Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
Who says Seattle and King County cannot agree on anything?
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson accepted my invitation to appear before the first meeting of the King County Regional Policy Committee this year, where we discussed how we can work better together to attack the issues of homelessness, transportation, criminal justice, among others. Problems do not stop at the city limits; they can only be solved with the suburban cities and Seattle working together.
With King County Councilmembers Sarah Perry, Jorge Barón, and Steffanie Fain, and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
King County Council Recognitions
The King County Council recognized King County Superior Court and Washington State Supreme Court Judge Mary Yu, as well as Undersheriff Jesse Anderson of the King County Sheriff’s Office, for their decades of public service upon their retirement.
Judge Mary Yu’s journey began at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, leading to a remarkable 25-year tenure as a judge on both the King County Superior Court and Washington State Supreme Court within her 32-year career.
With my fellow King County Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis, Claudia Balducci, Steffanie Fain, Rod Dembowski, Sarah Perry, Reagan Dunn and Jorge Barón, Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, Public Defense Director Matt Sanders, former bailiff and court reporter Rhonda Salvesen, and Judge Mary Yu
Undersheriff Jesse Anderson dedicated 35 years to the King County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to safeguarding all residents of unincorporated King County, as well as the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the cities of Beaux Arts, Burien, Carnation, Covington, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Skykomish, and Woodinville.
With my fellow King County Council colleagues and Undersheriff Jesse Anderson
South King County Leadership & Volunteerism Recognition
Every two years, I host a “bridge party” aimed at connecting incoming and outgoing local elected officials while recognizing volunteers in my district who are building bridges of cooperation and communication across South King County. In addition, I invite one of the consul generals in the state to represent the growing diverse population of my district. Thanks to Deputy Consul General Gerardo Guiza of the Mexican consulate for accepting my Seahawk 12 flag and for speaking about the importance of volunteerism alongside King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.
With Mexican Consulate Deputy Consul General Gerardo Guiza and South King County mayors and councilmembers
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer and Interim Director
At the February “Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting, Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Health Officer and Interim Director, provided a general health update, particularly about the flu season and the recent emergence of diseases like measles. Thank you, Dr. Valenciano, for sharing these important updates and for actively engaging with civic and community leaders regarding pressing health issues in South King County.
With Edgewood Mayor Dave Olson, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Black Diamond Mayor John Adler, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Algona Mayor Pro Tem Tim Fairley, PHSKC Health Officer & Interim Director Dr. Sandra Valenciano, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Federal Way Councilmembers Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Melissa Hamilton, and Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner
This graph reflects measle cases reported to CDC as of January 6, 2026.
This graph shows King County’s population as of 2024.
This graph shows how King County has grown more diverse over time.
In Memoriam
Rev. Jesse Jackson
“Keep Hope Alive.” “You may be in the slum, but the slum doesn’t have to be in you.” In the 1970s, I had the opportunity to talk with Rev. Jesse Jackson with Sen. George Fleming. After our discussion, George and I escorted Jesse to speak to a session of the Legislature, where he wowed the audience with his powerful oratory skills; he truly had everyone in the palm of his hand! An original!
With Mexican Consulate Deputy Consul General Gerardo Guiza and South King County mayors and councilmembers
Lou Holtz
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” “Do the right thing. Do your best. Show people you care.” “Everybody needs four things in life, something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in, and something to hope for.” I met Coach Holtz once in Tacoma, but I recall his words EVERY week. Rest in peace, Lou Holtz!
Amy Hatcher
We would like to acknowledge the passing of Amy Hatcher, a former recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service for King County Council District 7, who worked tirelessly for every member of our community.
King County Council Celebrates Women’s History Month & Transit Appreciation Week
The King County Council has recognized Women’s History Month to acknowledge the invaluable contributions women have made to our nation's past and their ongoing impact on its future. This year is especially significant as it marks a milestone with a female majority on the Council.
The Council has proclaimed March 22-28, 2026, as Transit Appreciation Week, with March 18th recognized as Transit Operator Appreciation Day. This celebration honors our operators for their commitment to safely transporting passengers, as well as all transit employees who consistently serve the public and keep our region on the move.
With my King County Council colleagues, King County Metro leadership, and community members
With my fellow King County Council colleagues and Undersheriff Jesse Anderson
King County Council Celebrates Women’s History Month & Transit Appreciation Week
The King County Council has recognized Women’s History Month to acknowledge the invaluable contributions women have made to our nation's past and their ongoing impact on its future. This year is especially significant as it marks a milestone with a female majority on the Council.
The Council has proclaimed March 22-28, 2026, as Transit Appreciation Week, with March 18th recognized as Transit Operator Appreciation Day. This celebration honors our operators for their commitment to safely transporting passengers, as well as all transit employees who consistently serve the public and keep our region on the move.
With my King County Council colleagues, King County Metro leadership, and community members
Sound Transit Board Retreat
On March 18th, the Sound Transit Board held its annual retreat to discuss strategies for the capital program and to develop the updated ST3 System plan, considering current and future regional challenges. A collaborative approach across the region is imperative for effectively addressing these challenges.
With my fellow Sound Transit Board Members: King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Steffanie Fain & Teresa Mosqueda, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod, Tacoma Councilmember Kristina Walker, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Fircrest Councilmember Hunter George, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, Lynnwood Councilmember David Parshall, Washington State Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith, Renton Councilmember Ed Prince, Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, and Fife Mayor Kim Roscoe
RapidRide I Line Groundbreaking
March 19th marked the beginning of construction for the 17-mile RapidRide I Line project that will provide reliable and FAST bus service from Renton to Auburn, as highlighted by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Council Transit Chair Steffanie Fain during the groundbreaking ceremony held in Renton.
The project will revamp the current Route 160 corridor, which accommodates about 5,000 daily riders, transforming it into a high-capacity transit line. This corridor serves one of the region’s most diverse populations, including many residents who depend on public transportation to access jobs, education, and essential services. Access to JOBS is essential!
Read more on the RapidRide I Line project website here.
With Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, State Rep. David Hackney, Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, and Former King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn
King County Metro Launches Systemwide All-Door Boarding
Starting March 28, King County Metro enhanced bus service by implementing all-door boarding for greater efficiency. This update improves connections to Sound Transit's Link light rail, including the new 2 Line Crosslake Connection between Seattle and the Eastside. It also adds earlier morning trips, extended evening service, and more weekend options for passengers.To learn more about the upcoming Spring changes, including those for South King County, check out this Metro Matters blog.
Link 2 Line Opens Across Lake Washington
Every 8 minutes, the Sound Transit Link 2 Line will travel across Lake Washington into Seattle from 4:17 AM to 12:15 AM, and toward Bellevue from 5:44 AM to 12:30 AM. The Crosslake Connection links a 58-mile light rail system at a time when the price of gas is over $5 a gallon. Great joining former Sound Transit CEOs and thousands of passengers for the official inaugural run. Learn more about the Crosslake Connection here.
With US Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmembers Steffanie Fain, Claudia Balducci, and Teresa Mosqueda, along with our fellow Sound Transit Board Members, former Sound Transit CEOs Joni Earl, Peter Rogoff, and Goran Sparrman, and Educator and UW Regent Constance Rice
Rainier Beach Vikings Boys Basketball Team
On April 7, King County recognized the Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball Team for winning their 11th Class 3A Washington State Championship on March 7. This victory is the 10th under Coach Mike Bethea, with key wins against O’Dea, Bellarmine Prep, and Lincoln. The team finished the season with an impressive record of 29 wins and one loss, achieving a 97% winning percentage.
With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Council colleagues, Coach Mike Bethea, and the Washington State Champion 2026 Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball Team
Vaisakhi Day
Vaisakhi Day marks the 1699 founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh and serves as a significant celebration for the more than 50,000 Sikhs residing in King County, including those at the Khalsa Gurmat Center in Federal Way. King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain and I co-sponsored a proclamation honoring this important holiday. Thank you to Kent Councilmember Satwinder Kaur, as well as David Malik, Vijay Beniwal, Kuldip Singh, Jaskaran Singh Sarao, and the Sikh community members who were present to receive this proclamation.
With King County Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, Rod Dembowski, Jorge Barón, Steffanie Fain, Sarah Perry, Reagan Dunn and Claudia Balducci, Kent Councilmember Satwinder Kaur, David Malik, Vijay Beniwal, Kuldip Singh, Jaskaran Singh Sarao, and Sikh community members
51st Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge Genocide & Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
The King County Council recognized April 14, 2026, as the 51st Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge Genocide. Additionally, the Council proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This initiative honors community members and encourages collective action to prevent sexual violence and supports Khmer Americans in their efforts to rebuild their lives and preserve their cultural identity.
With King County Council colleagues Rhonda Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, Rod Dembowski, Jorge Barón, Sarah Perry, Claudia Balducci, and Steffanie Fain, along with community leaders and members
AANHPI Heritage Month
The King County Council proclaimed May 2026 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This proclamation honors the achievements and legacies of these communities and invites all residents to engage in learning from and celebrating alongside our Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander neighbors and community members.
With King County Councilmembers Jorge Barón, Rhonda Lewis, Steffanie Fain, Rod Dembowski, and Sarah Perry, as well as members of the AANHPI community
Your Money Matters
How do you get young individuals in South King County to understand the finances of life and build better money habits? Thanks to Clinton Taylor, we have a valuable mentorship opportunity through Your Money Matters! I had the pleasure of joining its annual fundraiser at Junior Achievement of Washington in Auburn. Thanks to KD Hall for her inspiring remarks.
With Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Councilmembers Tracy Taylor-Turner, Hanan Amer, and Clinton Taylor, KD Hall, and young community members
Carpinito Brothers Farm Tour
As summer arrives and the valley comes alive with blooming flowers and produce, residents, local businesses, and farmers in South King County, including Mike Carpinito, continue to face the impacts of the December 2025 flood event.
Recently, my fellow King County Councilmember and Flood Control District Supervisor, Steffanie Fain, and I had the chance to visit Mike Carpinito and the facilities affected by the flooding. Together with King County Control District Deputy Director, Steven Schauer, we engaged in meaningful discussions about flood preparedness, recovery efforts, and prevention strategies.
In Memoriam: Jim Whittaker
On May 1, 1963, Jim Whittaker made history as the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, and on July 14, 1980, I achieved a personal milestone by becoming the first von Reichbauer to summit Mt. Rainier, thanks to Jim’s nephew, Win Whittaker. The recent passing of Jim (and his twin brother Lou in 2024) marks the passing of the founders of America’s first family of mountaineering. All Class! “Because it’s there.”
Government Accountability & Oversight Committee Discusses Inspector General Legislation
Fraud is crushing on two levels: for taxpayers who trusted that programs they paid for would help those in need, and for those in need who trusted resources would reach them. In response to ongoing fraud allegations against Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) grantees, I co-sponsored legislation to establish an Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints and Tax Advisor.
On May 12, the Government Accountability & Oversight (GAO) committee discussed this proposed legislation, which seeks to improve fraud prevention and oversight of DCHS grants, following an audit that revealed oversight failures. It will investigate financial fraud, issue subpoenas, and recover misspent funds under an appointed Inspector General Director. Additionally, a centralized King County Fraud Hotline will be created for reporting suspected fraud, and the legislation will clarify fraud definitions while aligning county practices with federal standards.
This is just the first step on our road to restoring trust and accountability across all local public programs. Click here to watch the meeting.
White River Tour
Whether it’s an “Atmospheric River” or a storm, the December floods are still having an impact on the city of Pacific. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and I met with Pacific Mayor Vic Kave to discuss recovery efforts after touring the persistent flood damage along the White River. Mayor Kave shared a thoughtful history of the river’s growth. The residents of Pacific showed great strength during and after the longest-lasting storm in Puget Sound history.
While it is essential to have a collective effort among federal, state, and local governments, it is also reassuring that King County, with a population of 2.4 million, has a leader who goes out to listen. Girmay's father, Hadish, and I had the perfect opportunity to take a photo in front of the Senior Center alongside the 39-year-old county executive!
With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, his father Hadish, and Pacific Mayor Vic Kave
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a National Day of Honoring those who served, but on my visits to Washington, D.C., I am drawn to the Vietnam Wall, specifically to the name of a grade school friend who was offered Officer Candidate School (OCS,) but went in as a patriotic private. He got married shortly before his tour but never returned home and never had the opportunity to hold his child. Freedom has never been free. Thank you EVERY day to those who served, and my appreciation and prayers to their families.
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello
Public issues do not recognize borders, so it is important that we work regionally across city and county lines to address challenges such as homelessness, transportation, law enforcement, and other public issues. In light of this, I invited Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello to be our speaker at the May “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting at Emerald Downs, alongside local leaders from South King County. TOGETHER, we can!!
With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr., Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello
2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often asked the question, “What are you doing for others?” Each year since 2016, King County Councilmembers take the opportunity to recognize community members who exemplify this spirit through exceptional and selfless service. This year's award recipients for District 7 are Ken and Jesse Johnson.
Ken and Jesse Johnson have responded to Dr. King’s question by dedicating themselves to advocating for high school pre-apprenticeship trades programs in the Federal Way School District, which is giving students access to family-wage jobs. Ken Johnson, the seventh of 13 siblings from Kirkland, Washington, learned hard work in his family's landscaping and scrap metal business. After graduating from Interlake High School in 1978 and attending Bellevue Community College, he began his career as an apprentice painter in 1979, progressing to various roles at Washington Commercial Painters, including foreman and operations manager, until June 2022. Ken contributed to the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) Apprenticeship Program and founded Transformers Painting and Pressure Washing LLC, employing three of his children.
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Former State Representative Jesse Johnson, the eldest of Ken and Lucrecia Johnson, grew up in Federal Way and was student body president at Federal Way High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in education from the University of Washington. At 27, he became the youngest Federal Way City Councilmember and later the youngest Washington State Legislator. Currently, he is the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement for the Office of the State Treasurer. Inspired by his family's experiences with skilled trades, he started a pre-apprenticeship program in the Federal Way School District to help the youth gain early exposure to trades. Jesse is married to Epiphany, a Family Medicine doctor, and they have two sons, Elijah and Ezra.
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With Lu, Ken, Jesse, and Epi Johnson
Gun Violence Awareness Day
The King County Council and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay unanimously proclaimed June 5th as Gun Violence Awareness Day in King County. This proclamation acknowledges the collaborative efforts aimed at tackling gun violence through a public health approach, emphasizing the shared responsibility to create safer communities for everyone.
With King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jorge Barón, Reagan Dunn, Sarah Perry, Steffanie Fain, Claudia Balducci, Rhonda Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, along with representatives from the Public Health Office of Regional Gun Violence Prevention.
Juneteenth
The King County Council and King County Executive jointly proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth, commemorating its 161st anniversary and highlighting its historical importance. On November 17, 2020, the King County Council declared Juneteenth an official holiday for its employees, making Washington the first local government to take this step. In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday, 158 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
With King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Jorge Barón, Reagan Dunn, Sarah Perry, Rhonda Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, Rod Dembowksi and Steffanie Fain, alongside Sherry Williams and Eric Greer from the Northwest African American Museum.
State of the County Address
Building a More Connected King County: What better way to emphasize your theme of connecting the 2.4 million people of King County than bringing your first State of the County Address out of the King County Courthouse and down to South King County. Thank you to King County Executive Girmay Zahilay for bringing your message and family to Federal Way and LISTENING to the people! Read the Executive's release, watch the event recording, and view the press full transcript of the address.
Counterclockwise: With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, his father Hadish, 41st Legislative District Rep. Janice Zahn, King County Councilmembers Steffanie Fain and Teresa Mosqueda, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and Councilmember Ed Prince, Algona Mayor Pro Tem David White, El Centro de la Raza Executive Director Estela Ortega, Renton Council President Ruth Pérez, Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Muckleshoot Tribal Chair Donny Stevenson, and Suquamish Tribal Chair Leonard Forsman
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer
What is the similarity between a parachute and insurance? If it does not work the first time you need it, it is useless! During the June “Good Eggs” meeting, we were joined by Patty Kuderer, our state Insurance Commissioner, who provided local elected officials and community leaders from South King County with updates on current insurance policies and addressed a wide range of questions. Patty is committed to reforming the office and strengthening its consumer support.
Counterclockwise: With State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Business Leader Jeff Stock, Eisenhower Carlson Associate Todd Blodgett, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens, Councilmember Linda Kochmar, Algona Mayor Pro Tem David White, Lakehaven Commissioner Juan Juarez Ramos, Algona Councilmember Jessica Parker, Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner, 47th Legislative District Rep. Chris Stearns, Federal Way Councilmember Jack Walsh, Kent Councilmembers Zandria Michaud and Toni Troutner