May 2026

King County Council unanimously moves to overhaul homelessness authority oversight, considers termination

The King County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to significantly strengthen oversight of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) and has initiated a formal, fact-based process to determine the agency's future.

The motion, sponsored by Councilmembers Jorge L. Barón, Steffanie Fain, and Rod Dembowski, comes in the wake of a forensic evaluation that uncovered "patterns of financial mismanagement and inadequate internal controls" within the KCRHA. The Council’s action seeks to stabilize the system's financial condition before making any permanent structural changes.

A Roadmap for Accountability

The newly adopted motion requires the King County Executive to deliver a preliminary briefing in June, followed by a comprehensive report by August 1, 2026. This report must detail:

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White Center to bloom with Second Annual Spring Fling Block Party

The local community is preparing to take to the streets this weekend for the 2nd Annual Spring Fling Block Party. On Saturday, May 9th, 2026, White Center merchants will transform the neighborhood into a vibrant hub of activity from 2 PM to 8 PM.

The celebration will stretch across 16th Ave SW between Roxbury and 100th St., closing the area to traffic to make room for food, music, and shopping. Organizers describe the event as a celebration of the "great energy" and unique character that defines the White Center neighborhood.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of attractions, including:

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Emergency repairs on SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge: Significant detours set for West Seattle and Burien commuters

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is launching a critical $1.3 million emergency repair project on the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge, a move that will significantly impact travel for thousands of commuters heading toward SODO and downtown Seattle. Starting tonight, Tuesday, May 5, contractor crews will begin Phase 2 of a project to replace nine failing steel grate panels that were identified as cracked during a February inspection.

Timeline of Closures

The work will occur in stages, gradually increasing in impact over the coming weeks:

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Shape the future of Seattle’s streets: Join the new Transportation Funding Task Force

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is officially recruiting community members to join the newly formed Transportation Funding Task Force. This advisory group is tasked with identifying equitable and sustainable funding solutions to address the city’s most pressing infrastructure needs, including the maintenance and improvement of bridges, sidewalks, and pavement conditions.

The creation of this Task Force was directed by the Seattle Transportation Levy after community members expressed concerns that current funding is insufficient to maintain these critical city assets. To ensure a wide range of perspectives, SDOT is seeking individuals from all neighborhoods and backgrounds—including those with professional experience in finance, policy, or trades, as well as those with lived experience navigating the city's transportation systems. Applicants do not need to be professionals in the field to be considered.

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Motorcyclist killed in fatal fall from West Seattle Bridge off-ramp

Information for this story is provided by WestSideSeattle’s news partner, Q13 Fox News

Detectives are investigating a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning on the West Seattle Bridge.

According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), officers responded to reports of a crash on the 1st Avenue South off-ramp just before 2 a.m.. Investigators determined the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on the bridge when he struck a guardrail while taking the off-ramp. The impact sent the rider over the railing, and he landed on the sidewalk below.

Upon arrival, police found the man on the ground, where he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Seattle Fire Department.

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King County Council to fast-track vote on increased oversight and future of homelessness authority

The King County Council is set to take direct action on Tuesday to tighten oversight of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) and establish a fact-based process to evaluate the agency's future viability.

The motion, sponsored by Councilmembers Jorge L. Barón, Steffanie Fain, and Rod Dembowski, is a direct response to a recent forensic evaluation that uncovered patterns of financial mismanagement and inadequate internal controls within the Authority. Nearly $13 million were unaccounted for which drew multiple calls for the KCRHA to be dissolved.

Rather than going through the standard committee review, the council is expected to "walk on" the motion, bringing it straight to a full council vote on Tuesday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m..

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Beyond basement paint: A colorful quest to save the Pigeon Point sign

At the corner of Andover and 21st Street, a neighborhood landmark is showing its age. The Pigeon Point sign, once a proud symbol of community identity, is currently looking "a bit ratty". After a recent scrubbing only made its condition more apparent, neighbors are rallying to give the sign the professional makeover it deserves.

The sign’s current state is the result of a well-intentioned, DIY history. It was originally painted using random leftover house paints salvaged from local basements. While the effort was spirited, the materials weren't up to the task; the paint is now flaking off, and the lack of a protective coating has allowed dirt and mold to take hold.

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Defending the canvas: How one muralist is saving West Seattle’s Free Art Wall

Desmond Hansen, a dedicated muralist based in West Seattle, has spent years on a mission to make his city more beautiful. Starting in 2018, Hansen began painting vibrant portraits on utility boxes, an initiative that he continued through the pandemic until his art adorned more than 75 intersections from West Seattle to the University District.

Having successfully raised over $30,000 for those initial projects, Hansen is now rallying the community once again—this time, to protect art that already exists.

hansen art on boxes
You've seen his work on switch boxes all over Seattle- Art and photos by Desmond Hansen

 

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Seattle Public Schools launches districtwide "No Cell Bell to Bell" procedure to boost student focus

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has officially launched a new districtwide cellphone procedure aimed at removing digital distractions from classrooms and creating a unified learning environment. The new guidance, which takes effect Monday, May 4, 2026, replaces a previous patchwork of school-by-school rules with a single, clear standard for every student in the district.

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner enacted the change as a procedure rather than a board-voted policy to ensure students have the "chance to think deeply, engage fully, and be present". The district describes cellphones as one of the most significant barriers to learning and focus in modern classrooms.

Grade-Level Expectations

The new rules are tailored by grade span to reflect the developmental needs of students:

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Morgan Junction prepares for a busy May: Park expansions, infrastructure upgrades, and local arts

Residents of the Morgan Junction community have a packed schedule this May, with the latest community bulletin highlighting several key meetings regarding local infrastructure, park developments, and neighborhood celebrations.

Critical Intersection and Park Meetings

The month kicks off with a community forum on Wednesday, May 6, regarding proposed changes to the intersection of SW Rose Street and Fauntleroy Way SW. SDOT representatives will be present at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to discuss their plans.

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