Information from King County Local Services
King County Department of Local Services invites the community to a White Center “Glow Up” event – a chance to celebrate and learn more about several improvements along 16th Avenue SW.
The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, during the monthly Rat City Art Walk event at the corner of 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street near the community kiosk.
King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson, Road Services Director Tricia Davis, and local business and community leaders are expected to make remarks.
After that, the Department of Local Services – the local government for unincorporated White Center – will host a walking tour to highlight several recent investments:
- Illuminate White Center: Decorative lights suspended over the sidewalk will brighten 16th Avenue SW from SW Roxbury Street to SW 100th Street, creating a brighter, more welcoming nighttime experience. This community-driven idea was selected and funded through King County’s Participatory Budgeting program (early estimate $100,000).
- Pedestrian safety improvements and traffic calming project on 16th Avenue SW, between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street: We are near completion of a multi-year project to make this busy road safe for everyone, including:
- Creating one lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bicycle lanes in both directions
- Rapid flashing lights and new pedestrian crossing signs at intersections without a traffic signal
- Rainbow Sidewalk: The curb cut-outs on both sides of 16th Avenue SW at the sidewalk between SW Roxbury Street and SW 98th Street will be painted in vibrant rainbow colors.
Organizers will also share how the county’s investments in the White Center Business Alliance are helping to boost business engagement, promote the district, support community events, and advocate for the small businesses that make “Rat City” unique.
“These improvements reflect what people have said loud and clear,” Director Richardson said. “They want a neighborhood that’s safe, more vibrant, and more connected.”
