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Seattle/King County Clinic – Patient Information

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“These four days were a haven of humanity and compassion at its best. The message to me was very clear, hope in a hurting world. Thank you for that hope and easing my suffering and the suffering of so many people in need.” – Clinic Patient

Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The Clinic welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.

The next Clinic is scheduled for February 13 – 16, 2020 at Seattle Center.

Debt-Free Degree how parents and students can get through college without racking up thousands in debt

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National bestselling author, Dave Ramsey personality, YouTube sensation, speaker and financial expert Anthony ONeal has a new book called Debt-Free Degree that outlines how parents and students can get through college without racking up thousands in debt and does it in a fun way people understand.

Debt-Free Degree reached #1 on the Wall Street Journal Best Sellers for Hardcover Business List and #7 on the Nonfiction List.
As the current $1.5 trillion student loan debt crisis becomes more widespread in the media, Anthony continues to shine a light on the possibility of college without student loans.
Debt-Free Degree shows you how to cash flow your kid’s college education and what to do at each stage from middle school to high school. It also teaches readers about scholarships, grants and free community colleges. Included are topics like:
  • How to prepare for College as early as the Middle School years
  • Which classes should be taken in High School
  • When to take the SAT and/or ACT exams
  • How to do college visits the right way
  • Why it’s important to choose a major
  • Dipping into retirement funds to pay for your kid’s college
Check out Anthony on Good Morning America here!
Anthony Oneal encourages teens and young adults to make smart decisions with their lives and start off right. At age 19, ONeal was deep in debt and short on hope with no direction of where his life was headed. But after hitting rock bottom, he turned his life around and committed to helping students find and pursue their passions. https://www.anthonyoneal.com/

Since 2003, ONeal has helped hundreds of thousands of students make good decisions with their money, relationships and education to live a well-balanced life. He’s the National Best-Selling Author of Graduate Survival Guide: 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College, and travels the country spreading his encouraging message to help teens and young adults transition into the real world. He has appeared as a guest expert on CNN, FOX News, TBN, The Dave Ramsey Show and more.

BATTLE IN SEATTLE: STARBUCKS SHOWS LEADERSHIP ON MEDIAN GENDER/RACIAL PAY EQUITY, WHILE LAGGARD MICROSOFT FIGHTS DISCLOSURE

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Microsoft Drags Feet, But Starbucks Joins Citi as 2nd Major U.S. Company to Release Data.

As Microsoft shareholders vote today on a board-opposed shareholder resolution calling for disclosure of the tech giant’s median gender pay gap data, retail giant Starbucks has acceded to shareholder requests for such information and is now providing it to the public.  The investment management firm Arjuna Capital, which has spurred nearly two dozen companies to provide gender and racial pay equity disclosure, is the sponsor of the more demanding median gender pay equity resolutions at both Microsoft and Starbucks.

Arjuna Capital Managing Partner Natasha Lamb has provided a video statement for delivery today at the Microsoft virtual meeting.  In the statement, she notes: “Disclosure of median pay is now mandated in the United Kingdom.  For Microsoft’s UK operations, our company reported a 7.9% hourly median pay gap, and a 13% bonus median pay gap.  Yet, notably, our company has notpublished median information for its global operations.”

Arjuna Capital today withdrew its shareholder resolution at Starbucks, following a productive dialogue about its median gender and racial pay equity disclosure, which is now available publicly: “Starbucks shares its median pay gaps by gender globally, and by gender and race in the US. In 2019 the median pay for women globally is 98.3% of the median for men. In the U.S., the median pay ratio is 100% for women and 100% for people of color.”

With the 2020 shareholder season now getting underway, Starbucks is following in the footsteps of Citigroup, which, in January 2019, broke ranks with other financial institutions facing median gender/racial pay equity resolutions and agreed to shareholder demands that it disclose its median pay gap data. 

Natasha Lamb, managing partner, Arjuna Capital said: “We want to salute Starbucks for its leadership as it joins ranks with Citigroup as the second U.S. company to produce the hard numbers on median gender and racial pay equity.  Starbucks has proven itself both responsive to shareholders and a leader on diversity and inclusion.   It is regrettable that Microsoft’s board has chosen to go the other way and fight the call for median gender and racial pay equity.  This sends a terrible message to employees, shareholders, the markets, and customers who deserve an honest accounting of pay gaps.

As it did in the 2019 shareholder season, Arjuna Capital intends to file during the 2020 season median gender/racial pay equity resolutions at more than a dozen tech, financial and retail giants.  Arjuna’s list of targets for such resolutions will be revealed in the first half of January 2020.

The resolution that Microsoft shareholders will vote on today over board opposition reads in part as follows: “Microsoft reports women earn 99.7 percent of the compensation received by men on a statistically adjusted equal pay basis. Yet, that statistically adjusted number alone fails to consider how discrimination affects differences in opportunity. In contrast, median pay gap disclosures address the structural bias that affects the jobs women hold, particularly when men hold most higher paying jobs. Women account for nearly 28 percent of Microsoft’s employees, but only 22 percent of leadership. Mercer finds actively managing pay equity ‘is associated with higher current female representation at the professional through executive levels and a faster trajectory to improved representation.”

 

SHAREHOLDER ACTIVISM BACKGROUND

In the last five years, at least 64 companies have faced more than 100 shareholder resolutions on the gender pay gap. In 2015, Arjuna Capital launched the gender pay shareholder campaign when it filed a shareholder proposal with the technology firm eBay.

Arjuna Capital continues to lead this effort and has filed a total of 53 proposals at 23 companies in the tech, financial, and consumer sectors. Of those companies, 22 have committed to disclose and close their pay gaps on an adjusted equal pay for equal work basis, an important first step. In 2019, Arjuna requested more comprehensive reporting from the companies, and filed a new proposal with 12 companies requesting unadjusted global median gender and U.S. minority/racial pay gap data. This evolution is important because while adjusted data shows if there is equal pay for equal work, unadjusted median pay data shows if there is equal opportunity for higher-paying jobs.

 

A recent op-ed published by Lamb describes the importance of this reporting: https://qz.com/work/1549162/the-median-gender-pay-gap-arjuna-capital-wants-the-data-revealed/

 

Vista Oncology Has Joined the American Oncology Network

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American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that Vista Oncology, a leading community oncology/hematology practice serving the Olympia, Washington community, has joined AON, effective Dec. 1, 2019. AON is an alliance of physicians and veteran healthcare leaders uniting to ensure the long-term success of community oncology.

Formed in 2008, Vista Oncology has three locations in the Puget Sound region. The team includes four medical oncologists, one physician assistant and one nurse practitioner who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.  Through the affiliation with AON, the practice will expand the services it offers to patients, adding enhanced technology and home delivery of oral oncolytic medications as well as centralized laboratory and pathology services for diagnostic testing.

AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA stated, “Drs. Nicole Grous, Min Kang, Linli Xuan, Joseph Ye and the entire Vista Oncology team provide exceptional medical treatment.  Their dedication to a holistic approach to cancer survivorship means that each patient receives the highest levels of comfort, care and compassion. We are delighted to welcome Vista Oncology to AON.”

AON Board Member & Chairman Dr. Stephen Orman, added, “Vista Oncology is a model for how community-based oncology care benefits patients.  The Vista Oncology team utilizes the most advanced treatments, including participation in cutting-edge clinical trials, to serve their patients on every step of their cancer care journey.”

“As a privately-owned clinic, we know that our partnership with AON will assist us in keeping pace with the rapid advances and changes in the healthcare industry,” said Dr. Joseph Ye of Vista Oncology. “Most importantly, it will enable us to remain focused on our highest priority – survivorship for our patients.”

With a drive to ensure that everyone has access to exceptional cancer care, AON was founded by well-respected leaders in community oncology with decades of experience helping oncology practices to thrive by providing proven solutions.

Navigating the pathway to college graduation successfully requires hard work, sacrifice and resources. It also takes a community.

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Nyomi Bennett (Cohort 18) was this year’s recipient of the Frederick Douglass award

At Rainier Scholars, we recruit fourth-graders into a cohort, so that students belong to a community of highly motivated students who share a vision of college success.  The initial phase of our program is the 14-month Academic Enrichment Phase (AEP), which begins the summer before the start of fifth grade and continues twice weekly during the school year. During this phase, scholars develop the skills needed to thrive in college preparatory settings. We honor the completion of AEP with a Rites of Passage ceremony, celebrating our scholars’ accomplishments and hard work.

Nyomi Bennett (Cohort 18) was this year’s recipient of the Frederick Douglass award, in recognition of her dedication to her own and her classmates’ education, as well her willingness to fight through obstacles with grace, wisdom and maturity. After completing 14 months of academic enrichment, Nyomi is now a sixth-grader at Seattle Girls’ School.

 

Christmas and free holiday assistance programs.

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King County and Seattle Christmas and free holiday assistance programs.
Across King County Washington there are several Christmas assistance programs. Non-profit organizations run them using donations from the community and also the support of volunteers. A wide variety of gifts and food items may be offered to struggling families, in particular those with children, in an effort to spread the holiday joy.

Some of the charities offer more than just Christmas help. They may also administer Thanksgiving meals or Easter gift baskets. Anyone who may qualify and is interested in getting more information will need to call a center.

Countless families in Seattle are struggling in these challenging times. The free gifts, clothing and meals that are provided around the holidays can make a big difference. It can free up your money for paying other bills and help people have some joy around Christmas and other holidays.

Black Diamond Community Center
Address of the non-profit is 31605 3rd Ave
Black Diamond, Washington, 98010
The non-profit does not serve the city of Seattle, and all people need to call for appointment to register/apply for Christmas help.. Phone number is (360) 886-1011
The center offers free Christmas gifts for school children, grades K-12, in Black Diamond district only.

Hopelink – Redmond
16725 Cleveland St
Redmond, Washington, 98052
(425) 882-0241
An on site Holiday Gift Room offers clothing, holiday gifts, toys, stuff, and more for Redmond and Sammamish area residents.

Another location is in Shoreline Washington and it covers low income, unemployed, and struggling families in that area. Food and hot meals may be served at Thanksgiving or Christmas too. 15809 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA, 98133. Dial (206) 440-7300 for intake or applications. Hope Link is also at 11011 120th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA, 98033, dial (425) 889-7880 as well as 14812 Main St, Bellevue, Washington, 98007, main phone (425) 943-7555. Or find more free stuff.

Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank
Address is 179 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA, 98027
Phone number  (425) 392-4123
The Caring Through Sharing store has toys, games, clothing, and more for children and students. Qualified families can shop for what they need.

Maple Valley Food Bank
21415 Maple Valley Hwy
Maple Valley, WA, 98038
(425) 432-8139
Hot meals, groceries, and Christmas Gifts may be passed out. It is for children, students, and teenagers of the Tahoma School District, Maple Valley, Hobart, Ravensdale, and Covington Washington.

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services – Holiday Food and Gift Program
2040 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island, Washington, 98040
Call (206) 275-7869

Multi-Service Center
Address is 1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA, 98003
Phone number – (253) 838-6810
Provides free Christmas and holiday food for all clients. Volunteers and donations also can give gifts for children, ages 18 and younger. The program runs for qualified low-income Federal Way School District residents.

Storehouse at Real Life Church
26201 180th Ave SE
Covington, WA, 98042
(253) 631-3038
Up to 2 free gifts, presents, clothing items or gift cards are for families with children living in Covington.

Ford Fund Teams Up with the City of Tacoma and the Washington State History Museum to Kick-off Men of Courage Barbershop Challenge  

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  • The Men of Courage Barbershop Challenge invites community-focused barbershops
    in the Tacoma area to submit innovative community program proposals supporting
    why their location should be selected as a Men of Courage barbershop

 

  • Two barbershops will be selected as finalists and compete for a grant of $10,000
    to activate community engagement programs at their shops

 

  • Challenge runner-up to receive $5000 for their favorite nonprofit organization

Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, is joining forces with the City of Tacoma and the Washington State History Museum (WSHM) to offer motivated barbershops in Tacoma an opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grant to support programs they create to educate and empower African American men in their community. Additionally, the runner up in the challenge is eligible to select a local non-profit to receive a $5,000 grant.

To apply, shop owners should visit http://fgb.life and submit their application online. Applications are being accepted now until November 22, 2019.

“The Men of Courage program is designed to uplift and celebrate the many contributions of African American men to our world,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund.“We are excited to bring this program and the associated barbershop challenge to Tacoma.”

The Men of Courage Barbershop Challenge is an expansion of the Men of Courage (MOC) grassroots program that launched in 2015. Its intent is to build communities by advancing the narrative of black men through storytelling. The MOC initiative has included several activations that include community outreach, education programs and toolkits for conversation starters.

Over the past three years, curated forums have been held in Detroit, Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles with national stakeholders such as activist Shaka Senghor, former Detroit mayor and NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing, and NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis participating. With nearly 200 community leaders serving as mentors and engaging in hours of storytelling, vision boarding and solution mapping with young men in the community, the work has resulted in more than 2,000 toolkits downloaded in 34 cities around the country. Additionally, the theme of the 2016 Ford Freedom Award, which celebrated and recognized achievements of lasting and positive impact for African Americans, highlights the pivotal work of the Men of Courage program.

“In helping African American men tap into powerful community conversations through this new program, we are making a statement,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. “We are saying that their ideas matter and can, in fact, profoundly shape the evolution of African American male identity in this country.”

The Tacoma MOC Barbershop Challenge seeks state-certified barbershop owners ages 18 and up to submit innovative applications that state why their barbershop should be distinguished as a Ford Fund Men of Courage shop and what that would mean for their community. Two finalists will be selected to compete by developing community engagement programming for adults and youth that focus on education, entrepreneurship and empowerment. Ford will support their efforts leveraging partnerships such as the Washington State History Museum and Microsoft to facilitate fun and engaging activities such as coding workshops, Xbox Game Nights and amplifying a job search with LinkedIn.

“We are proud to partner with the Ford Motor Company Fund in bringing their innovative Barber Shop Challenge to the Tacoma area. We look forward to experiencing the impact of the fun and meaningful activities that will come out of the challenge,” said Jennifer Kilmer, director of the Washington State Historical Society. “Men of Courage is the perfect companion program to the Men of Change exhibition. The Washington State History Museum is honored to host that exhibition this winter and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to see it here.”

To apply, shop owners should visit http://fgb.life and submit their application online. Applications are being accepted now until November 22, 2019.

The Men of Courage program serves as a complimentary grassroots activation to the Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. exhibition at WSHM December 21 – March 15, 2020. Created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), Men of Change is made possible through the support of Ford Motor Company Fund and highlights revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B. Du Bois and Kendrick Lamar— whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country. Cincinnati’s Freedom Center was the first stop of the national three-year tour. For more information visit sites.si.edu.

For more information on programs that support the African American community, go to http://fgb.life .

About Ford Motor Company Fund

As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in 63 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter.

About Men of Courage

Ford Motor Company’s Men of Courage (MOC) initiative launched in 2015 as a grassroots program designed to build communities by advancing the narrative of black men through storytelling, intergenerational forums, and community programs. Since its inception, MOC has hosted forums in the five cities and reported more than 2,000 toolkit downloads across 34 cities throughout the US.

About Washington State History Museum

The Washington State Historical Society partners with communities to explore how history connects us all. The Society’s most visible activity, the Washington State History Museum is located in Tacoma’s downtown core along Pacific Avenue among a thriving cultural scene. The museum features interactive permanent exhibitions about Washington’s past, unique rotating exhibitions highlighting the Society’s collections and dynamic traveling exhibitions.

Minority Business Development Agency Awards $3.6 Million for Business Development in Indian Country

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The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced grant awards totaling $3.6 million to support business development in Indian Country.  The investment represents an historic level of 17% of all the MBDA grants awarded this year.

“Under the guidance of President Donald J. Trump, economies are booming across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These projects have the potential to further allow Native-owned businesses to build on this unprecedented economic climate and, in turn, create jobs and new opportunities in their communities.”

The diversity among the projects shows strong promise for Native-owned businesses to achieve entrepreneurial growth and global competitiveness.  They encompass a range of strategies to address identified needs in Indian Country, including but not limited to access to capital, incubator/accelerators, federal program coaching, public-private partnerships, and broadband.  Collectively, the objective is to ensure Tribal entrepreneurs and Tribal businesses are better connected to business opportunities and trained in entrepreneurship, leading to a stronger foundation for economic growth.

“These grants affirm MBDA’s long-standing commitment to economic development in Indian Country,” said Henry Childs II, MBDA National Director. “There are many examples of economic success in Indian Country. This includes areas such as energy, tourism, and gaming. Indigenous communities are a vital part of regional economies but are often disconnected from efforts to promote regional and rural development. This disconnect contributes to disparities in socio-economic outcomes experienced in Indian Country. MBDA’s investments will help link Indigenous communities with regional and rural development efforts,” stated Childs.

The FY 2019 grant recipients are:

  • Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Asian, Inc.
  • National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
  • Native American Development Corporation
  • Oregon Native American Business Entrepreneurial Network
  • Regents of New Mexico State University
  • Rural Community Assistance Corporation
  • Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.
  • Salish Kootenai College
  • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
  • Southwest Business Development Consultants, LLC
  • Spruce Root, Inc.
  • The TAALA Fund

Funds will be available for a 2-year period, September 2019 – August 2021.  All recipients will have access to management and technical assistance from MBDA and its Office of Native American Business Development.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy and research. Our services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2019, MBDA commemorates 50 years of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and recommits to Winning the Future for all U.S. minority-owned businesses. For more information visit www.mbda.gov.

African Pride Doubles Down on Moisture with Addition of Two NEW Styling Products

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African Pride, a trusted hair care manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience creating affordable products with high quality, naturally formulated ingredients has added two NEW styling products to its Moisture Miracle collection.

African Pride’s NEW Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Gel N Cream.

 

The Moisture Miracle collection, which hit retail shelves Spring 2018, is crafted with a signature blend of natural, premium ingredients of African origin to help those with kinky and coily textures replenish, restore and retain moisture to keep hair healthy and manageable throughout each step of the wash day and styling routine.

“While we had wash day and the hair maintenance part of the routine on lock, we saw an opportunity within the Moisture Miracle collection to provide additional product solutions to help create well- moisturized and defined styles,” said Kendria Strong, African Pride Director of Marketing. “To do that we knew we needed to find the right mix of natural, premium ingredients that make styling and manageability easier for Type 4 hair to combat shrinkage, while elongating and defining curls and ingredients that provide deep hydration to soften the hair and restore shine.”

African Pride’s NEW Rose Water & Argan Oil Curl Mousse

The NEW Moisture Miracle styling products include:

  • Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Curl Defining Gel n’ Cream (6oz) – This 3-in-1 curl training formula blends flaxseed oil and shea butter to provide superior curl definition, hydration and shine; enhancing your natural curl pattern without flaking.

Ingredient benefits:

    • Flaxseed Oil – defines and molds curls, provides natural hold, restores shine
    • Shea Butter – deeply moisturizes, strengthens and protects
  • Rose Water & Argan Oil Curl Mousse (8.5oz) – Lightweight foam blends rose water and argan oil to condition hair while adding body, control and flexible hold, leaving curls well-defined, soft to the touch and frizz-free.

Ingredient benefits:

    • Rose Water – softens and helps to repair hair’s porosity
    • Argan Oil – adds natural shine and smooths hair cuticles

These NEW Moisture Miracle products are priced between $4.49 – $4.99 and are available at Amazon.com/AfricanPride. The Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Curl Defining Gel n’ Cream is also available at Walmart.

Additional products in the Moisture Miracle range, which include the (1) Aloe & Coconut Water Detangle & Condition Pre-Shampoo, (2) Honey & Coconut Oil Nourish & Shine Shampoo, (3) Honey, (4) Chocolate & Coconut Oil Nourish & Restore Conditioner, (5) Coconut Milk & Honey Hydrate & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, (6) Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Hydrate & Strengthen Leave-In Cream, (6) Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Moisturize & Define Curling Cream, (7) Moroccan Red Clay & Shea Butter Detox & Soften Heat Activated Masque and the (8) Strengthen & Protect 5 Essential Oils with Vitamin E, can be found at Walmart, Dollar General and local beauty supply stores nationwide.

About African Pride
For 30 years, African Pride has addressed the hair care needs of all hair types and textures whether natural or relaxed with brands like Black Castor Miracle, Moisture Miracle, Shea Miracle, Olive Miracle and Dream Kids. We believe in the unspoken power of a great hair day. The boost of energy that’s given when your beauty and confidence is intertwined should be accessible to all women. That’s why we created African Pride products with premium, natural ingredients at an affordable price to ensure that you’re less stressed about your hair and more focused on stepping into your best self.

New Fare Share Plan to Invest in Workers, Housing, and Transportation

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We’re living in the most disruptive time for our workers since the Industrial Revolution. Our economy is changing, and long-term jobs are giving way to gig work. In this rapidly changing economy, we need to make sure our hard-fought worker protections are available for gig workers. That includes Uber and Lyft drivers, who work long hours to help all of us get where we need to go.

As Seattle grows, we also need to make sure our communities can afford to live near where they work, and everyone, regardless of income or ability level, has access to high-quality transit.

That’s why earlier today I announced my “Fare Share” plan to invest in workers, housing near transit, and transit and transportation projects.

Our Fare Share plan will:

  • Mandate Seattle’s minimum wage, plus benefits and expenses, for Uber and Lyft drivers, beginning July 1, 2020;
  • Invest in landmark worker protections, including a first-in-the-nation Driver Resolution Center;
  • Invest in transit and fully fund the Center City Connector streetcar; and
  • Support more than 500 new affordable homes near transit for people earning between $15 and $25 per hour.

 

The City of Seattle wants to create a model to ensure we’re appropriately compensating drivers for the hours they truly work, the expenses they are shouldering, and the benefits they deserve, even if they are currently classified as independent contractors.

Seattle is a national leader in ensuring our workers are treated fairly and can build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. From the Fight for $15 to our Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, we’ve always been the city that puts our workers before any company’s bottom line.

We also know that more and more workers like Seattle’s nurse assistants, construction workers, and preschool teachers can’t afford to live close to their jobs. And that’s why we need to continue to invest in more affordable housing as quickly as possible across Seattle.

There’s no doubt that the explosive growth of companies like Lyft and Uber has helped many people, and has helped create opportunity for many communities throughout our region.

But the fact remains that some Uber and Lyft drivers are not making minimum wage, while billion dollar companies are profiting off of using the City’s public resources, like the right of way and curb space. Last year alone, there were more than 24 million Uber and Lyft rides in our City, half of which started or ended downtown. That has had an impact on congestion, and has crowded our buses and curbs.

That’s why we need to think big and make important investments in transit like this one to ensure we keep transit moving in downtown Seattle, manage traffic, and achieve our climate goals.

This overall plan is about ensuring Seattle builds off our legacy of fighting for working families. And it’s about growing into the city we want to be.

Your feedback is critical to the success of this project. As always, please continue to write me at Jenny.Durkan@seattle.gov, reach out via Twitter and Facebook, and stay up-to-date on the work we’re doing for the people of Seattle on my blog.