Welcome!

My name is Pete von Reichbauer, and I am honored to represent South King County on the King County Council. I am committed to advocating for your needs and the needs of our local communities.

As a citizen of the state of Washington, I take great pride in local community service and community engagement. My involvement as a past president of the Kiwanis Club, service as a founding member of the Auburn/Federal Way Boys and Girls Club’s board, my role as a founding board member of St. Francis Hospital, and my work with similar non-profit organizations has not only allowed me to better represent the people of King County’s District 7, but it has also brought me greater knowledge of our district and the concerns of each neighborhood.

I have been elected chair of the Regional Policy Committee and the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee. In addition to these assignments, I am also vice chair of the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee; as well as a member of the Committee of the Whole; the King County Flood Control District; and the Sound Transit Board of Directors. It is an honor to serve on each of these committees.

I welcome your calls, emails, letters, and suggestions! I am always open to the questions and concerns of the people whom I serve.

Thank you for visiting my webpage. Please come back again soon. 

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember

Click here to read my Summer 2023 Update

Click here to read my Citizen's Guide to Government

Click here to read my Health Resource Guide

South King County Leaders Meet with CHI Franciscan CEO

CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel joined King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s February “Good Eggs” breakfast at Twin Lakes Golf Club. The breakfast provided Patel an opportunity to update South King County community leaders and elected officials on the important work CHI Franciscan is doing for its patients and in the community, and discuss the future of the health care industry.

CHI Franciscan was founded in 1891 and is the largest health system in Washington with more than 12,000 employees and ten hospitals. Ketul discussed the importance of improving the operational efficiency of its hospitals in order to help control costs and lower costs for patients. A main driver for CHI Franciscan’s merger with CommonSpirit was projected cost savings of $2.4 billion over five years.


L to R: Federal Way Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Federal Way City Councilmember Hoang Tran, Federal Way City Councilmember Mark Koppang, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel, Auburn City Councilmember Bob Baggett, Federal Way City Councilmember Linda Kochmar, Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson.


Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel, Federal Way Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, and ST Fabrication CEO Jesse Cherian.

John Theisen receives inaugural ‘MSC Help, Hope, Change Award’

John Theisen, former President and CEO of Auburn-based Orion Industries, was presented the inaugural South King County Multi-Service Center’s (MSC) “Help, Hope, Change” Award by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. The award recognizes a community leader or corporation that exemplifies the mission of MSC to provide pathways out of poverty for neighbors in South King County.

For 18 years, Theisen led this mission-driven nonprofit that provides career pathways to individuals with barriers to employment, such as learning disabilities, low incomes and mental health issues. He built two business lines that provide personalized mentorship and job skills, supported over 2,300 people in their training programs, and placed almost 1,000 individuals into new careers.

 
Honorary Chair Pete von Reichbauer and MSC President Robin Corak present former Orion Industries President and CEO John Theisen the first MSC Help, Hope, Change Award.

Town Hall with the Department of Local Services

Please join me on Tuesday, September 24th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a Town Hall hosted with the Department of Local Services at Thomas Jefferson High School (4248 S. 288th St. Auburn, WA. 98001). Department of Local Services Director John Taylor, Assessor John Wilson, Director of Elections Julie Wise, Major Patrick Butschli, and more will join us to discuss ways to improve services in unincorporated King County. Starting at 6:00 PM, there will also be information tables hosted by various County agencies available for guests.

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards Emphasizes “The South Sound Way”

L to R: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Algona Mayor Dave Hill, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier.

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards met with South King County community and business leaders at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s July “Good Eggs” breakfast at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club in Federal Way.

Mayor Woodards discussed her priorities as Mayor, including economic development, affordable housing, and accessible transportation. In particular, Mayor Woodards discussed her Affordable Housing Action Strategy, and the work Tacoma is doing with the Greater Seattle Partners to effectively market the tri-county region and promote economic development across the Puget Sound.

House Majority Leader Discusses Business Development and Homelessness in South King County

Representative Sullivan with South King County civic and education leaders.

House Majority Leader and Representative Pat Sullivan provided an update on the recently concluded legislative session to community leaders at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s May “Good Eggs” breakfast at the Phoenix Rising Café in Auburn. Representative Sullivan highlighted the areas of emphasis for this year’s session, including mental health, higher education, workforce development, long-term care for seniors, and clean energy.

The Majority Leader also engaged the group in discussion, answering questions regarding the process of electing a new Speaker, the need to partner with the federal government on shovel ready infrastructure projects in our state, and a holistic approach to business development in South King County. This year, the state invested $175 million in the Housing Trust Fund, to help address homelessness, addressed the backlog in funding the state need grant, and made large investments in the state’s head start program.

King County Executive Gives Update on the State of King County

Photo L to R: Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

King County Executive Dow Constantine provided an update on the state of King County government to community leaders at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s April “Good Eggs” breakfast at the Phoenix Rising Café in Auburn. Constantine began his presentation by highlighting his commitment towards working towards consensus to build a welcoming community with opportunities for all. Constantine also discussed King County’s new Department of Local Services, which consolidated roads, permitting, community services and more to administer local services in King County.

Please join me on Saturday, May 11th for a another Mobile Shredding Event!

Attorney General's meeting with south King County community leaders focused on consumer protection efforts

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Way Scarff of Scarff Motors, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson provided an update on his ongoing efforts as Attorney General to South King County community leaders at the February “Good Eggs” breakfast hosted by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. During the questions and answer portion, the Attorney General discussed some of his priorities including the opioid epidemic, consumer protection efforts, and the importance of maintaining a non-partisan office culture.

Federal Way human service advocate Peggy LaPorte receives MLK Medal of Distinguished Service

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer with Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service recipient Peggy LaPorte

An idea to help homeless women that started with volunteers around a kitchen table is celebrating 25 years of helping people. Peggy LaPorte, the founder of the organization that is now known as FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed, and Needy), received the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service from Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer in recognition of her service to the people of Federal Way

South King County community leaders gather for annual leadership reception

King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, King County Director of Elections Julie Wise, Korean Consul General Lee Hyung-jong, King County Assessor John Wilson, King County Council Chair Rod Dembowski.

King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht awards King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer a Sheriff’s Medal of Service at the South King County Leadership Reception.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosted his annual South King County Public Leadership Reception this week at KO-AM TV Studios in Federal Way. The event brings together local and countywide elected officials, community and business leaders. The purpose of the event is to find common ground on issues facing our community, county and country. This year’s event featured an address from Korean Consul General Lee Hyung-jong, who discussed the importance of building bridges for the Korean-American community in King County. The South King County leaders also celebrated Peggy LaPorte, a 2019 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service. At the event, Councilmember von Reichbauer was awarded a Sheriff’s Medal of Service by King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht.

Director of Public Health discusses priorities for 9th largest health department in Country, including medical van program

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Seattle-King County Director of Public Health Patty Hayes, Auburn City Councilmember Bob Baggett, and Jeff Stock, Jr. of Caffé D’Arte

Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health for Seattle and King County, spoke with South King County community leaders at the January “Good Eggs” breakfast about her agency’s efforts to combat the public health challenges facing our region.

Washington State Speaker of the House joins local leaders to discuss the upcoming legislative session

Councilmember von Reichbauer, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Washington state Speaker of the House of Representatives Frank Chopp, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly

Washington state Speaker of the House Frank Chopp spoke to South King County community leaders at the December “Good Eggs” breakfast. Chopp discussed his passion for working with community groups and reflected on the increase in education funding and the new paid family leave program implemented during the 2018 session of the state legislature. Moving forward, Speaker Chopp identified mental health treatment and workforce preparation as two of his priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

South King County Veterans Workshop and Job Fair December 11th

Puget Sound regional developer joins local leaders to discuss business opportunities and challenges for south King County

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Kabal Gill from the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Bob Wallace from Wallace Properties, Federal Way City Councilmember Hoang Tran, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

Wallace Properties CEO Bob Wallace spoke to Auburn and Federal Way city leaders at the September “Good Eggs” breakfast hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. He provided an overview of the current business and real estate climate in the region. His presentation included regional strengths, industry diversity, infrastructure, and changing demographics, as well as potential threats that could hamper future growth.

Join me Saturday, August 11th for another mobile shredding event!

BECU CEO meets with South King County community leaders

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosted BECU CEO Benson Porter at his June “Good Eggs” breakfast. The group was joined by South King County civic and business leaders at Federal Way’s Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Porter discussed the history of BECU (founded as the Boeing Employee’s Credit Union), which today is the 2nd largest depository in Washington State, highlighting the company’s culture and commitment to both its members and the community. BECU is the 4th largest credit union in the United States with 1.1 million members, $18 billion in assets, and more than 2,000 employees.

Porter also laid out his expectations for the financial service industry moving forward and the economy as a whole. Given changing demographics and lifestyle preferences of younger generations, Porter expects the industry to continue to become increasingly digital. As for the economy, Porter cautioned that given the long period of sustained economic growth, a recession could lie ahead.

L to R: Councilmember von Reichbauer, Kim Suchan of Caffe D’Arte, BECU CEO Benson Porter, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Jeff Stock of Omni Properties.

29th Annual South King County Flag Day Celebration

King County Criminal Justice Leaders Discuss “Invisible Issue” of Gun Violence in our Communities

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosted King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht at his May “Good Eggs” breakfast. The breakfast, attended by South King County civic and business leaders, was held at Auburn’s Phoenix Rising Café, a Valley Cities program that helps homeless individuals learn vocational skills and assimilate back into the community.


L-R, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Lorie Ann Larson of Valley Cities, King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and Kent Mayor Dana Ralph

Please join me for a Town Hall on Wednesday, April 18!

When: Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 PM (meeting begins)
Where: Thomas Jefferson High School (4248 S. 288th St, Auburn, WA 98001)
Topic: Flood and Emergency Preparedness

• Michelle Clark, Executive Director, King County Flood Control District
• Barnaby Dow, Governmental Affairs, King County Emergency Management
• Chris Utzinger, Response Section Manager, Washington Military Department Emergency Management
• Doug Weber, Chief of Emergency Management, US Army Corps of Engineers - Seattle District.

Mariners and Sound Transit Announce Partnership

The Mariners announced an important partnership with Sound Transit making it easier—and free—for fans to use Link Light Rail to get to and from games. Courtesy of the Mariners, all fans holding a game ticket can ride Link for free on game days through June 3.

Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff joins local leaders to discuss South King County projects

Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff shared ST3 plan details and the current status of projects in the south sound region at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s March “Good Eggs” breakfast.


L to R: Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell, Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

King County Council recognizes special relationship with Republic of Korea; supports 2018 Winter Olympics

King County Officials welcomed the new Korean Consul General Hyung-jong Lee to King County and recognized Pyeongchang, South Korea, for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics.


L to R: Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Consul General Hyung-jong Lee, Councilmember Claudia Balducci, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilmember Larry Gossett, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Councilmember Joe McDermott

South King County Legislators join local leaders for first “Good Eggs” breakfast of 2018

State Senator Joe Fain and State Representative Pat Sullivan joined community leaders for Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s first “Good Eggs” breakfast of 2018.


L to R: Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Senator Joe Fain, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Representative Pat Sullivan, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell

Director of Public Health joins South King County leaders for holiday “Good Eggs” breakfast

Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health Seattle & King County, discussed strategies for preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and answered questions about the impact our region’s homelessness crisis is having on community health


L to R: Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Seattle–King County Public Health Director Patty Hayes, Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell

Please join us for a town hall on Public Health and County Services

Dr. Steve Lerch discussed opportunities, challenges and expectations for our state’s economy

Dr. Steve Lerch discussed opportunities, challenges and expectations for our state’s economy at Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s monthly “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting.

L to R: City of Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Councilmember von Reichbauer, City of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Dr. Steve Lerch, Executive Director and Chief Economist of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, and Jamas Gwilliam representing the new owners of The Commons.

Discussing methods to address growing juvenile gang and gun violence in our communities

Police Chiefs from Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way discussed methods to address growing juvenile gang and gun violence in our communities at the monthly “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting hosted by King County CouncilmemberPete von Reichbauer

L to R: Auburn Chief of Police Bob Lee, Federal Way Chief of Police Andy Hwang, Councilmember von Reichbauer, Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell, Kent Chief of Police Ken Thomas, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell

State of Agriculture in Valley and Region Held in Auburn

On March 21, I organized a town hall meeting in Auburn on the state of agriculture in South King County.  On the panel was Washington State Director of Agriculture Derek Sandison, King County Agriculture Commission Chair and dairy farmer Leann Krainick, King County 4H Coordinator Nancy Baskett, Washington State University Research and Extension Director John Stark, and Auburn City Councilmember and Auburn International Farmers Market pioneer Bill Peloza.  

Also in attendance were area students from King County 4H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the King-Pierce Dairy Ambassador Program. 

South County organizations involved in agriculture also gave brief updates during the program and exhibited before and after the town hall.  Groups include the Auburn International Farmers Market, Federal Way Farmers Market, King Conservation District, King-Pierce Farm Bureau, King County Fair and King County Flood District.  The event was held at the Auburn Performing Arts Center.  

 
Pictured left to right: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Washington State Agricultural Director Derek Sandison; King County Agriculture Commission Chair and dairy farmer Leann Krainick; King County 4H Coordinator Nancy Baskett; Washington State University Research and Extension Director John Stark; and Auburn City Councilmember and Auburn International Farmers Market pioneer Bill Peloza. 

 
Pictured left to right: King-Pierce Dairy Ambassador Anna Teachman, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and KC Agriculture Chair Leann Krainick.

 
Pictured left to right: KC Flood District Executive Director Michelle Clark; King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer; Washington State Agriculture Director Derek Sandison and Auburn City Councilmember Bill Peloza.

 
Pictured left to right: Decatur High School Future Farmers of America students Tyler Pitre, Cierra Zak and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

South King County student leaders meet civic officials at annual conference on leadership

At my annual South King County Student Leadership Forum, high school student leaders met with civic officials at Auburn’s Emerald Downs.

In providing them with an opportunity to hear from a cross-section of today's leaders, my goal was to help prepare these remarkable students for their future leadership roles.

Public officials attending included State Auditor Pat McCarthy, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, KO-AM TV Vice President Shelley Ko and former Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ron Sims. 

The forum drew student leaders from Auburn Adventist Academy, Auburn Mountainview High School, Christian Faith School, Federal Way Public Academy, Thomas Jefferson High School, Todd Beamer High School, and Truman High School.

Pictured left to right: King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, KO AM-TV Vice President Shelley Ko, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Pictured left to right: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Jana Thomas of Auburn Mountain View High School, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims, Auburn Mountain View High School students Prince Gill, Madie Shirley, and Wendy Mordo.

Left to right: Thomas Jefferson student Carlos Santana, King County Councilmember Peter von Reichbauer, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims and TJHS students Max Hayes, Ji Hun Park, Hyewon Hwang, Parneet Sidhu and Azaan Brown.

Left to right: King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, State Auditor Pat McCarthy and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
 

Pictured left to right: King County Councilmember Peter von Reichbauer, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims, Renita Hall of Christian Faith School and students Jasmine Tercero, Sarah Glasco, Tatiana Filip, Jillian Chang, Kaitlyn Ream and Cassandra Spring.

Pictured left to right: Back Row: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims, and Todd Beamer High School students Caroline Isaac, Ivan Vasquez, and Austin Stafford. Front Row: Todd Beamer High School student Mario Mason and advisor Corey Obungen.

Pictured left to right: Auburn Adventist Academy Vice President Roxanne Wickward, student Mickey Demma, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims, and Auburn Adventist Academy students Victoria Fedak, Matthew Gorton, Andrew Armstrong and Chelsea Rachal.

Left to Right: Federal Way Public Academy students Matthew Lee and Henry Ojeaburu, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims, and FWPA students Gillian Soo, Rachel Ng and Gaurav Gowda.

Left to right: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Truman High School students Giselle Munoz Meza and Sarah McMenomy, and former Deputy Secretary of HUD Ron Sims.

Join us for a conversation about South King County Agriculture

Six-month Review

In the first 6 months of 2016, I have visited with and listened to constituents, worked on many issues facing residents, and honored those individuals and organizations that have made a difference in our quality of life. This overview includes highlights of legislation and issues, as well as community events throughout South King County.

Let me hear from you

Dear Friends,

Your suggestions, concerns and opinions on local, regional and national issues are important to me.  Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

Your answers will allow your voice to be heard and help determine public policy on key issues facing us today. I believe listening is the key to better understanding, and government works best when we all work together.

Levee work begins along the White River

As a Flood District Supervisor I was proud to help kick off new levee work along the White River to reduce the flooding affecting hundreds of homes and thousands of people. I am grateful for the tremendous effort given by all parties involved. The Countyline Levy Setback Project is the culmination of extensive public interest, and thousands of research hours by staff. This project will help to provide added safety and security for hundreds of residents along the White River for many years to come. I was joined by Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier and Flood District Chair Reagan Dunn. Learn more at https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/newsroom/newsreleases/2016/June/29-Countyline.aspx.

Honoring WWII Veteran Arthur Jacobson

On the anniversary of D-Day, I had the privilege of recognizing 101 year-old Arthur Jacobson for his extra ordinary service at Pearl Harbor and throughout WWII, as well as Arthur’s public service after the war.

Town Hall, Thursday June 9th

Every day, our area is faced with the growing crisis of addiction. This town hall is an opportunity to come together as a community to confront the problems of addiction and discuss solutions for recovery. Please join us on Thursday, June 9th, 7:00 pm at Thomas Jefferson High School. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Dan Satterberg discussed with South King County leaders the Prosecuting Attorney’s office new approach to the evolving environment of crime in King County

King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg discussed with South King County leaders the Prosecuting Attorney’s office new approach to the evolving environment of crime in King County at the monthly breakfast meeting hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Pictured left to right: Pastor Casey Treat, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, City of Auburn Deputy Mayor Margo Wales, City of Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Assessor John Wilson Listen to Concerned Property Owners at Federal Way Town Hall on Property Values

On Monday, April 11th we held our annual Town Hall on Property Taxes at Federal Way’s City Hall with Assessor John Arthur Wilson. The video of the event on YouTube is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAy88YBPCvs&feature=youtu.be.

Among the issues discussed was property tax affordability for seniors and those families recovering from the challenging economy. Many seniors were concerned about being taxed out of their houses. There was also concern about upcoming assessments, including proposed taxes for Sound Transit 3.

Those with questions about their property taxes should call the Assessor’s office at 206-296-7300 or Barbara Sbisa, tax advisor in the King County Council Ombudsman Office at 206-477-1061. For any additional questions, contact me at 206-477-1007 or pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov.

Economic and Revenue Outlook

For your review, here is an “Economic and Revenue Outlook” for the State of Washington presented to Councilmember von Reichbauer this past week by Dr. Steve Lerch, Executive Director, State of Washington Department of Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

While the global stock market fluctuations grabbed all the headlines, it’s important to review a professional analysis of the underpinnings of our regional economy.

Councilmember von Reichbauer presents WSU Regent with recognition honoring the late WSU President Elson Floyd

At the July 6th King County Council meeting, Councilmember von Reichbauer recognized Washington State University President Elson Floyd. This recognition, honoring the late President Elson Floyd and his legacy, was presented to Washington State University Regent Ron Sims and WSU Vice President for Government Relations, Colleen Kerr.

Light Rail: I-5 or 99?

“I had the pleasure today to speak to the Greater Federal Way Kiwanis Club about the future of Sound Transit Link Extension to Federal Way, as well as the importance of service groups such as Kiwanis in improving the lives of youth in a community,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer."

Federal Way Street named “Pete von Reichbauer Way S” during Federal Way’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

State legislators, King County Councilmembers, Federal Way Councilmembers and the city’s key leaders came together during Federal Way’s 25th Anniversary Celebration June 20 join in the renaming of 20th Avenue South to “Pete von Reichbauer Way S”.

King County Sheriff John Urquhart meets with South King County leaders at monthly Good Eggs Breakfast roundtable discussion

King County Sheriff John Urquhart provided an update on issues facing the Sheriff’s department and law enforcement today. He discussed with South King County leaders the importance of building trust within the general community for law enforcement officials.

“Public safety programs work through relationships built on trust,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “During these challenging times and changing attitudes towards law enforcement officers, we need to encourage our officers to be visibly involved within their communities.”

South King County’s 26th Annual Flag Day Celebration honors Korean General Nam Pyo Park

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and the Federal Way Soroptimists hosted South King County’s 26th Annual Flag Day Celebration on Saturday, June 13 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. This annual celebration has provided the South King County community with the opportunity to honor current and fallen military personnel, as well as the flag itself.

US Army Brigadier General (Retired) Doug Richardson gave the keynote address. Richardson spearheaded the creation of the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership to address military growth and coordination issues. He served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis and retired from the Army Reserve as Brigadier General after 32 years of active and reserve service. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

General Nam Pyo Park, ROK Army, was recognized for his service. He is also involved in sponsoring a Korean Way Memorial in Federal Way

A special recognition was also given to police officers from Algona and Federal Way for their efforts to keep our community a safe place. Officer Terry Carter and Officer James McKay from the Algona Police Department along with Officer Jeff Mundell and Lt. Brigham Schulz from Federal Way Police Department were all recognized for their dedication as public safety officers and for their military service.

“On this day we recognize the meaning of the American Flag and all that it represents,” said von Reichbauer, who served in the U.S. Army, “We salute our flag and give thanks to all of those who have served, whether it be in the military or as public safety officers, to protect the freedoms that we enjoy.”

Council recognizes program supplying retired County vans to organizations throughout the region

At today’s meeting, the King County Council recognized the van donation program that I initiated in 1996 that has benefited non-profit organizations. Retired vans will continue to provide critical lifelines to local nonprofits, and improve the quality of life for many of our region’s residents.

Photo: Auburn Food Bank Executive Director, Debbie Christian; Auburn Youth Resources Executive Director Jim Blanchard; Councilmember Dave Upthegrove; and Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

King County Council recognizes Federal Way High School Coach and the 2014-2015 Boys Basketball Team

King County Councilmember von Reichbauer organized a county recognition of the Federal Way High School Boys Basketball coach and team at today’s King County Council meeting; von Reichbauer presented the recognition to the coach and players for their success in winning the WIAA 4A Boys State Championship.

“In Jerome Collins’ 31 years of coaching, he has always emphasized the importance of the hard work necessary to be successful on the court and in the classroom,” said von Reichbauer. “Leaders like Coach Collins empower the youth in our community to lead successful lives long after they have played the game.”

Coach Jerome Collins led his team to a 65-46 victory over Davis High School at the Tacoma Dome on March 7^th.

Coach Collins was joined by members of the championship team: Timoney Buckley, Troy Conley, Viont’e Daniels, Ferron Flavors, Eli Graham, Mykael Henry, Christian Jones, D’Jimon Jones, Jalen McDaniels, Malik Montoya, Leon Njama, Marcus Stephens and Jovon Vonsaveng.

Councilmember von Reichbauer hosted the team at a lunch and reception prior to the Council meeting.

Satterberg discussed local crime prevention, innovative sentencing proposals and the importance of keeping juveniles in the education system at the monthly Good Eggs breakfast

“Listening to Dan Satterberg speak about criminal justice reform was helpful in reviewing the larger picture of how to address crime at the community level. It is critical to keep juveniles in the education system in order to reduce the odds that they will later become part of the expensive criminal justice system,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Completing the Reddington Levy Setback Project

In July 2013, work began on the largest in-river flood protection project since the creation of the King County Flood Control District in 2007.

Over the last 16 months, the leaky old, constrictive Reddington Levee was demolished and a new levee, farther back from the river, was built. The new levee makes room for flood flows to fan out and lose their erosive force, while creating areas for improved fish and wildlife habitat.

"I have looked forward to the completion of this important project in the City of Auburn, as it will protect the residents and businesses in surrounding areas for generations to come," said Flood Control District Supervisor Pete von Reichbauer, whose district includes the city of Auburn. "My top priority is to ensure the safety of my community from the rising threat of flooding by completing similar projects along the floodplains in South King County."

The scale of the project is impressive. Roughly 160,000 cubic yards of soil were excavated on a project that also involved construction of a 4,800 foot long setback levee with trail, 48,000 tons of riprap (rock armoring), 340 logs, 4,270 feet of pipe and planting of more than 18,000 trees and shrubs.

The Reddington Levee Setback Project is part of a larger overall flood management strategy by the Flood District and King County Water and Land Resources Division for the entire Green River, which includes the Hawley Road Levee, Boeing Levee, Black River Pump Station and Briscoe-Desimone Levee.

Veterans Day and Flag Dedication

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
-President John F. Kennedy

I was honored to join Mayor Ferrell, Senator Murray, and more than 1,000 South King County residents as we raised one of King County's largest flags at a Veterans Day and Flag Dedication ceremony in Federal Way.

Thanks to Jim Ferrell's leadership and Bob Kellogg's vision, a large portion of 320th Street will now be known as Veterans Way.

 

 

 

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