City of Tukwila E-Hazelnut Newsletter - December 2021
Farewell Councilmembers Seal and Idan!
At the December 13, 2021 meeting the City Council and Mayor honored outgoing Councilmembers Verna Seal and Zak Idan for their service with resolutions of gratitude and ceremonial keys to the city.

Councilmember Seal is retiring from the City Council after serving four terms totaling 16 years. First elected in 2005, Verna quickly established herself as a voice for the vulnerable, and her advocacy on behalf of children and seniors is well known. Her compassion and kindness amplified her strong voice on the Council. 

Councilmember Zak Idan has served four years, following the historic 2017 election that made him the first Muslim and first Somali elected to office in Washington state. Zak championed the importance of transparency and accessibility in government, and is appreciated by his colleagues for his leadership on meeting and process efficiency. 

Serving in elected office is not easy – it requires significant time, commitment, reading and dedication. Each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives to contribute to the collective effort on behalf of the community. We appreciate the service of Councilmembers Seal and Idan and wish them well on their future endeavors. 
Take a survey and let us know what is important to you in solid waste collection
The City of Tukwila is preparing a new RFP for a Solid Waste contractor and wants to hear from you! What is important to you in solid waste collection? What should the future look like? Let us know your thoughts by completing the survey below by January 14, 2022.


Help manage the spread of coronavirus and keep each other safe this holiday season.
The Omicron variant is driving up cases of COVID-19 in King County since it was first identified less than a month ago. Soon, we will likely surpass the highest daily total seen throughout the entire pandemic. Our hospital ERs and ICUs are already near full, so even if just a fraction of these cases end up in the hospital, it could overload our already stressed healthcare system.

Ways to make things safer now: 

  • Avoid crowded indoor spaces during the holiday season
  • Gatherings will be safer in well-ventilated spaces. Open windows for fresh air. 
  • Limit the number of gatherings and, if possible, do a rapid test the day of the gathering.
  • Visit Washington Department of Health’s Vaccine Locator to get a vaccine or booster appointment. 
  • Take extra precautions for people in your life who are higher risk for getting COVID-19
  • Postpone travel where possible. If you must travel, please follow all CDC guidelines.
  • Now is the time to refresh your mask if needed. Make sure it is well-fitting and high quality. 
  • Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who tests positive.

Everyone ages 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks in indoor public settings like grocery and retail stores, theaters, and entertainment establishments, and at outdoor events with 500 or more people. Masks are also recommended for everyone in crowded outdoor settings. 

COVID-19 vaccination and boosters continue to be the best line of defense against infection and preventing the spread. Everyone 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination. Every person age 16 and older, should get a COVID-19 booster dose as soon as they are eligible. 

More information is available at: KingCounty.gov/COVID
City of Tukwila | 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila WA 98188 | 206 433-1800