White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Summer weekend shopping time! Organizers asked us to share the plan for the monthly Rat City Bazaar, “showcasing a rotating group of local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and banana bread to vintage clothes and records.” Next RCB is this Saturday, July 27, 3-7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW). Bazaars will happen every fourth Saturday; if you are interested in becoming a vendor, email RatCityBazaar@gmail.com.

Two years after first word of a major rechannelization plan for part of 16th SW surfaced in a presentation to the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, it’s still moving ahead, and King County Road Services plans a community meeting this week to talk about the design status.

Planning on the project has continued, and the county now plans on construction next year (one year later than originally announced). County spokesperson Brent Champaco summarizes where it’s at now:

To reduce speeds and calm traffic, which makes the area safer for pedestrians, the project narrows the road from four lanes to two and includes a two-way center turning lane. It adds many pedestrian safety features like bumped out sloped curbs at corners and traffic crossing lights with flashing beacons.

The project does not remove the total number of parking spots in the project corridor. Currently there are 43 existing on-street parking spots between SW 100th and SW 107th streets. The design option with bike lanes on both sides adds a total of three spaces to bring the total number of on-street parking spaces to 46. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes and bike lanes.

The design option with no bike lanes brings the total number of parking spots to 67, again, up from 43. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes.

We did community surveys and outreach in 2022 and got to a 30-50% design. It was during the peak of COVID so in-person outreach was difficult. We are holding another meeting, at the community’s request, on July 24 to share updated information about the two options.

If you are interested in seeing the latest plans and asking questions, that meeting is happening this Wednesday (July 24), 6:30 pm, at the White Center Food Bank headquarters, which is in the future project zone – 10016 16th SW. The meeting will also be accessible online; the link is on this page. The project cost is just under $2 million, funded by a federal grant.

P.S. The latest online survey for the project is open, too – find it here.

From its beginnings on a stub of 17th north of the city-limit line, the White Center Low Rider Block Party has grown in a big way this year, moving to the unincorporated North Highline side of the line and spreading across multiple blocks of 17th between Roxbury and 100th.

You’ll also find art/vendor booths, two DJ stages (with live music 5-8 pm), community groups, and a food court, but the cars are the stars:

Some with accessories:

If you remember the Jubilee Days car show, same streetspace:

A few motorcycles and bicycles too!

The Low Rider Block Party, presented by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), is on until 8 pm.

Thanks to Jon for sharing the video of what he saw in White Center near 14th/98th after 11:30 Friday night. The fire briefly burned big and bright, but was extinguished quickly enough that it wound up logged as a “minor fire.” There was some concern it could spread to a building, but it apparently did not, at least not in a major way. We’ll check on the aftermath later today.

(WCN/WSB photo, August 2023)

Since its inception, the Low Rider Block Party presented every summer since 2021 by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery has been near the gallery in South Delridge, and it’s been in August. This year, it’s moving to White Center proper, and moving up to July. A reader just tipped us that the block party is this Saturday, July 20, 11 am-8 pm, on 17th SW between SW Roxbury and SW 100th. The cars are just part of it! Art, music, food, more.

Just out of the WCN inbox:

The sponsors of this are hoping to get the word out far and wide about this screening event for uninsured or underserved women:

Two years ago, when Corry’s Dry Cleaning/Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning took over the former Northmart building in downtown White Center, they told us the plan was for an “expanded cleaning facility.” In recent months, that’s been taking shape, and now the opening date is set. Here’s the announcement:

Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest brand, Revolution Laundry, on July 8. Located at 9840 16th Ave SW, this state-of-the-art laundromat is set to redefine laundry services in the White Center neighborhood, offering self-serve laundry, dry cleaning, and Drop N Go wash, dry, and fold service.

As part of the Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning family, which includes Graffiti Busters and Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company, Revolution Laundry is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. The new facility is designed to cater to the needs of a rapidly evolving community, providing residents with modern, efficient, and reliable laundry solutions.

Owners Corry and Simon Bakker are enthusiastic about the launch. “Revolution Laundry is a state-of-the-art facility and will provide exceptional service. This is going to be a game-changer for the neighborhood and the residents who are going to have real options now when it comes to these types of services,” said Corry Bakker.

White Center is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with new businesses and amenities enhancing the community. Revolution Laundry is poised to become a cornerstone of this development, offering unparalleled convenience and service to its customers.

Revolution Laundry is equipped with the latest technology in laundry care, ensuring a superior experience for every customer. Whether you prefer to do your laundry yourself or take advantage of the Drop N Go service, Revolution Laundry promises efficiency, cleanliness, and excellent customer service.

According to the Revolution Laundry website, they’ll be open 7:00 AM-10:00 PM weekdays, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays.

A new director for the King County department that most directly impacts communities such as White Center, the Department of Local Services, has just been announced:

Leon Richardson has been appointed the new director of King County’s Department of Local Services. He was previously at the County Department of Community and Human Services, where his achievements include helping stand up vital assessment and recovery centers at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a matter of weeks, he built out King County’s vaccination infrastructure, ensuring equitable access and distribution. Additionally, he administered a $400 million eviction and rent assistance program as well as overseeing the renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.

Richardson – whose appointment requires King County Council confirmation – succeeds John Taylor, the department’s first-ever director, who moved to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks earlier this year.

DJ, also known as Dave or Dennis, is missing, last seen in the White Center/West Seattle area three weeks ago.

Family and friends say he was last seen at or near The Blu Grouse (9839 17th SW), and was in his 1970s-vintage VW bus:

His missing-persons case was filed with police in Thurston County because he had been staying at a friend’s property there, but White Center was the last sighting – please call 911 if you’ve seen him or his vehicle. The Thurston County (Yelm area) police case number is 24-002682.

16th SW from Roxbury to 100th and SW 98th from 17th to 15th are closed to traffic right now for the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank. Until 3 pm, you can visit any of the WCFB’s ticket-sales booths along 16th SW and buy $5 tickets good at participating venues for specific “tastes” – while they last!

It’s an all-out street fair, even a DJ, plus bouncy toys on 16th near 100th. Lots of places to sit and enjoy your “tastes.”

More than 30 restaurants, bars, and food stands are participating this year.

In case you’ve forgotten since last Fourth of July, fireworks are illegal in White Center and the rest of unincorporated North Highline, as well as neighboring jurisdictions like Seattle and Burien. King County sent this reminder today:

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County. Repeat violators will be issued citations with a $250 penalty, and education about illegal fireworks use will be issued to all reported violators.

As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.

King County instead encourages residents to watch a public fireworks display, join a neighborhood celebration or find other ways to celebrate the holiday safely.

Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County.

Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. And if the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, that person must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing concerning the date, time, and location where they witnessed the illegal acts. If the complaint is anonymous or the complainant is not willing to testify, then the owner of the property where discharge of illegal fireworks is reported will be sent a letter with information about the fireworks ban.

“While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County joins other communities in our region who agree that consumer fireworks pose too great of a danger,” King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban said. “For the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, pets, and personal property, we remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated King County. We encourage residents to instead watch a public fireworks display, attend a community event or enjoy countless other ways to celebrate July 4th safely.”

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:

Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County?
A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. (Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit)

Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County?
A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits. There are two easy ways to determine whether you’re located in unincorporated King County:

-Find or enter your address on this map. The green layer shows unincorporated King County.
-Enter your address in King County’s Parcel Viewer and see what’s listed as the jurisdiction.

Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address. Will you still investigate?
A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address or parcel number located within unincorporated King County.

Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting?
A. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.

Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made?
A. You are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.

Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property?
A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations?
A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).

Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then?
A. In instances where a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage may occur, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.

Q. Where can I find more information?
A. Go to kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information (in the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system). You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number at asklocalservices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800.

Reporting fireworks violations

Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement (please note that reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day):

-Online by visiting kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (In the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system)
-Online via the King County Permits website. Select “File a complaint” in the Code Enforcement section. On the new screen, scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-Online via the Accela permit and complaint portal. Scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-E-mail: WebComplaints.CodeEnforcement@kingcounty.gov
-Phone: 206-848-0800

Though the weather isn’t anywhere close to summery today, it will be warm and dry again, and looking ahead to that, King County’s fire marshal has ordered a Stage 1 burn ban for unincorporated areas. Here’s the announcement:

With the dry season fast approaching, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas, which prohibits yard debris fires along with fires set to clear land. It takes effect Saturday, June 29.

The ban, issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association, does not apply to recreational fires and gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills.

Expected periods of higher temperatures will increase the amount of dry fuel load, or vegetation, in our communities. This in turn increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire when burning yard debris or a fire set to clear land.

Urban says residents who smoke should use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes. King County asks residents to be diligent and respectful of their neighbors, and to remember that the summer months are a demanding time for first responders.

“We are coming into the busy summer season,” he says. “While it’s a time to celebrate and have fun with family and friends, it’s also a time when the risk of fire increases. Our first responders are always working hard to respond to any and all emergencies, but the community can do its part by obeying the Stage 1 Burn Ban to help prevent uncontrolled fires.”

The White Center-based DubSea Fish Sticks will spend a game next month focused instead on burgers. Not just any burgers, but the Northwest’s renowned Dick’s Drive-In burgers. Here’s the announcement:

In celebration of their 70th Anniversary, Dick’s Drive-In is taking over a local baseball team for one-day. The DubSea Fish Sticks will become the DubSea Deluxes on Saturday, July 13th in their game against the Gumberoos. Gates open at 5:05 PM, first pitch is at 6:05 PM. The players will wear special uniforms and all the team’s usual crazy antics that night will be Dick’s Drive-in themed. There will be fan competitions for prizes, costumed races, and the throwing out of the ceremonial first deluxe burger.

“Nothing says summer than burgers and baseball,” said Jasmine Donovan, President of Dick’s Drive-In and granddaughter of the founder and namesake Dick Spady. “It’s been so much fun working with the DubSea team on this event in honor of our 70th Anniversary. Food and sports bring people together to create special memories. That’s what this year of celebration is all about for us at Dick’s.”

The Dick’s Drive-In Food Truck will be onsite serving their local favorite burgers and shakes from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM along with the Dick’s Pop-Up Apparel Shop featuring unique DubSea Deluxes merchandise available for purchase during the game.

You can buy tickets – and find the schedule for the rest of the Fish Sticks’ summer season – at gofishsticks.com.

Thanks for the tip. The Shorewood Grocery (10455 26th SW) has been broken into, yet again. The King County Sheriff’s Office says they were notified by a passerby just before 3:30 am, but the burglar(s) were gone when deputies arrived. We stopped by a short time ago and were told the burglar(s) got away with a small amount of cash, plus some vaping and smoking items.

Ready for the next Pride Month street party? This one will take over part of SW 98th on Friday afternoon – here’s the announcement we received:

The White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) will be throwing their annual Pride event titled Loud N Proud on June 21st, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST.

“Pride With a Purpose” is the driving motto for our event as we prepare to provide a free event for our community. We will showcase BIPOC queer and trans performers on an outdoor stage, over 10+ health & wellness resource vendors, and four food vendors that will feature local chefs from the White Center area such as traditional Khmer to Native American cuisine.

Loud N Proud (formerly known as Queer N Teen) first started during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Originally a youth initiative, the concept and idea were created by over eight middle and high school-aged youth as an outcome of the previous LGBTQ+ Internship held by the WCCDA. Our goal is to continue uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and adults as previously done by the likes of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and more during the Stonewall and Gay Liberation. Brought to life through various youth-led art activities such as poster making, paintings, and creating bracelets to honor the impact of Stonewall and other accomplishments of Pride. Loud N Proud though uniquely takes shape diberently through the years, still maintains its original goals.

This year, Loud N Proud will take on its biggest form yet – shutting down SW 98th St and becoming more engaging and interactive than ever. There will be resource vendors that provide job employment, clothing, food, and mental health support. We will include four to five BIPOC queer and trans performers providing live entertainment, tons of activities and fun for youth and their families, and finally – free appetizers from four different food vendors that will have your tastebuds diving into different culinary worlds that you’ll enjoy wholeheartedly! We encourage everyone to come join us in community as we celebrate love and have an amazing time together!

You can learn more, RSVP, and share the event by following: partiful.com/e/O8MJjbpmylwEKFlrwHZL.

The photo is from a resident of the Coronado Springs Apartments (1400 SW 107th) who told us about a KCSO response there and a person injured by gunfire. We asked KCSO’s media team about it, and here’s what they say happened:

Today at 8:25 AM King County Sheriff’s Office 911 communications center received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked at the location of the Coronado Springs Apartments located at the 1400 block of SW 107th Street. The caller reported a person asleep behind the wheel of the car, as well as no plates on the car. After the arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies, the male in the car attempted suicide with a firearm. The responding deputies administered life-saving measures until the fire department arrived. The unknown aged and named victim was taken to Harborview Hospital via MEDIC One. … The King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives are on scene to investigate this incident.

We aren’t able to check on the person’s status without their name, so we don’t know whether they survived.

If you are having thoughts of self-harm, help is available – including the 988 crisis hotline.

ADDED TUESDAY: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office says the shooting victim did not survive. He was 28 years old.

If a shoplifting incident turns violent, it becomes a robbery in the eyes of the law. And that’s why the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed a charge of second-degree robbery against a man who allegedly tried to steal a bottle of water from Saar’s Super Saver Foods in White Center. Court documents say it happened Friday evening, May 23, when a store employee confronted 44-year-old Brandon L. Wilson about hiding the water bottle in his pants. Police say Wilson then hit the employee in the face and pushed him down while trying to get away. He was detained and 911 was called; deputies arrested him and booked him into the King County Jail, where he remains in lieu of $2,000 bail. Court documents say Wilson has a record including, in the past four years, cases of Criminal Trespass, Displaying a Weapon, Property Destruction, and Assault. When he was arrested, he was also wanted on a Renton warrant in a misdemeanor case of theft.

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for White Center Now

Neighbors and special guests met online last Thursday for the June meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC).  The event was facilitated by NHUAC president Liz Giba and vice president Barbara Dobkin, and was the group’s last meeting before summer break.

COUNCILMEMBER VISIT: First on the agenda was an opening session with new King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who provided an update about her first 5 months serving on the council. Mosqueda serves as chair of three committees: King County Board of Health, Health and Human Services, and Regional Transit.  She was joined on the call by her deputy chief of staff, Chris Lampkin.

Mosqueda noted that she particularly likes to “geek out” on health-related topics, as it relates to one of her stated goals of “improving social determinants of health so a kiddo born anywhere in the county has the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy.” She touted the work that her committees has been doing, and successes such as Crisis Care Center funding.

She also talked about the White Center HUB (which recently broke ground), upcoming public safety forums, District 8 Days, the Highline Activities Gala, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Mosqueda said the #1 issue she’s heard from small business owners in District 8 is workforce housing, which her team has made a major focus. She also talked about her team’s work on the 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan, and the ongoing map amendments, as well as investments in trees and greenspaces (of particular interest in White Center, she said, due to a high number of “heat islands” because of so many paved spaces). She said her team plans to create a “2-pager” summary of the plan, to distribute to constituents.

Mosqueda also discussed questions raised by meeting attendees including noise complaints regarding Tim’s Tavern (see details below), neglected buildings such as the vacated ex-Bartell Drugs store, properties on 16th Ave SW impacted by arson, and the distribution of heat pumps as part of the Energize King County program.

SEWER AND SEPTIC: Next on the agenda was a presentation about On-site Sewage/Septic Systems (OSS) from Public Health’s assistant division director Meagan Jackson and program manager Lara Brezina. OSS helps ensure that the more than 85,000 sewage/septic systems in Seattle are safe, including in urban areas such as North Highline, where raw sewage can have significant effects on health and safety.

They noted that their program in King County is responsible for permitting, making sure that systems are in good working order and making sure they work for as long as possible.  Brezina said they are in the process of revising codes this year (info here, with adoption occurring in January 2025), and are in the process of getting input from the community, as well as aligning with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Jackson said there are three key purposes and outcomes:

1. Advance equity in OSS infrastructure (certify newly trained experts)
2. Remove unnecessary barriers and costs
3. Integration with regional policies.

They also talked about the Equitable Wastewater Futures Program, designed to provide options for dealing with systems that are past their intended life span.

NOISE CONCERNS AND TIM’S TAVERN:

Also discussed at the meeting were ongoing concerns about noise from outdoor live music at Tim’s Tavern in White Center (see our coverage of this topic from last month’s NHUAC meeting). Councilmember Mosqueda commented on it before she had to leave the meeting, saying that she loves the fact that Tim’s came to White Center (she is an ex-officio board member of the 4Culture arts organization), but that her team has also heard the concerns from neighbors about loud music, particularly at night, and agrees that the rules need to be consistently enforced.

Later in the meeting, the county’s permitting director Jim Chan and external-affairs director David Daw provided some updates. Tim’s co-owner Mason Reed was also in attendance at the meeting, and spoke in response to the concerns from officials and from residents.

Several attendees noted that in recent months, the live outdoor music at Tim’s is ending promptly at 10 pm or earlier (Reed confirmed that his team began enforcing this more strictly, about two months ago).  Attendees generally agreed that this is an improvement from the past when the music would often go later into the night, but neighbors were adamant that more needs to be done to address the music volume, especially when it’s outdoors. Several neighbors shared their stories and experiences with regard to challenges they’ve faced with the music volume and the disruptions it has caused, as well as concerns with how their past complaints have been responded to by Tim’s staff.

Chan (permitting director) reiterated that “property owners have due process,” and that “we want to be sure that all voluntary options are explored” before things are escalated any further. He said that his office was waiting for a “fee waiver” payment from Tim’s to be made before they can hold a meeting with Tim’s and take the next step in code enforcements.  Reed (from Tim’s) confirmed that he was in the process of making the payment, and that the process of setting up the meeting with the county should proceed next week.

Reed emphasized that “it was never our intention to come in and disrupt the neighborhood” and that his team is working hard on options to mitigate noise concerns, and working with county officials. He said that all of the noise complaints are sent to him directly, and that the concerns “weigh heavily on me” and he takes them very seriously.  Tim’s had previously operated in Greenwood but was shut down during the pandemic, then reopened in spring of 2023 in White Center in the former Drunky Two Shoes location (WCN coverage here), which also had live music.  Reed said he wants Tim’s to be a community hub and a good neighbor — “I moved my entire life to White Center; I believe in it.”

SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE: White Center’s Storefront Deputy, Detective Glen Brannon, provided his monthly update (he also spoke during the discussion about music at Tim’s, saying that it was the very first issue that he started working on when he joined 18 months ago, and that he’s hoping for resolution).  He noted that he’s been in training recently. He commended NHUAC for their monthly meetings, saying “I’m honored every time I do this; you do a great job bringing guests in.”

He said that he expects to see a typical uptick of activity in the summer, and has already noticed (for example) more graffiti activity, particularly on 16th Ave SW.  He said that his office has had great cooperation with school districts and the parks department.

One attendee asked about the frequency of car thefts — Brannon noted that they seem to have leveled off, and he added that as of last week, changes went into effect for Washington’s police pursuit laws, which will permit officers to engage more frequently in car pursuits. He said that KCSO hasn’t released their new policy yet, but it will happen soon, and he expects that the number of thefts will drop off.  When asked about carjackings, Brannon said those are different because if there’s violence involved, then officers have always been able to pursue.

Brannon also responded to attendee questions and comments including another multi-agency drug bust in Burien, encampments, and troublesome properties.

COUNTY PARKS: Darlene Sellers from King County Parks shared details about events at the White Center Teen Program (Log Cabin), as well as free summer lunch programs for kids between July 1 and August 16 at Steve Cox and Dick Thurnau Memorial Parks.

NHUAC will resume its monthly meetings this fall (perhaps in-person, according to council leaders).

Just announced, a commercial tenant for the big new development on the south end of downtown White Center. The news release is from BECU:

BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, today announced its plans to open a new Neighborhood Financial Center (NFC) in the White Center neighborhood … The location will join more than 60 centers in supporting BECU members’ everyday financial needs, including recently opened locations in Monroe and Columbia City, as well as upcoming locations opening in Gig Harbor, Shoreline and Tacoma.

Located on the corner of Southwest 107th and 16th Avenue Southwest, the White Center NFC will be just over 3,000 square feet and could serve more than 16,600 people who live in the area. It will join existing locations in Tukwila, Burien, Kent and Renton in serving communities in South King County.

At this new NFC, BECU member consultants will provide financial advice and expertise. This includes one-on-one support for establishing membership and opening accounts and loans, such as mortgages, small business services, investments and trust services.

As with other BECU NFCs, the White Center location will have access to technology designed to meet members’ needs quickly and efficiently, such as Video Banking. It will also host new capabilities and special programming designed to enhance the member experience, including offering integrated spaces available for financial health seminars, community events and other onsite functions.

Supporting Local Communities
As a not-for-profit co-op, BECU gives back to local organizations that are creating meaningful change in its communities. Earlier this year, BECU honored the White Center Food Bank during its 10th annual People Helping People Awards as one of more than 30 nonprofits to receive an award. The funds will support the organization’s collaboration with the Silent Task Force on the BIPOC Food Distribution Project, which focuses on increasing access to healthy food within underserved and vulnerable communities.

Through its philanthropic giving, BECU has extended funds to other community partners that support White Center residents, including Freedom Church, Highline College Foundation and Renton Regional Community Foundation. More information on BECU’s commitment to its members and communities is available in its newly launched 2023 Annual Report.

BECU says it expects to open the branch this winter. In addition to the South King County locations mentioned in the announcement, the credit union also has a branch a few miles north of White Center, in West Seattle.