The effort to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Way along State Route (SR) 900 and SR 515 in King County is more than a road sign. It’s a commitment to the values Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died for. House Joint Memorial (HJM) 4000, which aimed to extend this naming, didn’t make it to the House floor during the 2025 legislative session, but that doesn’t mean the work ends there.
There’s another way forward: the Washington State Transportation Commission. On Oct. 14 and 15, they’ll hold a public meeting, and we need your voice virtually or in person to make this tribute a reality.
HJM 4000 proposed extending Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Renton’s westerly city limits to SR 900’s terminus near milepost 10, and along SR 515 to its junction with SR 516. This isn’t just about geography, it’s about embodying Dr. King’s principles of unity, justice, equality, and inclusion in a region that carries his name.
Dr. King, a civil rights leader from 1955 until his assassination in 1968, fought for a world where people are judged by character, not color. Naming more of our roads after him in King County reflects those ideals and calls us to keep working toward them.
Unity is at the heart of this proposal. Extending Martin Luther King Jr. Way would connect communities across South King County, symbolizing the bridges Dr. King built between diverse communities. This road would serve as a daily reminder that we’re stronger together, honoring the collective struggle and progress of all people in our region.
I believe this is a critical message at this time in politics and society at large. Most importantly, it’s a chance to show that King County lives up to its namesake by fostering togetherness across neighborhoods.
Justice and equality are central to Washington’s legacy. Dr. King’s fight against systemic racism and inequality resonates in this effort to extend a road named for him. It acknowledges the Black community’s contributions and struggles, while signaling a commitment to fairness for all. A longer Martin Luther King Jr. Way would stand as a landmark of progress, reminding us to continue putting people first to address inequities and ensure every voice is heard in our community.
Dr. King envisioned a society where everyone has a seat at the table. By extending his namesake road, we’re affirming that King County values diversity and strives to include all its residents in shaping a shared future. This act honors not just Dr. King but everyone working for a more inclusive community, reflecting our region’s growing diversity, and particularly, the 33rd District as one of the most diverse legislative districts in our state.
The Transportation Commission needs to see community support. Whether it’s Dr. King’s legacy, the call for unity, or the push for justice, our community is stronger when everyone is reflected in our decision making.
Rep. Mia Gregerson serves the 33rd legislative district since her appointment in 2013. She has spent 40 years in South King County and serves as Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Housing Committee.
Gwen Allen-Carston serves the communities in Kent as the Executive director for KBAC, Kent Black Action Commission. She has been leading on this effort for several years with Rep. Gregerson, Senator Kauffman and other South King County elected officials.
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