Happy Fantastic Friday!
Dear friends and neighbors,
As we welcome the longest days of the year and the warmth of the summer solstice, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this season represents: light, growth, and community. Here in the 40th District, we are surrounded by the beauty of land, water, and people. Together, we carry the responsibility to protect what we love and to build a future that works for all of us.
I’m grateful for your continued engagement as we move into the interim. While the legislative session has ended, the work never stops—and neither does the dialogue. That’s why I’ll be hosting a series of Virtual Coffee Chats this summer and fall, where we’ll gather as neighbors to talk about the policy issues that matter most to our communities. These informal, hour-long gatherings will include a short presentation on each topic, guest speakers with lived or professional expertise, and most importantly, time to hear directly from you.
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☕ Upcoming Virtual Coffee Chats
All events held from 9:00 – 10:00 AM No registration needed—just click the Zoom link to join on the day of!
✔️ Saturday, June 14 | Housing
📅 Tuesday, July 19 | Salmon | Join Here!
📅 Saturday, August 16 | Homelessness
📅 Saturday, September 6 | Water
📅 Saturday, October 18 | Agriculture
📅 Saturday, November 22 | Renewable Energy
📅 Saturday, December 13 | A Look Ahead to 2026
Each conversation will reflect the voices and needs of our district—from the islands to the valleys, and every place in between.
Highlights from Our First Roundtable: Housing
At our June 14 conversation on Housing, we were joined by policy leaders and community members who are deeply committed to addressing Washington’s housing crisis with both compassion and accountability. I shared the virtual stage with representatives from the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and Washington State University’s Division of Governmental Studies and Services (DGSS), who presented findings from their statewide study on housing insecurity and homelessness.
Their work—mandated by House Bill 1277—explores root causes and solutions for housing instability in our state, drawing on extensive data and community input. Among their key findings:
- Median rent is one of the strongest predictors of homelessness.
- Long-term strategies must address both services and supply.
- Community-driven solutions rooted in equity are essential.
Their report, Pathways to Housing Security, is already informing state-level policymaking, helping shape local conversations, and driving program improvements. You can explore the reports here:
In addition, here are resources shared by our guests to help renters, landlords, and manufactured homeowners better understand their rights under recent law changes:
📌 Upcoming trainings on rent stabilization laws:
- For manufactured homeowners: Monday, June 30 | 5:30–7:00 PM (Spanish interpretation available) RSVP: MicheleT@wliha.org
- For residential renters: Date TBD | Stay updated at wliha.org »
Thank you to all who attended and contributed your insights. Your voice helps shape the path forward.
I hope to see you at an upcoming coffee chat—and until then, may the light of this season continue to nourish your spirit and strengthen our shared commitment to community, justice, and stewardship.
Snapshot from our first virtual roundtable of the interim!
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🕊️ Standing Up for Immigrant Justice and the Rule of Law
This month, I joined Rep. Sharlett Mena and over 60 elected leaders from across Washington state in signing a joint letter to Governor Bob Ferguson, urging bold and immediate action to protect immigrant and refugee communities under threat.
At the heart of this letter is an urgent call to pardon Tuan Phan, a longtime Washington resident and refugee from Vietnam who now faces unlawful and life-threatening deportation under the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. After serving a 25-year sentence and building a life in Tacoma with his family, Tuan has been unjustly detained by ICE and is now facing deportation to South Sudan—a place he has never lived, and where his life would be in grave danger.
We are calling on the Governor to:
- Pardon Tuan Phan to restore his legal residency and reunite him with his family in Washington.
- Speak out publicly against the Trump administration’s cruel and escalating immigration actions.
- Work with the Legislature to address and reform the Department of Corrections’ cooperation with ICE.
These policies are not just harmful—they are un-American. The Trump administration’s actions represent a dangerous abuse of power: detaining immigrants in secret, violating court orders, and unleashing federal force against peaceful communities. These actions tear at the fabric of our democracy, and they have no place in Washington state.
“As a state, we have a sacred responsibility to protect our immigrant and refugee neighbors—not just in word, but in action. We must never turn our backs on the communities that have helped shape this land.”
I stand in solidarity with the immigrant and refugee families who call the 40th District—and all of Washington—home. In times like these, we must rise together to protect dignity, defend democracy, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Let us lead with courage, and let us lead with love.
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Justice for MMIWP: A Historic Step Forward
This month, our state reached a long-overdue milestone in the pursuit of justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP):
For the first time, an arrest and formal charges have been made by Washington’s MMIWP Cold Case Unit, which was created under legislation I sponsored and championed.
The arraignment of Tina Alcorn in the George David case—scheduled for Friday, June 20 at 9:00 AM in Clallam County—marks the first case brought forward by the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit. It is a moment of profound significance for George’s family, for Tribal nations across Washington, and for every community that has carried the weight of unanswered violence and silence for too long.
As a mother, a tribal woman, and a lawmaker, I know that the path to justice begins with action. That’s why I led the fight to create and fund the Cold Case Unit, ensuring that families no longer have to beg for their loved ones to be seen, heard, and remembered by our systems of justice. This arrest is a direct result of that work—and a testament to the tireless advocacy of Indigenous families, survivors, and grassroots leaders.
“Washington State stands ready to provide justice for MMIWP families. Through the Cold Case Unit and in partnership with Tribal and local governments, we will no longer allow our loved ones to live in fear.” — Rep. Debra Lekanoff
While I will be out of state on June 20, I offer my prayers and support from afar, standing in solidarity with the family of George David and with all families who are still waiting for answers. I’ve offered to support the Attorney General’s Office in honoring the historic work of the MMIWP Task Force.
🧭 Latest Reports from the MMIWP Task Force
Last week, the Washington State MMIWP Task Force released its 2025 Annual Report, along with two powerful commissioned reports:
📘 “Confronting the Crisis” — an in-depth analysis of the systemic causes of MMIWP and gaps in justice
📘 “Family and Survivor Interviews” — a qualitative report centering the lived experiences of families impacted by this crisis
These reports reflect over 300 meetings, interviews with more than 50 families, and years of community-driven organizing. They underscore the urgency of continuing this work, especially as the Cold Case Unit brings long-overdue accountability to our justice system.
📰 Explore the Reports:
🔗 2025 MMIWP Task Force Annual Report (PDF)
🔗 Confronting the Crisis Report (PDF)
🧰 Missing Persons Toolkit — The updated MMIWP Toolkit, developed by the Task Force with guidance from the Families Subcommittee, is now available to help Indigenous families navigate the heartbreaking process of reporting a loved one missing.
Stay Connected & Take Action
📢 Subscribe to Missing Indigenous Persons Alerts (MIPA):
📞 Cold Case Unit Contact: 844-770-7900
✉️ Email: crjmmiwp@atg.wa.gov
This moment is a reminder: justice is possible—but only when we stand together. I remain committed to ensuring this work continues, guided by the voices of survivors, elders, families, and Tribal leaders.
Let us keep walking forward—for George and for all our relatives.
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🏫 San Juan County Update: Supporting Our Island Schools
Our students are the heart of our communities—from Friday Harbor to Lopez, Shaw to Orcas. Their dreams, challenges, and triumphs are what guide my work in Olympia. That’s why I’ve been proud to stand with our San Juan County school districts to advocate for fairer, more equitable education funding.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join island leaders and community members for a virtual conversation on school funding and legislative progress.
This year, we made meaningful progress by:
- Improving state funding formulas for Special Education, helping ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive.
- Increasing flexibility for local levy collections, empowering rural and remote school districts to better serve their students and communities.
In response, the superintendents of our four island school districts shared this thoughtful message:
“On behalf of the four Island school districts, thank you for your advocacy work to pass legislation that improves state funding formulas for Special Education and increases local levy collections. We feel heard! It is no easy feat to make change in these challenging budget times, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to advocate for our students and communities. Thank you for your ongoing support for San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw School Districts.” — Fred Woods (SJI), Eric Webb (Orcas), Brady Smith (Lopez), and Dr. Becky Bell (Shaw)
To our students, educators, and school leaders: thank you for the work you do every day to build a future full of promise and opportunity. I will always be your advocate—for equity, inclusion, and education that uplifts every child.
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🏠 Housing, Land, and the Public Good: A New Model for Washington
As Washington faces a growing housing crisis, we must think creatively and collaboratively about how to meet the needs of every community—especially those historically left behind. One of the most powerful tools we have is land itself.
Seattle, home to one of the largest and most diverse urban Native populations in the country, has recently shown us what’s possible. Under Mayor Harrell’s leadership, the city has advanced a bold and inclusive redevelopment of the Fort Lawton Army Reserve Center, a 34-acre surplus military site adjacent to Discovery Park. This project offers a blueprint for what can happen when we center equity, tribal partnerships, and community vision in housing development.
Highlights of the Fort Lawton plan include:
- Up to 500 affordable homes, including 85–100 permanent supportive housing units developed with Chief Seattle Club for formerly homeless individuals, including elders and veterans.
- Up to 200 affordable homeownership opportunities through Habitat for Humanity, helping families build stability and generational wealth.
- Affordable rental housing created in partnership with Catholic Housing Services and the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.
- 22 acres of expanded parkland, connecting community and nature for health and healing.
This is more than housing—it’s a vision for how surplus federal land can be transformed into cultural, economic, and environmental abundance.
If the federal government can establish a successful surplus land transfer and redevelopment framework, then we in Washington must be ready to match that commitment. I intend to work with the Governor’s Office, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify surplus state land that could be repurposed for:
- Affordable housing
- Healthcare and behavioral health centers
- Recovery facilities
- Childcare and early learning sites
- Schools and community infrastructure
These efforts will prioritize tribal governments, local leadership, and community-based organizations—ensuring that this land serves those who need it most.
Together, we can build thriving, inclusive communities rooted in cultural values, equity, and long-term resilience.
I look forward to partnering with you as we take bold steps to reimagine land use—not just as a resource, but as a sacred responsibility to the people of Washington.
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Indigenous Housing Summit: Building Homes That Hold the Heart of a People
I was honored to participate in the Western Washington University Indigenous Housing Summit on May 30, 2025, at the Viking Union in Bellingham. This powerful gathering brought together students, tribal leaders, planners, and community members to explore the deep intersections of housing, tribal sovereignty, and cultural resilience.
The summit’s theme—“Building Homes That Hold the Heart of a People”—reflected the teachings at the core of our work: Indigenous housing is more than shelter. It is a living expression of identity, survival, and intergenerational care.
We heard from outstanding speakers and leaders, including Professor Margo Hill, JD, MURP, the Wenaha Group, representatives from the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and a team of inspiring WWU students who are charting a bold path forward.
🌱 Student Leadership for Generational Futures
Led by Emma Worgum and Magda MacAlpine, the WWU Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy (UEPP) students presented on Generational Housing Models and Indigenous Neighborhood Design. Their work recentered housing as a promise—not a product—where lifeways, kinship, and land stewardship can thrive across generations.
🧠 Keynote by Professor Margo Hill: Reclaiming Space and Sovereignty
It was especially moving to hear from Professor Margo Hill, a Spokane Tribal member and one of the nation’s most respected voices in urban planning, Indigenous law, and housing equity. Her keynote challenged us to decolonize our thinking—and our zoning codes. As someone who’s worked alongside Professor Hill, I took from her words a renewed vision for embedding cultural integrity into my legislative efforts.
“We must reimagine housing as a vessel of cultural survival, sovereignty, and community health.”
🛠️ Policy Priorities Emerging from the Summit
This summit didn’t end with inspiration—it offered a roadmap. I’m committed to working in partnership with WWU’s Urban Planning Program and tribal leaders to bring these ideas forward in Olympia. Together, we will turn vision into action through the following policy priorities:
- Codify Indigenous Land Use Designations
- Fund Indigenous-led Housing Projects
- Embed Tribal Voices in State and Local Housing Policy
- Update Building Codes for Generational Design
- Tie Housing Policy to Treaty and Subsistence Rights
- Create a Cultural Infrastructure Fund
- Enforce the Federal Trust Responsibility in State Housing Law
This is how we protect our past and shape our future—by honoring the wisdom of our people and the leadership of our youth.
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🌺 Closing Reflections
As we welcome the light of summer and reflect on the journey behind us, I carry deep gratitude for the communities that continue to lead us forward—with clarity, purpose, and compassion.
This e-newsletter is just a snapshot of the work we are doing together: for housing and health, for salmon and sovereignty, for justice and belonging.
From Whatcom County to San Juan Island, from our tribal nations to our school districts, our 40th District continues to show the state and the nation what it means to lead with love, collaboration, and care for the land and one another.
I thank you for your voices, your prayers, and your partnership. Please stay engaged, stay safe, and stay connected—and don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with your stories, your concerns, and your hopes for the road ahead.
Together, we will continue to build a future rooted in respect, resilience, and the teachings of our ancestors.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Rep. Debra Lekanoff