Dear friends and neighbors,
As summer winds down (I can’t believe it’s nearly September!), I want to thank you for your ongoing engagement and support. Whether I’m in Olympia or back home in our district, your feedback keeps me grounded and focused on the issues that matter most.
This season has been about connection and follow-through—making sure the good work we did during the legislative session is being carried out effectively, and laying the groundwork for the year ahead. I’m excited to share a recap of what we’ve been working on together this summer.
Upcoming Event: A Chat with Cindy
Please join me for an upcoming community conversation:
📅 Saturday, September 13
🕐 1:00 – 2:00pm
📍 Shoreline Library – Small Meeting Room
💬 With Representative Cindy Ryu & Mayor Emeritus Keith Scully
I look forward to seeing you there, hearing your ideas, and discussing how we can continue building a stronger future together.
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Legislative & Summer Recap: Building on Success
Last session, as Chair of the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans (TEDV) Committee, I was proud to help shepherd key legislation to support consumers, strengthen emergency services, expand veteran resources, and grow sustainable tourism and rural economies (you can read more about these bills in my 2025 Session Recap E-Newsletter, linked here!).
Since then, much of my focus has been on:
- Implementation and Follow-Through: Ensuring the policies we passed are being put into practice effectively.
- Regional Leadership: Helping lead the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit, where leaders from across the U.S. and Canada came together to strengthen cross-border collaboration on economic growth, sustainability, and infrastructure.
- Future Opportunities: Preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring global attention and investment to our region, with an emphasis on ensuring the benefits are broad and lasting.
Together, these efforts reflect the core of interim work: turning policy wins into real outcomes, while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of the next legislative session.
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Spotlight Interview: A Coffee Chat with Cindy
I recently sat down with My Edmonds News at SKOG Haus Coffee to reflect on the 2025 session and my legislative priorities. We discussed:
- Strengthening hate crime laws so prosecutors can more effectively hold offenders accountable.
- Combating harmful “deepfake” digital content, ensuring people can be protected from AI-generated defamation.
- Championing the Right to Repair, empowering consumers to fix their devices, save money, and reduce e-waste.
These conversations get to the heart of why I serve: protecting communities, advancing fairness, and ensuring everyday people—not just large corporations—benefit from the laws we pass.
☕ You can read the full conversation here: A Coffee Chat with Rep. Cindy Ryu
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Education Spotlight: Washington’s Community Colleges Excel
Education continues to be one of our state’s greatest strengths. WalletHub recently ranked Washington’s community college system 5th best in the nation—an achievement that reflects both quality and affordability.
I am especially proud that Shoreline Community College, right here in our district, was recognized as the top-ranked community college in Washington (39th nationally). Community and technical colleges provide critical pathways for students of all ages—whether they’re launching careers, retraining, or seeking affordable higher education opportunities. This recognition is well deserved and reinforces the value of continued investment in these institutions.
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Infrastructure Update: I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Preservation
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This summer, WSDOT crews completed a major milestone in preserving the 60-year-old I-5 Ship Canal Bridge—one of the busiest and most vital pieces of infrastructure in our region. Over four weeks, they repaired and resurfaced nearly 1,000 feet of bridge deck, replaced expansion joints, and upgraded drainage systems.
While construction caused delays, the work was completed ahead of schedule and has already improved safety and reliability. Importantly, it also gave engineers valuable insight into the bridge’s overall condition, helping guide the years of preservation work still ahead.
Next up: weekend closures will begin this fall on the southbound lanes. The long-term goal is to extend the bridge’s lifespan through 2027 and beyond—ensuring this economic lifeline remains safe and resilient for decades to come.
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Closing Out the Summer
This summer has been filled with collaboration—across our district, our state, and even across borders. From advancing regional partnerships to preparing for global events, we are laying the foundation for long-term success. Thank you for being an engaged part of this work.
Warmly,
Cindy Ryu
State Representative, 32nd Legislative District