Dear neighbors,
As summer winds down and we head into fall, I’m reflecting on the conversations we’ve shared over the past few months—at community events, neighborhood meetings, and in your emails and calls. Thank you for continuing to share your ideas and concerns. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and at home in the district.
One theme I’ve heard again and again is the need for government to be both inclusive and transparent—whether we’re discussing large infrastructure projects, small business opportunities, or how the state safeguards your personal information. I’m excited to share a few important updates on these topics below.
|
|
You’re Invited!
I’d love to connect with you in person at my next Chat with Cindy event with Mayor Emeritus Keith Scully:
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
📍 Shoreline Library Small Meeting Room
We welcome your questions and ideas about the issues that matter most to our community. These conversations help guide my work both in Olympia and here at home—I hope to see you there!
|
|
I-5 Ship Canal Bridge: Southbound Preservation Work
Many of you have asked about the future of the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge, which carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles every day and is crucial for our region’s transportation network. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begun early planning to ensure the bridge remains safe and resilient for decades to come.
WSDOT has announced upcoming southbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge drainage improvements, continuing the preservation work you may remember from this summer’s Revive I-5 construction.
Weekend lane reductions (two lanes closed southbound) are planned:
- Oct. 10–13
- Oct. 17–20
- Oct. 31–Nov. 3
- Nov. 21–24
- Dec. 5–8
- Jan. 9–12, 2026
Work begins Fridays at 10 p.m. and wraps up Mondays at 5 a.m. The I-5 Express Lanes will be dedicated to southbound traffic during these periods.
Crews will start in the two left lanes for the first four weekends, then move to the two right lanes—weather permitting.
You can stay up-to-date by subscribing to WSDOT updates here!
|
|
Supporting Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses
At a recent meet-and-greet, I learned that there are 108 Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certified businesses right here in our district. These entrepreneurs strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for historically underrepresented communities.
If you own or are starting a business, I encourage you to explore OMWBE’s certification and support programs. Their resources can help you compete for state contracts and expand your reach: www.omwbe.wa.gov.
|
|
Protecting Your Personal Data: WA Attorney General Outreach
Data privacy is one of the most frequent concerns I hear from constituents. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is hosting public outreach sessions and has launched a short survey to hear your thoughts on how businesses collect and use your personal information.
Your input will help shape stronger consumer protections in state law. Take the survey here!
|
|
Standing with Immigrant Communities
Earlier this summer, the Washington Legislative Black Caucus issued a powerful statement condemning the federal government’s increased use of ICE raids and the deployment of the National Guard for immigration enforcement, declaring:
“Washington will not become a staging ground for fear.”
I stand firmly with this commitment.
At the state level, we are:
- Strengthening workplace protections and health care access,
- Safeguarding state sovereignty over National Guard deployments, and
- Ensuring immigrant and refugee families can thrive without fear.
I also want to reassure families that Washington remains committed to early learning access for all children, regardless of immigration status. Despite federal rollback, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) continues to provide:
- Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) – helping pay for childcare from birth through age 12, and
- Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) – offering free preschool, meals, health screenings, and family support for 3- and 4-year-olds.
These services are available in multiple languages—please reach out to DCYF or my office if you need help finding the right resources.
|
|
Stay in Touch
Your feedback is vital to my work. Please join us on October 11 for the next Chat with Cindy, and continue sharing your ideas anytime by emailing my office.
Together, we can keep building a strong, inclusive, and resilient Washington.
Warmly,
Cindy Ryu
State Representative, 32nd Legislative District
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to neighbors who may want to stay informed—they can sign up for future updates here!