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Washington Transportation Commission unanimously extends Martin Luther King Jr. Way and asks WSDOT to install signage
Summary
The Washington State Transportation Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 755 in December 2025 to extend the Martin Luther King Jr. Way designation along SR‑900 and portions of SR‑515/SR‑516 after hearing community testimony and legislative sponsorship. The Commission directed WSDOT to post signage to reflect the designation.
The Washington State Transportation Commission voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 755, extending the naming of Martin Luther King Jr. Way along State Route 900 and segments of State Routes 515 and 516, and asked the Washington State Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting the designation as soon as possible.
Community members and legislators told the Commission the naming is community‑driven and symbolic. Representative Mia Gregersen, who sponsored enabling legislation in 2025, framed the action as a recognition of inclusion and civic values; Gwen Allen Karsten of the Kent Black Action Commission described years of local outreach that led to the proposal and said the designation would honor Dr. King’s legacy locally.
During public comment, John Boyd of Kent urged the Commission to approve the naming, citing local history and the benefits of honoring Dr. King in South King County. Eddie Bridal Jr., who described his long involvement in prior renaming efforts in Seattle and King County, also urged approval and recounted legal and civic history relevant to such measures. Charles Karsten, operations manager for the Kent Black Action Commission, said the extension would improve access, equity and mobility and thanked the Commission for taking up the request.
Vice Chair Jim Restucci read the text of Resolution 755 aloud during the meeting and moved for adoption; Commissioner Gail Tarlton seconded. The clerk called the roll and all commissioners present voted aye. Chair Debbie Young said staff will forward the adopted designation to WSDOT for signage and implementation.
The resolution describes the naming as a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., specifies the affected mileposts and routes, and asks WSDOT to provide signage as soon as practicable. The Commission’s action follows community outreach and legislative sponsorship and will be recorded in the Commission’s annual report and transmitted to the department for follow‑through.
The Commission did not attach additional funding or a ceremonial schedule to the item; staff and community representatives discussed next steps for signage and community acknowledgment after the vote. The Commission closed the item and moved on to other agenda matters.
