King County’s Department of Local Services will host a White Center “Glow Up” event on Thursday, May 21, to celebrate new lighting, pedestrian safety upgrades and other community improvements along 16th Ave SW.

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. during the monthly Rat City Art Walk at the corner of 16th Ave SW and SW 98th Street near the community kiosk, according to the department.

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson, Road Services Director Tricia Davis and local business and community leaders are expected to speak during the event.

Following the remarks, county officials will lead a walking tour highlighting several recent investments in White Center.

Among the featured projects is “Illuminate White Center,” a community driven effort that will add decorative lights suspended above sidewalks along 16th Ave SW from SW Roxbury Street to SW 100th Street.

According to the county, the lighting project was selected and funded through King County’s Participatory Budgeting program with an early estimated cost of $100,000.

Officials will also highlight a nearly completed multi year pedestrian safety and traffic calming project along 16th Ave SW between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street.

The improvements include reducing the roadway to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bicycle lanes, along with upgraded ADA curb ramps, sidewalk curb extensions, rapid flashing pedestrian lights and new crossing signs at intersections without traffic signals.

The walking tour will also showcase a new Rainbow Sidewalk project, which will add colorful curb cut out artwork on both sides of 16th Ave SW between SW Roxbury Street and SW 98th Street.

County officials said the event will also highlight investments in the White Center Business Alliance aimed at boosting business engagement, supporting community events and advocating for small businesses in the neighborhood known as “Rat City.”

“These improvements reflect what people have said loud and clear,” Director Richardson said. “They want a neighborhood that’s safe, more vibrant, and more connected.”