 This year I donated a "retired" van to Global Social Business Partners (GSBP). GSBP is a food system and entrepreneurship incubator with a mission to foster entrepreneurship and social business innovation to solve social and environmental issues
Despite the challenges of the second year of the pandemic, the King County Council accomplished a lot with and on behalf of King County residents in 2021.
As chair of the Council, I’m proud that my colleagues and I passed over 350 pieces of legislation, approved $795 million in COVID-19 recovery and relief, approved several major plans to guide work into the future, and worked to support our communities with targeted grants and outreach. As a regional leader, my work extended beyond the County Council, and included working to keep Sound Transit projects on track and help ensure that climate, safety and equity were built into housing and transportation plans being developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council, where I serve as president.
Thanks to each of you for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with me and the Council via emails, meetings, town halls and public comment at Council meetings.
Read on for a selection of highlights from a busy 2021.
COVID response, relief and recovery
 Early in 2021, thanks to the support of hundreds of District 6 constituents, I amplified concerns and frustrations about vaccine availability and transparency to leaders, including Governor Inslee. Your input matters and, as your councilmember, I am here to listen to you and help.
 Watch the KIRO 7 story about my work advocating for increased transparency on vaccine availability.
Over the course of three budget supplementals in 2021, the Council approved a total of $795 million in coronavirus related relief, funded primarily with state and federal relief dollars. This massive investment will help all of us, and especially low-income people and communities of color, weather the pandemic and position our region to recover as quickly as possible once the emergency is over.
Notable COVID-19 related investments include:
-
$116 million for vaccination efforts, including mass vaccination sites earlier this year
-
$114 million for public health responses to the pandemic, including quarantine sites, education, testing, and similar activities
- $40 million to support the arts, the entertainment industry, and culture and science organizations
-
$25 million for a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color resiliency fund to help communities that were already hurting get a boost in the recovery effort
-
$40 million for a new integrated program that promotes economic recovery by connecting people experiencing homelessness with rental assistance and access to over 300 jobs at King County or partner agencies.
-
$7 million in childcare grants to support this essential component of our economic infrastructure
-
$133 million for housing and homeless relief efforts, including outreach and behavioral health services for unsheltered people.
Homes for people
 We have all seen an increase in the number of people living on sidewalks, in parks and in wooded areas throughout the pandemic. Homelessness has many causes, and the County made a range of investments to help people keep and return to safe and healthy homes in 2021. This work is some of the toughest to do and I am committed to continuing to find ways to reduce the number of our neighbors living unsheltered in our community.
Keeping renters in their homes. Building on work last year, in 2021 King County ramped up a massive rental assistance effort, called the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program, to distribute rental assistance quickly, efficiently, and equitably to both tenants and landlords. In total, the County allocated $385 million of state and federal funds to this effort and is now sending out checks totaling $8 million to $9 million each week to prevent evictions.
Greater affordable housing accountability. In May, the Affordable Housing Committee, which I chair, released the Regional Affordable Housing Dashboard to track our county’s progress toward to building and preserving affordable housing countywide so that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. As I wrote in this Publicola op-ed, the dashboard will help jurisdictions track their progress, arm housing advocates with data to make their cases, and provide the public with information to hold elected leaders accountable.
A men’s shelter on the Eastside. After years of work with community and public and private partners, Bellevue will finally host the first and only permanent men’s shelter on the Eastside. In July, the County Council unanimously approved the sale of surplus county property in the Eastgate neighborhood that will serve as the site for the shelter, along with permanent supportive housing and workforce housing. Groundbreaking is expected in the first quarter of 2022.
Health through Housing moves forward. In December, the Council approved the implementation plan for the Health through Housing program, which purchases hotels and converts them into permanent supportive housing to serve chronically homeless people. The program will move approximately 1,600 people off the streets and into hotel rooms where they can access the services they need. I’m proud that District 6 will host a Health through Housing site at the former Silver Cloud hotel in Redmond.
 Standing against hate
Like many, I have watched with anger and sorrow the increase in violence toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Click on the image above to watch the KOMO news story as leaders, community organizations and neighbors took a stand against hate directed at Asian Americans.
Improving mobility for all
As King County continues to grow and the threat of climate change increases, it is imperative that we provide residents more mobility options to connect people to opportunity. In 2021, King County embarked on a series of policy updates and investments that will help enhance people’s ability to get where they want to go by walking, biking, riding a bus or taking a light rail train.
 In October Sound Transit opened light rail to Northgate, and King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit restructured service around the Northgate Link Extension and restored most bus hours and routes that were suspended or reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
First major East Link light rail project complete. In May, I joined leaders from the Eastside and across the region to celebrate the opening of Sound Transit’s Operations and Maintenance Facility East (OMFE), located in Bellevue’s new Spring District. This maintenance facility will be an essential component of East Link when it opens in 2023. Watch the grand opening video here:
New Transit Oriented Development agreement reached. Integral to the OMFE project and a future where people aren’t solely reliant on cars to get around is the creation of transit-oriented development (TOD) at the site. In November I, along with my colleagues on the Sound Transit Board of Directors, approved key terms on a $500 million project with BRIDGE Housing to build almost seven acres of housing and amenities, including 280 units affordable to people earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, adjacent to the OMFE. Through creative engineering and partnerships, Sound Transit, the City of Bellevue, and BRIDGE housing are working to meet the needs of Eastside transit riders, residents, and employees and I’m excited that this project will contribute to the kind of welcoming neighborhood we have always planned for the Spring District.
 The planned TOD site will ultimately include 6 buildings for office, retail, and a diverse array of housing choices, along with public open space.
Removing barriers to getting kids on transit. In June, Puget Sound area youth (ages 6–18 years) became eligible to get their first Youth ORCA card online and at no charge. Instead of buying cards for $5 via the mail or in person, families can go online and get the cards for free. This change was in part a result of District 6 constituent advocacy and follow-up work to establish new partnerships with school districts to get more ORCA Cards in students' hands.
 Keeping our region’s light rail vision on track. Regional light rail forms the cornerstone of our region’s future, but unfortunately that future was threatened due to unexpected cost increases announced in 2021 and COVID-19’s projected impacts on revenue in 2020. As your Sound Transit Boardmember, I fought hard to develop a plan that requires us to find ways to address costs, look for new funds such as Federal grants, and push to deliver the transit service as soon as possible. The compromise agreement, which I co-sponsored in August, establishes a flexible and accountable framework to deliver the remaining $50-plus billion Sound Transit mass transit program as close as possible to the dates promised to the voters, or faster, and only accepts delay when all other options have been exhausted.
 Click on the image above to read my statement following the Sound Transit Board of Directors’ successful realignment vote. Photo: Sound Transit
Experiencing a week without driving. In October, I participated in Disability Rights Washington’s Week Without Driving Challenge. It was an eye-opening week to see firsthand the ways our systems fail people with disabilities, young people, seniors and those who can't afford or don’t want to drive a car. It also affirmed to me that it doesn’t have to be this way – we can build a better transportation future that makes mobility more accessible to everyone.
New Eastside mobility hub opens at South Bellevue Park and Ride. In November 2021, Sound Transit opened its South Bellevue Park and Ride almost two years prior to the opening of the East Link light rail. While Sound Transit is testing the line and trains are making practice runs, there is no reason to delay providing commuters with access to an expanded parking garage and upgraded bus bays. Along with 1,500 parking spots – triple the number in the old parking garage – and 35 secure parking spots for bikes, the park and ride will serve as a transit hub for Eastside riders.
 Bus loading at the new South Bellevue Park and Ride. Photo: Sound Transit
Getting Eastside RapidRide back on track. Unfortunately, plans to build the Metro Transit RapidRide K Line, a bus rapid transit route to connect Totem Lake with Eastgate, via downtown Kirkland and Bellevue, were put on hold in early 2020 due to COVID-related funding uncertainty. In the November 2021 supplemental budget, I sponsored a RapidRide budget amendment that lays the foundation for reviving the project by creating three new staff positions and allocating $400,000 to advance the design and planning for the K Line and one additional RapidRide project.
 Creating a more equitable and sustainable transit system. When I sponsored legislation in 2018 asking King County Metro Transit to build a more people-centered transportation system, we didn’t know exactly what that would look like. After three years of work with a diverse array of community members and partner jurisdictions, the County Council passed a groundbreaking series of key policy changes in December. This wide-ranging package of updates charts a path toward a future bus service network that will serve our communities well, by centering equity and sustainability and connecting people to opportunity.
Growing Eastrail. As the pandemic highlighted the importance of being able to get outside for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous bike ride, I was pleased to see multiple projects progress on Eastrail, a 42-mile corridor from Snohomish to Renton:
- In September, Amazon announced a $7.5 million investment for two important Eastrail projects - the 100-foot-tall Wilburton Trestle as well as the Wilburton segment of trail north from the trestle to NE 8thand the new Sound Transit Wilburton light rail station.
- In November, the newest 2.5-mile trail segment from Newcastle Beach Park south to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center opened to everyone wanting to enjoy safe outdoor activities.
 Preparing for and investing in our future
King County is leading the nation in making upstream investments so that all our residents can thrive and succeed over their lives. I am particularly proud of two such investments this year.
 Best Starts for Kids Levy approved. In August, with 62% of voters in support, King County resoundingly approved the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids Levy. The renewed levy includes new childcare investments, expansion of out-of-school-time programs for school-aged children, and expansion of transitions to adulthood supports for youth and young adults. These innovative, upstream investments will help us realize a King County where every child is happy, healthy, safe, and thriving.
Investing in our immigrant neighbors. In August, I sponsored a $5 million first-in-the-nation program to help immigrants pay the fees and other costs associated with seeking legal status and citizenship. In addition, I advocated for $11.2M for a relief grant program to support immigrants and refugees who were categorically excluded from receiving other emergency relief funds. These programs will help ensure that our community moves forward together as we look to build a more equitable post-COVID world.
Addressing climate change
Climate change is a global threat and it’s critical that we act at every level of government to combat its impacts and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
 Strategic Climate Action Plan updated. In early 2021, the King County Council approved the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan, an aggressive roadmap that sets ambitious targets and outlines strategies to reduce climate emissions (from a 2007 baseline) by 50 percent in 2030, and 80 percent by 2050.
Empowering cities and towns to act on climate. The Council approved the Climate Action Toolkit, which I sponsored, after working with community activists to develop the concept, in March. Soon after its passage, the amended toolkit was made available to help cities and towns take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Meeting our regional climate goals. This spring, I was elected President of the Puget Sound Regional Council, the regional organization that develops policies and plans about growth, economic development, and transportation in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. In the upcoming year I’m working to ensure our climate planning aligns and meets our 2030 and 2050 state and regional greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Investing in Eastside organizations
Non-profits play a key role in making our community inclusive of and supportive to all our residents. The pandemic has underscored the value of neighbors supporting neighbors and the outstanding non-profits in East King County embody that value, working tirelessly to help their neighbors through difficult times. This year I had the opportunity to support a wide variety of organizations that are dedicated to serving the community.
 The new Together Center campus will feature a full suite of wrap-around social services paired with affordable housing, together in one transit-oriented location.
Supporting Together Center's campus transformation. The Together Center has been bringing people and services together for years as a first-in-the-nation facility that co-locates 20-plus diverse human services providers under one roof. Now, the organization is embarking on a new endeavor: redeveloping its campus to include a full suite of wraparound social services and affordable housing, all located at one transit-oriented location in Redmond. In the November supplemental budget, I secured $900,000 to help fund the expanded human services hub to bring together more organizations and to provide more services to Eastside residents.
Keeping District 6 residents housed. Via the Housing Stability grant fund, I awarded $18,500 each to Hopelink and 4 Tomorrow for their rental assistance programs. I also designated $18,500 to Congregations for the Homeless’ On and Up Housing Program, which provides 20 units of affordable housing with light supports for men transitioning from homelessness to stable housing.
 Supporting veterans. I was proud to provide Bellevue College’s Veterans Resource Center with $7,500 for technology upgrades and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5760 with $3,000 to improve meeting accessibility with improved audio and visual equipment from the Veterans Service Organizations Grant Program.
Helping people Get Active and Stay Active. Through a competitive process, my office awarded $210,000 to 13 organizations that provide youth and amateur sports in our community. This funding helps youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and others enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being active.
Protecting water quality. Through the WaterWorks grant program, I awarded $335,000 to six projects that will improve water quality. The projects included a street sweeping pilot in Redmond to reduce toxic runoff into Tosh Creek, improving the shoreline on Mercer Island, restoring riparian habitat on the Sammamish River, updating Bellevue’s watershed management plan, creating a dashboard to track water quality in Kirkland, and improving streams to reduce flooding at two affordable housing apartment complexes.
Redrawing King County council districts
 For a video primer on the King County districting process, click on the image above.
Every ten years the County redraws the boundaries of Council districts based on new census data. In 2021 the County Council appointed the districting commissioners in January, and, after dozens of meetings with community members and dozens of committee meetings, they completed their work on time in December. District 6 had to contract slightly because its population grew faster than other areas of the county, but the new map retains the core of the district on the suburban Eastside. Many thanks to the five districting commissioners who approached their work with seriousness and a commitment to transparency and equity. The new map becomes effective January 1, 2022.
Looking forward to 2022
As the newest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, quickly spreads, we know we have big challenges ahead in 2022. With the work we’ve accomplished in 2021, I’m confident we can continue to improve opportunities for all residents of King County. I believe County government is most effective when it takes the lead to tackle the big issues of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. That’s what I work to do every day. I look forward to continuing to represent you on the King County Council in 2022.
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
|
