February 2022: Celebrating Our Diverse Communities
Dear Friend,
What an exciting, full two months in office! I’ve been meeting with Mayors, Councilmembers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Snoqualmie Tribal representatives, environmental, social service and housing organizations, the transit community, businesses, and many more! There are so many unique aspects to each of our communities, as well as areas where we are working together for our shared goals. I am excited by this complicated, important work of developing and implementing initiatives that will further our shared vision. There are lots of opportunities to hear more and get involved below and stay tuned for more to come soon!
In the meantime, I also welcome a conversation with YOU over a cup of coffee in person, online through Teams or Zoom, or by phone (206-477-1003) or email (sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov) so that I can hear what you care about and your thoughts, questions and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, as I would love the opportunity to connect!
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay in touch -
Black History Month
As this month comes to a close, let’s take some time to recognize all the ways that Black folks have shaped this nation. Black History Month is a reminder to honor the amazing contributions of Black people in this country and ensure that we are working to make our community equitable for everyone. Black Americans have long faced oppression, and while we have made progress, there is so much work to be done to make sure we as a society are actively working to become anti-racist. My colleagues on the King County Council and I are committed to upholding these values not only during this month, but at every opportunity in our lives.
COVID-19 Response and Updates!
We have seen an amazing response from our King County residents in getting vaccinated – with 87% of residents over age 12 fully vaccinated – and new cases and hospitalizations dramatically decreasing. Therefore, beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. To learn more about this policy change, read this post.
Businesses may choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies (review guidance for businesses). Everyone should continue to take steps to reduce COVID-19 risk, including getting vaccinated and boosted and using well-fitting face masks.
Tell Us What Matters to You!
but we want to make sure we are hearing from as many community members as possible. Because your priorities are so important to me, if you haven’t already done so, please take a minute to answer these quick questions so we are working together on the areas that are most important to you!
We Have Amazing Services in King County!
[LEFT] CM Perry on a tour of Snoqualmie Valley Hospital with Hospital CEO Renée Jensen and Director of Strategic Communications Sherry Jennings. [RIGHT] CM Perry touring King County International Airport with Director Caroline Whalen, Chief Greg Thomas, and Officer Emrick.
Every one of the days since I started has been filled with important work throughout our District! Some of the things that we are working on together include:
- Strengthening King County’s building and energy codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality
- Addressing transit shortfalls across our 10 cities, preparing for the incoming Redmond Light Rail in 2023, and developing transit alternatives and options in Snoqualmie Valley
- Working towards establishing an equitable development initiative (EDI) within King County
March Town Hall: Redmond!
Councilmember Claudia Balducci and I are co-hosting a Town Hall on Tuesday, March 29th at 6:30 PM at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) to connect with residents of the city and surrounding area of Redmond! Join us for a great opportunity to ask questions about our work and goals for 2022 for the greater Redmond community and to get to know each other!
This is an in-person event; however, if needed to meet future COVID-19 guidelines, this event may move to online with notice.
Register for the Town Hall below and you’ll be all set:
Future District Planning Meetings!
There are two subarea planning meetings on the horizon and your input is needed in sharing your desires for future King County services, programs, facilities, and capital improvement. These important conversations will be used to inform King County’s budget development. Please join us at a meeting in your community:
Bear Creek/Sammamish – March 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Snoqualmie Valley – March 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
February's Spotlight is on Woodinville!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity this month! Take a look at what they bring to each of us when you get a chance – and remember to Go Local!
Small Business Spotlight: Metier Brewing Co.
Metier Brewing Company is a family destination in the heart of Woodinville, with award winning beers and an extensive, delicious food menu. This brewery stands out as WA State's only Black-owned brewery! With the main goal of making everyone feel welcomed, cofounder Rodney Hines wants that reflected in every detail from staff to artwork (done by women and POC), as well as programming that enlivens the space. Give them a call at 425-415-8466 to place an order, or visit them today at 14125 NE 189th Street, Woodinville, WA 98072!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Homeward Pet Adoption Center
Homeward Pet Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Woodinville, aiming to find new homes for over 1800 cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens each year. Their mission is to transform the lives of animals through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community! They have an amazing team so give them a call at 425-488-4444 or visit them at 13132 NE 177th Place, Woodinville, WA 98072.
City Spotlight: Woodinville
In addition to welcoming Mike Millman as Mayor and James Randolph as Deputy Mayor, there have been some big initiatives in Woodinville, including a new 2+ mile trail connecting Kirkland and Woodinville this summer – just in time for the sun! The city is also partnering with Red Cross and Eastside Fire Corps to have an Emergency Preparedness Workshop. Woodinville residents can register for this free workshop here: Facebook event page or by emailing Kevin O'Neill, Assistant to the City Manager, at kevino@ci.woodinville.wa.us.
Stay Connected!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign up for our email updates to make sure they know the important updates about their communities and King County! Also, follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay up-to-date on everything we are working on together!
Finally... a reminder that I’d love to grab a cup of coffee and talk, or come speak to an organization, a Homeowners Association, school, or group. Just reach out to our team member Robby at Robby.paige@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003 and Robby will set us up!
Sarah Perry King County Council District 3
P.S. I had the opportunity to sit down with Tony Ventrella on a gorgeous sunny day in Issaquah’s Confluence Park earlier this month! Take a minute to watch our amazing conversation below:
|