Join our District 3 Team!
November 2023
Dear Friend,
It's been a busy month, but it seems like November flew by so quickly! The General Election came to a close and we celebrated amazing holidays like Dia de los Muertos, Diwali, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and so much more. As we approach the end of the year, our team is looking forward to all the work we will accomplish in 2024!
With a busy year ahead, we are also looking to grow our team! Our office is seeking a passionate Legislative Intern for the first six months of 2024. This is an opportunity to be a part of an innovative team and get real-world experience working in government!
This paid internship position is open to all qualified candidates, so if you or someone you know might be a good candidate, please make sure to apply here or below by Monday, December 11th by 11:59 AM PST for consideration! If you have any questions or would like to request assistance in the application process, please email osman.salahuddin@kingcounty.gov or call 206-507-9860.
As always, if you’d like to meet or talk about anything, please reach out by email, sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov, or phone at 206-477-1003, and we’ll find some time to connect!
All the best,
Council Briefings & Actions!
The Council has been working hard this month – here’s the work that matters most to District 3:
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This week at Council, we passed a motion that I sponsored expressing support for the Re+ Strategic Plan, city and county collaboration efforts related to the Plan, and efforts to reach the County's zero waste goal!
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At our November Council meeting, we approved extending a $1.00 ORCA LIFT fare for Metro buses, trolleys, transit vans, dial-a-ride vehicles, and streetcars, which will have a favorable impact on riders who have lower incomes.
- At our November Council meeting, we also approved the 2024 budget and work plan for A Regional Coalition for Housing, which partners with King County and 15 Eastside cities to preserve and increase affordable housing in east King County.
If you are interested in joining us for a meeting to make a comment or just listen in, click on any of the following links: Full Council Meeting; Budget and Fiscal Management; Committee of the Whole; Government Accountability and Oversight; Employment and Administration; Labor Policy; Law, Justice, Health and Human Services; Local Services and Land Use; Transportation, Economy, and Environment; Regional Transit
Out in the Community!
(Left): I had a blast joining RRICHA and the wonderful Indian community in Redmond Ridge for an amazing Diwali celebration; (Right): I attended Encompass NW’s annual gala and saw Snoqualmie Tribal Chairman Bob de Los Angeles, State Representative Bill Ramos, North Bend Mayor Rob McFarland, Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross, and Encompass Executive Director Nela Cumming.
 I was honored to spend Veteran's Day with two incredible organizations in our area, Issaquah VFW Post 3436 (Left) and the Snoqualmie Casino Flag Raising with Snoqualmie American Legion Post 79 (Right).
 (Left): I was ecstatic to join State Senator Manka Dhingra at the Pride Pallet in Duvall held by Pride Across the Bridge and SnoValley Pride; (Right): I was honored to join my colleagues Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles as we had lunch with Korean Consul General Eun-ji Seo!
Celebrating November Recognitions and Holidays!
 November was filled with amazing holiday celebrations and Recognitions. Earlier this month we celebrated Dia de los Muertos, a special holiday reminding us of the importance of remembering and honoring our loved ones who have departed. We also celebrated November as Native American Heritage Month, celebrating and honoring the First Peoples in our County and District. This month, many of our community members celebrated Diwali, a time to celebrate good winning over evil, light over darkness, and for families to celebrate the richness of Hindu culture. We also thanked our veterans for their service and dedication during Veteran’s Day weekend. As the month came to a close, we expressed our gratitude for all that we have on Thanksgiving. Lastly, Council and I had the honor of recognizing King County Elections Director Julie Wise and the entire King County Elections Team for ensuring that elections were safe, accurate and accessible this year!
On the Issues!
Our District 3 team has three main priority areas that we have been focusing on this year: Behavioral Health, the Environment, and Creative Economies. We've been hard at work convening weekly meetings with local organizations in these areas and are looking forward to all of the positive change we can create together!
On the Topic of Behavioral Health
The nine-year voter-approved Crisis Care Centers Initiative begins in 2024 and will strengthen our community’s behavioral health system. Your input is critical to the success of the approach, so you are being invited to one final virtual planning meeting to close out this year! Join the virtual Crisis Care Centers Initiative Community Update Meeting on Tuesday, December 12th at 1:00 PM. If you're interested, make sure to register here or email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
If you’re unable to attend any of the community feedback sessions, you can help guide the CCC implementation by taking this online survey. To learn more, please visit the Implementation website here.
On the Topic of Creative Economies
We have been working closely with our King County Office of Economic Opportunity & Creative Economy and Director Kate Becker (kate.becker@kingcounty.gov) on ways we can promote our creative organizations and businesses. We have heard of a need for more resources, which is why we are bringing together leaders across D3 to help us identify a best path forward toward achieving 'Creative District' status! The award-winning Creative District program helps communities turn cultural activities into economic growth, and we hope to bring it to each of our cities and towns!
On the Topic of the Environment
Conservation Highlight: In late September, King County acquired 79 acres adjacent to Paradise Lake Natural Area. The property is mainly undeveloped forest and wetland, and the acquisition will provide headwaters protections and extend recreational opportunities and access to the existing Natural Area.
Community Workshop in City of Issaquah: The Haz Waste Program in King County will provide an educational workshop to Issaquah residents on resources available through the Garden Hotline Program and the importance of evergreens to our environment. The workshop will be on Saturday, December 2nd, from 2 - 3 PM at the Issaquah Library (10 West Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027).
Cougar Mountain Big Tree Ridge Trailhead Parking Lot Completed: A brand new trailhead parking lot was opened to the public on Nov. 3 with space for 30 cars (two spots are ADA). The trailhead also now includes two picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a water infiltration facility! The restoration area is just over an acre of land, removing about 160 cubic yards of noxious weeds and about ten cubic yards of trash (including an old car).
Recap of our Previous Town Hall!
It was delightful to hear from our Issaquah residents at the Eastside Fire and Rescue (EF&R) Headquarters. Our wonderful guest speakers joined us to talk about behavioral health initiatives, creative economies, and environmental preservation in Issaquah and across our region. You can watch a recap of that Town Hall here!
Help Shape the Future of Transit Fares!
Are you interested in helping shape the future of transit fares in King County? Apply to join Metro’s new Fares Cabinet! The Fares Cabinet will represent people who haven’t always had a say in decisions about transit and fare policies. This is your chance to make a difference and ensure your voice is heard! Members will be paid for their participation at meetings and events. You can learn more and apply here or click the button below. The deadline to apply is December 31.
Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Update!
Earlier this month, the King County Flood Control District -- for which I serve as the Vice Chair -- approved $400,000 in funding to move forward on the Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration, a project intended to control flooding and restore salmon habitat in Lake Sammamish!
I was honored to have joined my Flood Control District colleagues in making an investment in this project that will move us forward in providing flood protection for Lake Sammamish residents and properties, as well as the added benefit of habitat protection. Moving through this next phase and reaching 30% design will allow us to engage in a robust way with the community, tribal partners and stakeholders which will help inform our decision to move past 30% design or not. This is a critical next step in addressing flooding concerns for all in Lake Sammamish!
You can read more about the project and its background here.
Share Your Thoughts About Tourism Across King County!
Every year, millions of people visit King County and District 3 to enjoy our natural beauty, arts and culture, culinary delights, and more. People are drawn here from all over, but Visit Seattle wants to hear how locals feel about tourism, especially in our own backyard across our District 3 cities and towns. Take their survey (it takes about 10 minutes) and share it with friends. It will help us understand what King County residents think about tourism, the impacts of tourism on locals, and how Visit Seattle can continue their work to make tourism beneficial to our entire region!
King Conservation District Election
King Conservation District (KCD) is holding an election for Position 1 on its Board of Supervisors. The candidate filing window for this election is December 4 through 8, 2023. Voting takes place January 23 through February 13, 2024.
The all-volunteer, five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing KCD operations, budget, and policy. Supervisors serve three-year terms and steer the direction of resources for the $8 million, 30-staff-person district. KCD provides assistance to private residents in forest management, farm conservation planning, wildfire preparedness, and streamside and shoreline enhancement. It also offers grants and works with cities and other organizations to support community gardens, urban forest canopy, and local food systems. Learn more here or below:
Grant Opportunities this Quarter!
Do you know of an impactful organization that's looking for funding? Our District 3 Team has resources for you! Every month we share a Grants Newsletter that highlights upcoming grant opportunities over the next few months, and there are several grant opportunities that are available now! Investing in our local non-profit organizations and supporting innovative ideas through funding is critical to ensure that each of our communities can thrive, now and into the future!
Snoqualmie Pass Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a Snoqualmie Pass business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity this month! We hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
Laconia Market is a Snoqualmie Pass-based grocery store and coffee shop serving delicious coffee, tea, and pastries! Their grocery selection features everything you need from fresh produce, farm fresh eggs, household necessities, and pantry staples. Shop, grab a bite, or hang out with friends at 69802 SR 906 Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068, or visit their website for more information. For any questions, send an email to laconia.grocery@gmail.com or call them at 425-434-9636.
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The Forest Service Visitor Center is located inside the newly renovated Firehouse at Snoqualmie Pass. During operating hours, Forest Service personnel will be available to offer information and answer questions about the area and its many recreational opportunities. In partnership with Discover Your Northwest, ranger-led interpretive snowshoe walks offered during the Winter season will be based near the Firehouse as well! Visit the Forest Service Visitor Center at 69802 WA-906, Suite 102, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068, visit their website, send them an email at SM.FS.mbs_pao@usda.gov, or call them at 425-434-6111.
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The Pass Life is a community project focused on the ever-evolving Snoqualmie Pass community. Together with their development partners, evolution projects, The Pass Life brought the community's 100-year-old firehouse back to life as a community center. In partnership with Friends of Snoqualmie Pass and Summit at Snoqualmie, The Pass Life are planning a community trail that will allow people to easily and safely walk, bike, and run, to all their favorite spots on the Pass! Stay tuned with them on their website and Instagram page to learn more about how to get involved in the planning of the trail.
About Town!
With so much going on across our District 3 cities and towns, we want to ensure that you know about any upcoming major events, parades, festivals, and activities. Below is a short list of some upcoming events!
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December 1st - 23rd, 26th - 30th; 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM: reindeers, Santa’s house and sleigh, lights, and more!
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Friday, December 1st, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: tree lighting, holiday performances, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more!
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Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM: holiday market, kids' crafts, holiday music concert, festival of lights, and more!
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Saturday, December 2nd, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: multi-cultural local artisans, community art parade, international vendors, face-painting, henna, crafts, games, and more!
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Saturday, December 2nd, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: live music, pop-up shops, carriage rides, light display, Santa, hot cocoa, and more!
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Saturday, December 2nd, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: lighting the community tree, roasting marshmallows, old-fashioned crafts and activities, and more!
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December 9th and 16th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: shopping, dining, festivities, Santa, and more!
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December 15th, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: treats, reindeers, games, local school choirs, a photo booth, and more!
If you know of any upcoming events that you’d like us to highlight in next month’s newsletter, please share them at osman.salahuddin@kingcounty.gov.
Stay Connected!
Please forward this email and invite others to sign up to receive email updates. Also, make sure that you follow our Facebook account, Instagram account, and Twitter page 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. 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
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