Upthegrove selected to co-chair WRIA 9 Watershed Ecosystem Forum
Dear Neighbor,
Last month, I was unanimously approved by the WRIA 9 Watershed Ecosystem Forum to serve as its new co-chair. I’ve spent my career as a passionate advocate for salmon recovery efforts and am honored to have been selected for this role. In my previous role as the chair of the King County Flood Control District, I fought to solidify the District’s commitment to managing our rivers in a way that reduces flood risks and restores salmon habitat. This new role is a natural fit for me to continue to champion local efforts to protect our iconic Chinook salmon.
Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 is a watershed-based organization comprised of 17 local governments, state and federal partners, non-profit organizations, business interests, and citizens working collaboratively to recover the watershed’s salmon populations.
The WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan serves as the science-based blueprint for local salmon habitat conservation and restoration efforts and has helped partners leverage over $200 million in funding for salmon recovery efforts since the listing of Puget Sound Chinook salmon in 1999.
I will be co-chairing this forum alongside Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner – a champion of this conservation work in her own right – and I look forward to our collective efforts in 2024 and beyond.
Supporting South King County Multi-Service Center
Recently, I had the opportunity to join my friend and colleague King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer at the annual benefit luncheon for the South King County Multi-Service Center (MSC). This organization is working to build a future without poverty by creating pathways to help, hope, and dignity for our neighbors. The County has partnered with MSC to drive out rental assistance and other services to vulnerable community members and it was great to join other community leaders – including Dr. Kendrick Glover of Glover Empower Mentoring – at this event showcasing their great work.
An added benefit was hearing from another inspirational community leader - former Seahawk Doug Baldwin Jr. – who gave the keynote address. Doug has been the force behind the new Family First Community Center in Renton which offers a wide range of programs and services that foster community and promote health and wellness.
Grant and Opportunities
Join Metro Fares Cabinet
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.
Learn more and apply at kingcounty.gov/metrofarepolicy.
The deadline to apply is December 31.
Apply for King County Conservation Futures 2025 Funding!
King County is seeking applications for 2025 King County Conservation Futures grants. Applications are due on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Conservation Futures grants can help acquire parks and open spaces for passive recreation. Grants may help purchase or conserve urban greenspaces, natural areas, forests, community gardens, farms, and trails – including stormwater parks or parks near affordable housing. Acquisitions serving historically underserved communities may qualify for a match waiver to cover the full purchase price.
We encourage all applicants to attend a workshop. Click on links below to register (these links are also provided on our application page):
Visit the Conservation Futures application webpage for more information.
Best Starts for Kids Capital Program Grants
The next round of Best Start for Kids (BSK) capital funding is expected to be released on Monday, December 18th.
Best Start for Kids is a voter-approved levy that provides funding for programs and services that help families, children and youth thrive. Capital program grants will fund new construction or renovation of existing property to provide for new community or recreational centers which prioritize serving low-income BIPOC children, youth and families lacking access to similar facilities. Capital planning grants of up to $100,000 for Priority 1 projects are also available in this competitive funding round.
For more information check out the Best Start for Kids website.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas, and input. Please feel welcome to contact me via email at Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.
You can watch Council meetings via livestream on the Council's website or on KCTV channel 22. We take general public comment on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
To learn more about testifying before Council go to: https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/committees/full_council.aspx
Sincerely,
Dave Upthegrove
King County Councilmember
District 5
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