 Happy New Year!
 We welcomed new Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Jorge Baron at the first King County Council meeting of the year
2024 brings a fresh opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges in our region and to live up to the values of our county's namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, I am honored to chair the King County Council Committee of the Whole and to continue as Chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee.
As the chair of these two key committees, I will lead our region’s work on a variety of my priorities, including implementation of the almost $800 million Doors Open plan for arts, culture, heritage, and science; oversight of gun safety policies and programs; making good on the promise of our region’s response to homelessness; and protecting our waterways. I am committed to working collaboratively to craft solutions that will make our region safer, stronger, and healthier for all King County residents.
Help build Dr. King's Beloved Community
 Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the annual observance of Dr. King's life and legacy and a national day of service. It’s an opportunity to be part of building Dr. King’s vision of “The Beloved Community”, a place where everyone is cared for and there is no poverty, hunger, or hate.
On Saturday, January 13, you can join Eastside for All, Chinese Information and Service Center, 4 Tomorrow, Immigrant Women’s Community Center, and Muslim Community Network Association for their Healing in Community event from 1:00-3:30 at Together Center (16305 NE 87th St Suite 110, Redmond). Enjoy food, interactive art, lotería, music, and community connection.
On Monday, January 15, the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invite you to join the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Health Fair from 11:00-4:00 at Crossroads Bellevue (15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue). There will be health vendors, wellness presentations, performances from local artists, a youth-led discussion on health and racial equity, and more.
Making our region safer through gun violence prevention
 Source: Prosecuting Attorney's Office 2023 Q2 Firearm Violence Report
Gun violence is one of the most pressing problems plaguing King County and it is critical that we take action to prevent more injury, trauma, and death from firearms. This week, I attended a kickoff meeting for a regional approach aimed at bringing expanded urgency, coordination, and resources to gun violence prevention. I look forward to working with leaders from across King County on this important issue.
We’ll be highlighting and advancing the County Council’s contributions to these efforts at our Committee of the Whole, which meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. You can be a part of our work by tuning into committee meetings, providing public comment, or sharing your experiences and ideas on this issue by contacting your elected leaders.
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
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