A Great Start to the New Year!
January 2024
Dear Friend,
I hope you’re having a great start to the year! With all the exciting changes coming up for our communities, I am grateful to once again serve as the Chair of the King County Council Local Services and Land Use committee. It is an especially important year for our committee as I have the honor of leading this year's 2024 Comprehensive Plan update. The Comprehensive Plan is updated once-a-decade and provides an opportunity to reshape how we plan for a healthy future for all. More information can be found by clicking the video above, or at this link!
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The new year also brings some new opportunities, and our office is looking for an experienced Legislative Aide to join our team! Please apply if you are interested or share with those whom you think would be a good fit. You can find the application here. If you have questions, reach out to our Chief of Staff, Libby Hollingshead, at libby.hollingshead@kingcounty.gov. Applications are due by Friday, February 2nd at 11:59 PM. Thank you for your support in getting this shared with your community!
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,
2024 Council and Outside Committees
The new year brings many opportunities to engage on issues across our region, which is why I'm excited to share my updated list of Committees for this year:
Click here to learn more about my committees for next year along with the committees that my colleagues will be serving on!
Council Briefings & Actions!
Earlier this month, we welcomed our new Council colleagues, Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and Councilmember Jorge Barón! We're excited to get to work with them. Council has been working hard this month – here’s the work that matters most to D3:
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; Health and Human Services; Labor Policy; Law and Justice; Local Services and Land Use; Transportation, Economy, and Environment; Regional Policy; Regional Transit; Regional Water Quality
Out in the Community!
(Left): We attended Woodinville Chamber’s Networkin’ Night on Jan. 4 and connected with some wonderful local businesses; (Right): At King County’s annual celebration to honor MLK and his legacy, we had the honor to see Hamdi Abdulle from African Community Housing & Development receive the annual Larry Gossett Service Award.
 (Left): This weekend, I joined the Major League Cricket Academy of Seattle and over 50 young women who play cricket as we celebrated Girls Cricket Month; (Right): As a co-sponsor of the Doors Open legislation, I was honored to have spoken at Inspire Washington’s Countywide Celebration at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Celebrating January Recognitions and Holidays!
 We kicked off this year with many wonderful celebrations and recognitions. On Korean American Day, we extended warm wishes to the Korean American community on their special day of recognition. We also celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at King County’s annual celebration, honoring Dr. King as the namesake of our County and recognizing local Black leaders like Hamdi Abdulle from African Community Housing & Development for her work in our local communities. And finally, though Pastor Patrinell “Pat” Wright passed away last August, we commemorated her birthday on Jan. 16. Council recognized Pastor Wright’s unwavering dedication and rich, positive impact throughout our region for over 40 years.
On the Issues!
This year, our District 3 team has highlighted four main priority areas: Environment & Farm Protection; Housing & Homelessness; Community Health & Safety; and Creative & Economic Development. We are already 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 the Environment & Farm Protection
Flood Season: Flood season is upon us, and just a few inches of floodwater can damage your home and create hazardous road conditions. Take the time to prepare now. Learn your flood risk for where you live, work, or commute by entering any address here.
Forest Preservation: Last year, King County Parks acquired a 17-acre property at Three Forks Natural Area in Snoqualmie and made an offer to acquire 295-acres off of Union Hill Road, known as Union Hill Forest, in Redmond. These forest preservation initiatives protect our natural land and riparian habitat in both areas. A future public planning process is anticipated to help determine appropriate public access, amenities, and backcountry trail use types!
On the Topic of Housing & Homelessness
Veterans, Seniors & Human Services Levy (VSHSL): Last year, King County voters approved the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy for the fourth time, ensuring that veterans, seniors, and resilient communities can continue to access programs and services in King County. We have been meeting regularly with local community leaders to learn about their needs, and a major issue that they have raised is grant writing strategies. To address this, King County is hosting a virtual training on Tuesday, February 27th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. If you’re interested in VSHSL funding and want to brush up on skills and best practices in responding to grants, make sure to join!
On the Topic of Community Health & Safety
Reviewing King County Crime Data: We have been working to look at crime statistics in our region, and one data point we found is that District 3 actually has the lowest rate of violent crime and property crime across all 9 Districts in King County. However, as you may have noticed, our property crime has increased by 50% between 2019 - 2022. We are meeting with Police and Fire Chiefs every other month to ensure they have the staff, equipment, and training they need to address this issue.
On the Topic of Creative & Economic Development
Doors Open: Late last year, Council approved the Doors Open legislation, enhancing funding for the county's non-profit organizations in arts, heritage, science, and historic preservation. This will raise more than $90 million each year and will allow more than 500 organizations throughout the county to bolster existing programs and create new ones! To understand the impact and details of this initiative, join a session with 4Culture's Executive Director, Brian J. Carter, on February 6th at 12 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how this legislation will support local organizations.
Town Halls across District 3!
Upcoming Town Hall: Sammamish
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 Sammamish Town Hall on Thursday, February 29th at 6:30 PM at the Sammamish Library! Join us as we learn from each other, get to know one another, and work together to ensure that the community is thriving! We will be joined by Mayor Kali Clark and guests from King County's Creative Economy, Behavioral Health, and Environmental Preservation Departments. We will be sending out more event information next week, so save the date!
Previous Town Hall: Woodinville
It was delightful to hear from our Woodinville residents at the Woodinville Library. Our wonderful guest speakers joined us to talk about behavioral health initiatives, creative economies, environmental preservation, and community safety in Woodinville and across our region. You can watch a recap of that Town Hall here!
Share Your Voice on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update!
As I mentioned earlier, I am grateful to be named Chair of the Local Serivces and Land Use (LSLU) Committee again this year. It is an important year for our committee as I have the honor of leading this year’s Comprehensive Plan update.
The Comprehensive Plan is updated once-a-decade and provides an opportunity to reshape how we plan for a healthy future. In 2024, we will consider policies including:
- Identifying the best locations to build homes, offices, and stores;
- Ensuring that we protect our agricultural lands as well as forests; and
- Maintaining access to clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment.
To explain more about the Comprehensive Plan, I recorded a short video which you can watch by clicking here or by clicking the photo above!
My Council colleagues and I want to hear from you so that, together, we can create the best possible plan for all our community members in unincorporated King County. The Council has kicked off a series of five evening meetings across King County to make it easier for us to hear from you. Our first one was on Jan. 18, but we will hold four more meetings in Covington, Duvall, Skyway-West Hill, and on Vashon-Maury Island this Winter and Spring.
Please join our next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 PM at Covington City Hall (or join online) to discuss the Comprehensive Plan update! More information can be found here. Thanks for participating in the process, and I hope to see you soon!
Help Shape the Future of Transit!
King County Metro has two opportunities for the community to get involved! First, they are looking for youth (ages 15-19) to help shape the future of transit safety. Metro’s Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Initiative wants to ensure the voices of youth are part of the SaFE Equity Workgroup, the panel that works with Metro to plan, prioritize, and evaluate projects to improve transit safety. Members are paid a stipend of $75 for each hour attending meetings. They meet virtually on the third Monday of each month, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM. The deadline for youth to apply for the SaFE Equity Workgroup is Feb. 16, and you can learn more here.
King County Metro’s Access Paratransit Advisory Committee (APAC) advises Metro and King County on transit issues related to providing equal access to public transportation for persons with disabilities, and they are looking for a new member. APAC is made up of members who are Access riders, family members of Access riders, and representatives of organizations that provide services to Access riders. The deadline to apply for APAC is Feb. 11, and you can learn more here.
Join the Septic System Code Revision Newsletter!
King County Public Health is working on a year-long process to revise the King County Board of Health on-site sewage system codes. Over the past 6 months, they have engaged partners and shared with community members about septic-related changes to the Washington Codes. Public Health is expanding this communication by sharing a monthly newsletter, including their first newsletter of the year in January. The newsletter explains changes required at the state level and gathers input to develop proposed local changes. Although septic systems are more common in rural areas, they are found throughout King County. If you know or think you’ll be affected by upcoming septic system code changes, please sign up for their newsletter here.
Vote NOW in the King Conservation District Election!
King Conservation District (KCD) is holding an election for Position 1 on its Board of Supervisors. The 2024 election has three candidates running for the position: Brittney Bush Bollay, Aaron Ellig, and Erik Goheen. Candidate statements can be found here, and voting closes Tuesday, February 13th at 8 PM.
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 and make sure to vote!
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-profits and supporting innovative ideas through funding is critical to ensure that each of our communities can thrive, now and into the future!
Woodinville Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a Woodinville 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!
Woodinville Martial Arts provides local youth development programs and an adult martial arts program with roots in Chun Khun Taekwondo. Their motto is 'Building Confident Leaders' among their students. Woodinville Martial Arts has been a pillar to the community, having been open since 1997! Visit them at 13422 NE 177th Place, Woodinville, WA, 98072 or visit their website for more information. For any questions, email them at info@woodinvillema.com or call them at (425) 486-0900.
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Homeward Pet Adoption Center is one of the leading no-kill animal shelters in WA. They believe that every cat and dog deserve a safe, loving home. Homeward Pet transforms the lives of over 1800 cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens in need every year. They are dedicated to providing compassionate medical care to the animals, positive behavioral training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community. Visit them at 13132 NE 177th Place, Woodinville, WA 98072 or check out their website here. For any questions, email them at info@homewardpet.org or give them a call at 425-488-4444.
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Woodinville just opened their 2024 Community Grant! That means they’ve allocated $25,000 to give out to individuals or organizations hosting activities and events that promote the local economy or are of general interest to the Woodinville Community. If you have an idea in mind, fill out the application linked here and email it to AlanaW@ci.woodinville.wa.us. Call 425-877-2299 if you have any questions about the process. The city will accept completed community grant applications until Friday, February 16th, 2024, by 5 PM. For more questions, you can visit Woodinville City Hall at 17301 133rd Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 or visit the city's website here.
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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Saturday. February 3rd, 7:00 PM: lanterns, live music, bonfire, and more!
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Wednesday, February 7th - Friday, February 9th,12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: dragon theme photobooth, swag to take home, a party with friends, and more!
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Saturday, February 10th,1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Vibrant performances, music, dance, visual arts, various interactive booths for kids, food trucks, and more!
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Sunday, February 11th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: community space for queer and trans neighbors of color at the Together Center
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Friday, February 16th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: art gallery walk provided, storytelling to share Black success stories, dance party celebration with catering from a Black-owned business, and more!
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Friday, February 23rd - Sunday, February 25th: filming location bus tour, film screenings, panels, hiking, painting workshop, trivia, vendors, 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 X (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!
All the best,
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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