Leaping into Progress!
February 2024
Earlier this month, I joined the Sammamish YMCA and Sammamish Seniors to award them with a $10,000 grant to kick off their new free pickleball program for older adults!
Dear Friend,
Happy Leap Day! February was absolutely filled to the brim with community meetings and celebrations, with plenty of progress made toward bettering our communities. With the opening of our 2024 Councilmanic Grant Applications, we're excited to provide local organizations with resources they need to continue driving positive change. We currently have 5 grant opportunities open in our office:
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Van Grant: Metro van donated to transport seniors, youth, or those living with disabilities or with low incomes, OR to transport goods and supplies to those described above. 2014 Dodge minivan (average value of $10,000).
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Community Service Grants: Open to all to help further community needs. $25,000 to award at a minimum of $2,500 each.
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Veterans Service Organization Grants: For veterans’ services organizations for any reason. $15,000 to award at a minimum of $2,500 each.
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Housing Stability Grants: To support local housing stability. $60,000 to award at a minimum of $5,000 each.
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Get Active, Stay Active: For amateur sport or fitness programs for youth or senior residents. $100,000 to award at a minimum of $5,000 each.
Van Grant Applications are due by March 14th - apply for the van grant here! The other grant applications are due by April 14th - apply for the councilmanic grants here!
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!
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
Share Your Priorities Today: D3 Survey!
We have received over 1,650 responses to our 2024 District 3 Winter Survey – thank you if you have already submitted your survey! We want to ensure we're representing your priorities, and the collective priorities of the district, so we still have a way to go to hear from each of our communities. If you haven't done so already, please take a moment now to complete these 10 survey questions (by March 9th)!
Out in the Community!
As part of a committed and engaged Carnation coalition, I joined a meeting in Olympia hosted by our 12th LD Sen. Brad Hawkins to talk with WA State Transportation Committee Leaders about a SR 203 Roundabout at Tolt Hill!
 (Left): So fun to have celebrated Twin Peaks Day on Feb. 24 in North Bend and Snoqualmie with North Bend Mayor Mary Miller and SnoValley Chamber Executive Director Kelly Coughlin; (Right): Special thanks to the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe for the invitation to join them to see the Seattle Kraken vs. Minnesota Wild at Saturday’s game.
February Recognitions and Holidays!
 This month was full of wonderful holidays and proclamations! For example, Council proclaimed and celebrated February as Black History Month, and was joined by Jay Taylor, a local artist and board member at ONYX Fine Arts Collective which cultivates and showcases the artwork of artists of African descent. Our D3 team celebrated locally by highlighting a longtime community member and chef Clive Gomez for his restaurant, Flavour Bistro in Duvall. We also extended warm wishes to those who celebrated the start of Lunar New Year. Valentine’s Day and President’s Day were also this month, rounding out the plethora of joyous holidays. Last but not least, I was honored to join KC Executive Dow Constantine in proclaiming Feb. 24 as Twin Peaks Day in King County, celebrating a cultural and creative icon in the heart of our District!
On the Issues!
This year, our D3 team has highlighted four priority areas: Environment & Farm Protection; Behavioral Health, Housing & Homelessness; Community Health & Safety; and Creative & Economic Development. We are hard at work convening weekly meetings with organizations and are looking forward to all the positive change we can create together!
On the Topic of the Environment & Farm Protection
Explore Tracks: Check out an interactive map that shows Environmental stewardship projects led by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP).
Raging River Acquisition: DNRP recently acquired a 1.29-acre vacant parcel along the Raging River, permanently protecting intact riparian forest and floodplain.
King County Draft Flood Plan: King County is in the final stages of updating its Flood Plan which will better prepare our region for the more frequent, severe flooding expected to occur due to climate change. Review the draft here and join the next online meeting on Thursday, March 7th from 1:30 - 3:15 PM to share your thoughts.
On the Topic of Behavioral Health, Housing & Homelessness
Crisis Care Center Initiative: After voters approved the Crisis Care Centers levy last year, the county embarked on an implementation plan process. KC Executive Dow Constantine transmitted the detailed implementation plan on December 29, 2023. The plan, now under Council review, focuses on building crisis care centers, restoring behavioral health facilities, and reinforcing the behavioral health workforce. Public engagement is ongoing, with monthly community updates planned every third Tuesday from February to April, 2:30 - 3:30 PM and 6 - 7 PM. For more details, visit this website. If you have any questions, please e-mail CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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 rates 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, we were briefed in our Committee of the Whole, and you can watch that briefing here.
Upcoming D3 Town Hall: North Bend!
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 North Bend Town Hall on Thursday, March 14th at 6:30 PM at the North Bend Library! Join us as we learn from each other, get to know one another, and work together to ensure our community is thriving! We will be joined by Mayor Mary Miller and guests from KC's Creative Economy, Behavioral Health, and Environmental Preservation Departments. Sign up now!
Property Tax Relief Programs
2024 Property Tax statements were mailed on Feb. 15th. For more information about payment options, visit the Property Tax Payment webpage. If you have not received a statement by March 1st, email propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov or call 206-263-2890. If you're wondering where your tax dollars go, you can look up your information using the Taxpayer Transparency Tool provided by the KC Assessor!
Limited Income Deferral Program
Property owners on a limited income may be eligible for tax relief. More information can be found here. Questions? Email exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov or call 206-263-2338.
Tax Relief Programs for Seniors and People with Disabilities
In 2019, the State Legislature passed SB 5160, which expanded the income thresholds for the property tax exemption and deferral programs. If you applied for a property tax exemption in the past but didn’t qualify, consider applying for 2024 because the allowable income levels have increased substantially to $84,000. Find more information here. Questions? Email exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-3920.
Have Your Voice Heard on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan!
It is an important year for our Local Services and Land Use (LSLU) 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 for all. It affects everything from identifying the best locations to build homes, offices and stores, how roads impact surrounding areas, access to clean water, and much more. Learn more here!
We want to hear from YOU! Join us on Thursday, March 7th at 6:30 PM at the Riverview Educational Service Center (15510 1st Ave NE, Duvall) in our District to give your input to the 10-year update of the Comprehensive Plan! Doors open at 6 PM for questions and conversation and the meeting starts at 6:30 PM.
Please take an opportunity to learn more about the comprehensive planning process on our website or by watching this video. You can also email questions to the King County Council at CouncilCompPlan@kingcounty.gov.
Give Your Input on the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station
King County Solid Waste Division is hosting three upcoming public input opportunities for the public to attend to learn about the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station (NERTS) project, meet the project team, and make formal comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The public hearings include:
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Draft EIS Public Hearing #1 (in-person): Wednesday, March 6th (6 - 8 PM), Lake Washington High School (12033 NE 80th St, Kirkland, WA 98033)
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Draft EIS Public Hearing #2 (virtual): Thursday, March 7th (6 - 8 PM), virtual, via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84538113399
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Draft EIS Public Hearing #3 (in-person): Wednesday, March 13th (6 - 8 PM), Woodinville High School (19819 136th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072)
Community members can also submit formal comments online through April 9th. Visit the NERTS website to learn about the project and submit your comments.
Paid Internships with KC Parks and Wastewater Treatment Division!
The KC Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a paid summer internship program for teens interested in being outdoors, parks, and the environment. For more information reach out to ycc@kingcounty.gov or visit this website.
The KC Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is offering paid teen and college internships and spring career events. For information reach out to kristin.covey@kingcounty.gov or visit this website.
KC Parks ADA Transition Plan Survey
King County Parks is updating its ADA Transition Plan to help address access for all individuals. They have a community survey to get feedback on how to remove barriers to access to local parks and regional trails in a way that is consistent with the community’s needs. Please make your voice heard by completing the survey!
Don't Forget to Vote!
The Presidential Primary is coming up on Tuesday, March 12 and voters should have received their ballots in the mail by Monday, Feb. 26th. If yours has yet to arrive, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) and they'll get you what you need. To learn more about this election, KC Elections put together this video on the Presidential Primary (available in non-English languages upon request).
King County Elections has also added Russian and Somali to the suite of full-service languages. Voters can now get their ballots, voters’ pamphlets, voter education, and customer service in Russian and Somali, joining Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese as provided languages. All registered voters can sign up to receive their materials in their preferred language by filling out this online form, calling King County Elections at 206-296-8683, or sending an email to elections@kingcounty.gov.
We encourage you all to be civically engaged and fill out your ballots during this important once-every-four-years election!
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!
Issaquah Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on an Issaquah 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!
CITRINE design shop is a Black-owned and woman-owned brick and mortar business started by Adia Mei Jun Bobo. The small business started in 2022 and features items curated from Adia’s cumulative experiences and desire to support the local communities. Visit them at Issaquah’s Gilman Village at 317 NW Gilman Blvd, Suite 25, Issaquah WA 98027 or check out their website. For any questions, fill out their online contact form or give them a call at 425-657-0657.
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Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) is the result of many successful partnerships of local community and the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FISH promotes salmon friendly habitat, watershed stewardship and local conservation efforts. The Issaquah hatchery is the most visited of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s hatcheries, with thousands of visitors every year. Visit them at 125 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027 or check out their website. For any questions, send them an email at exedir@issaquahfish.org or given them a call at 425-392-1118.
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Looking for a fun and interesting way to make a difference in your community? The City of Issaquah currently needs members for their Issaquah Boards and Commissions! Members serve without compensation but may be eligible to participate in the City’s stipend program. Applications from community members beyond Issaquah’s City limits are accepted; however, most boards and commissions require a majority of its members to live within the boundary. Submit your application here by March 7, 2024 at 5 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Chief of Staff, Tina Eggers, via email or at 425-837-3004. For additional questions, you can visit City Hall at 130 E Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027 or visit their website.
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, March 2nd, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: vendors, wellness and fitness classes, live music, complimentary or discounted spa/wellness services, giveaways, raffles, and more!
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Friday, March 8th, 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM: guest speakers and panels on building resilience and becoming a trauma-informed community.
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Saturday, March 16th, 9:00 AM: running, walking, medals, costume contest, fun prizes, and more!
- Saturday, March 16th, 4:00 - 8:00 PM: hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music, and a wonderful art show!
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Saturday, March 23rd, 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM: colors, music, dance, fun, contests, tasty Indian food, and more!
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Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt: Friday, March 29th, 8:30 PM: egg hunting with flashlights!
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Bunny Hop Egg Hunt, Ages 1-11: Saturday, March 30th, 10:00 AM: egg hunting, Mr. Bunny, and family fun!
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Downtown is Hopping: Saturday, March 30th, 10:30 - 11:30 AM: special treats and fun activities in Downtown Snoqualmie!
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Saturday, March 30th, 2:00 - 10:00 PM: pedestrian-only event, people-powered floats, handmade costumes, musicians, live music, kids' activities, 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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