2024 Winter Survey Results!
May 2024
Dear Friend,
Earlier this year we sent out a district-wide survey and 3,537 residents responded, sharing thoughts, priorities, and issues we can work on together for our communities! We have been reviewing these responses and want to thank you if you shared your priorities with us!
As we explore next steps in these areas, we wanted to share a snapshot of the responses we collected. Please take a moment to see our 2024 District 3 Winter Survey results here and check out an overview below of the top 5 priorities that we heard from community members. Note: the presentation linked here highlights our total data results – next week, we will be sharing out results by city!
We've learned so much from this process that will inform our decision-making in District 3. Thank you again for sharing your priorities. 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
King County Minimum Wage Ordinance
Earlier this month the Council passed legislation to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated King County to $20.29/hour, with annual adjustments to account for inflation. This goes into effect in 2025, allowing for small businesses to implement the full wage increase at a more gradual pace. The new hourly wage equates to an annual salary of $40,580, still well below a standard living wage for our region.
This ordinance was originally brought to the Council for consideration last September. After hearing from our community, I urged my colleagues to slow the process down for the better part of a year to ensure that there was ample time to get input from those who had been left out of the discussion to date – our farmers and rural business owners.
I began meeting with our small business owners from the towns of Snoqualmie Pass and Fall City, and with our Snoqualmie and Sammamish Valley farm owners specifically, where some of the thinnest profit margins are found. At the end of the day businesses need to be able to attract workers and maintain a functioning business model so that jobs that are needed exist, so local economies can thrive.
Most of our farms and businesses are meeting or exceeding this increased wage. However, the conversations illustrated significant barriers that our farmers are facing, including a lack of workforce housing and transit options, a lack of affordable land ownership options, and much more. It’s clear that meeting our values of sustainable farming in King County requires more to ensure farming viability.
However, paying workers less than the going market rate is not the solution according to our farmers.
The Agricultural Commission, farmers, and small business owners informed my amendment to the minimum wage ordinance – I am happy to share that the amendment passed unanimously. The amendment specifically asks the King County Executive to study ordinance impacts on our farms and to provide program and policy recommendations addressing the challenges for this vital rural industry.
With this sector-informed amendment in place, I was comfortable voting for the proposed minimum wage increase. I’m grateful to my colleagues for more time to speak to the farmers, and others, who took time to engage in these illuminating conversations. I am committed to fighting hard to make sure our small businesses and farms succeed county-wide so that all of our communities can thrive.
Out in the Community!
 (Left): Joined the City of Duvall, SnoValley Pride, Pride Across the Bridge, Eastside Pride PNW, and many more organizations at Duvall's Pride in the Park Celebration; (Right): Joined BMM BConnect Seattle Chapter’s Business Community event, recognizing the Marathi community's business impact!
(Left): Celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Centro Cultural Mexicano and thousands of community members in Redmond; (Right): Celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Sammamish Town Center with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, KC Executive Dow Constantine, Sammamish Mayor Kali Clark and Councilmembers, City Manager Scott Maccoll, and Matthew Samwick from Innovation Development.
 (Left): Joined the American Legion, Post 79 (Snoqualmie) in Preston, North Bend, and Snoqualmie for their Memorial Day Services; (Right): Joined VFW Post #3436 (Issaquah) at Issaquah Lower Hillside Cemetery for their Memorial Day Service.
May Recognitions and Holidays!
 May was full of festivities, holidays, and proclamations! At the start of the month, we celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing the diverse community in District 3 and across the county. Council also proclaimed May 12-18, 2024 as Police Week in King County, recognizing our Police Chiefs, KC Sheriff's officers, and first responders who serve our communities every single day. We recognized May 12th as Mother's Day, celebrating all of the wonderful mothers in our community, and also recognized May 27th as Memorial Day, sharing our love and gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, our loved ones, and our nation. We wrapped up May with a proclamation of May 2024 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Month, and were honored by the presence and beautiful remarks of Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Councilmember Donny Stevenson. We look forward to what June has in store for us!
On the Issues!
This year, our team highlighted four priority areas: Environment & Farm Protection; Behavioral Health, Housing & Homelessness; Community Health & Safety; and Creative & Economic Development. We are hard at work convening meetings with organizations and are looking forward to the positive change we can create together!
On the Topic of the Environment & Farm Protection
World Fish Migration Day and KC Flood Control District: On May 25th, we celebrated World Fish Migration Day, a movement that highlights the connections between migratory fish, ecosystems, and human communities. At the King County Flood Control District, there is a commitment to supporting healthy ecosystems and thriving fish populations, including through funding Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) Forums across King County to ensure that we continue to support our habitat restoration initiatives! Learn more about this commitment on their weekly blog here.
On the Topic of Behavioral Health, Housing & Homelessness
UW Medicine, Center for Behavioral Health & Learning: On May 15th, our office had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting for the new University of Washington Medicine Center for Behavioral Health & Learning! This facility, funded by the State Legislature, has 150 beds dedicated to inpatient behavioral healthcare, including 75 long term civil commitment beds, that supports both the State’s commitment to our behavioral health system along with amplifying the work that King County has been doing to address our regional behavioral health issues. This space will also be the new home for training programs for health students, launching the next generation of our workforce! Thank you to all the legislators and partners who were involved in making this a reality.
On the Topic of Community Health & Safety
Free Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits: Over the past few years, overdose death rates have skyrocketed, driven primarily by fentanyl. There were 2,001 opioid overdose deaths in 2022 in Washington, with 1,803 of those involving fentanyl, according to state Department of Health data. We recently learned that more than 54,000 free opioid overdose reversal kits will be coming to Washington. We know that Naloxone reverses fentanyl overdoses and saves lives, so this is a critical step in helping us fight the opioid epidemic. Learn more about these kits here.
On the Topic of Creative & Economic Development
Creative Districts: Since July of 2023, we’ve been convening monthly meetings with a representative from each city and township in our district to learn more about the ArtsWA Creative District program and provide a foundation of resources for each of these communities to pursue Creative District certification. With the passage of Doors Open, we are excited about the opportunities that will become available to our cities, especially as they pursue Creative District certification.
Upcoming Town Hall: Snoqualmie Pass
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 Snoqualmie Pass Town Hall on Thursday, June 20th at 6:00 PM at Silver Fir Lodge, Summit at Snoqualmie (80 Tanner Way, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068)! Join us to learn and share as we get to know each other and how we can work together to ensure that Snoqualmie Pass has the best communities possible for all! We will be joined by KC Experts, so stay tuned for more information! Space is limited, so click "Going" on the Facebook event and sign up for the event here so that we have all the needed seats (kiddos welcome)!
Update on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan!
It is an important year for our Local Services and Land Use (LSLU) Committee as we have been working on this year’s once-a-decade Comprehensive Plan update. This plan is an opportunity to reshape how we plan for a healthy future for all.
Our committee began reviewing the plan on January 17th, followed by bi-monthly briefings and five evening community meetings for community input. From the feedback we received, I gave direction to our staff to develop the Comprehensive Plan striking amendment. This striker – which replaces the original legislation with a new version that incorporates community feedback – represents the culmination of nearly 6 months of work to integrate input and build upon the plan that was transmitted to Council by the Executive in December of 2023.
My colleagues and I listened to the issues that are important to YOU, and this striker includes critical feedback that community members shared, including a focus on housing, public safety, economic development, access to clean water and a healthy environment, and much more! To provide more information on the striker, we recorded a quick video talking through some of the highlights. Watch it here!
The next step in this process is on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:30 AM at our Local Services and Land Use meeting, when we will vote on this striking amendment. After this plan is passed out of committee, we will continue to work over the summer and another striking amendment will be developed and reviewed at full Council later this year. The vote on final passage of the plan is expected by Council at the end of the year. As always, thanks for participating and making your voice heard!
Farm Visits Across District 3!
This year, one of our main priorities has been to visit farms across our District to learn about their work and hear any farming and agricultural related challenges, concerns, and opportunities for support that we can work on together! We've met with over a dozen farms already this year, so we wanted to spend time highlighting D3's incredible farms! Check out our May farm highlights at the links below:
King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders
Join Seattle & King County Public Health, KC Recovery Coalition, KC Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), KC Council and Councilmember Reagan Dunn, and many others on Thursday, June 6th from 9 AM - 3 PM at Highline College (2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198) for King County's 4th Annual Conference on Substance Use. This year's theme is 'Embracing a Vision for Hope,' as we unite to highlight pathways and opportunities for individuals along their journey of recovery! Learn more below and don't forget to register!
King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission Opening
Are you passionate about supporting immigrant and refugee communities in King County? Join the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC)! King County is seeking dedicated individuals to join the KCIRC and be a voice for our diverse communities. The Commission works as a hub and central connecting place for building direct relationships with and supporting the vision for social justice for immigrant and refugee communities in King County. For more information and to apply, please visit the KCIRC website here or email kcirc@kingcounty.gov.
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!
North Bend Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a North Bend business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity! We hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
The Line - Bicycle Experience Center is a new concept in bike shops! They aim to help people experience the fun of bikes by making the right equipment available at low cost and help riders with the skills and knowledge they need to enjoy bikes! Beyond the shop, they have fun community programs and offerings, including a new cafe, a backyard skills area, and inclusive rides and education for all ages. Visit their website here or stop by the store at 1130 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045. Questions? Call them at 425-292-9135 or send them an email at info@theline.bike.
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The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank is a community-based food bank founded on the belief that the health of our community is dependent on the wellbeing of those that live in it. They have three guiding principles: to be a helpful inclusive resource to our neighbors when they need a hand up; to be a safe place to get food and other helpful resources; and to treat all clients with respect and care. They are currently teaming up with the North Bend Police Department to help feed local children dealing with food insecurity, and you can learn more here. Visit their website here or stop by the food bank at 122 East 3rd Street, North Bend, WA 98045. Questions? Call them at 425-888-7832 or send them an email at director@snoqualmievalleyfoodbank.org.
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The City of North Bend has been up to a lot of exciting initiatives under the leadership of Mayor Mary Miller and the City Council. From the opening of Tennant Trailhead Park to adopting the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), there is a lot going on in North Bend. They are also looking at ways to engage more young leaders as they are looking for youth between the ages of 16 to 18 who reside within the Snoqualmie Valley School District boundaries to fill a position on the Parks Commission! The deadline for submissions is June 14th, and you can apply here. Questions? Call 425-888-7627 or send an email to soppedal@northbendwa.gov. For further inquiries, visit City Hall at 920 SE Cedar Falls Way, North Bend, WA 98045.
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!
District 3 Farmers Markets:
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Saturday, June 1st, 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM: family activities, parade, vendors, music, activities, fireworks, and more!
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Saturday, June 8th, 7:30 AM - 5:45 PM: parade, 5k/10k/kids 1k run, dunk tanks, arts and crafts, tie-dye activities, food vendors, live music, and more!
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Saturday, June 8th, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM: fun performances, a variety of vendors, and more!
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Sunday, June 9th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: family activities, brunch picnic, live music, craft stations, games, and more!
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Thursday, June 13th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: 18 artist exhibitions!
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Saturday, June 15th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: curated selection of small and local Black-owned businesses and artists!
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Saturday, June 15th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM: music, food trucks, popcorn vendor, dance circles, artists and authors, steam train, and more!
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Saturday, June 15th, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: pancake breakfast, fun run, parade, open air market, BBQ, street dance, arts and crafts, bounce house, and more!
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Friday, June 21st, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: delicious shawarma, lively music, art projects, fun activities, and more!
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Saturday, June 22nd, 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM: family art activities, food and craft vendors, yoga, live music, 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 Nicole at nicole.ballard@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003 and she will set us up!
All the best,
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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