It is officially summer here in the Pacific Northwest and I wanted to share with you some updates from the County Council, as well as some information about events going on in our community next month. As always, please share with your networks or anyone you think might be interested!

Living Well Kent (LWK) is a community-driven organization dedicated to ensuring a healthier lifestyle for local immigrants and refugees. Their work includes early learning and language development with young children, food access through their greenhouse and farmer’s market program, and efforts to empower youth in their communities. 

One of their extremely successful programs, their Farmland Access Program, grants access to 15 acres of farmland and 2200 square feet of greenhouse space to aspiring farmers who want to grow their own food. These farmers can then sell their crops at LWK’s farmers market in Kent to help improve their neighbors’ access to healthy food. 

Check out their website and Facebook page for more information about what they do and where to find their farmer’s market all summer long! 

➔ https://livingwellkent.org/index.html 

➔ https://www.facebook.com/LWKcollaborative  

As the past Chair of the King County Flood Control District, I spearheaded legislation around how we can continue to do the district’s work of protecting people and property from flooding while also ensuring we are undertaking these projects in a way that protects our iconic Chinook salmon, increases recreational opportunities along the river and advances equity and social justice. 

Last month the King County Flood Control District’s released the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). This is a major milestone in flood hazard management planning for our Lower Green River communities, so it was important that we heard from historically disadvantaged populations whose voices are often not sought – or included – in these key conversations.   

The District engaged with five trusted Community Navigators to advise, support outreach, and distribute accessible materials, translated into eight commonly used languages, through the project area. The Navigators were established leaders in the community who shared two-way information and insights with the District and supported the District’s efforts to educate, engage, and gain feedback from community members. 

Of the total 904 comment items received during the draft PEIS comment period, 872 were community discussion surveys filled out by the public in six languages - this equates to over 96% of all comments received!

The spectacular success of the public engagement completed by the Navigators on behalf of the District has been recognized as a best practice to advance equity and social justice by the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expressed interest in incorporating the lessons learned into FEMA’s new Future of Flood Risk Data program. 

Public participation strengthens our democratic process, fosters transparency, and builds trust between the government and the community. This innovative approach to gathering community feedback means we can ensure that all voices are heard when we make important decisions about the future of flood protection on the Green River.

➔ Keep up with the KCFCD by following their blog! 

Climate change is increasing the potential for wildfires in King County with about 15% of the population living in areas where wildfires pose a significant risk and many more impacted by the smoke generated by wildfires. 

As we enter wildfire season, we must do all we can to ensure that our communities are protected from the devastating effects of these fires.  And we must make sure we are prepared to act should emergency responders activate evacuation alerts. 

What we are doing: 

King County has received a $340,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct public outreach and develop a county-wide community wildfire protection plan. The county also recently hired a forester who is working with residents and small forest landowners on wildfire risk reduction. 

The King County Sheriff’s Office has two new helicopter firefighting buckets that each hold more than 200 gallons of water. They fill quickly when dipped in water and also empty quickly while flying over an active fire. The Sheriff’s Office, with support from the King County Council, funded the buckets which are ready to be deployed. 

The Ready, Set, Go! evacuation campaign educates the public on how to respond to the three levels of evacuations and prepares them for actions they should take at each level.

When it comes to wildfires, prevention is key but so is preparation – know what to do if you are alerted by authorities that evacuation may be necessary. 

Last month we sent out our summer mailer full of wonderful events in the cities in our district, you can visit my website for more information on the events happening all summer long: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/council/governance-leadership/county-council/councilmembers-districts/dave-upthegrove/events  

Here are a few highlights of some upcoming July events:

In Des Moines

Come celebrate at the Seafair Waterland Festival and Parade!  

➔ Friday, July 19–Sunday, July 23 in the Marina District.

➔ Activities include a children’s carnival, parade, live music, food, plus a car and boat show.

➔ See festival website at https://www.destinationdesmoines.org/ for a full schedule of events.

In Renton

Join in at the Renton River Days where there will be performances, parade, arts and crafts, and a rubber duck derby. 

➔ Friday, July 26–Sunday, July 28 at Liberty Park and Cedar River Park  

➔ The Parade is Saturday, July 27 at 10am on S. Third Street   

➔ More information: https://www.rentonwa.gov/city_hall/parks_and_recreation/recreation/events/renton_river_days  

In Kent

Celebrate the Fourth of July with a Splash!  

➔ Thursday, July 4, 5–10pm at Lake Meridian Park  

➔ No parking is allowed at Lake Meridian Park. Follow event parking signs to access free shuttle service.  

➔ Find more information at: https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/fourth-of-july-splash

In SeaTac

Check out the Family Bike Rodeo! 

➔ Saturday, June 29, 11am–2pm  

➔ North SeaTac Park (parking lot)  

➔ Join us for some fun with your bicycles and enjoy a bicycle course for kids up to age 7 and activities for kids up to 11 years old to participate in! Plus learn about bicycle safety and the proper way to put on a helmet.  

➔ Free helmets will be available until they run out!

In Tukwila

Come join the Touch-a-Truck Event!  

➔ Saturday, July 27, 11am– 2pm (first hour is quiet hour, e.g. no horns, sirens, etc.)  

➔ Come see vehicles from Tukwila Parks and Rec, Public Works, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and more!  

➔ Visit https://www.flipsnack.com/685E9E88B7A/tukwila-rec-guide-spring-summer-2024/full-view.html  for more information on all Tukwila events! 

Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or neighbor – we all know of a senior who calls King County home.  

To ensure that our seniors have access to essential programs, services and social engagement opportunities, our King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) has made investments to support their unique needs, and I’m happy to share that a few of our South King County senior centers were recently awarded funds! 

Here is how they will each be using these funds: 

➔ City of SeaTac: The City of SeaTac Seniors program will use VSHSL funds to support language access through materials translation and recruitment of bilingual staff & volunteers, culturally diverse programming including a weekly multicultural meal (in addition to meals served and delivered throughout the week), and outreach & recreational activities. 

➔ City of Tukwila: City of Tukwila’s Senior Center will use VSHSL funds to support the staffing and supplies for a variety of recreation, fitness, and educational activities, as well as special events and outings. 

➔ Kent Senior Activity Center (KSAC): The Kent Senior Activity Center will use VSHSL funds to support primary staffing for a range of activities, classes, events, and outings, including meals and a food pantry. In addition, funds will support a mental health counseling partnership with Valley Cities Mental Health and other new programs designed to decrease social isolation & increase the number and diversity of seniors reached by KSAC. 

➔ Indian American Community Services (IACS): The majority of VSHSL funds for IACS are going to support North & East King County efforts. A small portion of the IACS award is intended to support programming occurring in rented spaces in Kent, including meals, classes, and events.