King County Flood Control District Takes Major Step on Future of the Green River
Last week, the King County Flood Control District took a major step in the creation of a flood reduction plan for the Lower Green River that will not only protect people and property from flooding but also improve salmon habitat and water quality, expand recreational opportunities, and honor the reserved rights of Tribes.
In a unanimous vote, the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors approved my motion to develop a work plan and budget for a Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan that will provide an integrated and reasonable long-term approach to reduce flood risk while also supporting habitat restoration, salmon recovery, clean water, economic development, agriculture, and recreation. Importantly, when designing these projects, we will ensure that equity, social justice, and environmental justice are considered and that tribal treaty rights are respected. Using this integrated floodplain management approach, we will create a safer and more livable Lower Green River for our community to enjoy well into the future.
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Youth Sports Funding for South King County!
This month, King County announced the recipients of our Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, and we are so excited that many of these funds will be allocated to organizations in South King County to bring various opportunities for youth in our community to get active. These grants are supported by the voter-approved King County Parks Levy which this year includes $3.5 million in Youth and Amateur Sports Grants and $1.5 million for the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund.
Here are the South King County teams and organizations that received funding under this program.
Somali Health Board – Somali Youth Soccer Program: $75,000
The Somali Youth Soccer Program will use these funds to leverage soccer as a tool for leadership training, mentoring, and structured volunteer opportunities for Somali youth. The program aims to enhance the physical, mental, and community health of participants, providing them with valuable life skills and a stronger sense of community.
Summer Search – Outdoor Recreation for South King County Youth: $100,000
Summer Search will utilize this grant to increase access to outdoor recreational opportunities for young people of color from low-income backgrounds. The program will offer summer backpacking trips, marine exploration, and winter snowboarding experiences. The goal is to provide transformational opportunities that foster resilience and a growth mindset among youth.
African Community Housing & Development (ACHD): $74,955
ACHD will use these funds to support its high-quality outdoor education programs, which improve physical and mental health, social-emotional learning, family connections, and a sense of place for African Diaspora immigrant and refugee youth in South King County.
Congolese Integration Network: $100,000
The grant will support the “Stay Active” program, which provides free outdoor soccer opportunities for Sub-Saharan refugees and immigrant youth. This initiative aims to address barriers such as language, racism, and trauma, while promoting healing, preventing the school-to-prison pipeline, and ensuring access to recreational spaces.
Skyhawks Sports Academy: $88,900
The Rise Sports of All Sorts programs funded by this grant will expand recreational opportunities for toddlers in under-resourced communities. These programs will offer dynamic, game-based learning experiences that foster fine motor skill development and engage both youth and their parents.
The Sports for All Summer Camps, supported by this grant, aims to advance play equity by addressing barriers that prevent youth and families from accessing sports programs. This initiative seeks to ensure that all children have equitable access to recreational activities and summer camps.
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District: $213,017
This funding will help maintain the pool’s facilities, preventing service interruptions and ensuring continuous access to aquatic activities for the community. By supporting this project, King County aims to improve access to swimming and fitness opportunities, particularly for youth and residents who face economic barriers to recreational facilities.
Northwest Drip Basketball: $85,462
Northwest Drip Basketball (formerly known as Big Drip Hoops) will use these funds to increase access to youth development and recreation through free and affordable camps, day clinics, exposure showcases, and community resources. Their AAU Program will continue to offer development opportunities for youth in South King County.
United in Purpose: $20,250
The Black Youth Swim Initiative will provide free summer swimming lessons to youth aged 8-15 from African Diaspora communities in South King County. By offering lessons at the YMCA, this program aims to reduce the number of youth who cannot swim and decrease drowning incidents within these communities.
Choose to Win Transitional Housing: $15,000
The Unity and Wellness Festival, hosted at Hogan Park in Kent, is designed to engage underserved populations through a culturally responsive community event. The festival will promote recreational park use and health disparity education, with a focus on equitable access to parks and vital health information.
King County believes in the power of community-driven initiatives to enrich the lives of our young people. These programs will increase access to fitness programs, improve health and wellness, and help build a more connected community.
College Way in Kent is Open!
Last week, my office joined Highline College, the City of Des Moines and Sound Transit in celebrating the official opening of College Way, the new main entrance into Highline College, off of Pacific Highway!
This new street is directly across from the Kent-Des Moines Light Rail Station (opening in 2026) and provides easy access to and from campus for students, faculty, and visitors.
Highline College Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn, who spoke at the ribbon-cutting said, “Today marks a significant milestone for our community, with the opening of the College Way entrance. This new access point not only connects us to the Pacific Highway but paves the way for greater connectivity to the upcoming rail system.”
Mayor of Des Moines Traci Buxton, Highline College Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Deputy CEO of Sound Transit Terri Mestas, and Grant Fredricks, retired public works director for Des Moines, cut the ribbon, officially opening College Way to the public.
Results of the King County Parks Levy Survey are Here!
This spring, more than 4,800 people shared their priorities for the 2026-2031 King County Parks Levy and the results are now live.
Enter the FIFA World Cup Host City Poster Contest!
Are you an artist located in Washington State? Submit a design for the FIFA World Cup Host City Poster Contest!
FIFA selects tournament and host city posters for every World Cup. SeattleFWC26 is soliciting submissions and will select up to four finalists for a design to represent our City and State. Each finalist will receive a $2,500 finalist fee. FIFA will then pick the winning design from the four finalists. The winning design will be featured as the official poster for Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, gaining national and international recognition.
They are looking for designs that capture the essence of the culture, community spirit, people, and passion for soccer that make Seattle, and Washington, special.
➔ Register by September 27th! Designs are due in October!
Join the Conversation Around Metro’s Paratransit Services
Are you an Access rider, caregiver to an Access rider, or service provider? Help shape the future of Access Transportation by taking the below survey!
King County Metro is continuing a full review of its paratransit rideshare service, Access Transportation, that will shape the service for the next seven to 10 years. They are at the stage where they are looking for community feedback from Access riders, Access caregivers, and Access service providers – organizations and businesses where Access riders are picked up and dropped off.
Celebrating 10 Years at the King County Council
Last week, we held the Legislative Branch Service Awards at the King County Council, and I was honored to be awarded my certificate for 10 years of service by my friend and colleague Councilmember Dunn. It is hard to believe that it has been a decade since I was first elected to represent the people of South King County, and I thank you for the continued opportunity to make positive change.
 I love representing this region and am honored to have served you for the last ten years. Many of you have become friends, and I continue to meet new community members every day as I go about my work. I hope you will continue to engage with me, so that together, we can keep South King County a great place to learn, work and live.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas, and input. Please feel welcome to contact me via email at Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.
You can watch Council meetings via livestream on the Council's website or on KCTV channel 22. We take general public comment on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
To learn more about testifying before Council go to: https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/committees/full_council.aspx
Sincerely,
Dave Upthegrove
King County Councilmember
District 5
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