A critical milestone was made this week to protect a critical wildlife corridor between Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Bellevue’s Coal Creek Natural Area. I began working with ‘Save Coal Creek’, a coalition of residents from the district with the goal of preserving this corridor.  

Over the course of the last two years, I have worked with my colleague Councilmember Claudia Balducci, the City of Bellevue, and Save Coal Creek to support this project. Earlier this year, we were successful in securing a $9.2 million King County Conservations Futures grant for the purpose of purchasing a 12.2 acre parcel of land adjacent to the Coal Creek Natural Area. This week, I was pleased to see the Bellevue City Council voted to provide matching funds and approve the purchase of the property. 

I am proud to have supported this once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve our green space, fill in a critical wildlife corridor, and preserve local history, while also adding more trails to one of our region’s most popular hiking destinations. I want to thank Save Coal Creek for highlighting the need and for all their work to conserve these lands for generations to come. This would not be possible without their advocacy, and the strong partnership with the City of Bellevue and Councilmember Balducci.  

This is another example of how we can bring community together with a common goal and accomplish great things.   

All my best,

On Tuesday, the King County Council unanimously passed legislation, jointly put forth by myself, Councilmember Sarah Perry, Councilmember Claudia Balducci, to provide additional support to those most impacted by the bomb cyclone storm. This legislation will help alleviate permitting issues, provide support, and reimburse costs for residents following the bomb cyclone. I’m thankful to all of my colleagues for their support for this critical legislation.  

While there is still work to be done, this legislation requests the King County Executive to assist in expediting permitting for home, farm and business repairs, and expand grant programs for residents who have incurred out of pocket living expenses as a result of extended power outages, such as fuel for generators, short term hotel charges, food spoilage, dump tipping fees, tree and branch removal and other storm related expenses. The grant program would also help those who may have been uninsured and underinsured for certain storm damage. 

King County Emergency Management is still collecting reports of damage to residences, those impacted who haven’t already reported damage should do so at this link. They can also learn more at kcemergency.com. A collaborative effort is also focused on the unincorporated areas of Hobart, Mirrormont, and the East Renton Highlands where residents are still need of assistance with clean up. Residents in those areas who want help should send an email to damagereporting@kingcounty.gov and say “Debris Clearing” in the subject line. 

There are still many of our residents who will feel the effects of the damage caused by the storm long into the future. This is just one step in undertaking King County’s role of assisting these individuals in recovery.   

As some of you may remember, I wrote an OpEd in the Seattle Times last month regarding a new tax that came before the King County Council for final passage this week.   

The Council voted to create a property tax to fund maintenance, operations, capital projects at Harborview Medical Center, and I have continued concerns that these dollars will be siphoned off by King County to fund our Public Health Clinic budget deficit. In my view, King County needs to make the necessary choices to improve operations, reduce waste, and balance its budget before raising taxes. Looking to taxpayers for more money should always be a last resort.  

Read my OpEd at this link 

On Tuesday, the King County Council approved final passage of this tax increase. I voted to oppose the increase.  

The Alan M. Painter Grant Program — formerly known as Community Service Area grants — is now accepting applications for 2025. The grants fund community projects that allow residents of the unincorporated areas to engage with and be more connected to their communities.  

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13. Learn more and apply at the grant website here.  

Local food is vital to King County’s economy, environment, and communities. That’s why we need your input to help shape the future of our food system!  

The King County Local Food Initiative has supported farmers, food businesses, and increased access to healthy andaffordable food for nearly a decade. Now, as we update the plan, we want to hear from YOU!  

Take our survey by January 31st and help create a vision for a resilient, equitable, and sustainable local food system that works for everyone. The survey is open to all King County residents and is available in Spanish, Hmong, and Kiswahili. To select a language other than English, simply click the gray box in the upper right-hand corner and choose your preferred language.