A Great Start to 2025!
January 2025
Dear Friend,
As we embark on the new year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary opportunity and privilege to serve the residents of District 3 as your King County Councilmember. I work hard every day to live up to the faith you’ve put in my leadership for our district and am looking forward to work together in 2025.
I am also honored by the unanimous vote of the Council to serve as the King County Council Vice Chair this year! I’m thankful to work alongside my fellow Vice Chair, Councilmember Reagan Dunn, and our new Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, along with all of our Councilmembers, for the important work ahead.
As the Councilmember entrusted to represent your voice, it means a great deal to me to hear your priorities, both individually and collectively, so I can be confident that I am representing your voice on the Council. That is the exact purpose of our annual survey below, so please take a moment to fill it out so we have your voice in the mix for the collective outcome!
Please a few minutes now to fill out these 10 survey questions now (the final deadline is Tuesday, February 11th)! Click here or the button below to take the survey now.
Thank you for making sure that your voice is represented in this important work! And, as always, lease email or call if you’d like to meet or talk about anything, at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov, or 206-477-1003. I’d love to connect!
In Gratitude,
Introducing our Newest Team Members!
I am excited to share that we have two new district 3 team members as of January!
Isabel Marie Cabañero Smith is our new Community Engagement Manager! They are studying Journalism and Political Science at the University of Washington and are starting in a part-time capacity, then joining the D3 team full-time this summer. Isabel brings experience in journalism, research, and data systems from their work with the Asian American Journalist Association, The Daily of UW, and the Racial Restrictive Covenants Project.
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Alison Jean Smith is our new intern for Data and Communications! In addition to supporting community engagement, Alison analyzes the data from your survey returns. She is also the Local Sightings Film Festival Director at Northwest Film Forum, a communications specialist for the UW School of Public Health, and a freelance arts and politics journalist. Alison is also the recipient of two first-place journalism awards from the UW Society of Professional Journalists.
Please join me in welcoming Isabel and Alison to our District 3 community when you see them out and about with our team in your area!
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2025 Council and Outside Committees!
The new year brings many opportunities to engage on issues across our region, and I am excited about the committees I have been invited to serve on this year:
We Have a New KC Councilmember Representing District 5 for 2025, De’Sean Quinn!
I want to welcome De’Sean Quinn to the Council! De’Sean will serve as the interim King County Councilmember for District 5 – a seat that former King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove vacated when elected to serve as the Commissioner for Public Lands.
De’Sean comes to the Council with a wealth of experience in city and regional government. To hold this post for 2025, De’Sean has graciously stepped down from his role serving on the Tukwila City Council, where he has served for nearly 13 years, as well as stepped down from his position as the Assistant General Manager of Partnerships and Strategies with King County Metro. We are thrilled to have him as our colleague, holding this post for 2025. Please join me in congratulating De’Sean on his appointment!
On the Issues!
On the Topic of Safe & Healthy Communities
Wildland Urban Interface Roundtable: We have seen the challenges that our communities, first responders, infrastructure, and environment face when dealing with wildfires in our region. That is why I am working hard to convene roundtables on fire safety and emergency response for our Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), along with associated insurance challenges. We are bringing together leaders from our State Legislature and other Statewide Offices, the Insurance Commissioner, and our local and tribal Fire Chiefs to have a conversation on how we can best respond to this regional concern. Stay tuned to learn more about this initiative.
On the Topic of Road & Bridge Infrastructure
I-90 Truck Parking Roundtable: Earlier this month, I convened a Snoqualmie Pass roundtable discussion about truck parking along the I-90 corridor. This is a longstanding issue that impacts our local communities as truck drivers often resort to parking on state and local roads, impacting public safety and emergency response, local resident access, interstate freight movement, and the overall economic vitality of the region. It was great to hear an update from WSDOT on their Truck Parking Implementation Plan. I look forward to continuing these conversations on the Implementation Plan, while working with our local partners to identify solutions to the public safety and infrastructure challenges that our D3 communities along I-90 face.
On the Topic of Environment
King County Flood Control District Transparency: Last November, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board of Supervisors, for which I serve as Vice Chair, passed our 2025 budget, which is designed to address ever-evolving flood risk challenges. KCFCD’s 2025 budget reflects a steadfast dedication to reducing flood risks, safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure across the county, while promoting equity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. The Flood Control District aims to provide the fullest access to records possible. Some key statistics from these records include: 371 capital projects completed or in process; 511 flood protection facilities; 40 jurisdictions served; and $24,285,065 awarded for flood reduction grants. Learn more here!
On the Topic of Small Businesses, Farms & Economic Vitality
Chamber Connections: I’ve been busy meeting with local businesses, community groups, and our seven Chambers of Commerce representing cities across D3. At the SnoValley Regional Chamber luncheon, I heard from representatives of Snoqualmie Valley Health and WSDOT, who debriefed us on projects in the I-90/SR 18 corridor. At the Sammamish Chamber lunch, we heard from experts in education, analytics, and marketing about using AI to empower small businesses. I also connected with civic and business leaders in the Issaquah and Woodinville Chambers. I look forward to continuing to partner with these organizations to boost our region’s economic vitality!
On the Topic of Housing Development & Affordability
Farmworker Housing: When we passed our 2024 Comprehensive Plan late last year, we made sure to emphasize a need that has been raised with us throughout our visits at farms across our district: Farmworker Housing. We are focused on updating our code to allow for temporary farmworker housing to be built off-site, and we are working to further conversations with our King County staff, housing partners, and farmers to ensure that we have the best possible plan laid out for all! Stay tuned for more updates.
January Celebrations and Recognitions!
 We kicked off this year with many wonderful celebrations and recognitions. On Korean American Day, we extended warm wishes to the Korean American community on their special day of recognition. We also celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at King County’s annual celebration, honoring Dr. King as the namesake of our County. This month brought us Lunar New Year, as thousands in our county and millions across the country celebrated the Year of the Snake. Finally, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remembered and honored the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of persecution.
Protecting 3,000 acres across King County!
This month, King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced $107 million in land conservation awards – approved by our King County Council – that will protect more than 3,000 acres of open space to advance climate resilience, farmland access, environmental justice, recreation access, and habitat restoration. Fifty-three projects across King County will receive funding, and among these projects is the second phase of an effort to protect 400 acres of forest at Union Hill in unincorporated King County between Sammamish and Carnation. Using funds generated by King County’s Forest Carbon Program, this is a rare opportunity to protect a contiguous block of forest that will improve water quality for salmon.
Raging River Quarry in Fall City!
For decades, the quarry alongside the banks of the Raging River in Fall City was a hub for the extraction, refinement, and processing of rock. But it also posed risks to local wildlife, including endangered Chinook salmon. Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Trust for Public Land foundation and King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), the space will have a new life as a recreational amenity. Last October, DNRP finished acquiring the ten-acre quarry, along with 41 acres of adjacent forestland. DNRP is set to begin restoring habit for salmon and other wildlife immediately. Fall City community members, nonprofits, and the Snoqualmie Tribe will serve as key partners in envisioning this new amenity.
Woodinville Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Woodinville business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity! We hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
I had the pleasure of touring one of the shining jewels of Woodinville – the family-owned Bassetti’s Crooked Arbor Gardens! This three-acre display garden is a mini slice of PNW paradise, with a retail nursery, sculpture garden, and so much else to explore. They offer wreath-making classes in the winter and are available as a wedding and luncheon venue in the spring and summer. Visit their website here or visit them at 18512 NE 165th St, Woodinville, WA 98072. For more info, including their hours, call 206-465-6868!
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The Woodinville Repertory Theatre has a storied history: it was founded in 1998 by the late Peg Phillips, who starred as a beloved shopkeeper in the TV show Northern Exposure. In the 27 years since then, the Woodinville Rep has honored Peg’s legacy by showcasing live theater for audiences across the Puget Sound. Additionally, the Rep offers winter break acting classes for kids. For information on how to see a show, book a class, or volunteer, visit their website, or give them a call at 425-298-5353. You can visit the theater at 14300 NE 145th St Suite 100, Woodinville, WA 98072.
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The City of Woodinville recently unveiled their 2025 legislative agenda! Key goals around infrastructure, housing, and community amenities will dictate the year ahead. Woodinville is also prioritizing the Trestle Bridge Replacement project. This new bridge will be a key component in the 42-mile long EasTrail Regional Trail Project, connecting Woodinville with surrounding communities and providing enhanced opportunities for walking, biking, and rolling! Interested in learning more? Consider tuning in to a City Council meeting, either virtually on this website, or in-person at Woodinville City Hall, 17301 133rd Avenue NE.
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, February 1st, 1:00 – 4:00 PM: dragon and lion dances and performances from other local artists, martial arts demonstrations, food trucks, and more to celebrate the Lunar New Year!
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Sunday, February 2nd, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: music, rhymes, and stories presented in Vietnamese and English!
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Sunday, February 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 PM: origami, Valentine’s-themed card-making, and more kid-friendly activities!
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Saturday, February 8th, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: hand-crafted desserts, artisan jewelry, and more treats from local small businesses!
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Friday, February 14th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: appetizers, wine, and live magic and comedy!
If you know of any upcoming events that you’d like us to highlight in next month’s newsletter, please share them at Isabel.Smith@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!
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 Isabel at Isabel.Smith@kingcounty.gov or at 206-507-9860 and he will set us up!
All the best,
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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