Championing Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness!
May 2025
Dear Friend,
Earlier today, I joined Councilmember Dunn in sending a letter to the Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urging the federal administration to reconsider its denial of critically needed funds to address lasting damage from last November’s bomb cyclone.
As our D3 communities remember all too well, the once-in-a-generation bomb cyclone last November generated winds of up to 74 mph, caused hundreds of thousands across the region to lose electricity in the worst power outage in Washington state since 2006, and left many homes uninhabitable. The state’s request documented over $34 million in damages across six counties, and $17.56 million in King County alone.
Helping citizens recover from natural disasters of this extreme magnitude is precisely the reason FEMA exists as an agency. Given the overwhelming bipartisan support for this necessary disaster relief, it is extremely disappointing to see the original application for disaster relief denied.
I stand with fellow elected leaders across Washington in confidence that the state has indisputably met all the criteria needed to qualify for federal funds. On behalf of D3 residents who are in serious need of assistance, I am urging FEMA to reconsider this decision and approve the state’s pending relief appeal.
Our office will continue to keep you updated on this critical issue. And as always, you can contact the D3 team by sending an email to sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or by calling 206-477-1003.
All the best,
Council Briefings & Actions!
 Council has been working hard this month! Here is some of the work on the issues that you’ve expressed matter most to you:
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Federal Funding Cuts Briefing: Earlier this week, the Committee of the Whole received a briefing from the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget regarding the risks to County residents in light of proposed federal funding cuts. As we continue to confront growing threats at the federal level toward the critical services King County residents rely on, the Council is keeping these potential impacts in mind while we consider our own budget decisions and priorities.
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Critical Areas Ordinance: County regulations play a key role in protecting our region’s flora and fauna and preserving its natural beauty for generations to come. The proposed revision to the Critical Areas Ordinance, as required by State law, would expand protections for wetlands, shorelines, and lakes and rivers. The Local Services and Land Use Committee is in the process of reviewing this legislation now and is looking for feedback from the community. The next briefing on the ordinance will take place at the committee’s Wednesday, July 16 meeting at 9:30 a.m., and we want to hear from you! You can learn more about how to provide public comment here.
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Farm Conservation Briefing: In the Local Services and Land Use Committee, we heard a briefing on the King Conservation District’s (KCD) Farm Conservation Plans. KCD collaborates with our farmers and ranchers to develop conservation plans that address their needs while preserving the natural resources that we all rely on.
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; Flood Control District; Local Services and Land Use; Budget and Fiscal Management; Committee of the Whole; Government Accountability and Oversight; Employment and Administration; Transportation, Economy, and Environment.
Ensuring the health and safety of
our communities through
wildfire preparedness!
Wildfire season is fast approaching. At the same time, the Council, the Executive Office, and many King County departments are working to make our communities more prepared for and resilient to wildfires.
Together with King County Executive Shannon Braddock, I proclaimed the month of May as Wildfire Awareness Month in King County! We presented the proclamation to Brendan McCluskey, the director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
OEM has been doing amazing work to inform us all about the strategic actions we can take – such as preparing for evacuation and making our homes more fire resistant – to reduce the risks wildfires pose to our homes and communities.
It’s critical that each of us is equipped with the knowledge and resources to prepare ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our properties for wildfires. Wildfire Awareness Month presents an opportunity for us to acknowledge the responsibility we all share in reducing the risks that wildfires pose to the health and safety of our communities.
In the Local Services and Land Use and Transportation, Economy, and Environment committees, we heard from OEM about preparing for wildfires, smoke, and extreme heat. As chair of the Local Services and Land Use Committee, I’m leading work to improve our wildfire preparedness and response, building on the Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy that the county established in 2022.
 To be most impactful, wildfire prevention must be tailored to each locality’s geography and history of wildfire risk. That’s why King County is developing a county-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) with input from experts, local leaders, and community members.
Do you feel prepared to prevent wildfires in your community and evacuate safely in the event of an emergency? Visit https://publicinput.com/kingcocwpp to take their five-minute survey and share your thoughts.
Increasing access and staying safe on our hiking trails this summer!
King County Metro’s Trailhead Direct service is back! Now, you can use Metro buses to access beloved D3 trails in Mount Si and the Issaquah Alps on weekends and holidays all summer long!
There’s a recently created stop in downtown Issaquah that you can use to access the most popular trails in our district and enjoy our beautiful environment that attracts so many people to D3! For information on routes, timetables, and park-and-ride options, visit the Trailhead Direct website here.
As we set out to explore our district’s beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, and forestlands, it’s important to learn how to stay safe in the wilderness. The King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA) works to promote cooperation between our region’s search and rescue units and citizen first responders and instruct people on wilderness safety.
Whether you’re hiking, mountaineering, or camping, KCSARA encourages people to brush up on the ten wilderness essentials before they venture into our natural wonders this summer:
  To read more on Wilderness Safety, check out KCSARA’s website here!
It’s Farmers Market Season – Check out the many wonderful markets in D3!
It’s Farmers Market Season! Farmers markets are a fantastic opportunity to gather as a community and support our local farmers and small businesses. There are seasonal farmers markets across D3, many of which open within the next week!
Carnation Farmers Market: Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Duvall Farmers Market: Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fall City Farmers Market: Last Friday of the Month, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Issaquah Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
North Bend Farmers Market: Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Redmond Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sammamish Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Woodinville Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You can also check out our state’s Farmers Market Directory to discover markets wherever you are in Washington this summer: Find a Farmers Market
On the Issues!
On the Topic of Emergency Preparedness & Flooding
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Issaquah Creek Basin Flood Strategy: As Vice Chair of the King County Flood Control District, I’m proud to share that we're beginning the development of the Issaquah Creek Capital Investment Strategy.
This strategy will create a comprehensive plan to reduce flood risks in the Issaquah Creek Basin, which will ensure the health and safety of our communities in the city of Issaquah and unincorporated Issaquah, protect our public infrastructure and private property, and preserve our environment and natural resources. Stay tuned for updates!
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On the Topic of Transit & Mobility
Completion of East Link Light Rail Downtown Redmond Extension: The District 3 team joined community leaders for a preview ride prior to the opening of the new East Link light rail extension! The new stations, which opened on May 10, serve Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond.
This extension and its integration into our regional transit system will expand access to efficient, reliable public transit on the Eastside. It is also one more step toward the full completion of the 2 Line light rail from Redmond to Seattle, which alongside implementation of the East Link Connections Ordinance that I co-sponsored, will be a game-changer for transportation in District 3 and our region!
 Upcoming Rural Transportation Panel: Do you want to learn about how to advocate for transportation solutions in the Snoqualmie Valley? Join me on Friday, June 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Riverview School District Assembly Hall in Duvall for Snoqualmie Valley Rural Transportation Advocacy 101!
I will be sitting on a panel of elected officials and regional transportation advocates discussing how we can all work together to support safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation in the Snoqualmie Valley. Click here to RSVP.
On the Topic of Housing
Master Builders Association Reception: The District 3 Team joined the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties for a reception in SeaTac!
It was wonderful to connect with housing experts and fellow elected officials and engage in lively discussions on how to promote affordable and sustainable housing development that fulfills community needs in King County. Thank you, MBAKS, for providing the space for leaders from across the region to discuss how to tackle this critical issue together!
On the Topic of Public Infrastructure
Fall City Septic Project: The Department of Local Services is nearing completion on an important infrastructure project in Fall City! This project includes updates to Fall City’s septic infrastructure, which is over a century old and currently operating over-capacity. This aging infrastructure has implications for the quality of groundwater and rivers, public health, and the ability of businesses to expand their operations.
UPCOMING WORK:
EARLY JUNE: The DLS team will open the fully underground septic treatment facility in Bernard Park that they’ve been working on for months. This plant will be capable of transforming 12,000 gallons of liquid waste into sparkling clean water!
MID-JUNE: Crews will install individual septic tanks in 46 homes and businesses before hooking them up with the Bernard Park plant. The Fall City Septic Association has been working closely with Fall City homeowners to prepare these homes for installation.
May Celebrations and Recognitions!
We began the month by recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Heritage Month! We wished a joyful Cinco de Mayo to our Mexican American community members, and a Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers in our community and around the world! We also recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the culture, legacies, and contributions of Jewish people to our country. On Memorial Day, we recognized and expressed our gratitude to the military members who lost their lives in service to our communities and our nation.
Upcoming King County Substance Use Recovery Conference!
King County is hosting its fifth annual Substance Use Recovery Conference on June 25 at Green River College! We’re looking forward to bringing together hundreds of experts, advocates, and community members to discuss the latest in recovery strategies, policy, and support networks. This year’s keynote speaker is Maia Szalavitz, an acclaimed journalist and author known for her work on evidence-based recovery approaches. We hope you can join us for a day of meaningful discussions and learning! Register here.
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!
Small Business Spotlight: Pressed on Main
Pressed on Main is a family-owned pressed juice store established in 2022. It sits on Main Avenue in downtown North Bend, and the owner, Hayley Raff, is passionate about using organic, locally grown produce to provide customers with fresh, nutrient-dense food options! Visit Pressed at 208 Main Ave S, North Bend, WA 98045, and check out their website.
Non-Profit Spotlight: The Trail Youth Coffee Home
The Trail Youth Coffee Home is a non-profit coffeeshop that provides free drinks, pastries, leadership development, barista training, and most importantly, a safe and judgment-free space to youth in the Snoqualmie/North Bend area. While the coffee home was established with youth in mind, it’s a place for all community members to stop by, grab a cup of delicious coffee, and participate in events. Visit the Trail Youth Coffee Home at 226 E N Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045, and check out their website to learn more!
Community Spotlight: City of North Bend Parks Commission
The city of North Bend is looking for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 to serve on the city’s Parks Commission! The candidate must reside within the boundaries of the Snoqualmie Valley School District. This is a perfect opportunity for youth who love their local parks and outdoor spaces to get involved with the North Bend community! Applications are due Friday, June 20 and can be found here.
About Town!
With so much going on across our D3 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!
Duvall Days
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Saturday, June 7, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Enjoy live music, food & arts vendors, youth performances, and art demonstrations at the 65th annual Duvall Days. The Duvall Daze Grand Parade will kick off the festival in the morning, and it will conclude with a fireworks show in the evening!
Veterans Town Hall in Issaquah
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Saturday, June 7, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Join Everyone for Veterans for an opportunity to listen and learn from veterans and their families as they share their experiences with war and the lives that they’ve built since serving.
SnoValley Pride's Pride Picnic
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Sunday, June 8, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Join SnoValley Pride at Tolt Commons in Carnation for a day of love, community, and celebration. Enjoy free live music, free food, and free art-making stations in a welcoming space where everyone belongs!
The Garage Pride in Issaquah
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Saturday, June 14, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Join The Garage Teen Café on the Issaquah Community Center Lawn for a pride event planned by Garage Teens featuring food trucks, yard games, crafts, and more!
Woodinville Pride
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Saturday, June 14, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Enjoy food trucks and entertainment in Wilmot Gateway Park to celebrate Pride Month!
Art Off the Rails Festival in Snoqualmie/North Bend
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Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Join the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend, North Bend Arts & Industry, 4Culture, and the Northwest Railway Museum for an art festival in the Snoqualmie Valley. Celebrate creativity and enjoy the works of 50+ artists, live music, delicious food trucks, a community art project, and so much more!
Carnation Block Party
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Saturday, June 21, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Join Lee Arts Foundation at Miller’s Carnation for music, interactive art, community, and fun!
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 D3 Team has resources for you! Every month we share a Grants Newsletter that highlights upcoming grant opportunities, and there are several grants available now. Investing in our local non-profits and supporting innovative ideas through funding is critical to ensuring 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 and Instagram accounts to stay up to date on everything we are working on together!
Please always feel free reach out to our D3 Team at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003. We look forward to connecting!
All the best,
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