 August Newsletter 2025
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Investing in Food Security Amid Federal Cuts!
Dear Friend,
At the county, as with across the nation, we’re grappling with the impacts of recent drastic federal policy changes that increase barriers to accessing food assistance and health care. Our most vulnerable community members – from our seniors and veterans to our youth and low-income families – are being hit the hardest.
This October, changes to the benefit calculations for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) begin. This directly impacts basic food assistance for the 76,000 households in King County that rely on SNAP to access food – with 2,300 of them being right here in our district.
At the county, we’re bracing for these federal policy changes and taking steps to support the amazing organizations who are doing the work in community to get healthy food to our community members who need it most.
This year councilmembers have each awarded $50,000 in councilmanic grants for food security to our food banks, meal programs, and other hunger relief programs. I distributed our $50,000 portion, and an additional $4,000 in Community Service funding, to the following local food banks and meal programs in support of our neighbors:
While this support will assist in purchasing critical food items with inflated prices and keep up with the increasing demand for their services, the looming SNAP cuts will only add to the challenges they face.
Please join me in working together during this challenging time to show up for our neighbors by supporting our food banks and sharing this list with anyone else who could support them – and with anyone who might need their services:
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Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank – 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
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Hopelink Redmond – 8990 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052
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Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank – 179 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Holy Innocents Catholic Church Food Pantry in Duvall – 26526 NE Cherry Valley Rd, Duvall, WA 98019
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Hopelink Sno-Valley in Carnation – 31957 East Commercial St, Carnation, WA 98014
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Food Pantry at Tolt Congregational Church in Carnation – 4851 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA 98014
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Fall City Community Food Pantry – 4326 337th Place SE, Fall City, WA 98024
- Preston Food Bank – 31104 SE 86th Street, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank – 122 East 3rd St, North Bend, WA 98045
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Skykomish Food Bank – 108 Old Cascade Hwy NE, Skykomish, WA 98288
As always, I’d love to hear from you about whatever is on your mind that I may be able to help with, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003.
I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you in community,
All the best and in gratitude,
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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Critical Areas Ordinance: As chair of the Local Services and Land Use Committee (LSLU), I’ve been leading the 10-year update our county’s Critical Areas Ordinance. At the request of our D3 farmers, I’ve worked to add innovative policies that balance the protection of critical areas with the long-term viability of our district’s agriculture, among other updates. This includes exploration of county participation in the Voluntary Stewardship Program. I’m thrilled that the draft passed out of committee and is on its way to Council!
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30-Year Forest Plan: In the LSLU committee, we heard a briefing on the 30-Year Forest Plan, which will guide King County’s efforts to maintain and enhance the resilience of our existing forests and newly planted trees, improve salmon habitat through forest cover, and improve wildfire preparedness for communities near forestlands. It has passed out of committee and is on its way to Council!
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Briefing on Alternatives to Driving Alone to Snoqualmie Pass: We heard a briefing in the LSLU committee that I requested from the Department of Local Services (DLS) on alternatives to driving alone to Snoqualmie Pass. This issue is very important to me, so I thank DLS for the briefing, and I’m committed to continuing this conversation so we can meet the mobility needs of our Snoqualmie Pass community members and visitors and support the economic vitality of the Pass.
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Budget Leadership: In the coming months, Council will focus on crafting our 2026-2027 biennial budget, and I’m pleased to share that I’m a member of the Budget Leadership Team and the designated lead on our Local Services/Roads budget! I’m looking forward to being a facilitator of these critical budget discussions and an advocate for the importance of funding our basic county services, like the repair and maintenance of the vital road and bridge infrastructure that our unincorporated communities rely on.
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80th Anniversary Recognition of Bombing: In Council, we took a solemn and important moment to recognize the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bomb drops on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
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.
Out in Community!
Sammamish Kids Mud Run: The D3 team had a blast at the annual Sammamish Kids Mud Run hosted by the wonderful Sammamish Friends! This event is such a fun and engaging way for kids, families, and community members in Sammamish to come together and get active in the outdoors.
I’m honored to be a consistent supporter of the work that Sammamish Friends does to engage our community, and I’m pleased that I was able to support the Mud Run and their seniors’ pickleball program this year with a $15,000 Councilmanic grant!
 Snoqualmie Valley Health Expansion Groundbreaking: Congratulations to the amazing team at Snoqualmie Valley Health on the groundbreaking of your new expansion project, THE HUB!
This is a truly one-of-a-kind project that will improve the health of our communities in the Snoqualmie Valley by not just increasing access to vital medical care close to home for our rural communities, but also by acting as a community space where people can connect while focusing on their physical fitness. I’m excited to see this project come to life!
 Opening of the Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel: Congratulations to the Snoqualmie Tribe on the highly anticipated opening of the hotel at the (now) Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel! This project has been seven years in the making, and it not only creates an important foundation for economic growth but also showcases the culture of the Snoqualmie Tribe through its beautiful Indigenous art and design choices.
 Pakistan Association of Greater Seattle (PAGS) Pakistan Independence Day Celebration: The D3 team was thrilled to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day and the culture and contributions of our Pakistani American community in King County! Thank you to the Pakistan Association of Greater Seattle (PAGS) for the warm welcome, and my sincerest gratitude for your recognition of the late Senator Bill Ramos as an elected and a friend of the community at this event.
Community Celebrations
We also wished our Indian community members a joyful India Independence Day! Looking ahead, we want to honor Labor Day by recognizing the contributions that workers and unions have made to our nation and remembering those throughout history who have fought for workers’ rights and safe working conditions for future generations.
Also, festival season isn’t over! Check out the What’s Going on Around Town? section below for information on upcoming D3 festivals like the Snoqualmie International Block Party and Issaquah Salmon Days.
And the Survey Says...
It takes all of us working together within our communities to make an impact! Here are more of the happenings from Council, King County, and our communities on the issues that you’ve expressed matter most to you through your responses to our annual survey:
D3 Community Survey Priority #1: Road & Bridge Infrastructure
 Vital Bridge Maintenance and Repair: Your tax dollars at work! This month, the Department of Local Services performed key maintenance work on Stossel Bridge in the Carnation area and Baring Bridge in the Skykomish area. Investing in our road and bridge infrastructure is key to ensuring that King County residents can safely and efficiently get to where they need to go every day.
D3 Community Survey Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
 Law Enforcement Oversight Committee: The Community Advisory Committee for Law Enforcement Oversight (CACLEO) helps provide oversight of the King County Sheriff’s Office and their work to provide efficient and effective police services that ensure the health and safety of our communities. The committee is currently seeking new members to represent unincorporated King County and the cities of Carnation, Sammamish, Skykomish, and Woodinville. The committee will accept applications until all positions are filled. Check out their website or email Jamie Tugenberg at jamie.tugenberg@kingcounty.gov to learn how to apply.
D3 Community Survey Priority #3: Environment
Issaquah Creek Restoration in Lake Sammamish State Park: I had the amazing opportunity to learn about and tour the site of the restoration work that Mountains to Sound Greenway and the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission have been doing along Issaquah Creek in Lake Sammamish State Park. Crews are working to restore natural river processes, which will allow Issaquah Creek to heal itself over time, ensure healthier waters for fish, wildlife, and future generations, and reduce seasonal flooding. What an amazing project that benefits both our communities and our local wildlife!
D3 Community Survey Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
 Enabling Housing Development through our Critical Areas Ordinance Work: As Chair of the Local Services and Land Use Committee, I’ve been working to balance the protection of our environment and natural resources with the need to address our region’s housing crisis as we update our county’s Critical Areas Ordinance.
Through my work with housing advocates, I’ve made targeted reductions to setbacks and updated our buffer reduction requirements, allowing homebuilders to maximize their use of the land available, and added incentives to include daycares and other social services in multi-family construction projects. These changes will promote the construction of both housing and critical human services and make it easier for people to live, play, work, and raise families in our communities.
D3 Community Survey Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
 King County Metro Bus Service Expansion in D3: Starting August 30, King County Metro will be adding more than 900 weekly bus trips on the Eastside as it incorporates the East Link light rail into our transit system. This bus restructure is outlined in our East Link Connections Ordinance – legislation that I co-sponsored. The restructure adds, among others, a new all-day bus route between Issaquah and the South Bellevue light rail station and a new route running from Duvall to Woodinville and Bothell. This is an exciting development that expands transit options to, from, and within our district!
Bothell Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Bothell 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: Sugar Rush Candy Store
Sugar Rush Candy Store is a woman-owned, veteran-owned family business on Bothell’s Main Street that sells nostalgic, rare, and locally crafted candies and chocolates! It has a wonderful, old-fashioned atmosphere and is a great spot to grab delicious treats. Visit Sugar Rush Candy Store at 10030 Main Street, Bothell, WA 98011. Call 425-494-2694 or check out their Facebook or Instagram to learn more!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Lens of Youth
Lens of Youth is a Bothell-based non-profit that uses photography to support and tell the stories of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and engage them in their community. Check out their website to learn more!
City Spotlight: City of Bothell
This summer, the City of Bothell launched a new community night market series called Moonlight on Main! The market has been lighting up the heart of downtown Bothell from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Saturday of this summer featuring music, family activities, food trucks, and local vendors.
Moonlight on Main was inspired by conversations with the Bothell City Council, which envisioned activating Main Street through creative, community-centered events that create meaningful spaces for people to gather in Bothell. Check out their website for details about the last two market nights of the year!
What’s Going on Around 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!
Redmond Pride
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Sunday, August 30, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: This weekend, join Pride Across the Bridge for Redmond Pride in Redmond Downtown Park for a day of music, art, joy, and community! There will be amazing performers, vendors, activities, and sprinklers to cool off.
Issaquah Culture Fest
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Friday, September 5, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Come together at the Issaquah Community Center to celebrate the cultural diversity of Issaquah. Festivities include music, world dances, interactive art, Henna art, resource booths, food trucks, and more!
Redmond Ganesh Festival
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Friday, September 5 thru Sunday, September 7, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Beats of Washington is bringing Ganesh Festival – one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India – to Marymoor Park. Join them for this three-day celebration of faith, culture, and community!
Snoqualmie International Community Block Party
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Saturday, September 6, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Join the SnoValley Chamber of Commerce and the City of Snoqualmie for the annual Snoqualmie International Community Block Party at Snoqualmie Ridge! The event will feature global flavors, traditional dance and music performances, cultural displays, artisan vendors, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival
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Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: The Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival is going on right now and runs until September 14. Don’t miss this chance to pick beautiful, locally grown sunflowers at farms across the Valley! You can also join the Carnation and Duvall Chambers of Commerce for Sunflower Saturday, which will be at the Tolt Commons in Carnation, and Sunflower Sunday, which will be at Muddy Boots Farm and Lora Lee’s Family Farm in Duvall.
Salmon on Sunset in Issaquah
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Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Celebrate the salmon as they return to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery! There will be live music, a scavenger hunt, duck derby, feed the trout, arts and crafts and more!
Issaquah Local Artists Open Studio Tour
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Saturday, September 20, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Join ART Commons, a new arts nonprofit based in Issaquah, for their second annual Issaquah Open Studios Tour – a full day celebrating the work of our local artists in D3! You’ll have the opportunity to visit artists in their studio spaces and witness their creative process firsthand.
Fall City Apple Festival
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Sunday, September 21, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Celebrate the bounty of the Snoqualmie Valley apple harvest with guided horse rides, local artists, craftsmen, and farms, an apple pie contest, and delicious fresh cider!
Issaquah Salmon Days
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Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Come on out to downtown Issaquah to celebrate the annual return of our beloved salmon to Issaquah Creek! Watch the grand parade trek through Front Street and Gilman Boulevard the morning of October 4 and enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, and activities for all ages!
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.
But Wait, There's More!
Share Your Thoughts on Our County’s Local Food Initiative: As chair of the Local Services and Land Use Committee, I’ve been deeply engaged with the effort to update King County’s Local Food Initiative, which guides us in our work to maintain the viability of local farms and food businesses and increase your access to healthy, affordable food.
After months of discussion with hundreds of farmers, food businesses, community organizations, and residents, we’ve reached the final stages of our 2025 update, and we need to hear from you! Complete this survey to share your thoughts – it will be open until September 2:
Advisory Board Members Needed! Seeking D3 Representatives for Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Advisory Board: Are you interested in overseeing the distribution of our county’s VSHSL funding to our veterans, seniors, and other in-need populations? Then, consider serving on the VSHSL Advisory Board! The board is currently seeking one representative from D3 to serve on the Veterans Committee and one representative from D3 to serve on the Seniors Committee.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please email Isabel.Smith@kingcounty.gov to indicate your interest and learn about the nomination process.
Free Workshop on Wells & Water Systems: D3 has a large number of homes that rely on Group B wells/water systems, and King County Public Health is hosting a free workshop about maintaining these critical systems! Learn how to operate, maintain, and protect your water and septic systems to protect your health and the environment and save money.
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Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Location: Green River College, Auburn
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Registration Link: bit.ly/GroupBWorkshop
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 to reach out by emailing sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or calling 206-477-1003. I look forward to connecting!
All the best,
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