 October Newsletter 2025
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Make Your Voice Heard: Vote by Tuesday, November 4!
Dear Friend,
It’s time to get your vote in! Our 2025 General Election Day is this Tuesday, November 4, and ballots must be dropped at any of these drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. But don’t wait! Make sure your voice is heard by dropping off your ballot as soon as possible or returning your postage-free ballot in your mailbox today!
As of 10 a.m. this morning, the voter turnout for King County is 15.17%, and the turnout for District 3 is 15.86%, which is the fourth highest voter turnout by district in King County. I’d love for our District to be First in civic engagement!! Want more info? Go to King County Elections’ ballot return statistics dashboard for updates.
 If you still need to register to vote, update your current voter record, or need assistance completing your ballot, visit a Vote Center with trained staff who can assist with your needs. The Vote Centers closest to us are in Kenmore City Hall and the Bellevue Crossroads Community Center, which are open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM on Monday, November 3, and 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 4. Contact elections@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-8683 with any additional questions or needs.
Thank you for exercising your right to vote and for sharing your voice by Tuesday, November 4! As always, I’d love to hear from you, so please 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,
Council Briefings, Actions & Recognitions!
 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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Budget Panels & Budget Leadership Team Meetings: The Council is reviewing the Executive’s 2026-2027 budget proposal. We’re working to craft a balanced budget that maintains the critical county services you rely on and encourages fiscal responsibility. We had six budget panels on various topics, and I’ve joined my colleagues on the Budget Leadership Team for all-day meetings. We anticipate the budget will be ready for full Council action in mid-November. Check out this webpage for information on how to get involved!
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Strategic Climate Action Plan: I joined my Council colleagues in passing the five-year update to our county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan. I’m glad my amendments, such as prioritizing people with disabilities, seniors, and rural communities in our Extreme Heat and Rural Resiliency programs, were accepted and my colleagues recognized the importance of these often-overlooked communities being represented in this plan.
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Investments in Clean Water: The Council approved the investment of $1.7 million in projects improving water quality across King County. In D3, $150,000 will be distributed to four projects in Woodinville, Cottage Lake, Lake Sammamish, and Carnation managed by Friends of Cottage Lake, the Sno-King Watershed Council, Stewardship Partners, and Trout Unlimited.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month: I was honored to join my Council colleagues in proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This proclamation is dedicated to all survivors of domestic violence. This month and beyond, we honor their resilience and strive to build stronger networks of support within our communities.
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.
I’ve Been Out in Community!
 Fall City Community Association Monthly Meeting: The D3 team and the Department of Local Services (DLS) joined the Fall City Community Association for its monthly meeting. DLS presented about the progress of the LOSS septic project to replace outdated septic tanks in Fall City’s business district. Thank you to the Fall City community for your engagement in this effort to ensure the health of the community and wonderful businesses while safeguarding our local waterways!
 MAPS Campus Expansion Tour: Thank you to MAPS/MCRC for inviting me to tour the new buildings you’ve acquired to expand your community and human services work! You’ve heard the community and have risen to meet their needs from providing food to child care to rental assistance. I’m excited to see all the ways you continue to support our community members in this new space!
  Out and About with Our Chambers: Thank you to the Duvall Chamber and Sammamish Chamber for having me to speak about the state of our county and have lively discussions with your members about how the county can best serve you. I also joined the SnoValley Chamber for their annual luncheon on the state of the chamber and the upcoming 2026 state legislative session. Thank you all for the work you do to support our businesses and advance economic opportunities in D3!
 King County Small Business Awards: Congratulations to our D3 businesses ABLE Environments, Women In Cloud, and Lora Lee's Family Farm on winning the Small Business of the Year, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Rural Small Business categories at the King County Executive Small Business Awards! This was an amazing opportunity to recognize the hard work and resilience of our small business owners, who drive our local economy and enrich our communities.
 Chickadee Bakeshop Ribbon Cutting: Congratulations to Katie and Dorie on the opening of Chickadee Bakeshop at its new home! Last year, Chickadee Bakeshop lost its home in a devastating fire. I’m endlessly proud that they’ve returned and are continuing to provide color and life to our community!
Community Celebrations
At the beginning of October, we wished a time of peace and renewal to all our community members who observe Yom Kippur. We recognized the history, cultural heritage, and vital contributions of our Indigenous communities and sovereign tribal nations in King County on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We wished community members a joyous Diwali and joined Indian American Community Services (IACS) for their annual Diwali bazaar. Lastly, we’re wishing all a Happy Halloween!
We always have things to celebrate here in D3! Check out the What’s Going on Around Town? section below for information on upcoming events in D3, like the Issaquah Turkey Trot.
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 you expressed matter most to you in your responses to our annual survey:
D3 Community Survey Priority #1: Road & Bridge Infrastructure
 Preparing for Weather Impacts: As the weather turns rainy, windy, chilly, and potentially snowy, our Department of Local Services (DLS) is prepped and ready to respond to weather impacts on our roads! Check out DLS’ webpage on emergency and storm response, where you can find information about flood, snow, ice, and storm response. To report road maintenance, flooding, or road obstructions, call the Road Division’s 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237.
D3 Community Survey Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
 Roundtable with Local Utilities Serving Unincorporated Areas: Our Department of Local Services brought together utilities, the D3 team, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Executive's Office to coordinate on communications during severe weather events and preparations for weather impacts! We’re continuing conversations I’ve been having with utilities since last year’s bomb cyclone about ensuring efficient communications during emergency situations.
D3 Community Survey Priority #3: Environment
Strategic Climate Action Plan: The Council passed the five-year update to our county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan! I proposed key amendments that direct the county to invest in extreme weather resiliency in rural areas, combat extreme heat, which can be deadly for our seniors and residents with disabilities, and require the Executive to work with our labor partners on future updates. Read the full plan here!
D3 Community Survey Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
 Housing Solutions Breakfast: It was wonderful to join the Master Builders Association for their annual Housing Solutions Breakfast! It’s always great to engage with local elected officials, community leaders, and homebuilding professionals on housing and affordability and discuss innovative strategies for tackling this issue our District is passionate about.
D3 Community Survey Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
 King County Transit Safety Taskforce Report: We heard a briefing from the King County Transit Safety Taskforce on their progress, recommendations, and implementation plan for how to improve transit safety for operators and riders alike. The taskforce was established this March, and since then, it has hosted 14 working sessions and heard from hundreds of stakeholders on transit safety. I look forward to the continued work we’re doing to create a safe, reliable, and clean transit system!
Sammamish Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Sammamish 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: World Tae Kwon Do Center
World Tae Kwon Do Center is a martial arts center that offers specialized taekwondo classes and summer camps for all ages: preschoolers, children, teens, and adults. The center was opened in 2018 by Master Park, a champion taekwondo athlete with over 25 years of experience. Visit World Tae Kwon Do Center at 3310 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Sammamish, WA. Call 425-677-8717 or check out their website to learn more!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Chameleon
Chameleon is a STEM nonprofit that provides educational experiences, kits, and workshops to students to teach them about sustainability and environmental issues. This summer, Chameleon hosted its inaugural Envirotech Hackathon, where teens worked together to develop novel ideas to fight problems such as lack of clean water. Email camps.chameleon@gmail.com or check out their website to learn more!
City Spotlight: City of Snoqualmie
The City of Sammamish is hosting a volunteer day on Tuesday, November 11 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM! Join the City to help plant native foliage along the shoreline at Sammamish Landing. Give back to your community, learn about native plants, and enhance wildlife habitat! The deadline to register is Friday, November 7. Check out the City’s webpage to learn more!
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!
Light Up Duvall
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Saturday, November 1, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Let’s Light Up Duvall! Join the Duvall Chamber of Commerce to bring light and cheer to Downtown Duvall by wrapping lights around trees and poles on Main Street. Then, stay to connect with community over food and drinks.
ART Commons Creative Summit in Issaquah
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Saturday, November 2, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Join ART Commons at the Pickering Barn in Issaquah to collaborate with community members and artists on a 3D collage sculpture. The sculpture will be displayed around our shared communities in East King County through June 2026!
Veterans of Foreign Wars Veteran's Day Ceremony in Issaquah
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Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Join Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3436 at the Issaquah Senior Center to honor the veterans in our community and beyond this Veterans’ Day.
Carnation Turkey Trot
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Saturday, November 22, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Gather your flock and join the Carnation Chamber of Commerce for their 3rd Annual Carnation Turkey Trot at the beautiful Remlinger Farms in Carnation. Join fellow runners, joggers, and walkers in some lighthearted fun while supporting the businesses of Carnation and strengthening the community!
Redmond Family Day Out
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Saturday, November 22, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Bring the whole family out to celebrate the holiday season with activities for all ages – games, crafts, local shopping, music, treats, health resources, and more!
Issaquah Turkey Trot
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Thursday, November 27, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Run, walk, or trot Thanksgiving morning through downtown Issaquah! This beloved local tradition brings the community together during the holiday to help address critical food insecurity issues for thousands in our region by supporting the Issaquah Food Bank.
Celebrate Woodinville Winterfest
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Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Come together with community members for Woodinville’s annual holiday fair and tree lighting! Enjoy activities across three locations in Woodinville from pictures with Santa to a candy cane hunt to whimsical winter carriage rides!
Snoqualmie Winter Lights
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Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Don’t miss this beloved annual event in downtown Snoqualmie! Celebrate the start of the holiday season, lighting up the night and the grand tree in Railroad Park. Enoy face painting, kids’ crafts, cookies and hot cocoa, and musical performances!
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!
Be Prepared for Carnation’s Be Dam Ready Community Drill: This Saturday, November 1, the City of Carnation is coordinating a community drill and test of the Tolt Dam Early Warning (siren) System. Join the City at 10:00 a.m. on November 1 at Tolt Middle School for an information session. Then, at 12:00 p.m., participate in the evacuation drill as the alarms sound.
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 D3 representative to serve on the Veterans Committee and one D3 representative to serve on the Seniors Committee. If you’re interested, please email Isabel.Smith@kingcounty.gov to learn more.
Snoqualmie Watershed Forum Seeks D3 Resident to Help Guide Salmon Recovery: The Snoqualmie Watershed Forum is looking for a D3 resident living in the Snohomish River watershed to serve a four-year term as a resident member. This volunteer position involves attending Forum meetings every two months and participating in discussions on environmental restoration initiatives. Fill out the online application by November 2 at the link here!
Nominate Amazing Community Members for the Larry Gossett Service Award: Ahead of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Annual Celebration, King County is seeking nominees for the Larry Gossett Service Award! This award is named after former King County Councilmember and civil rights activist Larry Gossett and honors community members advancing racial equity, social justice, and/or human rights in King County. Get your nominations in here by December 1!
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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