 November Newsletter 2025
To navigate to a specific section, click on the links below:
Grateful for Your Vote of Confidence!
Dear Friend,
I want to start out with gratitude today as I have been elected to serve another term with over 68% of the vote in November’s general election. Thank you for your continued support and faith in my leadership. I’m also humbled to have received the unanimous vote of my colleagues, electing me to serve as King County Council Chair in 2026. I’m looking forward to working together in our district, and throughout King County, in the coming year to build thriving communities for all!
Historically, serving as Chair has been determined by seniority on the Council, but it is also determined by a vote of confidence and support from the full Council itself. The responsibilities of Chair include managing the day-to-day operations of the Council, ensuring efficient and effective legislation to best serve the residents of King County. I will also lead the Tuesday Full Council meetings, coordinate with the new Executive, and bring together regional leaders to address pressing issues together.
Amid the changes and opportunities afoot, what hasn’t changed is my commitment to serving you to the best of my ability. As we approach the holiday season, may your Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or other traditions be filled with joy, peace, and light!
I always love to hear about issues or ideas that are important to you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003.
I look forward to 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:
Approval of 2026-2027 King County Budget: The Council approved our 2026-2027 King County budget! The process began when the Executive transmitted her budget in September. Then, in my role on the four-member Budget Leadership Team, I crafted a budget with my Council colleagues and many amazing staff members that supported the Executive’s intent, and brought funding to areas that we knew were critical within each district to serve all the residents of King County. Here are some of the investments that resulted from that process:
Safe & Healthy Communities: $195 million to support and increase sheriff deputies, prosecutors, juvenile probation officers, public defenders, and other staff, preserve services for survivors of domestic violence, and more
Food Access & Agriculture: $13 million to expand food access across the region, including direct support to food banks in each county district and bus tickets for residents affected by grocery closures
Fiscal Responsibility: $10 million to strengthen financial management, internal controls, and contract oversight at the Department of Community and Human Services
Transit & Mobility Options: Added more than 400,000 hours of bus service to restore suspended routes and meet demand, expanded transit security, including Metro Transit Police staffing
And more!
Alongside the county-wide investments we’ve made – first prioritizing critical deficits in our court system and Sheriff’s Office – we secured $2.8 million in key investments specifically for our District. These investments improve rural health care access, support food banks, maintain resources for youth and seniors, and more, ensuring that all of our community members can thrive!
Infrastructure Investments: $1 million to Snoqualmie Valley Hospital to support critical infrastructure and mobility options, increasing access to rural health care in District 3
Food Access & Agriculture: $500,000 to Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank for capital projects and addressing increased need, $150,000 to First Light Farm to expand community access to agricultural land and farming knowledge
Safe & Healthy Communities: $851,500 in total to Issaquah Teen Garage, Reclaim, YMCAs of Woodinville, Snoqualmie Valley, and Sammamish, Trail Youth Coffee, Pride Across the Bridge, SnoValley Pride, and Seattle Mountain Rescue
Parks, Recreation & Open Space: $300,000 to Northshore Parks and Recreation Service Area for the design of a community center for youth and visitors of all ages serving Bothell, Woodinville, and Cottage Lake
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.
So Great to Be Out in
Community Again!
 Sammamish Pickeball Celebration: It was great to join Sammamish Friends for their second annual Sammamish Pickeball Celebration! This was a chance to celebrate the anniversary of the free senior pickleball program at the Sammamish YMCA. I’m glad to have funded this amazing program promoting the health of our seniors for two years in a row now through our District 3 Councilmanic grants!
Photo courtesy of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Veterans’ Day: I was honored to join the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and American Legion Post #79 for their annual Veterans’ Day flag raising at the Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3436 for their Veterans’ Day ceremony at the Issaquah Senior Center. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to recognize the veterans in our community and beyond for their service to our nation and their continued contributions to our communities.
Celebrating the Retirement of Fire Chief Ben Lane: It was bittersweet to celebrate Eastside Fire & Rescue Chief Ben Lane, who retired this month after a 31-year-long career at Eastside Fire & Rescue. I deeply respect Chief Lane for his service to our communities and the humility he shows in the face of any recognition, always opting instead for bringing the firefighters, other specialists, and staff into the spotlight. Thank you for your service and wishing you a wonderful retirement!
 Woodinville Chamber Hometown Heroes: I joined the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce for their annual Hometown Heroes lunch held inside the Woodinville Fire & Rescue Headquarters. Congratulations to all of the amazing heroes recognized for serving the Woodinville community in admirable ways from feeding our neighbors to stepping up during emergency situations!
Community Celebrations
At the beginning of November, we wished a wonderful Día de los Muertos to all our community members who celebrate. On Veterans’ Day, we recognized and honored our veterans, in District 3 and beyond, for their bravery, their service to our nation, and their invaluable contributions to our communities. We wished all who celebrate a Thanksgiving full of gratitude and joy with family, friends, and loved ones.
We always have things to celebrate in our District! Check out the What’s Going on Around Town? section below for information on upcoming events in our District.
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
 MyCommute Has Your Back: As our weather turns rainier, windier, and potentially, snowier, urgent road closures and changing road conditions will happen! Here’s a reminder from King County Local Services that the MyCommute website provides a map (shown above) with the most up-to-date information on roads so you stay safe.
D3 Community Survey Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
 Fall City Septic Project Update: King County Local Services has completed the first phase of tank installations for the Fall City Septic Project! These installations represent major investments in Fall City businesses and residents. Thank you to the Fall City community for engaging in this effort, ensuring the health of the community and businesses while safeguarding our local waterways.
D3 Community Survey Priority #3: Environment
Local Food Initiative Update: We’ve completed our 2025 Local Food Initiative Update to support our farms and expand access to healthy, affordable food for all residents! Check out the top 10 priority actions our Department of Natural Resources & Parks identified to improve King County’s work in Food Access, Local Economy, Food Production, and Environmental Sustainability.
D3 Community Survey Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
 Apply Now for the Energize Multi-family Homes Program: The King County Energize Multi-family Homes Program is accepting applications through Friday, January 23, 2026 to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality and lower energy costs in multi-family apartment buildings. Check out the Executive Office’s webpage to learn more!
D3 Community Survey Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
 Cross Valley Connections Report: As part of our 2026-2027 budget, I added a formal request requiring a Cross Valley Connections report from the Executive with recommendations for transit service from the City of Carnation to Redmond light rail stations. This is an important step toward increasing transit connections between the Snoqualmie Valley and the rest of King County!
Carnation Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Carnation 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: Carnation Cafe & Lounge
Carnation Cafe & Lounge is a family-owned, deeply community involved, restaurant in Carnation serving up delicious sandwiches, salads, and other cafe classics while bringing joy to the Carnation community! Visit them at 4760 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA 98014. Call 425-333-4304 or check out their website to learn more!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance
Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the lives, livelihoods, lands, and waters of the beautiful Snoqualmie River Valley. They work collaboratively with King County on the Fish Farm Flood Committee, working to balance salmon recovery, flood protection, and productive agriculture in the Valley. Visit them at 29005 NE Carnation Farm Rd Building H, Carnation, WA 98014. Call 425-549-0316 or check out their website to learn more!
City Spotlight: City of Carnation
The City of Carnation is accepting applications for an Association of Washington Cities Center for Quality Communities Scholarship! This scholarship will recognize a graduating high school senior from Carnation who is active in leadership in their city government, community, or school and plans to pursue higher education. Encourage amazing youth leaders in your community to apply by Monday, January 19, 2026!
What’s Going on Around 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!
Light Up Duvall Tree Lighting
-
Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Join the City of Duvall and the Duvall Chamber of Commerce for the annual Light Up Duvall celebration! Bring your holiday cheer and grab photos with Santa in the Depot Building, join the gingerbread house contest, and enjoy vendors and live music.
Snowflake Ball at the Redmond Senior & Community Center
-
Friday, December 5, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Get ready for a magical night out at the first-ever Snowflake Ball at the Redmond Senior & Community Center! Come dressed to impress, dance the night away, enjoy tasty snacks, and snap unforgettable moments in a festive photo booth!
Fall City Festival of Lights
-
Saturday, December 6, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Join Live Gray’s Way Foundation for the Fall City Festival of Lights. Celebrate the tree lighting, view spectacular light displays, enjoy music from live bands, food trucks, and other activities!
Celebrate Woodinville Winterfest Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting
-
Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Join the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce for the annual Winterfest Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting! Snap pictures with Santa, enjoy wreath-making, grab some holiday treats, and watch the tree lighting at 5:30 PM!
Christmas in Carnation
-
Saturday, December 6, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Join the Carnation Chamber of Commerce for the annual Christmas in Carnation at the Tolt Commons! Grab professional family photos with Santa, shop holiday gifts from local artists, and grab something delicious to eat and drink during the festivities.
Snoqualmie Winter Lights
-
Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Don’t miss this beloved annual celebration in downtown Snoqualmie! Come celebrate the start of the holiday season by lighting up the night and the grand tree in Railroad Park. Then, stick around for face painting, live performances, cookies, and hot cocoa!
North Bend Holly Days Old-Fashioned Downtown Festival
-
Saturday, December 6, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: The North Bend Downtown Foundation invites you to their annual winter festival and tree lighting ceremony! After the official tree lighting ceremony, activities will include s’mores, hot cocoa, local live entertainment, photos with Santa, and crafts.
Yuletide on Front in Downtown Issaquah
-
Sunday, December 21, 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Head to Historic Downtown Issaquah for an afternoon and evening of fun, festive activities, crafts, and music to celebrate the Winter Solstice!
If you know of any upcoming events that you’d like us to highlight on our social media now, or in the December 15 newsletter, please share them at Isabel.Smith@kingcounty.gov.
The Frank Chopp Health Through Housing Advisory Committee
is recruiting!
It was the Council’s honor to name the Health Through Housing Advisory Committee after our state’s late Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp. Apply now to serve on the Committee! As a committee member, you will provide the Council and Executive with recommendations about the Health Through Housing initiative, including advising on implementation, assessing initiative impact, and reporting on finances. Fill out the application form here by Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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,
|
