 February 2026 Newsletter
Celebrating the Reflections and Joys of our Diverse Communities!
Dear Friend,
February was filled with celebrations and recognitions within the many diverse and passionate communities in our district! In an amazing alignment of different calendars, we observed Lunar New Year, the beginning of Ramadan, and the beginning of Lent, all within 24 hours of each other. Happy Lunar New Year, Ramadan Mubarak, and a reflective Ash Wednesday to all community members who celebrate!
We also came together as a community to celebrate the return of our beloved home football team, the Seahawks, after they won the Super Bowl Championship for the second time in the team’s history!
It always brings me joy to spend time with each of the many communities in our district, and I’m honored to continue serving you and representing your voice on the King County Council – especially with the survey results telling me your priorities!
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003. I’d love to connect!
In gratitude,
To navigate to a specific section, click on the links below:
Council Briefings, Actions & Recognitions!
 Council continues to work hard for you! Here is some of this month’s work on the issues that you’ve expressed matter most to you:
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Briefing on Roads & Metro Needs: During a special meeting of the King County Transportation District, we received briefings from our Roads Division and Metro on the current state of our road and bridge infrastructure and public transit system, including the resource and funding needs of these two vital county services. Check out the briefings here!
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Briefing on December 2025 Flood Event: We received a briefing from the King County Flood Control District and Office of Emergency Management on the December 2025 flood event. This was a historic flood that saw record flows on the Cedar River and the South Fork Skykomish River. King County completed 16 emergency repairs to flood infrastructure during and immediately following the flood. Check out the briefing here!
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Black History Month Proclamation: Councilmember Lewis led us in recognizing February as Black History Month! During this time, we also recognized the recent passing of civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose legacy will continue inspiring generations to fight for what’s right.
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Twin Peaks Day Proclamation: We recognized February 24 as Twin Peaks Day in King County! The beloved TV show, Twin Peaks, is a love letter to our very own Snoqualmie Valley and a worldwide cultural and creative icon. Thank you to Real Twin Peaks for coming to accept the proclamation!
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: King County Council; Employment and Administration Committee; Flood Control District; Committee of the Whole; Local Services and Land Use Committee; Budget and Fiscal Management Committee; Regional Policy Committee; Regional Transit Committee.
Great to Be Out in Community!
 King County Search & Rescue Association Summit Circle: It was an honor to attend King County Search & Rescue Association’s Summit Circle at South Fork in North Bend. Executive Director Carrie Lee Gagnon led us in recognizing the brave and dedicated volunteers who carry out the mission of Search & Rescue every single day. Thank you for all you do for our district and for King County!
Sammamish Lunar New Year Celebration: It was wonderful to join multiple Asian communities in Sammamish for their Lunar New Year Celebration! I shared King County’s annual Lunar New Year proclamation with the community and connected with amazing local community groups and businesses. Thank you for welcoming me to share this cultural celebration with you. Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧🌙
Raging River Recovery Center Ribbon Cutting: I attended the ribbon cutting of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe’s new Raging River Recovery Center in downtown Snoqualmie. This amazing new center expands the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe’s ability to serve those with substance use and behavioral health recovery needs. They are committed to responding to the greater need, and the vast majority of those they serve are non-tribal members in the broader Snoqualmie Valley!
 Issaquah State of the City Breakfast: I was happy to come out and support Mayor Mark Mullet, Police Chief Paula Schwan, and Issaquah School District Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick at the Issaquah State of the City Breakfast! Thank you to the Issaquah Chamber for organizing this inspiring and informative event and to Eastridge Church for welcoming us into your space!
 Seahawks Trophy Ceremony: I had a blast at the Seahawks Trophy Ceremony in Lumen Field as our beloved team brought home the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in their history! Sports bring people from all walks of life, and perspectives, together – the community spirit in the stadium, in the streets of Seattle, and all across King County was amazing. Go Hawks!!
Focusing on Your Priorities!
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 said mattered most to you in the 2025 annual survey:
Priority #1: Road & Bridge Infrastructure
 Middle Fork Road Site Visit: Councilmember Balducci and I went to visit a damaged road in unincorporated North Bend. There are over 1,500 miles of roads and 193 bridges in unincorporated King County, and we are running out of funding in our roads budget for road repair. It’s critical that we collaborate on new and innovative ways to invest in our road and bridge infrastructure for the benefit of all King County residents.
Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
Left: Lens of Youth, Right: Empower Youth Network
Meeting with Youth Organizations: I had the opportunity to meet new – and catch up with familiar! – organizations in our district who are working to ensure the health and wellness of our youth in every aspect of their lives. Thank you to Lens of Youth, Empower Youth Network, and Boundless Education for the work you do to ensure the mental, social, and physical health of every young person in our communities!
Priority #3: Environment
Left: Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Right: Trout Unlimited
Meeting with Local Environmental Organizations: I had a wonderful time catching up with the work of some of the amazing environmental organizations based in our district. I met with Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Sammamish Friends, and Trout Unlimited to hear about everything from trail-building in Issaquah and Sammamish to kokanee salmon and invasive weed management. Thank you for all the work you do!
Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
New Affordable Senior Housing in Bothell: New affordable senior housing has opened in Bothell! Imagine Housing, a nonprofit creating affordable housing and communities in East King County, unveiled their new Samma apartment building this month, providing 76 units of housing for residents age 55 and over earning up to $55,000 (50% area median income)!
Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
 Special Transportation Benefits District Meeting in Issaquah: We hosted a special meeting of the King County Transportation District at Issaquah City Hall. This was an opportunity for community members to learn about the resource needs for our road and bridge infrastructure and public transit system and share their thoughts on everything from potholes to bus routes!
Skykomish Spotlight!
During December’s historic flooding, Highway 2 sustained serious damage, but thanks to the shared determination and hard work of so many, the highway is now fully open from Skykomish through to Leavenworth! So, to celebrate, we’re highlighting some great local spots in Skykomish. Whether you’re just passing through or staying a while, we hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
Small Business Spotlight: Cascadia Inn
Cascadia Inn has been welcoming guests to the Skykomish Valley since 1922. The inn is a place for lovers of the outdoors, railroad history, and the charm of Skykomish, and if you stop by, you might run into the owner and mayor of Skykomish, Henry Sladeck! Visit them at 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA 98288. Call 425-293-1937 or email info@historiccascadia.com, and check out their website to learn more!
Non-Profit Spotlight: The Great Northern and Cascade Railway
The Great Northern and Cascade Railway is a volunteer-run railroad attraction and museum in Skykomish, focusing on sharing the rich history of the Great Northern Railway throughout the Skykomish Valley and beyond. Visit them at 101 N 5th Street, Skykomish, WA, 98288. Call 425-515-2622, email gnandcr@gmail.com, and check out their website to learn more!
Town Spotlight: Town of Skykomish
The Town of Skykomish is currently looking for volunteer drivers! Drivers would help their neighbors by driving Skykomish’s free community van, allowing residents to carpool together to Monroe and back every Wednesday. Please call Town Hall at 360-677-2388 if you would like to volunteer and thank you for your service!
What’s Going on Around Town?
There’s a lot going on across our district this season, and we want you to know all about it, so check out the events below!
Sammamish Valley 10th Annual Seed Swap in Woodinville
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Sunday, March 1, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Join the Sammamish Valley Grange at 21 Acres in Woodinville for the first day of their annual Seed Swap! Bring your saved seeds to share with neighbors, take seeds for your own garden, and connect with others interested in gardening and agriculture.
Friends of the Sammamish Library Book Sale
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Friday, March 6, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday, March 7 & Sunday March 8, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Find great deals on gently used books and support your local library at this book sale. All proceeds go to the Sammamish Library!
North Bend Hike to the Big Cedars
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Saturday, March 7, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Join the Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association for a walk through Meadowbrook’s riparian woodlands to see old growth cedar trees over 500 years old and learn about the importance of the cedar to Northwest Tribes and early pioneers.
Northwest Share Festival of Color in Redmond
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Sunday, March 8, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Join Northwest Share for their annual Festival of Color at Redmond City Hall Park. Enjoy a day filled with music, dance, food, color, and community!
Art Commons Creative Summit in Issaquah
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Saturday, March 14, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Join Art Commons at the Meadow Shelter in Lake Sammamish State Park for their second Creative Summit of the year. Come connect with community members, show off your art, and engage with a thoughtful panel discussion on the theme “The Fallow Season.”
Duvall Holi Celebration
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Saturday, March 14, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Join the City of Duvall for their Festival of Colors in Depot Park. Celebrate the colors of life, the joy of togetherness, and the spirit of Holi with an afternoon of music, dance, cultural performances, delicious food, and, of course, lots of color!
Duvall March of the Vegetables Parade
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Saturday, March 21, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Join the March of the Vegetables Parade through Duvall! The parade is a pedestrian-only event, populated with people-powered floats, handmade costumes, and musicians, all coming together to welcome the vegetables back for another growing season.
Redmond Beat the Bunny 5K Race & Kids Dash
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Saturday, March 28, 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Join in the Beat the Bunny 5K race starting at the Redmond Senior & Community Center along the Sammamish River Trail! There’s a free kids’ dash at 9:30 AM prior to the start of the 5K.
The Great Carnation Easter Egg Hunt
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Saturday, March 28, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Join the City of Carnation for their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Tolt Commons & Fred Hockert Park! Save the date – more details to come!
Snoqualmie Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
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Friday, April 3, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Join the City of Snoqualmie this nighttime event for local teens. Bring a flashlight, hunt for eggs, and have fun with your neighbors this Easter weekend!
If you know of any upcoming events that you’d like us to highlight in our next newsletter, please share them at Isabel.Smith@kingcounty.gov.
But Wait, There's More!
 Take the King County Parks Survey: King County Parks wants to hear from you about their Parks grants! With the passage of the 2026–2031 Parks Levy, Parks is building an improved process to award the $117 million investment you’re making possible into our parks, trails, and open spaces over the next six years. Share your thoughts by taking the survey by Thursday, March 26!
Apply Now for the Issaquah Art Up Program: The Issaquah Creative District is launching an 8-week training series for young creative businesses in collaboration with Happy Time Studio! This opportunity is open to individuals, community groups, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. Applications are due Wednesday, March 11 @ 11:59 p.m. Apply now!
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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