April 2026 Newsletter
Thank You for Staying Engaged!
Dear Friend,
Many Valley residents have reached out to my office with questions and concerns about the proposed Cascadia Ridge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the last couple of weeks. I am heartened to see such strong interest in advocating for the safety of the community. This is what a dedicated, invested community looks like. It’s clear that these concerns come from a place of love for the Snoqualmie Valley as a whole – a love that I share, having raised my family in the Valley starting in 1994.
I had a great, productive meeting with President Danielle Wallace, Director Peter Lugli, and Director Melody Correia from Snoqualmie Valley for Responsible Energy about their specific concerns surrounding the proposed BESS in Snoqualmie and how the community can continue to stay engaged throughout the project review process.
I also shared a statement with residents of our Upper Valley communities, including information about the process, which can be found here.
I was pleased to see that 26 of our 58 commenters at this Tuesday’s King County Council Full Meeting spoke on the proposed BESS project, both in person and online. I appreciate every commenter for taking their time to share thoughts, concerns and information about the many considerations and circumstances of this proposed site with all of the Councilmembers. Each speaker provided highly informed and well-organized testimonies – civic engagement is so important and sends a powerful, united message from the community.
Thank you to the many residents who have been raising thoughtful concerns and are advocating for the safety and health of the community. The Council welcomes public comment on any subject on the agenda at our weekly Tuesday 1:30 p.m. Full Council meetings, and every fourth Tuesday of the month public comment is welcome on any King County topic, whether on that week’s agenda or not. More details here.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003. I’d love to connect!
Sincerely,
Council Briefings, Actions & Recognitions!
 Council continues to work hard for you! Here is some of this month’s work on the issues you’ve expressed, through our survey and meetings, that matter most to you:
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Introduction of Inspector General Legislation: Councilmembers Demboski, Dunn, Von Reichbauer, and I introduced legislation to establish an Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints and Tax Advisor to investigate reports of financial fraud and abuse and with the authority to issue subpoenas and pursue recovery of misspent funds. This is an important step toward ensuring King County’s fiscal structures and practices are deserving of your trust.
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Briefing on December 2025 Flood Event: Take a look at the follow up briefing that we received from the King County Flood Control District and King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks on the December 2025 flooding.
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2026 Supplemental Budget: We began discussion of our 2026 supplemental budget in the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, and we will dedicate ourselves to crafting a strong budget over the next couple of months.
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FIFA Transportation Briefing: We heard a briefing from King County Metro, WA Department of Transportation, Seattle Department of Transportation, Sound Transit, and Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 about transportation, mitigating traffic impacts, and maximizing public transit use during the World Cup this summer.
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King County Transportation District Executive Committee: I was appointed by my colleagues to serve on the King County Transportation District Executive Committee as the representative for rural, unincorporated areas. I’m looking forward to advancing discussion and addressing the big need for investment in the unincorporated roads and bridges our residents rely on every day.
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; Flood Control District; Committee of the Whole; Local Services and Land Use; Budget and Fiscal Management; Regional Policy; Regional Transit.
Great to Be Out in Community!
 Sammamish Chamber EmpowerHer Women’s Conference: It was wonderful to join the Sammamish Chamber for their annual EmpowerHer Women’s Conference! We had the pleasure of hearing insights from just some of the incredibly smart, driven female leaders in our local business scene.
Northshore YMCA: I received a lovely tour of the Northshore YMCA where I learned about the wealth of amazing programs serving our Bothell and Woodinville residents and beyond. The Northshore YMCA provides more than physical activity programs – they also provide childcare, mental health support, and much more! Check out their programs here.
The Dawoodi Bohras: Thank you to The Dawoodi Bohras for the opportunity to connect at the beautiful new Qamaria Coffee in Redmond! It is always great to learn more about organizations who are deeply invested in improving and taking care of our communities.
 Tavon Learning Center: I visited the Tavon Learning Center’s Black Nugget campus in Issaquah for the first time! The Tavon Learning Center is an amazing organization dedicated to empowering our community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you for the tour!
 Spotlight Repertory NW: I sat down and chatted with three dedicated leaders from Spotlight Repertory NW who work every day to provide exceptional performing arts opportunities to community members of all ages in Sammamish. They’re bringing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to District 3 this summer – check ‘em out!
Community Celebrations
We wished all our community members who celebrate a wonderful Passover and a reflective Easter spent with loved ones. We also celebrated our beautiful environment and natural beauties in District 3 with Earth Day and Arbor Day, which encourages the planting and preservation of trees!
Focusing on Your Priorities!
Here are more of the happenings at King County related to the things that you said mattered most to you in our annual survey:
Priority #1: Road & Bridge Infrastructure
 Secured State Funding for SR-203 & NE Tolt Hill Road Roundabout: After over three years of advocacy, a broad coalition of state, tribal, county, city, and community leaders have succeeded in securing $2.5 million in the state transportation budget to construct a roundabout at SR-203 & NE Tolt Hill Road to improve public safety and emergency access! Our strong collaboration has resulted in a tangible difference for our community, ensuring every parent, teen, commuter, bus driver, truck driver and more traveling through this intersection is safer. Read more here!
Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
Left: Chair Perry with Greg Jamiel from SnoValley Pride and Michele Catoire from the SnoValley Chamber; Right: Chair Perry with Liz Ligon from Clear Creek Farm.
Snoqualmie Valley Non-Profit Showcase: It was wonderful to join the Duvall Chamber for their annual Snoqualmie Valley Non-Profit Showcase! It’s always great to connect with new and old non-profits providing services that keep our community members safe and healthy. Check out just some of the amazing non-profits who attended: Cascade Community Theatre, Empower Youth Network, Acres of Diamonds, SnoValley Pride, Carnation-Duvall Citizen Corp, Snoqualmie Foothills Community Collaborative, Rotary Club of Duvall, Encompass NW, Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, Carnation Farms, Duvall Friends of the Library, Clear Creek Farm, Sno-Valley Senior Center, SnoValley Regional Chamber, A Supportive Community for All, Old Friends Club.
Priority #3: Environment
Celebrating Earth Day & Clean Water: This Earth Day, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks welcomed residents to tour our wastewater treatment plants, like the Brightwater Treatment Plant in Woodinville. Residents learned how our Wastewater Treatment Division staff work every day to clean wastewater before it returns to our waterways, protecting our environment and our health. Thank you for your amazing work!
Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
A Regional Coalition for Housing Investments Celebration: The District 3 team attended this year’s A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) Investments Celebration! ARCH is a partnership between King County and cities to increase housing in East King County for households making less than $110k annually. It was wonderful to hear about the investments we’ve made in Bothell, Issaquah, and Redmond this year to advance affordable housing options for families in District 3!
Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
 Rural Transportation Advocacy Workshop: Transportation Choices Coalition, Hopelink, and Snoqualmie Valley Mobility Coalition are hosting a Rural Transportation Advocacy 101 Workshop in North Bend! Come learn about rural transportation advocacy and practice skills to support your community’s access to safe, sustainable transportation. Register here!
Woodinville Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Woodinville 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: Sidekick Coffee
Sidekick Coffee is an amazing locally owned and community minded coffee shop in Woodin Creek Village, and it has become a Woodinville neighborhood staple since opening in 2021! It’s a cozy space with delicious coffee, tea, and pastries and warm, welcoming seating. Visit them at 17255 135th Ave NE Suite 1020, Woodinville, WA 98072, and check out their website to learn more!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Northwest Soccer Foundation
Chair Perry with Northwest Soccer Foundation founder and president, Dorian Lair.
The Northwest Soccer Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to making the beautiful game of soccer accessible to everyone. Founded by former professional soccer player and Woodinville resident Dorian Lair, Northwest Soccer Foundation lowers financial and systemic barriers so that every player, regardless of background, has a chance to play, grow, and thrive. Check out their website to learn more!
City Spotlight: City of Woodinville
The City of Woodinville invites residents to bring their voice and ideas to the Public Spaces Commission. The volunteer commissioner will support the City and Council on matters related to parks, recreation, trees, art, and City rights-of-way while promoting the responsible management of these public resources. Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Monday, May 18. Apply now!
What’s Going on Around Town?
There’s a lot going on across our district, and we want you to know all about it, so check out the events below!
Duvall Northwest Art Center Spring Art Market
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Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Shop for unique, handmade gifts in time for Mother's Day! Featuring local artists, this holiday market offers arts and crafts including pottery, fine arts, textiles, jewelry, and much more!
May Day Celebration & Spring Market in Carnation
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Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Come celebrate the growing season at Jubliee Farms in Carnation this May Day! Join the May Pole dance at 12:00 PM, support local artists and artisans, join family activities, and learn about Open Farm Market and Community-Supported Agriculture!
Redmond Cinco de Mayo
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Sunday, May 3, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Centro Cultural Mexican invites you to Cinco de Mayo at Redmond Downtown Park for an annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration! There will be live music, food, beer, a Latino arts and crafts market, resources, and so much more.
Sammamish Farmers Market Opening Day
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Wednesday, May 6, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Join the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce for the opening day of the Sammamish Farmers Market! The market will be open every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM from May through September.
Lake Sammamish State Park Spring Walk n Wag
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Saturday, May 9, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park for their 8th annual Walk n Wag event – the largest dog party on the Eastside! This year will be a fun event for the whole family with a 3K walk, Doggie Village with vendors and activities, pet show, and more!
Woodinville Arts Alliance Art Studio Tour
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Saturday, May 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: The Woodinville Arts Alliance Art Studio Tour is a free self-guided tour around Woodinville involving multiple studios and artists. Get the behind-the-scenes look at their workspace, and chat with each artist about what inspires them!
Duvall Novelty Hills Cemetery Memorial Day Event
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Monday, May 25, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Join the Novelty Hills Cemetery for their Memorial Day event to honor and mourn the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Issaquah Memorial Day Ceremony
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Monday, May 25, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Salute veterans' sacrifices and service at Issaquah's Memorial Day ceremony, hosted by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3436 at the Issaquah Senior Center.
American Legion Post 79 Memorial Day Honors in Preston, Fall City &
North Bend
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Monday, May 25, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Join American Legion Post 79 for their Memorial Day Honors throughout the Snoqualmie Valley. The American Legion will conduct honors at Preston Cemetery at 9:00 AM, Fall City Cemetery at 10:00 AM, Mt. Si Cemetery at 11:00 AM, and host an open house at their post at 12:00 PM.
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.
Stay Connected!
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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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