May 2026 Newsletter
Advocating for Your Priorities at the National Level!
Dear Friend,
This month, I was honored to represent King County at the annual National Association of Counties’ Western Interstate Region conference. This conference brought together county officials from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming to focus on the pressing issues facing our communities.
This year, Maui County hosted the conference, and I had the opportunity to learn about their successes, challenges and lessons surrounding emergency preparedness and disaster recovery following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. It was illuminating in the context of our own work to continue improving King County’s emergency preparedness, communications and disaster recovery following last December’s historic flooding.
The King County Council also traveled to the other Washington to advocate for your priorities in D.C. I met with members of our federal delegation, including Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Adam Smith and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, to share the top priorities of our District 3 residents and all of King County.
The Council adopted our King County 2026 Federal Legislative Priorities before the trip to D.C., including protecting the foundational rights of our residents, maintaining critical transportation and environmental policies and infrastructure, protecting access to health care and food security, promoting public safety, education and civic engagement, and more. You can read the detailed priorities list 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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Request for Executive to Provide Report on King County Regional Homelessness Authority: The Council passed a motion requiring the Executive Branch to provide a briefing and report on the corrective actions and administrative funding needs of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, including steps needed to protect the county's investments.
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2026 Supplemental Budget: We had discussions about our 2026 supplemental budget in the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, which will continue in the next couple of months as we dedicate ourselves to crafting a strong budget.
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New Public Health Director: The Council approved the Executive’s appointment of Sandra Valenciano as the new director of Public Health.
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Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation: I led the presentation of a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in King County. Thank you to KayLee Jaech, the executive director of The Garage – A Teen Cafe, for coming to accept this 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; 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!
 LakeSafe Confluence: I joined the LakeSafe Initiative for their first annual LakeSafe Confluence! This impactful community movement was born out of the tragic drowning of two Sammamish community members in Lake Sammamish last August. The youth involved are doing amazing work to promote water safety and awareness when swimming in our lakes.
Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank: I met Calib Miller, the new executive director of the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, and members of the hardworking staff and board that ensure none of our neighbors in the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond go hungry. I was pleased to be able to support the food bank in the purchase and renovation of a new building, and I’m excited to see them move into their new space later this year!
Homeward Pet Adoption Center: Thank you to Homeward Pet Adoption Center for the opportunity to connect with their new executive director Stuart Earley and board president Peter Bergler and receive a tour of their facility in Woodinville! Homeward is more than a shelter – they’re a critical resource for pet lovers in King County and across the state through their pet food program, veterinary services and more.
 Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership: It was wonderful to chat with leaders involved in the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership and hear about the important work they’re doing to protect our habitats and wildlife surrounding Lake Sammamish and how they’re engaging our community in this work.
 Issaquah Kiwanis: Thank you to the Issaquah Kiwanis Club for inviting me to share about the recent and upcoming work at King County impacting the Issaquah community! It was an honor to hear their thoughts on the accomplishments and challenges that I shared.
Community Celebrations
We wished all of our mothers in District 3 and beyond a wonderful Mother’s Day, honored the brave individuals who died in service to our nation on Memorial Day, and wished all our community members who celebrate a blessed Eid al-Adha filled with joy and resilience.
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
 Replacing Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge: Our Department of Local Services secured $6 million in federal funding to replace the Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge in unincorporated Issaquah at a critical intersection connecting Issaquah, Renton and Maple Valley! Road closures are planned in this area starting June 15 to install the new bridge.
Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
Stay Safe in the Water This Summer: Ensure the safety of you, your family members and loved ones this summer by practicing water safety tips from King County Public Health, including resources on swimming, boating and river safety! Also, check out resources from the LakeSafe Initiative.
Priority #3: Environment
Celebrating 10 Years of Community Repair Events: The Solid Waste Division hosts community repair events throughout King County, where volunteers help people repair personal and household items at no cost. After 10 years, the repair program hosted its 100th event this month! Check out this page for upcoming repair events.
Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
Share Your Thoughts on Affordable Housing: King County is considering additional ways to address housing affordability in our unincorporated communities, and we want to hear your thoughts! Fill out this survey by Sunday, May 31, and check out the public engagement dashboard to help shape unincorporated housing policy.
Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
King County Metro Trailhead Direct: Trailhead Direct returns this Memorial Day weekend through the summer hiking season! This shuttle provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in our district while reducing vehicle crowding at our trailheads. I’m thrilled this program is returning again this summer to serve our communities!
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: Kelsey's Koffee
Sandy’s Espresso in Carnation is now Kelsey’s Koffee! This café is a cozy space with delicious coffee, tea, and pastries and warm, welcoming seating. They also have an office space upstairs for community members to rent as needed! Visit them at 4650 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA 98014, and call 425-549-0062 to learn more.
Non-Profit Spotlight: SnoValley Tilth
SnoValley Tilth supports our farmers in the Snoqualmie Valley and promotes organic and sustainable food and fiber production throughout the Snoqualmie and Snohomish watersheds. They’re hosting their annual Friends of the Fields event on June 5. Check out their website to learn more!
City Spotlight: Carnation Planning and Parks Board
The Carnation Planning and Parks Board is a body of Carnation residents that provide advice and recommendations to the Carnation City Council regarding planning and parks. They meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. Join them in-person at Carnation City Hall (4621 Tolt Avenue, Carnation, WA 98014) or online. Check out their webpage to learn more, or contact Beth Offeman at beth.offeman@carnationwa.gov or (425) 550-8157.
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!
Opening Day of North Bend Farmers Market
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Thursday, June 4, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Head on down to Si View Park in North Bend for the opening day of the North Bend Farmers Market and Si View Summer Concerts! Shop farm-fresh produce and berries, baked goods, and local artisan products. Bring a picnic blanket and stay for the evening concert!
Duvall Days Festival
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Saturday, June 6, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Come celebrate all things Duvall at the Duvall Days Festival! This year is their 50th anniversary, and as per usual, they’re having an amazing parade and bringing live music and vendor booths, spotlighting creatives from Duvall and across the Snoqualmie Valley.
SnoValley Pride Picnic in Carnation
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Sunday, June 7, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Join SnoValley Pride at the Tolt Commons in Carnation for their fourth annual Pride Picnic! Enjoy free live music, food, and art-making stations on this day of love, community, and celebration.
Fall City Days
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Saturday, June 13, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Come celebrate the summer in Fall City at this fun family community festival including a kiddie and pet parade, main parade, 5k/10k/1k run, street fair, live music, and more! The fun begins at 7:30 a.m. with a Pancake Breakfast, followed by the Fall City Day Run.
Snoqualmie Art Off the Rails
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Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Celebrate the art, culture and history of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley by visiting art galleries, studios, and sites of railway history, and enjoy food in downtown Snoqualmie and North Bend!
Skykomish Tunnel Days
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Saturday, June 20, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Come celebrate the unique history and character of the railroad town of Skykomish with a pancake breakfast, fun run, parade, live music, open air market, mini train rides, and more!
Issaquah Down Home 4th of July
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Thursday, July 2, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Friday, July 3, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM & Saturday, July 4, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Join the City of Issaquah for their annual, vibrant Down Home 4th of July celebration! Each year this holiday celebration bursts with fun and excitement featuring a beloved Kids & Pets Parade and other activities.
Sammamish Fourth on the Plateau
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Saturday, July 4, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Join the City of Sammamish at Sammamish Commons Park for their annual 4th of July celebration! Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding with food trucks and family games and activities.
The Great Carnation 4th of July Celebration
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Saturday, July 4, 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM: Come celebrate the 4th of July in Carnation with all-day activities from 5k run, pancake breakfast, and grand parade in the morning to food, music, and a community picnic in the afternoon! Then, end the day with a fireworks show at Remlinger Farms at 9:45 p.m.
Celebrate Woodinville Summer Concert Series
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Wednesday, July 8, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Join the Woodinville Chamber for the opening night of their summer concert series at Wilmot Gateway Park! Bring your family, friends and neighbors and enjoy fun music for all ages, foods and sweets, and wine and beer from local wineries and breweries.
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.
The World Cup is coming to King County!
Check out Seattle FWC26’s Community Calendar for events all across the state celebrating the World Cup and the spirit of soccer! Here are just a couple of events in our district:
Centro Cultural Mexicano’s World Games Celebration in Redmond
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Thursday, June 11, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Join Centro Cultural Mexicano and the Redmond community for a fun and welcoming celebration of the 2026 World Games! This is a special outdoor watch party featuring the live broadcast of Mexico’s opening World Cup match on a giant screen in downtown Redmond.
Belgium vs. Egypt Watch Party in Redmond
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Monday, June 15, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Join OneRedmond at the Flatstick Pub for a free watch party of the Belgium v. Egypt World Cup match! There will be complimentary food and activities, including indoor mini golf, duffleboard and darts.
Woodinville Welcomes the World Watch Party
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Saturday, June 27, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Come on down to Wilmot Gateway Park for an exciting afternoon and evening of international soccer, community spirit, and summer fun! There will be giant screens streaming the Panama vs. England match at 2:00 PM, Colombia vs. Portugal at 4:30 PM, and Jordan vs. Argentina at 7:00 PM
Supporting Small Food Businesses
in King County: Resources to
Help You Succeed!
 May is Small Business Month – a time to recognize the entrepreneurs who help make our communities vibrant. Running a food business takes more than just serving great food. Navigating permits, regulations, inspections, and licensing requirements can be complex, especially for new or growing businesses. Our Public Health Department offers resources designed to help food businesses succeed while protecting the health of all community members and visitors!
Whether you’re opening a new restaurant, operating a mobile food business, planning a temporary food event, or simply having questions about compliance, check out the resources beyond:
- Answer questions about your food project and the decision support tool will direct you to the correct information.
- Check out food safety resources.
- Call 206-263-9566 to connect with a Sanitarian on Duty, who is available to support food business owners with food safety requirements, permits, equipment, and operational concerns.
- Check out “Your Guide to Getting Permitted: Food Trucks, Trailers, Carts, Tents and Booths” in English and “Tu Guía para Obtener un Permiso: Camiones de Comida, Remolques, Carritos, Tiendas y Puestos” in Spanish.
Public Health’s role is not just enforcement – it’s also education, technical assistance and helping businesses operate safely and successfully. Food business owners can stay informed by signing up for Public Health’s quarterly newsletter.
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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