October 2026 Newsletter
Make Your Voice Heard: Vote by Tuesday, November 3!
Dear Friend,
It’s time to get your vote in! Our 2026 General Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3, so if you haven’t yet, drop your ballot like it’s hot and get it to a ballot drop box as soon as possible! Returning your ballot to a drop box is the fastest and most secure way to ensure your ballot is counted. Find a drop box near you!
As of 2:00 p.m. today, the voter turnout for King County is 30.25%, and the turnout for District 3 is 33.46%, which is the second 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 you. The Vote Centers closest to us are in Kenmore City Hall and Bellevue College. The centers will be open Saturday, October 31, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday, November 2, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, and Tuesday, November 3, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Contact elections@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-8683 with any additional questions.
Thank you for exercising your right to vote and sharing your voice by Tuesday, November 3! 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.
Sincerely,
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, through our annual district survey and meetings, that matter most to you:
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Appointed First-Ever Inspector General: The Council approved the appointment of Stuart Robinson as the first-ever King County Inspector General. Inspector General Robinson is a recognized expert and instructor of best practices in this field, bringing deep, practical knowledge and experience in the investigation of fraud, waste, and mismanagement. I look forward to working with him and introducing him to our King County communities!
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Approved WaterWorks Grant Allocations: The Council approved a total of $4.4 million in WaterWorks Grants to projects throughout King County. $275K of this was allocated to projects in our district, including $107K to Trout Unlimited to advance wetland restoration along East Lake Sammamish Parkway and $60K to Mid Sound Fisheries to improve stormwater infrastructure in Redmond's Avondale neighborhood.
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Building & Energy Code Passes Committee: We passed my legislation to update King County’s building and energy codes out of the Local Services and Land Use Committee. These updates ensure we comply with new state building, energy, and fire codes. The legislation will be considered by the Full Council in November.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation: The Council recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County. Thank you to Councilmembers Balducci and Barón for leading this important recognition, encouraging public awareness, action against abuse, and standing with survivors.
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!
 Celebrating the Return of Our Salmon: I had a blast joining over 150K visitors and community members to celebrate the return of our native Chinook, coho, and Kokanee salmon to Issaquah Creek during Issaquah Salmon Days! It was wonderful to briefly pop into the fun of the parade and visit all the amazing artists, crafters, bakers and creators of all types staffing booths throughout the streets and parks of downtown Issaquah.
MAPS Active Living & Wellness Center Grand Opening: Congratulations to MAPS on the grand opening of their Active Living & Wellness Center! I was glad to support the purchase of MAPS’ new buildings and contribute an additional $10K this year for the Wellness Center from our District 3 Councilmanic Grants. We hope this becomes a community space where all ages, especially our older adults, can gather, connect, and remain active!
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Best of SnoValley Awards: I was honored to present the winners for Fall City and the unincorporated areas at this year’s Best of SnoValley Awards ceremony! Thank you to the SnoValley Chamber and the Snoqualmie Valley Record for bringing us together for a wonderful, Western-themed night celebrating the outstanding small business owners and community leaders in the Valley. Congratulations to Misty Valley Bookkeeping, Angela Donaldson Agency, Kevin Hauglie Financial Services, Mooo! Ice Cream, Noble Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Crescent Market, and Salish Veterinary Hospital – the winners from Fall City and unincorporated Snoqualmie/North Bend – and to all the winners through the Valley!
 Sammamish Presbyterian Church Older Adults Luncheon: I was honored to be invited to give a State of the County presentation at the Sammamish Presbyterian Church’s Older Adults Luncheon. A big thank you to former Issaquah mayor Fred Butler and Rev. Kelly Hostetler for inviting me, and thank you to all in attendance for your great questions and engagement!
 Mt. Si Senior Center: It is always a great day when I can meet with Susan Kingsbury-Comeau, executive director of the Mt. Si Senior Center! We discussed the important work the senior center is doing to serve our older community members in North Bend, Snoqualmie, and beyond and how King County can continue to support the senior center in its mission. Check out all the programs and resources they offer here, and thank you, Susan, for all you do!
Focusing on Your Priorities!
Here are more of the happenings at King County related to your priorities that you shared in our annual survey:
Priority #1: Road & Bridge Infrastructure
 Preparing for Winter Weather: This month, in preparation for upcoming winter snow and ice, King County Roads Services conducted winter operations training in unincorporated Redmond, Fall City, and Skykomish. If you saw a snowplow out and about this month, those were crew members checking equipment and practicing their winter response routes so that the county is ready to respond efficiently when winter weather arrives! Learn more here.
Priority #2: Safe & Healthy Communities
 King County Search and Rescue Shares 10 Hiking Essentials: Whether you're heading out for a quick afternoon hike or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the 10 Essentials can make all the difference. Check out this video about the 10 Essentials created by King County Search and Rescue to prepare for your next adventure! Watch the video in English, or with Spanish and Arabic subtitles. King County Search and Rescue is non-profit, all volunteer organization based in Snoqualmie that responses when emergencies happen. Learn more about their critical work here!
Priority #3: Environment
Apply Now for the Rural Forest Commission: Tomorrow is the last day to apply to serve on King County’s Rural Forest Commission! Commissioners advise the Council and the Executive on policies, programs, and regulations affecting rural forests, ways to conserve dedicated forestland, and ways to retain working forests in King County. Apply now!
Priority #4: Housing – All Types & All Incomes
Permitting Advisory Panel: King County has formed a Permitting Advisory Panel, bringing together different industries, residents, and agencies to speed up the county’s permitting processes. For the past five years, I’ve worked closely with our Department of Local Services, the Master Builders Association, and residents on this issue. Efficient, effective, consistent permitting processes are critical for meeting our housing and environmental goals, and it’s essential these processes are consistent and accessible for all.
Priority #5: Transit & Mobility
MoveRedmond Walk & Talks: The District 3 team attended MoveRedmond’s Marymoor and Downtown Redmond Walk & Talks! We went around the Marymoor neighborhood and downtown Redmond to observe and discuss transit access and how to improve bike and pedestrian mobility in these areas. It was great to see Mayor Angela Birney, Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, Redmond city staff, Sound Transit, and King County Parks staff there!
Snoqualmie Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Snoqualmie 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: Chickadee Bakeshop
Chickadee Bakeshop is an adorable bakery in downtown Snoqualmie run by two fierce women and long-time friends, Katie and Dorie. They re-opened at their new location on Railroad Ave last year after a devastating fire that forced them to temporarily close their business. They bake some of the most delicious sweet treats in the Valley from cookies and cinnamon rolls to pies and croissants. Check out their website, and come visit them at 8150 Railroad Ave SE, Ste B, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 to learn more – they don’t disappoint!
Non-Profit Spotlight: Northwest Railway Museum
The Northwest Railway Museum is a non-profit museum dedicated to preserving and teaching about the impactful history of railways in shaping the Pacific Northwest. It operates a historic passenger train route in Snoqualmie and North Bend. Experience history alive as a passenger on their winter train excursions and join them for their North Pole Limited or Yuletide Express trips with Santa this winter! Check out their website, call 425-888-3030 Ext. 7202, and visit them at 38625 SE King Street, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 to learn more!
City Spotlight: City of Snoqualmie
Every two years, the City of Snoqualmie adopts a biennial budget that sets funding levels for city operations and services for the next two-year period. Snoqualmie residents are encouraged to complete the city services survey to make your voice heard about what the city should prioritize as it works on the city’s budget! Check out additional ways to engage with the budget process here.
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!
Issaquah Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Celebration
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Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Head to the Issaquah Community Center on November 1 for a spectacular Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos celebration! Decorate a mask made in Mexico, join art workshops led by local artists, and enjoy face painting, delicious food, and traditional dancers and Mariachi music!
Redmond Grand Diwali & Annakut Celebration
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Sunday, November 1, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Join BAPS Temple in Redmond for a grand Diwali celebration and grand Annakut (which translates from Sanskrit as "mountain of food"). Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of gratitude and reflection on the past year and a joyful moment to embrace the New Year alongside friends and loved ones.
Sammamish Diwali Bazaar
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Sunday, November 1, 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Join Craft Bazaar for a Diwali Bazaar at Pine Lake Community Center in Sammamish! Enjoy mehandi, shopping, and delicious Indian street food.
Redmond Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos
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Monday, November 2, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Head to the Redmond Senior & Community Center to celebrate a vibrant Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away. Celebrate with crafts, music, and food! Email seniors@redmond.gov a picture of your loved one to be added to the community altar.
Redmond Senior Center Veteran’s Day Event
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Friday, November 6, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Join the Redmond Senior & Community Center for their Veterans Day Event to honor and celebrate our country's heroic veterans across all generations. There will be refreshments and music provided by The Sophisticated Swing Big Band.
Clear Creek Farm Natural Dye Workshop at Carnation Farms
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Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Join Clear Creek Farm (Duvall) at Carnation Farms to learn basic techniques for extracting color from plants onto protein fibers like wool and silk! This is a paid event hosted by a non-profit; registration required.
Caregiver Connection Conference in North Bend
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Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Join the Mt. Si, Issaquah, and Sno-Valley Senior Centers in North Bend for the Caregiver Connection Conference! This is a free gathering to equip caregivers with resources, information, and support. Breakfast and lunch are included, and on-site respite care can be requested.
Issaquah Veterans Day Service
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Wednesday, November 11, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3436 at the Issaquah Senior Center for their annual Veterans Day Service. The event will include a flag ceremony by the Liberty High School Junior ROTC, recognition of veterans in attendance, and a short Veteran’s Day presentation.
Snoqualmie Tribe & American Legion Post 79 Veterans Day Ceremony
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Wednesday, November 3, 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM: Join the Snoqualmie Tribe and American Legion Post 79 for their annual Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel. Come together to pay tribute to our veterans!
Woodinville Arts Alliance Sip & Stroll Art Walk
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Friday, November 13, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Saturday, November 14, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Join the Woodinville Arts Alliance and The Winemakers Reserve for their Sip & Stroll Art Walk! Enjoy wine, music, art, and awards on Friday evening, and stop by Saturday for additional time to view the art.
Holiday Maker’s Market in Snoqualmie
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Saturday, November 14, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Visit No Boat Brewing on November 14 for a lively Holiday Maker’s Market featuring holiday goods from local artists and small business owners in the Snoqualmie Valley!
Carnation Turkey Trot
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Saturday, November 21, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Gather your flock and join the Carnation Chamber of Commerce for their fourth annual Carnation Turkey Trot at the beautiful Remlinger Farms! Join fellow runners, joggers, and walkers in some lighthearted fun while supporting the businesses of Carnation and strengthening the community.
Issaquah Turkey Trot
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Saturday, November 26, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: The Issaquah Turkey Trot 5K is a fun, casual, all-ages event benefitting the crucial work of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank to provide food and vital resources in East King County. All proceeds go directly to supporting your neighbors and ensuring food access for all!
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.
More From Our Community!
 Career Opportunities with WeTrain Washington: WeTrain Washington's Community Pathways to Grocery Careers is a two-week, 40-hour course that prepares participants for union grocery careers with family medical benefits and a pension. No experience is needed. Participants receive a stipend, food handler's permit, resume and interview coaching, job placement support, and case management for up to a year. WeTrain also runs dedicated cohorts for veterans. Classes resume in 2027. Join the waitlist here if you’re interested!
 Have You Heard of Lens of Youth?: Lens of Youth is a youth-led nonprofit founded in Sammamish in 2023 that advocates for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through storytelling, art, photography, and community engagement. Through Misunderstood Moments and Bridges to the Arts free classes, they create opportunities for people of all abilities to connect, be understood, and experience the arts together. They invite local I/DD families to join their free classes, and youth, schools, businesses, and community organizations to volunteer, share a story, or partner with them. Check out their website to learn more!
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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