By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced that $11.75 million in participatory budgeting grants will fund 42 projects and programs in unincorporated King County neighborhoods, including East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway/West Hill, and White Center/North Highline. The projects were chosen directly by community members to address local needs and create positive change.
“Participatory Budgeting is about not only listening to the community, but also sharing power, management, and confidence to residents in unincorporated King County who know what is needed to make the greatest impact,” said Executive Constantine. “The process provides choices while investing in opportunities that upend historical and racial inequities. This is how we continue making King County a place where every person can thrive.”
The participatory budgeting process, launched in 2021 by Constantine and the King County Council, encourages community participation and collaboration. Residents submit ideas for projects, programs, or services that would improve their neighborhoods and vote on which proposals to fund. This year saw nearly double the voter participation compared to the inaugural round in 2021.
“This is truly a milestone for Participatory Budgeting,” said Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson. “It stands as a testament to the dedication and determination of our community members and staff, highlighting the remarkable outcomes that arise when local government and the communities it serves work together in true collaboration.”
Some of the funded projects, include: • The Evergreen Aquatic Center, a non-profit indoor pool in White Center, will receive $750,000 for building and facility renovations. The aquatic center promotes health, wellness, and water safety for people of all ages — supporting equitable access to swimming programs.
• The East Renton community will receive $600,000 to build a grass practice area for lacrosse at Maplewood Park. The practice field will benefit over 300 participating families, many from underserved and marginalized communities. • The Skyway Resource Center will receive $250,000 to help finish building the new community hub. • The Federal Way Senior Center will receive $210,000 to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort at the center, creating a more inclusive space and allowing for expanded services to support seniors better and strengthen community bonds.
• The Highline School District will receive $700,000 to upgrade White Center Heights Elementary’s playground to support the school soccer program and create an outdoor space for community use. • The White Center Food Bank will receive $200,000 to support the growing demand for food from community members, up nearly 40% from last year. • Double Dutch Divas will receive $120,000 for programs that combine fitness, fun, and social connection through double dutch jump rope sessions at schools, local parks, and community spaces. The program helps foster teamwork, leadership, and healthy living. • Speak with Purpose will receive $96,000 for student public speaking classes.
“Participatory Budgeting has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the community,” said Donna Chan, a Proposal Advocate and Community Connector from White Center. “It helps advocate for the needs of White Center and ensure funds are directed back into our neighborhood where they’re needed the most. I am truly grateful for this experience.”
According to Jeremy Gitchell, steering committee member from East Renton, public safety and improving the lives of its residents is the primary goal of the participatory budgeting process and the steering committee members.
“It has been wonderful working with King County Local Services, Gloria Briggs, and the community of all unincorporated King County areas,” says Gitchell. “We have made a wonderful difference for the safety of our people in our community and improving lives of the underserved. It has been an honor to help the youth in unincorporated East Renton, gaining them more things to do in the existing parks and keeping them active. Hooray to the King County Participatory Budgeting program and all who volunteered!”
Participatory Budgeting to some like Ryshun Sampson, proposal advocate/community connector from Skyway, saw the experience as empowering and an agent of change, learning from elders and opening his eyes seeing the change.
“Participatory Budgeting brought me back to the community and opened my eyes to the power of it,” says Sampson. “This experience over the last year was exactly what I needed to understand that I have the power to be a part of the change I want to see. And, as a bonus, I was able to connect with elders and understand their experiences and needs.”