By Brent Champaco for Runta News
Executive Dow Constantine today announced $11.75 million in participatory budgeting funding for over 40 community projects and programs in East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway/West Hill, and White Center/North Highline.
Projects selected by the community to receive funding include building and upgrading a senior center, elementary school playground and aquatic facility, as well as supporting a local food bank facing increased demand for assistance.
The participatory budgeting process, which Executive Constantine and the King County Council launched in 2021, is centered on community participation and collaboration. Community members submit ideas for improvements, projects, programs, or services that would make a positive difference in their neighborhood and vote to choose which will be funded. This year, voter participation nearly doubled from the inaugural round two years ago.
“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.”
“This is truly a milestone for Participatory Budgeting. 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,” said Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson.
Here are some of the projects that will receive participatory budgeting grants:
- 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.
PARTNER QUOTES
- Jeremy Gitchell, Steering Committee member from East Renton: “It has been wonderful working with King County Local Services, Gloria Briggs, and the community of all unincorporated King County areas. 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!”
- Donna Chan, Proposal Advocate/Community Connector from White Center: “Participatory Budgeting has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the community, help 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.”
- Ryshun Sampson, Proposal Advocate/Community Connector from Skyway: “Participatory Budgeting brought me back to the community and opened my eyes to the power of it. 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.”
Brent Champaco is the Public Information Officer and Senior Community Relations Planner at the King County Local Services.
