King County Executive Dow Constantine on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 announced the allocation of $11.75 million in participatory budgeting grants to fund 42 community projects and programs in unincorporated areas of the county, including White Center, North Highline, East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, and Skyway/West Hill.

The projects, selected by community members through a participatory budgeting process, include upgrades to local facilities, investments in recreation spaces, and support for critical services like food banks.

“Participatory Budgeting is about not only listening to the community but also sharing power, management, and confidence with residents in unincorporated King County who know what is needed to make the greatest impact,” said 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.”

Since its launch in 2021, the participatory budgeting initiative has invited residents to submit and vote on projects that address community needs. Voter participation nearly doubled this year compared to the program’s inaugural round.

Selected Projects and Funding Highlights:

  • Evergreen Aquatic Center, White Center: $750,000 for facility renovations to promote health, wellness, and equitable swimming access.
  • White Center Heights Elementary, Highline School District: $700,000 to upgrade the playground for school soccer and community use.
  • White Center Food Bank: $200,000 to meet a 40% increase in demand for food assistance.
  • Maplewood Park, East Renton: $600,000 to build a grass practice area for lacrosse, benefiting over 300 families, many from underserved communities.
  • Skyway Resource Center: $250,000 to complete the new community hub.
  • Federal Way Senior Center: $210,000 for safety, accessibility, and comfort improvements to expand services for seniors.
  • Double Dutch Divas: $120,000 for community fitness and social connection programs through jump rope sessions.
  • Speak with Purpose: $96,000 for public speaking classes for students.

Community Reflections:

The program has drawn praise from community leaders and participants for its collaborative approach and tangible results.

Donna Chan, Proposal Advocate, 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.”

Jeremy Gitchell, East Renton Steering Committee Member:

“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.”

Ryshun Sampson, Proposal Advocate, Skyway:

“Participatory Budgeting brought me back to the community and opened my eyes to the power of it. This experience was exactly what I needed to understand that I have the power to be a part of the change I want to see.”

King County’s participatory budgeting program continues to build bridges between local government and the communities it serves, demonstrating the potential of grassroots collaboration to drive meaningful change.