The King County Department of Local Services this week announced $200,000 in participatory budgeting grants for five community events in the White Center/North Highline unincorporated area.

Community members voted during the 2023-2024 participatory budgeting process to allocate county funding for events and festivals that uplift cultural celebration, connection, and visibility in the area.

A review panel made up of community members and Local Services staff chose events to fund through a competitive grant process.

“The community chose to invest county funding in support of events and festivals that celebrate the diversity and culture of White Center and North Highline,” said Gloria Briggs, manager of the county’s participatory budgeting program. “We’re looking forward to these events that support families and other residents, local businesses, and artists.”

The community events receiving support are listed below. Visit the recipients’ websites to learn more about how to participate:

Eazy Duz It Block Party ($45,000)

This multicultural community event, hosted by the Eazy Duz It Car Club, brings together car enthusiasts, local artists, vendors, and community members for a full day of entertainment, networking, and cultural celebration. The event will feature a car show, open mic performances, cultural showcases, vendor booths, and a Hop Off to showcase hydraulics and tricks. Grantee: Eazy Duz It Car Club

Evening of Hope ($45,000)

This vibrant multicultural night market in White Center celebrates the rich traditions of our beautifully diverse communities through food, art, and live performances. The youth-led, multigenerational event will feature cultural stalls, local artists, storytelling, and a community stage spotlighting poetry and the spoken word. Grantee: Our Hope

White Center Community Potluck Series ($25,000)

These monthly neighborhood gatherings give community members opportunities to meet their neighbors, share food and other resources, discuss local issues, and learn about opportunities to get involved in grassroots neighborhood projects. Grantee: White Center Solidarity

White Center Night Market ($50,000)

This unique family-friendly night market in downtown White Center promotes cross-cultural appreciation by showcasing local small businesses, including vendors selling delicious local food, and providing engaging cultural performances. Grantee: Cambodian American Community Council of WA

The White Center Pride Clubhouse ($35,000)

This event engages a broad spectrum of the community, including LGBTQIA+ youth, families with children, seniors, allies, residents who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, local artists, and small businesses. Grantee: White Center Pride Committee

King County’s participatory budgeting program was started in 2021 and 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 neighborhoods. They then vote to choose which of these will be funded. Since the program began in 2021, it has dedicated more than $23 million to community priorities.