(The Center Square) – King County is distributing $11.5 million to 42 projects and programs as part of its process allowing community members to choose where to send millions in funding.
Projects were selected by community members as part of the county’s participatory budgeting process.
The participatory budgeting process started in 2021 and allows community members to submit ideas for projects and programs to receive funding.
According to the county, voter participation nearly doubled this year from the inaugural round two years ago.
The selected projects are spread throughout unincorporated parts of King County including East Federal Way, East Renton, Fairwood, Skyway, and White Center.
King County Local Services funds and implements the winning projects and programs.
“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,” Constantine said in a statement. “This is how we continue making King County a place where every person can thrive.”
The largest allocation of funding goes to the Silent Task Force with $1.6 million to purchase a new building in the Skyway area. The new building is intended to help create a stable hub for the Silent Task Force, which helps low-income Skyway residents by providing housing support, food distribution, a medicine practitioner space and a digital lab.
The second largest allocation of funding goes to Integrity Life Church with $1.25 million to develop a multifunctional community space in unincorporated parts of Federal Way. After-school programs, basketball and athletic courts, and conference rooms will be included in the location.
Other projects include building renovations for community centers and aquatic centers, supporting a local food bank facing increased demand, upgrading playgrounds, and student public speaking classes.
