This Wednesday Dec. 18 a celebration of the projects and programs chosen by community to receive $11.75 million through King County’s participatory budgeting program will be held in White Center.
Executive Dow Constantine and Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson will join community members to celebrate this year’s 42 community-centered projects and programs in unincorporated King County that voters chose. The event will feature representatives from all the projects and programs, as well as cultural performances.
2024 Participatory Budgeting Awards Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 18. Funding awards ceremony begins 5 p.m.; “Meet and Greet” with participatory budgeting community will follow, including poetry and musical performances by Acts on Stage, Speak with Purpose and Mariachi Ocote Band at the White Center Heights Elementary School gymnasium, 10015 6th Ave. SW, Seattle.
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.
