2014 – News about Councilmember Dave Upthegrove

December 8, 2014
Councilmembers: EPA’s Duwamish Cleanup Plan continues effort to revitalize the “lifeblood” of Seattle
“It is great to see this important work continue in order to improve the health and well-being of the people who live, work, and play near these waters.” 

November 25, 2014
Upthegrove directs help to Kent’s homeless women and children
“As a member of the budget leadership team, I spent weeks scrutinizing every county agency to find ways to cut spending to balance the budget. Frankly, it was great to find a way to actually do something new that will help some of Kent’s most needy families.”

November 25, 2014
Renton shelter to receive county funding thanks to Upthegrove
“The Council spent two months examining every county agency to find ways to balance the budget and cut spending. We had to make some tough decisions, but in the end, we had to balance the budget. For me, this new funding for Renton’s REACH Center of Hope was one of the bright spots in this year’s budget.”
 
November 10, 2014
Upthegrove increases transit access to the most vulnerable
“Everyone in our community should have access to public transit. The human services bus ticket program allows the most vulnerable to travel to their jobs, shelters and other services they may need.”

October 31, 2014
All Treat, No Trick: Upthegrove Delivers “Retired” Van to Renton Youth and Family Services
“Renton Area Youth and Family Services helps hundreds of kids and seniors get the services they need every day. I am excited to donate a ‘retired’ van from King County to help RAYS continue this mission.”

October 31, 2014
Council gives unanimous approval to legislation providing vital links to Lake to Sound Trail
“This completes one of the missing links in the project between Burien and SeaTac. I am excited to see us continue to build out this important regional trail system in South King County.”
September 25, 2014

October 31, 2014
County considers expanding cost-effective transit options for local communities
“As soon as I learned that the Route 139 was on the chopping block, I asked Metro to find some sort of alternative for people in Gregory Heights and Seahurst. This proposal is an affordable solution that might just work better for those who need transit services the most.”

September 22, 2014
Three panels will direct County Council’s review of Executive’s Proposed Biennial Budget
“Bus service is the most important thing King County does to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. My job during the next several weeks is to ensure that every available penny is being used to keep buses on the road. I am excited to get to work.”

September 12, 2014
Upthegrove introduces body camera proposal
“The data is clear: body cameras are highly effective in both reducing complaints against officers and reducing instances of inappropriate use of force by officers. I am confident that once fully implemented body cameras will help to build more trust between officers and the communities they are sworn to protect.”

September 5, 2014
Upthegrove’s efforts to save Kent “Shopper Shuttle” routes pay off
“This is great news for everyone who uses the Shopper Shuttle on the East Hill as well as for businesses and economic development in downtown Kent. However, these routes are not completely in the clear. I will continue to fight to keep this service intact as the Council begins deliberations on Metro’s 2015-2016 budget.”

September 2, 2014
Council adopts legislation amending detention of immigration detainees
“This was absolutely the right thing to do. It strikes the right balance between public safety and constitutional rights.”

July 28, 2014
Upthegrove delivers “retired” van to assist seniors and kids to Navos Mental Health Lake Burien facility
“Navos provides effective, accessible and much needed behavioral health services to people of all ages. This van will help Navos continue this invaluable work.” 

July 21, 2014
Councilmembers find common ground on bus cuts
“In the coming months, Metro will prepare for cuts in September and February. The cuts authorized by today’s vote will be made based on Metro’s Strategic Plan which was unanimously adopted to keep politics out of route decisions. Metro will also complete another outside audit initiated by the Executive, to continue the County’s work to make sure our department is running as efficiently as possible.”

July 11, 2014
Upthegrove delivers “retired” van to assist kids and seniors in Des Moines
“I am thrilled that King County can provide a vehicle to support kids and seniors in Des Moines. The city offers a wide variety of programs such as summer camp and senior activities. This van will help Des Moines continue this valuable work.”

June 6, 2014
Councilmembers propose transit compromise
“We are all committed to finding any new revenue that can help us stave off the bus cuts we have long planned for. But we cannot budget based on what-ifs. We have to make decisions based on what our finances look like today, not what we hope they will look like in the future.”

May 27, 2014
New careers for hard working county employees: Council approves transfer of surplus vanpool van to organizations throughout King County
“This is such a magnificent opportunity to help programs that help others. It is comforting to know that these vans will continue to be of use across the county.”

May 19, 2014
Council Council’s 2014 Equity and Social Justice work plan will consider impacts of bus service reduction
“The 2014 ESJ work plan emphasizes the need to integrate equity and social justice principles into the decisions we make as a Council. This work is even more critical as we face funding uncertainty and bus service reductions.”

March 24, 2014
King County Council Recognizes Tracy Tran for Perfect Test Score
“Tracy is an outstanding student and she should be very proud of her achievement. I am excited to see what she does next.”

March 11, 2014
Former County Councilmember Julia Patterson to be honored by the Municipal League of King County
“Julia worked every day as a strong advocate for South King County. I am proud to call her my friend and mentor and am delighted that the Municipal chose to honor Julia with this award.”

February 24, 2014
Community to have stronger voice in implementation of low-income bus pass
“It is vital for residents who will benefit from the low-income fare to have a strong role in how the program is accessed and utilized,” said Councilmember Upthegrove. “The task force will provide diverse leadership and perspectives to the Council to make the low-income fare work well for all who qualify.”

January 27, 2014
County Council completes 2014 reorganization with appointment of committee chairs
“I am thrilled to be appointed to committees that will allow me to continue my efforts in building South King County as a community where businesses can prosper, diverse communities thrive, and vulnerable populations and the environment are protected. It is important that County resources are used fairly and equitably in developing sustainable budgets – I am excited to start my committee work.”

January 27, 2014
County Council, Executive join “12th Man” in shouting GO HAWKS!!!
“Always proud to represent fellow King County 12s as the loudest and best fans in all of sports. As for the Super Bowl, as we used to say back in the AFC West days, ‘Bust those Broncos!’”

January 22, 2014
New law prioritizes Children and Youth
“It is critical to invest in our youth to strengthen the foundation for the future of our communities. I am excited about the opportunity to coalesce and coordinate with our richly diverse set of South King County community partners to explore, plan and implement the best solutions to invest in our youth.”

January 13, 2014
Upthegrove to serve on Sound Transit Board
“Transportation issues were one of my top priorities in the legislature and I look forward to continuing to represent South King County’s interest on the Sound Transit Board.”