2016 – News about Councilmember Dave Upthegrove

November 21, 2016
Upthegrove introduces ordinance to prevent county use of private prisons
“With the uncertainty at the national level, this is an opportunity to ensure that private prisons are never used by King County. Private facilities have consistently demonstrated that the push for profit creates unsafe conditions that put both staff and inmates at risk.”

November 14, 2016
Commitment to public safety, homelessness and transportation highlight King County Budget
“This is a ‘back to basics’ budge. It is a responsible and balanced budget that prioritizes core services such as housing, public safety, and transportation.”

November 14, 2016
Upthegrove restores inmate bookings at Maleng Regional Justice Center
“As Budget Chair, public safety and restoring the cuts to the Maleng Regional Justice Center were among my top priorities. It’s critical that we have a fully operational facility in South King County so that officers can focus on addressing crime instead of spending time in traffic on their way to Seattle.”

November 14, 2016
Upthegrove secures county funds for Kent YMCA
“A Kent YMCA will improve the lives of thousands in South King County by engaging people in healthy activities, providing leadership opportunities for youth, and offering a space to build community.”

October 20, 2016
Public presents their budget priorities at public meetings on 2017-2018 County Budget
“Every year, the budget town halls are an important way for citizens to share what is important to them about living in King County and this year was no exception. I want to thank everyone who testified and encourage anyone to continue to offer comments as the Council continues its deliberations.”

October 3, 2016
County recognizes and celebrates value of workers with disabilities
“We all have family members and friends who live each day with disabilities, including the hearing and visually impaired. Today, we honor these folks and the important contribution they make to our community each day.”

September 26, 2016
Three panels will direct County Council’s review of Executive’s Proposed Biennial Budget
“It’s no secret that our region faces many challenges and I will make sure that King County is doing all it can in the smartest ways possible to address issues like homelessness, public safety, drug addiction and juvenile incarceration. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to present a balanced budget that meets these standards.”

September 23, 2016
Telling the County Council your priorities for the 2017-2018 King County Budget
“We are going to make some tough choices this year and will rely on public input to make the best choices possible. I encourage anyone who cares about buses, human services or public safety to not only attend or watch a hearing, but to contact the council with your thoughts.”

September 19, 2016
Upthegrove delivers on county-wide need for more human services bus passes
“Access to transportation is the number one predictor of social and economic mobility. The human service bus ticket program is critical for the mobility of low-income riders in all corners of the county.”

September 12, 2016
King County Council recognizes National Recovery Month
“Nearly everyone has a friend, family member or loved one who is struggling with addiction or in recovery. I’m proud of the county for acknowledging and celebrating the strength and effort it takes for a person to achieve sobriety.” 

September 7, 2016
Council committee approves blueprint for Best Starts for Kids
“The plan will guide big new investments in King County's kids and families. The focus on helping small and diverse organizations will be great for South King County.”

July 27, 2016
Kent-based youth environmental education organization receives $5,000 grant for stream restoration projects
“The Institute for Community Leadership is an outstanding organization that not only restores fish and wildlife habitat, but also inspires the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders to have an eye towards social justice.”

July 25, 2016
King County Council approves arsenic clean-up project in Kent
“The Kent project is a win for the environment and also for public health. Removing arsenic from the Leber Homestead site provides a direct benefit for both people and wildlife in the immediate area, as well as downriver.”

July 18, 2016
New ballot drop box locations in South King County offer voters convenience and accessibility
“Voting is the cornerstone of democracy and it’s important that everyone is able to participate. The new ballot drop box locations will make it easier for South King County residents to have their voices heard.”

July 13, 2016
Upthegrove proposes $87 million investment in affordable housing projects in King County
“We are facing a housing affordability crisis in King County. These funds will help low and middle-income families connect to transit, jobs, and education opportunities in homes they can afford.”

June 6, 2016
County Council recognizes LGBTQ Pride Month
“For me, Pride month is a time to tell our community’s story and to celebrate our community’s fight for justice on all fronts. I am proud to be a member of a community that fights for equal rights, access to justice, and environmental stewardship for everyone all over the state.”

May 4, 2016
Upthegrove delivers ‘retired’ van to World Relief
“World Relief provides supportive services that help refugees become self-sufficient and connect with community.”

May 4, 2016
Upthegrove delivers ‘retired’ van to assist youth mentoring program in Kent
“We’ve all heard the stories of young people whose lives were changed by a caring adult. GEM is making those stories become reality for so many in South King County.”

May 2, 2016
Council approves new ballot drop off boxes in South King County
“Providing secure and accessible elections is a fundamental responsibility of county government and I am glad there will be more ballot drop boxes all over South King County. I worked hard to make sure that these drop boxes will best serve our diverse communities and look forward to seeing them installed during the coming months.”

May 2, 2016
43 additional ballot drop off locations will be available to county voters this fall
“I worked hard to make sure that these drop boxes will best serve our diverse communities and look forward to seeing them installed during the coming months.”  

March 14, 2016
Perfection! King County Council Recognizes Nick Porter for Test Achievement
“I commend Nick and the staff at Kentridge High School for this outstanding academic achievement. A perfect score is an extraordinary feat that showcases the hardworking students and educators in King County.”

February 10, 2016
Voter access, juvenile justice alternatives among top priorities in Upthegrove budget proposal
“Increasing voter access, reducing youth violence, and addressing the racial disparities in the juvenile justice system are long-standing Council priorities,” said Dave Upthegrove, Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “It was important to me to ensure that these Council priorities were funded when I drafted this proposal and I was pleased to see it receive unanimous support.”

January 25, 2016
Council approves members of King County Children and Youth Advisory Board
“This board represents the diverse communities, organizations and ideas of King County. I’m excited to have great people with such impressive backgrounds helping us guide our work.” 

January 20, 2016
Councilmember Upthegrove to write next County Budget
“King County protects our region’s health and safety, keeps Metro buses running and serves as the local government for the rural parts of the county. I will focus on writing a balanced budget that delivers core services, especially public health and human services, efficiently and effectively.”