2017 – News about Councilmember Dave Upthegrove

November 13, 2017
Council Approves Simplifying Metro Transit Fares
“Along with adopting a flat fare, we directed Metro to boost outreach efforts for passengers, including service workers with nontraditional hours that may be eligible for Metro’s reduced fare ORCA LIFT program.” 

November 6, 2017
Council Votes to Fund Measures to Prevent Gun Violence
The people of King County stand with the people of south Texas and send our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in yet another preventable attack.

October 9, 2017
Agreement between Renton, King County on historic buildings is good news for taxpayers
“This is a win-win for Renton and the county. The new agreement gives the City of Renton a process to recognize and preserve important historic properties, without reinventing the wheel.”  

October 2, 2017
Councilmembers Call for Congressional Response to Tragedy
“Failure to act at the Federal level continues to put King County, and every community in America, at risk – and this remains simply unacceptable.” 

September 27, 2017
Old Public Health Clinic to become new Renton Technical College Health Sciences Facility
“It’s always great to see old spaces being put to new use. The planned health sciences facility would certainly benefit the community, and I look forward to tracking the progress of this project.”

September 12, 2017
County Councilmembers Partner with Doug Baldwin, Renton to support Family First Community Center
“The Family First Center represents amazing community partnerships and has a mission dedicated to supporting youth and families in Renton. Our county contribution will help bring wrap around services to the Benson Hill neighborhood of my district. I’m so excited to be a part of this project.” 

September 7, 2017
Iraqi Community Center of Washington gets the keys for surplus van
“I am thrilled to play a role in donating this van to the IRCCW, which will encourage more students to reach their potential.”

September 5, 2017
Supporting those fighting addiction
“Addiction is touching a growing number of families and communities across King County. It is important to connect those struggling with addiction to services that can help them lead healthy lives.” 

August 14, 2017
Council acts 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.”

July 13, 2017
Statement from King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove Calling for County Inquest in Fatal Police Shooting
“In the interest of this goal, I am calling for a King County inquest into the fatal shooting of Giovonn Joseph-McDade. The family of Giovonn and I met this week – my heart goes out to them during this time of loss.” 

June 6, 2017
Dembowski, Upthegrove award MLK Medal of Distinguished Service to local Filipino leaders
“Fred has been a committed public servant to the South King County community. Along with the countless number of people who he has impacted throughout his career, I’m thankful for his service and proud to present him this well-deserved honor.” 

May 22, 2017
Fred Mendoza’s lifetime commitment to his community recognized by Councilmember Upthegrove
“Fred has been a committed public servant to the South King County community. Along with the countless number of people who he has impacted throughout his career, I’m thankful for his service and proud to present him this well-deserved honor.” 

April 24, 2017
Protecting the rights of Juveniles in custody
“The racial disparities in our criminal justice system are glaring and intolerable. This legislation is a common sense approach that attacks those disparities, follows the brain science and keeps our kids safe.”

April 24, 2017
Holiday Relief: Council calls for study on using Metro Transit after fireworks
“This represents a strong signal from the Council to support Metro’s efforts to increase service and safety on these busy holidays.”  

April 17, 2017
Council adopts review of Emergency Response Plans for Dams
“The Oroville Dam crisis in California offers a good reminder for us to take a closer look at our current evacuation plans, raise awareness of evacuation routes, and designate emergency shelters. The County Council’s action will help better prepare our at risk communities to move people out of harm’s way in an emergency.”

March 27, 2017
Upthegrove supports increased bus service between Renton and Kent
“Renton and Kent residents need access to dependable bus service.”

March 27, 2017
More bus service coming to Burien, SeaTac, Renton, and Kent
“Metro’s proposed service changes are a good step in the right direction towards more frequent and reliable service to our communities.”

March 9, 2017
Council Budget Chair Statement on Executive’s Tax Increase Proposal
“This proposed sales tax increase would hit low income folks the hardest. Our state already has the most regressive tax system in the country, and this would make it even worse in King County.” 

February 14, 2017
Upthegrove calls for free, expanded late night public transportation on Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve holidays
““We want to make it easy for people to make the right decision and leave their car at home as they ring in the New Year or celebrate the Fourth of July. Ensuring that buses and trains run late into the evening on these holidays makes everyone safer.””

January 30, 2017
Upthegrove Issues Statement on Unconstitutional Immigration Ban
“Americans have a long history of standing up for people from all religious backgrounds. When people face injustice and stay silent, I believe that it is the same as being complicit.”