2021 – News about Councilmember Dave Upthegrove

December 7, 2021
Groundbreaking Metro Transit Updates Passed by King County Council
“This week’s vote is the result of years of hard work and demonstrates King County’s continued leadership in centering equity and investing where needs are greatest,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, prime sponsor of the legislation and Chair of the Regional Transit Committee. “As our already robust transit system continues to grow, I take great pride in knowing these future investments will help reduce inequities and advance our ambitious climate change goals.” 

November 16, 2021
Upthegrove awards Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service to Barbara Drennen
“For over four decades, Barbara has selflessly cared for the most vulnerable babies and supported their families during the challenging early months of their fragile lives. She truly personifies the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and is a deserving recipient for this distinguished award.”

September 17, 2021
Brenda Fincher appointed to King County MIDD Advisory Committee
“Councilmember Fincher is a beloved member of the Kent community whose compassion knows no bounds. I have had the pleasure of working with her in the community and we are lucky to have her experience, her expertise and her empathy on the MIDD Advisory Committee.”

September 14, 2021
Flood District approves $840,000 in funding for Saltwater State Park Restoration, local projects for fish and flooding
“As Chair of the Flood Control District, I have made it a priority for us to use our grant programs to solve flooding issues while also being a good steward of the environment. As these three projects move forward, we will not only meet our public safety goal of protecting residents from flooding, but we will also create a safer, more hospitable environment for our chinook salmon and other fish species.”

August 25, 2021
Exciting Progress on the Lake to Sound Trail in SeaTac
“Connecting Lake Washington to the Puget Sound via walking and biking has long been a priority for King County. The completion of Segment C is an important step in our commitment to make it easier for people to get outside, to create more opportunity for access to active recreation, and lessen the health disparities of people in South King County.”

August 17, 2021
King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove Urges Support for Afghan Refugees
“We now need to offer that same opportunity to those Afghan refugees who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our American soldiers over the last twenty years. I look forward to welcoming Afghan families to our community and working with the County and our community to ensure that the gut-wrenching decision to flee their homeland was not be made in vain.”

July 27, 2021
Upthegrove Announces New Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
“Mr. Abouzeid’s compassion and dedication to civil rights was clearly evident in his conversations with community members, OLEO staff and in his interview with the Council. I believe he will center the interests of the community and fulfill the mission of OLEO to provide independent oversight and accountability of the Sheriff’s office."

July 22, 2021
Upthegrove Announces $30,000 Youth Sports Grant for Burien’s Para Los Ninos
“We know that sports and play are essential for a healthy life and that the benefits are not just physical. The mental and social benefits of physical activity are equally important, especially for youth who have experienced disruption and isolation in their lives during the pandemic. I am excited that Para Los Ninos can now include this important element in its summer programming.”

July 8, 2021
Upthegrove encourages public participation in selection of new director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
“An effective, just and compassionate justice system requires independent oversight and accountability. I encourage community members to take this opportunity to engage with potential candidates who will have the important responsibility of ensuring the public interest in keeping the King County Sheriff’s Office accountable for providing fair and just police services.”

June 1, 2021
Facial Recognition Technology Ban Passed by King County Council
“The use of this technology is invasive, intrusive, racially biased and full of risks to fundamental civil liberties. I am proud to sponsor this ban which is supported by local community groups, public defenders, immigrants’ rights advocates, racial justice organizations, workers’ rights groups, privacy advocates, and technologists.”

May 27, 2021
Upthegrove Proposes Study of King County Basic Income Program
“The economic disruptions brought on by COVID-19 have cast a spotlight on the devastation caused by losing one’s income. When a person’s livelihood is taken away or reduced substantially, the impacts resonate throughout not only their own life, but also the broader community. I want to see if the guarantee of a monthly income can stabilize people’s lives and open doors to new opportunities that previously would have been unaffordable.”

May 26, 2021
Upthegrove secures extra $800k in funding to protect businesses from displacement
“The pilot project has helped two South King County businesses thrive despite facing displacement and other small business challenges Both Spice Bridge in Tukwila and the SeaTac International Mall in SeaTac are success stories in part because of this vital County support. I want to see more of these community-led, small business successes in our region.”

May 26, 2021
Statement: Upthegrove denounces hate in our community
“South King County is one of the most vibrant, diverse communities in our community and that diversity is our strength. Whether you have lived here all your life or have immigrated here and now call South King County home – you are welcome here ... But let me be clear – hate has no place here..."

May 25, 2021
Upthegrove Announces New County Funding to Help Residents
“Throughout the last year and a half, I have spoken to hundreds of community members about the challenges they have faced and the concerns they have for themselves and their families. I have heard about the fear of losing one’s home, the stress that comes from losing a job and the strain our youth have been under as they navigate remote learning and a changed home environment. This budget seeks to address those concerns while providing hope for a brighter future.”

April 20, 2021
King County Council sends $872 million Best Starts for Kids levy to voters in August
“More than 200 young people avoided a criminal record. That’s the power of the Best Starts for Kids ballot measure, that’s just one example of how this is transforming systems.”

April 20, 2021
Upthegrove statement on guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin trial
King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is releasing the following statement concerning the guilty verdict announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin.

March 23, 2021
Upthegrove Announces New Community-Centered Approach to $45M Boost in County Rental Assistance
“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been meeting regularly with local community leaders from communities of color and immigrant and refugee communities. They shared opportunities and ideas for how to distribute the funding in ways to better reach the most impacted members of our community. This new approach will further enhance our racial equity goals and support the good work of all our local organizations working tirelessly to keep people housed.”

February 9, 2021
Councilmembers condemn preferential vaccine offerings by some area hospitals, request state prohibit such practices in legislation
“At a time when low-income and communities of color are already being hit hardest by COVID-19, it is appalling that wealthy individuals are able to cheat the system to get a vaccine. We need to lead with our core value of equity and ensure that vaccine providers in King County prioritize the vulnerable rather than the rich.”

January 8, 2021
Upthegrove announces $7 million to increase vaccine availability in King County
“COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on South King County and it is essential that we put our resources where the need is greatest. I support the Seattle-King County Public Health Department’s effort to get these sites up and running as soon as February 1.”