Dear friends and neighbors,

Each year the Legislature approves hundreds of new investments to build and improve public spaces around the state. Thanks to persistent and effective advocacy by community members and nonprofits, several projects in the neighborhoods of the 43rd district received support this year. As has been the case for many years, I am grateful to Reps. Chopp and Macri for the close collaboration to make sure that these projects made it through budget negotiations.

Local community investments

From facilities that support our most vulnerable neighbors to spaces where we learn and find community, below are some highlights of the improvements in our district funded in this year’s operating and capital budgets:

  • $1 million to support YouthCare’s Constellation Center to provide services for young people to build future paths forward in a stable environment.
  • $400,000 to support the completion of the new Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion.
  • $300,000 to Uplift Northwest’s Beacon of Hope for a community hub that will offer dignified pathways to stability and economic mobility for those facing poverty and homelessness.
  • $300,000 for building improvements at FareStart Job Training and Social Enterprise.
  • $250,000 to replace the Water Way 18 dock on Lake Union, which is used by the Sea Scouts and other youth maritime training programs.
  • $200,000 for new outside lighting and digital poster boxes at Benaroya Hall, helping to make 3rd Avenue downtown a safer and more welcoming space.
  • $100,000 to support the Gage Academy of Art’s new space on South Lake Union.
  • $75,000 for the Youth Clinic at New Horizons to support health care for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

I hope that you share my excitement about watching these projects take shape in the coming months and years.

Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter. If you missed my previous updates on gun safety, K-12 education, environmental protections, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, public safety, transportation, health care, or higher education, they are available on my website. Please reach out with any questions at Jamie.Pedersen@leg.wa.gov.

Best wishes,

Jamie