By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

At the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District), our mission is to implement flood risk reduction policies and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, agriculture, recreation, and resilient communities. The foundation of this important work is a dedicated nine-member Board of Supervisors, each representing a King County Council District. To give you a closer look at their leadership, insights, and priorities, we’re publishing a special three-part blog series, of which, this is part 2 of 3.

In this series, each Supervisor will share their thoughts on the Flood Control District’s efforts, highlighting key projects and programs of interest to their leadership priorities and respective communities. In this second installment, we hear from Supervisors Jorge L. Barón (District 4), De’Sean Quinn (District 5), and Claudia Balducci (District 6). Together, these leaders represent diverse areas across the western, southern, and eastern parts of King County, predominately including urban and suburban communities, with some rural areas as well. Their comments reflect the importance of equitable investments in flood risk reduction, environmental stewardship, and innovative approaches to addressing localized and large-scale flooding challenges.

If you missed the first installment in this series, it is available here. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the perspectives of the remaining three Supervisors next month. We hope this series provides valuable insight into the collaborative leadership driving our work to build resilient and sustainable communities across King County.

District 4

As a member of the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District) Board of Supervisors, I am committed to ensuring that our flood risk reduction efforts are equitable, effective, and responsive to the needs of all communities—whether rural, suburban, or urban. Flooding affects every corner of King County in different ways, and it’s essential that we invest in solutions that protect people, businesses, and our natural environment. This means balancing funding distribution across large-scale river basin projects and localized stormwater infrastructure improvements that address the unique challenges of urban areas like District 4.

In District 4, our primary flood risk comes not from rivers but from stormwater flooding, which can overwhelm streets, homes, and businesses—particularly as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather. That’s why I strongly encourage residents, community organizations, and local jurisdictions to take advantage of resources such as the Flood Reduction Grants, which support projects to address urban flooding and improve drainage infrastructure. I also urge residents to visit the Flood Resources section of the Flood Control District’s website to learn more about preparedness strategies that can help mitigate flood risks in our neighborhoods.

As we continue to experience the increasing impacts of climate change, it’s critical that communities across King County have access to the flood risk reduction infrastructure they need. That includes District 4, where stormwater management solutions will be essential to keeping our streets safe and our neighborhoods resilient. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and with local partners to ensure that all of King County is better protected from the evolving threats of flooding.

District 5

As a member of the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District) Board of Supervisors, I am committed to fostering strong partnerships in flood risk reduction and environmental stewardship throughout District 5, South King County, and across our county. Effective flood protection requires collaboration between local governments, Tribes, businesses, community organizations, and residents to ensure our infrastructure is resilient and responsive to the challenges of climate change. By working together, we can better safeguard lives, properties, and livelihoods while promoting sustainability and equity in flood hazard management. 

One of the most critical areas of focus is enhancing flood protection for the Green River Valley, a cornerstone of Washington state’s economy. This region is home to vital industrial, commercial, and residential areas, particularly along the Lower Green River, where effective flood mitigation is essential to protecting businesses, homes, transportation networks, and other vital infrastructure. The economic importance of this area cannot be overstated—one-eighth of Washington state’s Gross Domestic Product is generated here. Investing in flood protection infrastructure for the Green River Valley is not just about preventing flood damage; it’s about ensuring job security, regional economic stability, and the continued success of a key economic hub. 

I am also deeply committed to advancing equity and social justice in flood hazard management planning. Historically underserved communities must have a seat at the table when decisions are made about flood risk reduction, resilience, and infrastructure investments. The Flood Control District’s comprehensive multi-benefit approach integrates environmental restoration, public safety, and community engagement, ensuring that flood protection efforts enhance our quality of life and environmental stewardship. Through inclusive outreach and strategic investments, the Flood Control District is setting a high standard for flood prevention and community resilience—one that prioritizes both the safety and prosperity of all King County residents and the environment crucial to all of us.

District 6

As a member of the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District) Board of Supervisors, I am committed to ensuring that the Flood Control District operates in an effective, responsive, and accountable manner, delivering the services and projects that improve the lives of all county residents. Flooding affects communities across King County in diverse ways, from large river systems to localized urban stormwater challenges to lakeshores. It is our responsibility to ensure that flood risk reduction efforts are strategic, equitable, and designed to provide long-term benefits for both people and the environment. We do this in collaboration with so many trusted partners, including Tribes, local governments, and community leaders.

One of the projects I support is the Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project, which is exploring innovative ways to reconfigure the Sammamish River Transition Zone. This project aims to balance flood control, habitat restoration, fish passage, recreational access, and long-term maintenance—all while addressing challenges such as beaver activity and water flow management through a dynamic weir. As the project reaches its 30% design milestone in 2025, we will start to home in on potential solutions that can enhance both flood protection and environmental stewardship. Another project I advocated for is the Factoria Boulevard Drainage Project, helping to secure $3.1 million of additional funding in 2025 for this project designed to improve stormwater infrastructure and reduce risks of flooding during heavy storms in the Factoria-Richards Creek drainage basin. This brings the Flood Control District’s funding for this important project up to nearly $10 million.

Additionally, I strongly support the Flood Reduction Grants and Subregional Opportunity Fund Grants, which empower local jurisdictions to implement urban stormwater and flood risk reduction projects. Kirkland’s stormwater park, which helps manage stormwater while creating green space for residents, is a type of innovative project that other communities can emulate and seek funding support from the Flood Control District’s grant programs. By investing in these types of initiatives, we can strengthen local infrastructure, improve water quality, and build resilience against climate change. I look forward to continuing to work with the Flood Control District, Tribes, local governments, community partners, and residents to ensure our flood management strategies serve all communities equitably and effectively for years to come.

More to Come in This Series

The Flood Control District Board of Supervisors plays a pivotal role in shaping our efforts to address flooding and enhance community resilience. As you’ve seen in this second installment, Supervisors Barón, Quinn, and Balducci bring unique perspectives and priorities to the table, ensuring that the needs of their constituents are represented in our work.

Next month, we’ll complete this 3-part series with insights from Supervisors representing Districts 7, 8, and 9. Together, these leaders represent communities with their own distinct challenges and opportunities. Each Supervisor’s voice is critical in ensuring that we deliver balanced, effective solutions that benefit all corners of King County.