By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is guided by a nine-member Board of Supervisors who bring deep local knowledge, diverse lived experiences, and a shared commitment to protecting people, property, and the natural environment from flood risks. Together, they help ensure that the KCFCD’s investments are equitable, effective, and responsive to the needs of communities across King County.
This second installment of our three-part blog series highlights perspectives from Claudia Balducci (District 6) and Teresa Mosqueda (District 8). Their reflections underscore the importance of accountability, environmental justice, and targeted investments that support communities facing both longstanding and emerging flood risks.
District 6
Statement from Supervisor Claudia Balducci, representing King County Council District 6, including all or parts of Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, the Points Communities, and Redmond.
Our region is rich in lakes, rivers, and streams, adding to what makes King County such a beautiful place to live. This abundance also makes us uniquely susceptible to the rising risks of flooding, which are increasing due to growth and climate change. As we saw just this past December when heavy rains strained multiple local levees, flooding poses a serious threat to lives, property, infrastructure, and our economy.
An important part of meeting our mission is being efficient and leveraging Flood Control District resources with other funding sources for multiple benefits. One example of this approach is the Kelsey Creek Culvert at Lake Hills Project in Bellevue. This project will implement a comprehensive set of solutions in East Bellevue – relocating a stream culvert to improve flood protection and fish passage, while also repairing a high-pressure water main and a malfunctioning sewer main in a residential and park/recreational area. By coordinating flood risk reduction with other infrastructure upgrades, this project stretches Flood Control District dollars, maximizing protection for nearby neighborhoods and community assets like parks, trails, and community centers in the immediate vicinity.
Another innovative program being piloted by the Flood Control District is the Lake Sammamish Dock and Shoreline Grant Program. This program aims to reduce flood impacts along the shores of Lake Sammamish with grants to implement floating docks, which better adapt to changes in lake levels; move outbuildings out of flood hazard areas; and use plants, beaches, and other natural materials for shoreline erosion control. By addressing these localized threats, we are helping property owners adapt to changing lake levels while protecting shoreline stability and water quality.
Creating partnerships, efficiently combining projects, and testing innovative ideas to reduce flood damages are just some of the ways we are using public funds efficiently and proactively protecting our region from the dangers of flooding. These projects are critical to reducing flood risk, building communities that are safer when flooding occurs, and protecting our environment, wildlife habitats, and water quality.
District 8
Statement from Supervisor Teresa Mosqueda, representing King County Council District 8, including all or parts of the cities of Seattle, Tukwila, and Burien, along with Vashon Island and other unincorporated areas of King County.
Advancing equity and environmental justice is central to how we approach flood risk reduction. Communities that have been historically underserved or underinvested, often communities with higher minority populations, are frequently the most vulnerable to flooding and climate impacts. Our work must intentionally prioritize these areas, ensuring they receive the resources and support needed to stay safe, resilient, and healthy.
Along the Duwamish River, the King County Flood Control District is supporting the South Park community, which has faced disproportionate flood risk and environmental burdens for decades. This includes providing funding to Seattle Public Utilities for implementing flood risk reduction actions in the South Park area, expanding distribution of the annual Be Flood Ready brochure to South Park residents, creating and mailing an annual King Tides postcard to increase awareness of coastal flooding risks, and supporting the implementation of King County’s Flood Resilience Improvement Program in the “Sliver by the River” area. In addition, the Flood Control District is directing the development of a sea level rise analysis along the Duwamish River, helping to ensure future flood planning reflects the realities of climate change and rising waters.
My commitment also extends to residents of Vashon Island and other areas across the county that can become isolated during flood events. I strongly support the continuation of work to update the “Improving Access to Isolated Neighborhoods During Flood Events (Phase 2) Report.” This effort is essential to understanding where access challenges exist and identifying strategies to keep people connected to emergency services, supplies, and each other during floods.
Flood risk reduction is about more than infrastructure. It is about dignity, safety, and ensuring every community has a voice in shaping its future.
More to Come in This Series
This second installment highlights how Supervisors Balducci and Mosqueda are helping guide KCFCD investments through the lenses of equity, accountability, and environmental justice, ensuring that flood protection efforts reach the communities that need them most.
The final blog in this three-part series will be released at the end of March and will feature additional perspectives from members of the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors. We invite you to stay tuned as we continue sharing how local leadership is shaping flood resilience across King County.