Part 3 of a Three-Part Series
By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
Over the past two months, we’ve shared perspectives from members of the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District) Board of Supervisors, offering insight into how local leadership is guiding flood risk reduction efforts across King County. From urban stormwater challenges to riverine flooding in rural valleys, these voices reflect a shared commitment to protecting people, property, and the natural systems that sustain us.
In this final installment, we hear from Chair Reagan Dunn (District 9) and Supervisor Steffanie Fain (District 5). Their perspectives come at a pivotal moment for the Flood Control District, as we continue recovery from the historic December 2025 flooding while planning for the long-term resilience of our region.
District 9
Statement from Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District, representing King County Council District 9, which is Southeast King County.
I want to begin by welcoming our newest members to the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors. In November, voters elected Steffanie Fain to represent District 5, and following the election of former Supervisor Girmay Zahilay as King County Executive, Rhonda Lewis was appointed to represent District 2. Supervisor Lewis’s appointment marked two historic milestones for the Flood Control District: she is the first Black woman to serve on the Board, and her addition established the first majority-female Board in our history.
Both Supervisors bring valuable experience, insight, and dedication to public service, and I am grateful for their willingness to serve the residents of King County. Their leadership will be especially important as we face difficult decisions ahead to balance budget constraints while continuing to expedite recovery efforts following the tremendous countywide flooding we experienced in December.
That flood event was one of the most significant in our region’s history. In response, the Flood Control District acted quickly, providing nearly $3 million in emergency funding during the event and, to date, approximately $7.3 million in post-flood funding to support urgent levee and revetment repairs. These investments were made possible through an amendment to the 2026 budget adopted by the Board in February.
The Board has already received two briefings on post-flood recovery efforts, with additional updates expected in April. At that time, we anticipate reviewing a prioritized list of recovery projects and considering the likelihood of another budget amendment to ensure the resources are in place to meet ongoing needs.
Despite the severity and duration of this 2025/2026 flood season, we are deeply grateful that there was no loss of life in King County. That outcome reflects nearly two decades of sustained investment by the King County Flood Control District. Over the past 18 years, we have completed 123 capital projects and invested more than $623 million in flood risk reduction infrastructure. These projects were designed not only to withstand flood events, but to help protect people, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across our county.
As we look ahead, I remain optimistic about the work before us. The challenges are real, but so is our commitment. Together, we will continue advancing projects and policies that reduce flood risks and build a safer, more resilient future for all who call King County home.
District 5
Statement from Steffanie Fain, Supervisor for the King County Flood Control District, representing King County Council District 5, which includes all or parts of SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila.
Shortly after I was sworn in to serve on the King County Flood Control District Board, our region experienced the historic December 2025 flooding. It was a powerful and immediate introduction to the importance of the Flood Control District and the critical work it oversees.
In District 5, the Green River runs through the heart of our communities, shaping both our landscape and our economy. This river flows through rural and agricultural areas and also supports one of the state’s most important economic corridors, contributing significantly to Washington’s economy. Understanding and managing the risks associated with this system is essential to protecting both people and livelihoods.
In response to the recent flooding, I was proud to work with Chair Dunn to sponsor an amendment to the post-flood budget adjustment adopted by the Board in February. This amendment directs staff to complete a comprehensive study of downstream impacts from water releases at Howard Hanson Dam, helping ensure we have the data and analysis needed to inform future decision-making.
As we move forward, I remain committed to staying actively engaged in post-flood recovery efforts, including critical projects such as the Desimone Levee and other high-priority repairs to our flood protection infrastructure. These investments are essential to strengthening our system and reducing flood risks for the communities we serve.
I look forward to continuing this work alongside my colleagues to ensure King County is prepared for the challenges ahead.
Thank You for Following This Series
This three-part series has offered a glimpse into the perspectives, priorities, and leadership shaping the King County Flood Control District’s work. From recovery and resilience to equity and long-term investment, the voices of our Board of Supervisors reflect a shared commitment to protecting communities across King County.
We encourage you to stay connected and continue learning about our work:
📱 Follow us on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Instagram: @kcflooddistrict
📰 Visit our blog each week for new updates, published every Thursday
Together, we are building a safer, more resilient King County.