By: Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

The Sammamish River winds through 13 miles of King County, connecting Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. Along its route, the river flows through the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish People and supports diverse communities—from the rural stretches of unincorporated King County to the bustling suburban cities of Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, and Kenmore. This scenic waterway is a vital part of our region’s landscape, used for walking, biking, fishing, boating, floating, and gathering.

As our region has grown, so too has the use and impact on the river. Urban development, recreational use, and agricultural activities have altered the natural systems that once sustained flood protection, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat. Recognizing the need for a unified, forward-looking approach, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD), together with King County as service provider, is developing the Sammamish River Capital Investment Strategy (CIS).

What Is the Capital Investment Strategy?

The Sammamish River CIS is a long-term planning effort to guide investments in flood risk reduction, habitat restoration, and other potential multi-benefits along the river corridor. The strategy will serve as a roadmap for how the river should be managed over the next two decades, balancing the needs of people, infrastructure, and the environment.

Through this process, the KCFCD aims to:

• Reduce flooding that affects homes, businesses, infrastructure, and agriculture.
• Improve habitat for salmon and other species.
• Support community access, safety, and cultural values.

Community Voices Shaping the Future

In 2023, King County, on behalf of the KCFCD, launched a broad community outreach effort to understand how people value the Sammamish River and what concerns they have for its future. Input was gathered from those who live, work, and recreate in the area, and these insights helped shape three alternative approaches to river management. Each alternative includes a different set of projects and programs, offering varying benefits, costs, and timelines for implementation.

Now, the KCFCD wants to hear from you again.

Explore the Alternatives and Share Your Input

You can review the three alternatives and provide your feedback through a 5-minute survey available during the online open house from June 25 to July 31, 2025. Your input will directly influence which projects and programs are included in the final Capital Investment Strategy.

📢 Take the survey and explore the alternatives here:

👉 kingcounty.gov/Sammamish-river-strategy

Once the survey period closes, King County will review public feedback and share a summary on the project webpage. The KCFCD will then select a preferred alternative, with community input playing a key role in the decision.

Why This Matters

A thoughtful, well-supported Sammamish River CIS will help us:

• Manage flooding in a changing climate.
• Restore essential salmon habitat in a river critical to native species.
• Enhance community enjoyment of this treasured natural space.
• Respect and uplift the cultural and ecological legacy of the Sammamish River.

By working together, we can ensure the Sammamish River remains a vibrant, resilient corridor for generations to come.

Want to stay informed?
Sign up for project updates or get in touch with:
Bethany Haddad
Basin Planning and Portfolio Manager
River and Floodplain Management Section
📧 bhaddad@nullkingcounty.gov
📞 206-263-2925