PB Live

CAB Members in a Work Session

CAB Members in a Work Session

Community Advisory Board Progress Update

 

Since convening in early July, the 2026 Participatory Grantmaking Community Advisory Board (CAB) has dedicated countless hours to designing a funding process that reflects the priorities, values, and voices of the community.

Meeting weekly through work sessions, committee meetings, and collaborative discussions, CAB members have thoughtfully developed every aspect of the community-led Request for Proposals (RFP). Their work has included identifying funding priority areas, establishing funding guidelines, developing application requirements, creating proposal evaluation criteria, and designing a fair, transparent, and equitable proposal review process.

This work represents a remarkable commitment from community members who have volunteered their time, shared their lived experiences, and worked collaboratively to ensure the funding opportunity is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.

The release of the 2026 Participatory Grantmaking RFP marks an important milestone and reflects the dedication, leadership, and vision of the Community Advisory Board. Their efforts are helping ensure that community members—not government alone—play a meaningful role in shaping how investments are made in Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline.

We thank every CAB member for their passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving their community.

Donna Chan owner of Puffy Pandy White Center PB

Halloween Block Party @ Puffy Pandy (L-R) Sarah Ho, Donna Chan-Puffy Pandy Owner, Gloria B.

 

(L-R) Skyway: Tanisha Delgardo, Cynthia Brown, Diane McClain

East Renton: (L-R: Jacob Gitchel, Shelli Gitchel, Grace Snider)

 

White Center - Voting Kick off event at DubSea Coffee in Greenbridge

with PB Volunteers: Steve McMinnis and Patt Lathan

 

Skyway Farmer's Market Pop up - In Person Voting Event

(L-R:Patt Lathan, Rhyshun Sampson, Cynthia Edwards)

East Federal Way - Voting (L-R: Sarah Ho, Monique Stallworth, Valeri Schell, David Daw)

(Fairwood Library) Lisa Moore

Big Shout out to our Proposal Advocates - Thank you for turning ideas into proposals! 

We enjoyed connecting with community members and gathering their feedback on the prioritized ideas presented by proposal advocates from East Renton, East Federal Way, Fairwood, Skyway, and White Center. Using this feedback, the proposal advocates are now working hard to develop these ideas into formal proposals for a vote this fall. Keep an eye out for updates; we're excited to see you cast your vote on the community investments for your community!


 

Project Timeline

complete
complete

June 2026

June - July 2026 – Community Advisory Board Convenes

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) launches the 2026 Participatory Grantmaking process, bringing residents together to design the community-led grantmaking process, establish funding priorities, and prepare the funding opportunity. Their work will guide how investments are made in Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline.

 

planned
planned

July 2026 - Aug 2026 Designing Process

Designing the RFP (Request for Proposals)

During this phase, the Community Advisory Board (CAB) co-designs the community-led funding opportunity. Working together, CAB members develop the Request for Proposals (RFP) by defining funding priorities, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, application questions, evaluation criteria, and the proposal review process. Their work ensures the funding opportunity reflects community priorities, promotes equity, and creates a transparent and accessible process for organizations seeking funding.

Community Advisory Board Deliverables:

  • Request for Proposals (RFP) – Final community-designed funding opportunity.
  • Community Funding Priority Areas – Funding priorities that reflect community-identified needs.
  • Funding Framework – Grant funding ranges, award sizes, and funding categories.
  • Eligibility Requirements – Criteria defining who is eligible to apply.
  • Application Questions – Questions applicants must answer in their proposals.
  • Proposal Evaluation Criteria – Rating categories and scoring criteria used to evaluate proposals.
  • Proposal Review & Rating Process – Community-led process for reviewing and scoring proposals.
  • Reviewer Guidelines & Expectations – Standards, values, and procedures for community proposal raters.
  • Conflict of Interest Policy – Guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent review process.
  • Proposal Review Timeline – Schedule for proposal submission, review, scoring, and funding recommendations.
  • Community Outreach & Communications Plan – Strategy for promoting the funding opportunity and reaching potential applicants.
  • Application Support Plan – Resources and technical assistance available to applicants.
  • Funding Recommendation Framework – Process for developing and forwarding funding recommendations based on proposal ratings.

planned
planned

Late August 2026 - Release of the Funding Opportunity / RFP (Request For Proposal)

RFP Released to the Community

The community-designed Request for Proposals (RFP) is officially released, inviting eligible organizations to apply for funding. The application period opens with community outreach, information sessions, and technical assistance to help applicants understand the opportunity and submit strong proposals aligned with community priorities.

planned
planned

Sept - Oct 2026

Proposal Review & Rating

Community volunteers are recruited and trained to review and rate eligible proposals using the community-designed evaluation criteria. Throughout the review period, the Community Advisory Board (CAB) hosts public information sessions to provide updates on the process, share progress, and gather community input to help inform proposal ratings and funding recommendations.

planned
planned

Nov 2026 - Awards Announcement

Funding Awards Announced

Funding recommendations are finalized and approved, and selected projects are publicly announced. The community celebrates the investments that will support local priorities, recognizing the collaborative work of residents, community volunteers, and the Community Advisory Board in shaping funding decisions for Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline.

planned
planned

Dec 2026 - Funding Awards

Funding Winning Programs and Projects 

Grant agreements are finalized, and funding is awarded to selected organizations. Funded projects begin implementation, bringing community-identified priorities to life and creating meaningful investments that benefit residents in Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline.

Frequently Asked Questions

News Releases 

Executive Constantine announces $11.75M in participatory budgeting grants for community centers, recreation opportunities, outdoor spaces, and additional local projects in unincorporated King County - King County, Washington·      

Communities to decide which projects will receive public funding during October’s Participatory Budgeting vote - King County, Washington

·       Milestone: Participatory Budgeting creates framework for new process, divides $11.75 million among five urban unincorporated areas - September 13, 2023

·       Participatory Budgeting earns King County Executive’s Equity, Racial & Social Justice Innovation Award - May 24, 2023

·       King County selects Participatory Budgeting steering committee members to guide $11 million investments in urban unincorporated areas - April 18, 2023

·       First community-vote funded investment will expand Cemetery Pond Open Space area in East Renton - King County, Washington

·       45 projects selected for initial King County participatory budgeting awards - August 17, 2022

·       Communities to decide which projects will receive public funding during Aug. 2-10 voting period - August 1, 2022

·       The People’s Budget – Your Voice, Your Choice: Residents can learn about proposed community projects at pair of virtual meetings May 23-24 - King County, Washington

·       “The People’s Budget - Your Voice, Your Choice”: Public can now submit ideas for how to spend public funds in urban unincorporated areas - February 10, 2022

·       Community Investment Budget Committee creates framework for participatory budgeting process, divides funds among five urban unincorporated areas - November 2, 2021

·       King County selects Community Investment Committee members to guide $10 million investments in urban unincorporated areas - June 8, 2021

Contact 

If you have comments or questions about participatory budgeting, community meetings, need assistance, or  to contact the Steering Committee,/and or Proposal Advocates please contact:

Gloria L. Briggs
Participatory Budgeting Program Manager
Email: gloria.briggs@kingcounty.gov 

Desk: 206-263-8521