King County is launching its third cycle of the Participatory Budgeting program, bringing $1.1 million in community-directed grant funding to the unincorporated area of White Center/North Highline through the newly established Uplift White Center Community Fund. Designed by a Community Advisory Board of local leaders, this initiative shifts decision-making power directly to residents, allowing them to determine how public funds are allocated to meet pressing neighborhood needs.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) period is anticipated to open on September 14, 2026, with submissions due by Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Local organizations and community-led groups are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that reflect local priorities, center racial equity, and strengthen civic participation.

“The Uplift White Center Community Fund grant opportunity has been crafted to help as many community members as possible in truly impactful ways,” said Frida Hernandez Perez, White Center Community Advisory Board Co-Chair. “The Community Advisory Board is made up of real people who have the best interest of White Center at heart. We’re committed to improving our community by directing county investments to a wide range of categories and pressing issues.”

A Shift in How Funding Works

Participatory Budgeting is a unique program that directly empowers residents of communities that have historically been underrepresented in county decisions. This year’s cycle features a streamlined, community-led grantmaking process:

1. Co-Design: The Community Advisory Board—composed of leaders from White Center and Skyway—designed the funding focus areas, application requirements, and review structure.
2. Community Review: Proposals will be reviewed and rated by local community members who apply to be reviewers, rather than undergoing a full public vote.
3. Funding & Delivery: The top-rated proposals will be funded, with project implementation running through December 2027.

“This is what it looks like when community leads and government listens,” said Gloria Briggs, Participatory Budgeting Program Manager. “Together, dedicated community members have shaped a Participatory Grantmaking process rooted in their lived experience, priorities, and vision. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and excited to see community ideas turn into meaningful investments.”

White Center Launch & Information Sessions

Residents and prospective applicants can learn more about how to access these funds, meet the Community Advisory Board, and receive proposal-writing assistance at several upcoming events:

• Uplift White Center Community Fund Information Session
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th St., Seattle, WA
• Virtual Proposal Writing Technical Assistance
  • Date & Time: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Platform: Zoom (Meeting ID: 863 0765 0352)
  • Note: Interpretation is available. Please register in advance at the Zoom meeting link to indicate language needs.
• In-Person Proposal Writing Technical Assistance & 1-on-1 Support
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: To Be Determined (check website for updates)

(Note: A separate $1.6 million Elevate Skyway Community Fund is also opening for the Skyway/West Hill community, with its own information session scheduled for September 16 at the Skyway Resource Center.)

Building on Past Successes in White Center

Since its launch in 2021, King County’s Participatory Budgeting program has successfully funded nearly 90 community projects. In White Center, these investments have already delivered tangible, high-impact results, including:

• Construction support for the Khmer Community Center in White Center.
• Critical renovations for the White Center Food Bank to improve local food security.

By focusing on community-identified priorities, the program continues to center racial equity, build trust through transparent decision-making, and make durable community investments.

To learn more, register for information sessions, or apply for funding, visit the official website at kingcounty.gov/local-services/PB.