On Nov. 26, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that, through the participatory budgeting process, $11.75 million in grants will help support 42 programs and projects throughout the county, including programs in Renton and Federal Way.

According to Constantine’s office, the projects that were “selected by the community to receive funding include building and upgrading a senior center, elementary school playground and aquatic facility, as well as supporting a local food bank facing increased demand for assistance.”

In east Renton, $600,000 will build a grass practice area for lacrosse at Maplewood Park, which will benefit over 300 participating families.

“It has been wonderful working with King County Local Services, Gloria Briggs, and the community of all unincorporated King County areas. We have made a wonderful difference for the safety of our people in our community and improving lives of the underserved,” said Jeremy Gitchell, a steering committee member from Renton. “It has been an honor to help the youth in unincorporated east Renton, gaining them more things to do in the existing parks and keeping them active. Hooray to the King County Participatory Budgeting program and all who volunteered.”

The Federal Way Senior Center will receive $210,000, which will be used to improve safety, accessibility and comfort at the center. The grant will help create “a more inclusive space and allowing for expanded services to support seniors better and strengthen community bonds.”

The Renton-based nonprofit Speak With Purpose will receive $96,000, which will go toward local students taking public speaking classes.

“Participatory Budgeting is about not only listening to the community, but also sharing power, management, and confidence to residents in unincorporated King County who know what is needed to make the greatest impact,” said Constantine in a prepared statement. “The process provides choices while investing in opportunities that upend historical and racial inequities. This is how we continue making King County a place where every person can thrive.”

For more information on the participatory budgeting in King County, visit kingcounty.gov.