King County Executive Dow Constantine recently met with Pacific Mayor Rich Hildreth and other city officials to review major topics, including ownership and flood barriers in Pacific City Park, potential areas of annexation from surrounding unincorporated areas, and the impact of the 2009 flood and what the city has learned from that experience.

Jay Bennett, director of public works, reviewed the specific areas of growth and explained the benefits of the Community Development Block Grant in 2009 as they toured city buildings.

Linda Morris, director of community services, also highlighted the many programs that are now being offered in youth and senior services. Volunteers are offering new events to Pacific, including intergenerational programs while seniors are teaching kids cooking, gardening and other life skills.

Hildreth stressed the value of what was accomplished by creating hybrid community service programs that get more “bang for the buck” than others in King County.

Hildreth finished the meeting with a tour with Constantine of White River Estates and the homes King County purchased to mitigate future flood issues.