Making transit the best way to travel
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Every weekday, our transit agency’s employees connect more than 300,000 riders to countless destinations in Washington state. But it’s our more than two million residents and visitors who truly drive King County Metro.
A year ago, APTA credited Metro for having the second-fastest growing ridership among large transit agencies in the U.S. Since then, even more people are choosing our system and they’re doing so because we’re listening to them and meeting their needs. Read more.
José Reynaga cultivates community at the CCFJC
Crossposted from the DAJD Employee Newsletter
For two decades, José Reynaga has been a dedicated custodian for King County, ensuring that the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) remains safe, clean, and welcoming every day.
Beyond his essential custodial work, Reynaga has nurtured something extraordinary that brightens the lives of everyone around him: His passion for gardening and flowers. Read more.
Pictured: Miae Aramori, left, and José Reynaga, right, showcasing two of Reynaga’s beautiful floral arrangements at a recent CCFJC staff appreciation event.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, Oct. 13
King County government observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 13 in 2025.
This holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region.
Most County operations will close on Oct. 13, but some will continue, including some court operations. All offices will return to normal operations Tuesday, Oct. 14. On Oct. 13, most Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules. If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor.
Moving forward with security improvements in King County
Crossposted from Metro Matters
King County Metro’s commitment to improving the safety of our employees and riders remains unwavering. We have a clear-eyed focus on what people, process, technology, and other resource investments we need to make to make a meaningful impact on transit safety.
At the heart of Metro’s commitments are continuing to focus on how we care for our employees and how we care for our riders.
The King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force identified opportunities to coordinate across sectors to prevent, deter, and ensure people are following our Code of Conduct on, at, and near transit. Read more.
DLS employee highlights local Skyway businesses
When you support local businesses in Skyway, you’re doing more than just shopping — you’re fueling the local economy, creating jobs, and helping build a stronger, more connected community.
Every coffee, workout, or meal purchased in Skyway keeps dollars circulating where they matter most, right here at home.
The Department of Local Services’ Basha Alexander dropped by some of those businesses recently. Some have been in the area for more than 30 years while others are relative newcomers to the Skyway area. View the original post on Instagram here.
Fall vibes and… toxic algae?
Oh, October. The crisp breeze hinting at cooler days to come. The stunning displays of fall foliage. The shifting, softening sunlight. If you love this time of year, you’re not alone: toxic algae do, too, and typically peak in our lakes this month!
Fortunately, the Science Section has a team of lake scientists who work with other King County agencies and local communities to help keep people and pets safe from toxic algae. Together we monitor, test, and respond to algae incidents so everyone can enjoy our lakes safely all year long. Read more.
Six brain healthy habits to support memory, mood, and lifelong vitality
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
As we age, caring for our brain becomes just as important as protecting our heart, bones, and muscles. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER study offers hopeful news: lifestyle changes, especially those that target multiple risk factors, can help preserve memory and thinking skills in older adults.
The best part? These strategies are practical, science-backed, and easy to start. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or thinking ahead for yourself, here are four ways to invest in your brain health, starting today! Read more.
Sign up now to donate blood on Oct. 29
Bloodworks Northwest will be at the Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue in Seattle, on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for blood donations.
Book your appointment online here. Enter “King County” for the Sponsor Name. Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments are available at most locations. Photo identification is required.
Need help booking an appointment? Call Bloodworks’ Donor Care Team at 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
Bloodworks is your local source for blood. Your donation can save lives. Blood donors help support a lifesaving blood supply to 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals. Your blood donation could help people in accidents, or in surgeries and organ transplants. It might be needed by people receiving treatment for cancer, bleeding disorders, blood diseases, or immune system conditions.
For safety, no visitors under 16 at donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Resources and services that support all people
Various groups and communities have been targeted by executive orders and policy directives recently issued by the federal administration.
Guided by our values and True North, King County will continue to provide county services and programs that support all communities and all people, including immigrants and refugees, women, transgender people, LGBTQ+ people, people of all racial identities, people with disabilities, and people of every religion, or of no religion.
We are steadfast in our commitment to our employees. There are many services and resources offered by King County and organizations in the community that can help employees and their families get support, legal advice, and more. You will find a selection of services and resources here. Read more.
Celebrating employees who provide customer service
National Customer Service Week is Oct. 6-10, and it’s an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of employees at King County who serve and support our customers every day. “We focus on the customer” is an Executive Branch core value. To standardize the customer service approach at King County, the Customer Service Playbook offers guidance and tips for employees who support customers, both internal and external. Providing exemplary customer service is what we aspire to at King County. It’s what we must do to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Thanks to our customer-facing employees who are helping create a customer-centric culture at King County.

