Jackie Moynahan named Interim Division Director of the Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Division
Cross-posted from Cultivating Connections Jackie Moynahan has been appointed as the Interim Division Director of the Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Division (HHCDD) of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). In this role, she oversees efforts around community development, creating and preserving affordable and special needs housing, housing repair programs, and programs providing housing stability support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Jackie has more than a decade of experience working in affordable housing and began her career in New York City repositioning and preserving struggling affordable housing properties. She has been with the DCHS since 2016. Read the full announcement here.
Equity in Contracting program helps Metro launch innovative, cost-saving bus shelter solution
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Thanks to the recent Equity in Contracting Executive Order managed by the Department of Executive Services (DES), King County Metro is using innovative contracting techniques to address vandalism at bus shelters and save $1.5 million in replacement costs over ten years. Last year, the King County Council approved legislation that increases contracting opportunities for small businesses owned by minorities, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged people. The county is removing barriers, implementing innovative contracting methods, and taking other actions to make it easier for minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) to… Read More
King County receives Crown Communities Award
American City & County has presented King County with the 2021 Crown Communities Award in recognition for efforts in the fight against COVID-19. This award is testament to the hard work and dedicated service of the employees, community partners and the people of King County. Click here to read the full story.
Youth-produced videos about importance of vaccines for children and young people
King County’s COVID-19 and Health Equity Training and Capacity Building Program works with young people to educate their peers and parents / guardians about COVID and the COVID Vaccine. Magdalene and Yuhaniz are two young people who have worked with PHSKC for seven years doing peer and near-to-peer education on vaccines. They created and produced the following social media videos to support this work with an online strategy that connects well with young people and parents. Watch the videos below to learn more and share on your own social media networks if… Read More
Honoring Transit Equity Day
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Metro recently recognized the birthday of civil rights hero Rosa Parks. Her quiet act of defiance – refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white man in 1955 – is one of the iconic moments in the breaking down of segregation in the south and throughout America. It led to the Montgomery bus boycott, directed by a young pastor, Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more about Transit Equity Day here.
At the Clothing Shop, youth and their families pick out new looks — for free
Cross-posted from King County Superior Court The Clothing Shop is a resource for youth and their families who are involved with the juvenile justice system, as well as any youth in need. The Clothing Shop is set up like a boutique. Garments are hung by style, size and color. The only difference is all the merchandise is free. Young people who need an outfit for a job interview, or to go to court, or even just freshen up their wardrobe can come in and pick out what they want. Click here to read… Read More
Join King County’s ‘Stream Team,’ the environmental scientists who hunt for bugs to monitor the health of local watersheds
King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams. Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county to collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health. Cick here to watch a video to learn more about the program and how to apply.
Black History is American History — Ride Metro to visit local African American historical sites
Cross-posted from Metro Matters In a collaborative project, community activists, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and King County Metro created 40 photo murals installed in seven bus shelters in the Central District recognizing the living legacy of African Americans in this community—shelters you of course can reach by bus. Click here to read more about these installations and how to experience other historic locations in the community.
Have you had your COVID-19 booster shot?
Boosters significantly cut down your risk of getting severely ill. You’re eligible for a booster if it’s been at least five months since your primary vaccination series with either Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months since your Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Free Community Vaccination Centers Community Vaccination Centers are open for first dose, second dose, and boosters for adults and children. Federal Way Performing Arts Center now through Feb. 18, and Feb. 20 to Feb. 28 from noon to 7 p.m. Appointments and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to schedule an appointment. Auburn Community Vaccination… Read More
Flood control to Major Tom: River and Floodplain Management Section keep King County high and dry
The heavy rains and melting snows have brought upon King County its annual river flooding season. As the most common winter weather occurrence, flooding is a danger in both rural and urban areas. King County’s River and Floodplain Management Section (RFMS) within the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) works to overcome these flooding challenges and educate the public about safety. Capital Project Manager Stella Torres and Engineer Heather McPherson shared about their work with this team, and how important it is to be… Read More
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