King County is working with communities to promote forest canopy in urban unincorporated areas
A study launched this spring by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will assess the current condition of forest canopy in unincorporated areas, which will inform future actions with communities that promote equitable access to healthy tree canopy. The project team will study 34 square miles, which includes urban unincorporated communities and the unincorporated rural towns of Fall City, Vashon, and Snoqualmie Pass. The study is led by the department’s new Urban Forestry Program, building on decades of progress King County foresters have made promoting forest health in rural… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces plan to purchase Skyway Park Bowl as location for Skyway Community Center
Crossposted from Field Notes King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently announced that King County Parks has entered an agreement to purchase Skway Park Bowl as the location for Skyway’s first community center. The 3.82-acre property is adjacent to the northwest corner of the park. King County Parks will continue to work with community partners to collect public input on the design for the new community center and which programs it will offer. The location was selected based on strong community preference and the approval of an advisory committee. “For more than a decade, Skyway neighbors… Read More
Executive Zahilay statement on King County Regional Homelessness Authority forensic audit
On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement following a forensic evaluation report of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) commissioned by King County and the City of Seattle: “Solving King County’s significant homelessness crisis requires honesty about where the regional response system is falling short and a commitment among government partners to bring more people inside. We have a responsibility to ensure this system delivers results — operating with greater efficiency, full transparency, and strong accountability for every public dollar entrusted to us. Read more.
King County Executive Zahilay and partners celebrate the opening of Copperleaf, a new 235-unit affordable housing community in Northgate
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County’s largest affordable housing investment, developed by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, offers 235 units of high-quality affordable housing and amenities in a central Northgate location, steps from the Northgate Station King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and community members celebrated the grand opening of Copperleaf Northgate (Copperleaf), a new transit-oriented affordable housing community with 235 apartments in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. The project reflects King County’s ongoing investment in transit-oriented development, including the contribution of public land and $30 million in transit-oriented development funding… Read More
Pinwheels for prevention, CASA Program invites volunteers
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the King County Dependency CASA Program curated a pinwheel display at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC). Each pinwheel represents a child in King County who is still waiting to be matched with a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer; a consistent, caring adult who advocates for their best interests during a critical time in their life. There are currently 357 children still waiting. If you find yourself at the CCFJC, we invite you to take a moment to view the display and… Read More
International survey: How’s your bus service?
Crossposted from Metro Matters Sixteen transit agencies from around the world, including King County Metro, are conducting a bus service customer satisfaction survey. These agencies will compare the results of the surveys to help us learn from each other and work toward giving you even better transit service. The survey is open until Sunday, May 10. We would like to hear your thoughts about King County Metro’s bus service. We are interested in your thoughts on current service, whether you ride frequently, occasionally, or even if you hardly ever ride. Your personal details and responses… Read More
DES expands commitment to climate action
Crossposted from the DES Express With the reorganization of the Executive’s Office and the formal establishment of the Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division (HCID) earlier this year, the Department of Executive Services (DES) expands its commitment to climate action. DES is among several key agencies in King County leading climate work, along with Metro, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, and others. “We are well-positioned for this critical work,” said Lorraine Patterson-Harris, DES Director. “Most of our divisions are involved and bring strong leadership and expertise.” Read more. Pictured: Fleet Services’ Sina… Read More
Full speed ahead: How the Crisis Care Centers Levy is unlocking free, 24/7 mental health support for King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Thanks to the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers (CCC) Levy, King County is expanding its services that offer immediate mental health and substance use care for people in a moment of crisis, including: Someone to Call (988) Someone to Respond In-Person (Mobile Response Crisis Teams) Somewhere to Go (Crisis Care Centers) Someone to Follow-Up (Post-Crisis Follow-Up Teams) Less than two years into implementing the CCC Levy, teams across the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), our provider network, and communities have come together to be in community and make major… Read More
April is Arab American Heritage Month
Crossposted from the DES Express Started by the Arab American Foundation and Arab America, Arab American heritage month has been celebrated since 2017. It was first federally recognized under President Joe Biden in 2021 after resolutions were introduced by Congressional Representatives Rashida Talib and Debbie Dingell in 2019. The month celebrates the presence and contributions of Arab Americans in the United States to science, the arts, humanities, and social justice. There are approximately 3.5 million Arab Americans in the United States, however it can be hard to have exact numbers since there is no specific… Read More
Using sick leave to volunteer helps employees make a difference in our community
This week, April 19–25, is National Volunteer Week and King County’s Employee Giving Program offers a unique way for employees to convert up to three instances of sick leave each year to volunteer in their community. The volunteer program allows all employees covered by the Coalition Labor Agreement with the King County Coalition of Unions, other collective bargaining units that have ratified this option, and all non-represented employees to use up to three instances of sick leave per year for volunteer service at a local school or participating Employee Giving Program nonprofit. “Volunteering is one way we… Read More
