Executive Zahilay transmits implementation plan and new name for King County’s behavioral health sales tax

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The legislation reflects extensive community engagement, modernizes one of King County’s most important behavioral health investments, and renames it the King County Behavioral Health Bridge. Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council that would guide one of the County’s largest local investments in behavioral health through 2034, reflecting extensive community engagement to better address the county’s most pressing behavioral health needs. Read more.

Stars, stripes, and second chances

We’re celebrating 250 years of the red, white, and blue! Adopt any dog or kitten from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) for just $50 through July 31. See our selection of adoptable pets here, or visit us at the King County Pet Adoption Center, located at  21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent. Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. See all the adorable adoptable pets we have waiting for you at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.

Executive Zahilay announces one-year lease for Harbor Island Studios with CREATE48 Media Network 

Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a one-year lease agreement with CREATE48 Media Network for the use of Harbor Island Studios, supporting the region’s growing film industry, strengthening the creative economy, and expanding job opportunities for local filmmakers, creatives, and production professionals.    “Harbor Island Studios has been a unique public asset that supports King County’s film industry and creative economy. I’m glad we were able to find a nonprofit partner to continue momentum for the community while we work with stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy that supports access to affordable film and production space in our region,” said Executive Zahilay. “We’re excited that CREATE48 Media Network will… Read More

Progress on extreme heat preparedness five years after fatal heat dome

Crossposted from Field Notes Five years after the Pacific Northwest Heat Dome that led to 34 heat-related deaths in King County, our staff continues to work with partner agencies and communities to better prepare our region for extreme heat. Guided by King County’s Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy, we’ve made progress on multiple fronts to help people stay safe and promote more equitable access to healthy tree canopy. Read more.

July is Disability Pride Month

The Disability Pride flag – Celebrating inclusion for all The King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) invites you to recognize Disability Pride. The Disability Pride flag was created in 2019 by disability rights activist Ann Magill. Initially, the flag featured a zigzag design. After receiving feedback from people with visual and other disabilities, the flag was revised in 2021. It is now comprised of 5 diagonal stripes of various colors on a faded black background. Each stripe represents an array of disabilities, including: Red for physical disabilities Gold for neurodiversity White for invisible disabilities and… Read More

A year in residence: Q’mmunity House’s impact on LGBTQIA+ veterans in King County

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections After only a year in operation, Q’mmunity House is making a profound impact, achieving full occupancy by the end of its first year. As a first-in-the-nation transitional home designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ veterans experiencing homelessness, the program provides on-site case management, essential connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming environment. Read more.

What to know before taking transit to events on the big July 4 holiday weekend

Crossposted from Metro Matters Fireworks, parades, picnics and festivals on the Fourth of July weekend — there’s so much going on in honor of the country’s 250th birthday! Here’s some things to know before stepping onto transit on July 4 to get to your celebration. King County Metro buses are operating on a Sunday schedule on Friday, July 3, (a holiday for many workers) and will operate a regular Saturday schedule on Saturday, July 4. There are bus reroutes planned in several areas July 4 due to events, such as parades, fun runs and local festivals around… Read More

Seattle hosts sixth FIFA World Cup match on Monday, July 6

Seattle will host its sixth and final match of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 for a Round of 16 showdown at Lumen Field (referred to as Seattle Stadium for the FIFA World Cup) at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 6. On game days, street closures will go into effect four hours before kickoff and stay in place until approximately two hours after the end of the match. There will be significant security and crowd-control measures in place around the stadium, with no on-site parking at the stadium. Both King Street Center (KSC) and the Graybar… Read More

Reminder: Consumer fireworks banned in unincorporated King County

Crossposted from King County Local As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area. Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County. You can report violations online; you will be asked… Read More

Think twice about fireworks this Fourth of July

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC America will mark its 250th birthday this Fourth of July, and there are lots of celebrations planned all over the nation for the milestone. Many of those celebrations will include fireworks, both professional displays and people shooting off their own. While most areas of King County have banned most types of consumer fireworks, it’s a good bet that you’ll still hear a few bangs, booms, and pops around Independence Day. To help your pet cope with the noise and reduce the chance that they run away, Regional… Read More