Executive Constantine announces $52 million in funding for open space preservation projects
Multiple projects throughout King County will receive a combined $52 million in open space preservation funding after a plan proposed by Executive Constantine has been approved by the King County Council. The money will fund 36 projects that will increase access to greenspace and parks in underserved communities, acquire land for habitat restoration, protect tree canopy, and strengthen the local food system. Read more.
Groundbreaking on new trail bridge across the White River
A new 572-foot-long weathered steel bridge will cross the White River, connecting completed segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce county line. The project will connect residents, business districts, and civic centers to a 22-mile trail that offers scenic views of Mount Rainier. Read more.
Animal Control Officer Shepherd recognized in The Seattle Times
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express It’s not every day members of the public take the time to thank employees for their good work. Someone did recently, recognizing Animal Control Officer Dominique Shepherd for helping with an aggressive dog. Someone wrote to the Times’ Rant and Rave column: “RAVE to Bruce at King County Parks and Officer Shepherd from Regional Animal Services of King County who quickly responded to an aggressive dog issue. Many people who are affected appreciate their dedication and efficiency.”
Is your internet unreliable? Help improve our nation’s broadband investments
The Federal Communications Commission recently published a new National Broadband Map, which attempts to show where internet service is and is not available for every location in the country. The map will guide how the Federal government spends $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the nation and it’s important to get it right. You can look up your address to make sure the map is accurate in terms of internet service availability and speed for your home or business. If you spot a problem with the map, you can submit a formal challenge… Read More
From professional chef to heavy-duty field mechanic: A ride-along with Brian Becker
Crossposted from the DES Express Brian Becker spent the first 16 years of his career as a professional chef. Now he’s got nearly that much experience as a mechanic. Becker sees many similarities between the two careers. Plus, his dad was a mechanic and he grew up tinkering with cars, so it seemed like a natural transition. Becker has been a heavy-duty mechanic at Fleet Services for about four years, and is one of six field mechanics there. His job is to service all sorts of vehicles and equipment at the wastewater… Read More
Bus fleet update: Manufacturer replacement parts allow repairs to continue
Crossposted from Metro Matters With guidance and replacement parts supplied by bus manufacturer New Flyer, King County Metro has repaired and restored dozens of buses that were sidelined in December when a steering issue was identified. We appreciate the patience and support of riders as we focus on addressing this safety issue. Read more.
Leesa Manion sworn in as King County prosecuting attorney
Crossposted from The Seattle Times Prosecuting violent crimes and sexual assaults, providing culturally responsive victim services, and intervening in the lives of young people, especially those most at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of gun violence, are among the priorities incoming King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion touched on before taking her oath of office Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. She called her swearing-in ceremony before a packed courtroom in the King County Courthouse “a celebration,” saying that being the first woman and the first person of color to hold the office was… Read More
King County partnering with community-based organizations to create a 40,000-square-foot food hub, better connecting local farmers to hunger relief organizations
King County is partnering with Food Lifeline to convert their 40,000-square-foot warehouse into the new South Seattle Community Food hub, providing much-needed shared space for storing, packing, and distributing fresh produce and goods to people and families experiencing hunger. Read more in the official press release.
Look up immunization rates at your neighborhood school and in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider What percentage of children in your child’s school are vaccinated against measles? How does your school district compare to others in King County? How have student immunization rates changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic? Find this and more on Public Health’s School Immunizations Data Dashboard, recently updated to include data for the 2021-22 school year. Using interactive data visualizations, you can view local school, school district, county, and state immunization completion and exemption data. Read more.
Take our survey on proposed bus routes around future Lynnwood light rail stations
Crossposted from Metro Matters As Link light rail extends north, our Lynnwood Link Connections mobility project is working to improve public transportation for communities in northwest King County and southwest Snohomish County. This planning is a collaborative process that includes feedback from community, Sound Transit, Community Transit, and other partners, to develop proposed bus routes to meet residents’ priority transportation needs as new light rail stations open in 2024. We invite you to learn more and take our survey on these proposed bus routes by March 10. Read more.
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