Executive Braddock’s budget adds 400,000 hours of bus service
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Sept. 23, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proposed a 2026-27 budget that adds more than 400,000 hours of Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities. “We continue to invest in and grow transit,” Executive Braddock said. “We’re increasing bus and water taxi service, expanding Metro Flex, and improving Access Paratransit.” Read more.
How my life was changed by Long COVID: Experiences of people in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider We may want to think of COVID-19 as something in the past, but it’s still here and many people are living with the long-term outcomes that can range from unpleasant to utterly debilitating. Long COVID is a condition that can affect any of the organ systems after a COVID infection, and it can happen to people at any age, even if they were previously healthy. Studies have identified more than 200 symptoms that people with Long COVID have experienced, and some can make daily living a challenge…. Read More
“This program is saving lives”: How community partnerships expand naloxone access
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Overdose is the leading cause of preventable injury death in King County, but an easy-to-use nasal spray called naloxone is saving lives. When someone overdoses on opioids like fentanyl or prescription painkillers, their breathing slows or stops. Naloxone, sometimes also called Narcan, quickly reverses the effects of opioids, often restoring normal breathing in 2-3 minutes. Through strong community partnerships and innovative approaches, Public Health’s distribution of this life-saving tool to community-based organizations in 2025 is on pace to double that distributed in 2024. This work is funded… Read More
How to get the COVID vaccine in King County
Crosposted from Public Health Insider Getting a COVID shot this fall might look a little different from state to state, but here in Washington, it’s pretty simple: all people ages 6 months and up can get the updated (2025-26) COVID vaccine. Here’s what you need to know. Who should get a COVID shot this fall? The short answer: it’s a good idea for everyone! No matter your age or health, vaccination can protect you from severe illness and Long COVID. The slightly longer answer: we strongly recommend that certain people at higher… Read More
Public Health’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention and King County Sheriffs Office host gun safety events for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Sept. 29 and Oct. 4
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is hosting two gun safety events: a gun lockbox giveaway event at Kirkland City Hall on Sept. 29, and a gun buyback in Skyway with the King County Sheriffs Office on Oct. 4. Both events are free and open to all. Read more.
Zero Waste Washington concludes farm plastic waste reduction project that illuminates both barriers and potential solutions for reducing plastic waste on local farms
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The ubiquity of plastic and the efforts to manage it sustainably is a difficult challenge for farmers to tackle. From greenhouse film to packaging materials, plastic is everywhere, and while these materials are crucial for farm operations, options for conveniently disposing of plastic products are limited. Plastic materials used on farms are typically shut out of recycling streams due to contamination from soil and plant matter, leaving farmers with few choices other than to dispose of them in landfills or let them pile up on their… Read More
Counties across region collaborating on work to support climate-resilient buildings
Crossposted from the Executive Climate Office In the summer of 2024, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties announced we’d received a $50 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lower greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and construction throughout the region. At the time, King County shared that the Executive Climate Office (ECO), using funding from that grant, would partner with local governments in an effort to reduce climate-warming pollution while ensuring access to healthy heating on cold days and cooling on hot ones. A year later, that work is well… Read More
Say goodbye to Common (English) Ivy: Washington issues statewide ban on sales
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds blog Known for its habit of growing up and over 100 ft+ trees and structures, creating carpeted growths in the forest, and housing allergens and rodents, it’s no mystery to PNW locals that common ivy (Hedera helix, AKA English ivy) is an impactful plant. Ivy has been classified as a noxious weed in Washington state since 2002, yet until last month (Aug. 2025) it could be sold and purchased with no legal implications. So why did it take 23 years to ban common ivy from the market? Let’s get… Read More
Teen donates towels to Regional Animal Services
Crossposted from the DES Express On Aug. 15, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) received a donation of about 500 towels collected by a local high school student. The used towels will be repurposed as bedding for animals and for cleaning kennels at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. “We are grateful for the generosity of our incredibly supportive community,” said Alex Ropes, Animal Shelter Manager at RASKC. “Donation drives of all kinds, from kitchen towels to kitty litter, help us continue to care for pets in our shelter and foster… Read More
Year Up United interns wrap up summer
Crossposted from the DES Express This summer, 11 talented interns from the Year Up United program successfully completed their internships with Procurement & Payables (P&P) and Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), finishing the season on a true high note. For many of these young professionals, the idea of stepping away from current jobs to pursue careers in an office setting can feel risky—or even out of reach. But through Year Up United, FBOD provided students from diverse backgrounds and communities with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, grow their skills, and envision new… Read More
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