Honoring heritage, inspiring the future: Celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we recognize Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities across our region and country. This observance also highlights the importance of representation, connection, and belonging; values we strive to integrate into our workplace and service every day at Metro. Read more.
Executive Braddock celebrates 2025 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be… Read More
Airport attracts eventgoers in Chinatown-International District
Crossposted from the DES Express King County International Airport recently participated in the Chinatown-International District Celebration for the first time. Troy Chen, Community Outreach Specialist, recommended the airport join in the event, held on July 12. Chen, who is fluent in Mandarin, Shanghainese (the Shanghai dialect), Spanish and English, engaged with community members and highlighted several ongoing and upcoming projects happening around the airfield. Read more.
Monitoring in Action: How King County’s On-Site Septic Program is improving service and equity
Priscilla de Andrade, with the Performance and Strategy (PSB) team, recently interviewed Meagan Jackson, who leads the Operations and Maintenance team in the On-Site Septic systems (OSS) Program. They discussed how performance data is driving smarter service delivery, faster permit reviews, and more equitable responses to septic system failures across King County. To ensure the program is meeting its goals effectively and equitably, the OSS team relies on a robust performance monitoring system. They collect and analyze data from permit applications and inspection reports to track trends, identify problems early, and evaluate… Read More
Honoring Disability Pride Month and 35 years of the ADA: King County’s path to progress
On July 26, 2025, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proclaimed Disability Pride Day and invited all employees and residents to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and “Nothing About Us Without Us.” You can read the full proclamation here. Executive Braddock and the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice (OERSJ) celebrated during an event on Saturday, July 26 that included reading the Disability Pride Month proclamation followed by a short program. Monisha Harrell, Director of King County’s Office of Equity and Racial… Read More
“We Belong and We’re Here to Stay” – Disability Pride Month 2025 at King County Parks
Crossposted from King County Parks What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month is an annual observance commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law in July of 1990. The month has been recognized as a time to celebrate and uplift individuals with disabilities. It serves as a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and included. While the ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities, many physical and attitudinal barriers remain, and each day we are taking one step closer to addressing those barriers. Our Employees… Read More
King County Department of Local Services recognized nationally for ‘Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language’ outreach efforts
Crossposted from King County Local The King County Department of Local Services earned a prestigious recognition for its efforts to reach and engage community members who speak languages other than English in the unincorporated areas. The department recently won a Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators in the Multicultural Communications Program category for its comprehensive effort, also known as “Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language.” The approach consisted of three main elements: Read more.
Join Metro in upcoming summer parades!
Summer is here—and with it comes the opportunity to show your King County pride in some of the region’s biggest community celebrations! Employees are invited to participate in either (or both!) of the following upcoming parades and events. Participation is completely optional, unpaid, and on your own time. Whether you join the route or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a fun way to connect with community, coworkers, and share in the spirit of summer. Upcoming events: Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday, July 26, from 7:30–10:30 p.m. Starts at Alaskan Way & Broad… Read More
Seattle’s Aurora Avenue N. gets 24/7 bus lanes, giving nearly 14,000 daily riders better service
Crossposted from Metro Matters Thanks to voter-approved funding through the Seattle Transportation Levy and Seattle Transit Measure, buses will run more smoothly during Revive I-5, other summer construction, and beyond, improving the citywide transit network and keeping people moving. We’ve completed major improvements along Aurora Avenue N. in partnership with King County Metro, adding expanded 24/7 bus lanes from downtown Seattle to N. 145th St, the city’s northern limits! These all-day bus-only lanes improve frequency and reliability on Metro’s highest-ridership route, the RapidRide E Line, for nearly 14,000 transit riders daily. Read more.
Celebrating a record number of graduates from King County Children, Youth and Young Adult Division programs!
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections More than 234 young people celebrated earning their secondary credentials (GEDs or high school diplomas) last month thanks to several programs managed by the department’s Children, Youth, and Young Adults Division (CYYAD). Many of these young people also earned college credits. CYYAD operates three learning centers for young people ages 16 to 24. Run by our team of dedicated social services professionals, these centers engage young people by connecting them with education and employment services after leaving or being pushed out of traditional high school without a credential. Read more.
Employee News 