ADA Title II and Disability Equity Resource Hub is live for employees

It is officially July, which means it is officially Disability Pride Month! From the ADA and Disability Equity Team to you, we hope you have a month full of accessibility, inclusion, and disability joy. The ADA team is part of the Executive’s Office and focuses on systemwide change to build a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and equity in every part of King County government.  One of the ways the team is celebrating is by launching our new SharePoint site and resource hub. Here employees can learn more about our team, our work, get support for your department, and learn about… Read More

Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality 

A message from King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Team, Sunday, I joined hundreds of King County employees, families, friends, and even a few pets to march together in solidarity, unity, and celebration at the Seattle Pride Parade. Pride celebrates a rich history of resistance, courage, and joy. It grew from the fight for basic rights and dignity, led by people, particularly Black Trans women, who refused to accept invisibility or inequality. Their activism laid the foundation for the freedoms and recognition the LGBTQIA+ community continues to pursue today. From the bold acts… Read More

Celebrate at the Seattle Pride Parade and travel with Metro!

Crossposted from Metro Matters The Seattle Pride Parade is back and more fabulous than ever on Sunday, June 28, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend to honor our LGBTQIA+ community—and have a lot of fun. It’s likewise a meaningful moment to observe the ongoing work to advance equity, dignity and support for LGBTQIA+ people. We’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead and ride transit if they are traveling to or around downtown Seattle to ease their trips. Read more.

King County Metro teams up to strengthen community, cultural connections during Seattle’s soccer summer

Crossposted from Metro Matters Smiles so big they fill the room. Connections so strong they last generations. As the region welcomes the world to Seattle’s soccer summer, community groups are teaming up with King County Metro to promote positive change and relationships that will last beyond the tournament events. This effort is called our Inclusivity Initiative, and through this work Metro aims to demonstrate that excellence in transit operations and deep commitment to community fairness are inseparable elements of true public service. Metro has convened conversations with community organizations and created a… Read More

Executive Zahilay recognizes Juneteenth, a day that carries both celebration and weight

On Friday, June 19, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay emailed all County employees in recognition of Juneteenth, its history and legacy. “For me, Juneteenth is a reminder that the pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and justice for African Americans did not end in 1865,” Executive Zahilay wrote in his email. “Today, we honor the generations of African Americans who continued that pursuit long after June 19, 1865. People who organized, advocated, worshipped, taught, created, mentored, served, and led in their communities in the face of relentless resistance.” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when… Read More

Honoring World Refugee Day in King County, June 20

On World Refugee Day, RISE (Refugees and Immigrants Support & Empowerment) Employee Resource Group joins communities across King County, Washington State, the United States, and around the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees.  Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day honors people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or disaster. It is a day to recognize their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Many King County residents and employees bring lived experiences as refugees… Read More

King County Executive and Council honor Juneteenth

Executive Zahilay and the King County Council jointly proclaim Friday, June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in King County. Together, they share how “Juneteenth is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress, achievements, and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make, and an occasion to look forward to the work that remains to reach full economic and social equity for the descendants of enslaved African Americans.” June 19, 2026 also marks the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, which continues to be a profound symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey… Read More

Juneteenth an observed County holiday on June 19

King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Friday, June 19. Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. June 19 is also a FIFA World Cup match day. View road closure schedules and traffic information for around downtown Seattle and Pioneer Square here.

Join colleagues across King County to celebrate Juneteenth

On Thursday, June 18, employees are invited to join colleagues across King County and community members for King County’s Juneteenth Flag Raising celebration in advance of the federal holiday on June 19. All interested employees are welcome to attend with supervisor approval. Participation is completely optional.   The event will include light refreshments, music, and remarks from employees and community members whose leadership, advocacy, and service continue to advance Black liberation, social justice, and strengthen African American communities across King County.   Thursday, June 18 at noon, King County Administration Building Plaza, 500 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 Juneteenth marks the day… Read More

Creating a culture of inclusion

Crossposted from the DAJD Employee Newsletter They’re on a mission. Employees who focus on disability issues for the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) and Public Health – Seattle & King County aim to do more than just comply with the law. They want to change the mindset so that King County jails make their services truly accessible to people with disabilities. Meet Brandi Brown and Brad Steinmetz from DAJD, and Blayne Amson from Public Health. Read more.