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

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.

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.

King County Parks welcomes the Refuge Outdoor Festival back to Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation for its eighth year Aug 22-24, offering a weekend of workshops, outdoor recreation, art, music and community in nature designed by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. In a climate of shrinking public investment in outdoor recreation, organizers view the festival’s continued presence as a reflection of deep community resilience. “We’re proud to continue hosting the Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground and to support events that reflect the diversity… Read More

Join us at the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29. King County’s contingent will meet at 10:45 a.m. on 4th Avenue between Seneca Street and Spring Street. The parade begins moving at 11 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. If you need assistance getting to the staging area you can meet Metro’s Pride bus on 6th Avenue, between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Atlantic Street, across from the parking garage, at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. The bus will leave at 9:45 a.m. and will return to 6th Avenue once it… Read More

There are two ways to get your King County Pride shirt this year: Be one of the first 75 King County participants to arrive as part of the King County contingent at the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, and you can receive a free shirt. Or, if you want to ensure you get a shirt and in your preferred size, you can order in advance by following the steps below.  This year’s Pride shirts range in cost from $16.89 – $22.89 (before tax), with sizes available to order from adult… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters This week, I had the honor of raising the Pride Progress Flag at Bellevue Base alongside colleagues from Metro’s LGBTQIA+* Employee Resource Group, members of the Metro Leadership Team, Chief People Officer Megan Pedersen and base employees. The flag was raised following a brief program of speakers—a meaningful moment that reminded us of the power of visibility and community. This annual tradition is one of the many ways Metro shows solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a joyful and powerful way to begin our month… Read More