Honoring Juneteenth: A day to learn, reflect, and act
Dear fellow King County employee, As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth tomorrow, June 19, I want to take a moment to recognize the deep significance of this day, not only in American history, but also in our collective journey toward racial justice, equity, and freedom. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day that represents the long and ongoing struggle for true racial equity and freedom,… Read More
Juneteenth: A personal reflection on freedom, struggle, and pride as a Black man in modern America
By a Black man living in modern history -William Herbert, Human Resources professional with Metro Transit Mobility Division, and Water and Land Resources Division Foreword Every year, June 19th rolls around, and for many in America, it may pass like any other summer day. But for me—as a Black man, military veteran, husband, and father living in modern-day America—Juneteenth is not just a date in history. It’s a mirror. A memorial. A celebration. And a call to action. It’s a day that encapsulates the joy of freedom, the weight of delayed justice,… Read More
How to get a 2025 King County Pride t-shirt and volunteer for the parade, June 29
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
Happy Pride Month!
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
Celebrating ‘Filipinotown’ addition to the Seattle Streetcar
Crossposted from Metro Matters On May 21, a new “Filipinotown” addition to the Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line Chinatown-International District vehicle design was officially unveiled. This new design highlights the important contributions of Filipino Americans to Seattle’s rich cultural tapestry. A celebration was held at SDOT’s Charles Street facility, bringing together community leaders, cultural advocates, and residents to participate in the meaningful milestone. Read more.
Distinguished community public health leader is King County’s new Health Officer
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Public Health – Seattle & King County is delighted to welcome Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, a public health leader with both local and national experience in improving community health, as King County’s new Health Officer. Public Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan appointed Dr. Valenciano to serve as the department’s primary medical expert, provide leadership on scientific and medical matters that shape department policy and practice, and foster strong relationships with the healthcare community. Dr. Valenciano comes from DeKalb Public Health in metro Atlanta, Georgia, where she most… Read More
Honoring those who served and their sacrifices this Memorial Day
Dear fellow King County employee, As we prepare to observe Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the profound significance of this day. Memorial Day honors the brave members of our country’s armed forces who gave their lives fighting to protect and preserve freedom here at home and around the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who have served, and particularly to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their sacrifices—and the sacrifices of their families—remind us of the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy. We… Read More
Honoring AANHP Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters In celebration of American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika (AANHP)* Heritage Month, please join me in recognizing the cultures, histories, creativity and lasting contributions of AANHP communities who help shape the fabric of King County and our region. This month is both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection. As we honor the richness and resilience of AANHP heritage, we also recognize the ongoing impact of exclusion, discrimination and systemic racism—from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the scapegoating of Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to tragedies like the… Read More
Executive Braddock proclaims May as Mental Health Month
May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources. “During this month, we encourage King County employees to educate themselves about mental health conditions and treatment option; challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same, and create safe, supportive environments for open conversations about mental health,” said Executive Braddock. ” Read the full proclamation here.
King County Metro’s AANHP video nominated for Emmy
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro was honored with a Northwest Regional Emmy Awards nomination for a video celebrating American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika (AANHP) culture. The 10-minute video, created entirely in-house by the transit agency, features Metro employees and artists Vance Sakado, Linh Hoàng, Keiko Budech, and Wan-Lin Tsou. “Our four Metro colleagues created powerful art pieces as part of the AANHP Visibility Project,” said Metro Multimedia Producer Thomas Hawthorne, who directed the Emmy-nominated video. “While their art was selected to be placed in the community—as a bus exterior, at Metro worksites and on downtown bus… Read More
Employee News 