Various groups and communities have been targeted by executive orders and policy directives recently issued by the federal administration. Guided by our values and True North, King County will continue to provide county services and programs that support all communities and all people, including immigrants and refugees, women, transgender people, LGBTQ+ people, people of all racial identities, people with disabilities, and people of every religion, or of no religion. We are steadfast in our commitment to our employees. There are many services and resources offered by King County and organizations in the community… Read More

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Making a living from farming is no easy undertaking. Gaining capital to enter the agricultural sector, accessing infrastructure for growing and producing, and navigating competitive markets are some of many challenges that farmers face. For BIPOC farmers and growers in particular, these challenges are compounded by the added layer of an enduring history of racial and social marginalization. The Black Farmers Index was created to increase the visibility of Black farmers that lack the exposure to sell or distribute their food. Read more.

This month, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions of African American and Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers in our region and beyond. In honor of Black History Month, the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice is hosting “The Unspoken Truths,“ a traveling museum curated by Delbert Richardson. All King County employees are invited to visit the powerful exhibit which explores American history, culture, and contributions, fostering reflection, dialogue, and learning.  You can visit the exhibit on the 13th floor of the Chinook Building during the first two weeks of February…. Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters At King County Metro, we occasionally receive questions related to our handling of personal information and whether we coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on immigration-related matters. Metro, ORCA, Sound Transit, and other ORCA transit agencies do not share customers’ personal information with ICE or the TSA. This includes—but is not limited to—information shared while acquiring or updating an ORCA card, other transit pass or transit fare; and information provided to a fare inspector, transit customer service staff member, transit police officer,… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters Feb. 4 was Transit Equity Day, a time to recognize the vital role public transit plays in advancing social and economic justice. Metro is proud to support the Labor Network for Sustainability’s mission to ensure transit is safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable, and affordable for all. Observed annually on Feb. 4, Transit Equity Day also honors the birthday of Rosa Parks, whose courageous act of defiance on a Montgomery bus in 1955 became a turning point in the civil rights movement and a lasting symbol of the fight for transit… Read More

Established in 1926, Black History Month is celebrated every February, and recognizes the impacts and achievements of Black Americans and all people of African descent in the United States. The 2025 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor,” and prompts residents to acknowledge King County’s long history of Black workers, creators, and business owners and their contributions to building our modern communities, especially the many talented King County employees who help keep our transit system in motion, our facilities in operation, and our water clean. Read the official proclamation here.

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Executive Dow Constantine announced $26 million in funding for nine affordable housing developments that will generate 848 new homes, 66 renovated rental units, and 25 new home ownership units across King County over the next five years. The investments prioritize affordable housing for people with the lowest incomes, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and locations close to public transit. King County’s Housing Finance Program (HFP) – managed by the Department of Community and Human Services through its Housing and Community Development division – invests in affordable housing development and preservation throughout the… Read More

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, King County employees and community members came together to honor our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The annual celebration was at the Ikea Performing Arts Center in Renton. The celebration focused on the theme Dedication to Community, and the accompanying quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The program featured… Read More

King County offices are closed on Monday, Jan. 20 to observe the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. All offices will be back to normal schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Click here for Metro Transit holiday bus schedules. If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.