Refuge Outdoor Festival returns to King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground, elevating BIPOC youth leadership in the outdoors
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
Sunday, June 29: Pride Parade!
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
Recognizing Juneteenth
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Thursday, June 19, we recognize Juneteenth—a celebration of the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It’s a time to gather in community, reflect on our nation’s long and unfinished journey towards equity, and reaffirm our shared commitment to justice. As part of this year’s reflection, Transit Facilities Division Director Adé Franklin shares what Juneteenth means to him, how it shapes his leadership, and why it matters to the work we do every day at Metro. Following his foreword are reflections from a few Metro… Read More
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
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