VIDEO: A unique salmon recovery partnership in King County has proven to be an effective model for collective impact
Crossposted from King County Field Notes Twenty-five years after creating a first-of-its-kind regional partnership for salmon recovery, King County and a coalition of partners are celebrating progress and renewing the alliance for another decade. The partners have so far reconnected 730 acres of floodplain, completed 719 salmon recovery projects, and planted native vegetation in nearly 1,500 acres of riparian areas while also improving water quality, reducing flood risks, and expanding public access to greenspace. They are achievements that would have been nearly impossible without the agreement signed in 2000 that unified investments and… Read More
Executive Zahilay transmits legislation to expand Metro bus service and strengthen Link light rail connections in South King County
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Monday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council proposing major updates to Metro bus service across South King County as part of the multi-year South Link Connections project. The proposal builds on the recent opening of the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown Link light rail stations and would create a more connected, reliable transit network serving Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and nearby unincorporated areas. If approved, the new service would launch as… Read More
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
During my first months in office, I have made it a top priority to get away from my desk and into the field to meet with King County employees. I believe leadership starts with listening, and these experiences have grounded me in the day-to-day work that keeps our region running and given me tremendous appreciation for the hard work and dedication of King County employees. In December, I joined King County Metro staff at the Mosaic of Us event at Metro’s Central/Atlantic Bus Base, celebrating the strength of our diverse workforce. I… Read More
The 2026 Noxious Weed List is official!
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds Blog What does it mean to be a noxious weed? “Noxious weed” is a legal designation. To become a noxious weed a plant must first meet four criteria. Introduced to Washington state (non-native) Spread beyond where they are planted Create harm where introduced* Difficult to control *This harm can be agricultural, such as reducing crop output, ecological, such as out competing our native plants, or physical, such as toxic to humans or livestock. They can impact wildlife, human health, land value, recreation, and natural resources. Anyone can nominate… Read More
Updated King County Critical Area Ordinance enhances protection for environmentally critical areas, supports housing, and commercial agriculture
Crossposted from King County Local King County has completed the first major update in two decades of its regulations for developing land near wetlands, streams, and other critical areas. Developed through three years of research, planning, and public discussion, the updated King County Critical Area Ordinance is a set of land use regulations intended to safeguard environmentally critical areas, communities, and infrastructure. The Metropolitan King County Council adopted the final ordinance on Dec. 2. Please continue reading for more information on when the ordinance becomes effective, frequently asked questions, next steps, and updated… Read More
King County becomes first public agency to receive the Year Up United Impact Award
Crossposted from the DES Express King County commits more than $1 million to continue paid internships and expand career opportunities for young adults through Year Up United. Jonny Lopez, a former Year Up United intern, took the podium after some heavy hitters. John Stanton, chairman of the Seattle Mariners and Trilogy International Partners and founding chairman of the Year Up United Puget Sound Board, had addressed the crowd. Other Year Up and county leaders had spoken about the importance of internships and the successful partnership between the two organizations. But it was… Read More
Learn about the Harborview Bond Program in new “Ted Talks” series
Crossposted from the DES Express From the Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division: Harborview Medical Center has launched the video series “Ted (Klainer) Talks,” hosted by Harborview’s Senior Director of Capital Development Ted Klainer, showcasing the Harborview Bond Program’s journey toward building a new tower and making other improvements on the hospital campus. Ted will be joined by numerous project experts, including Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division (HCID) Director Tony Wright, to share project updates, show how the project was developed, and take viewers on a behind the scenes look at how the… Read More
Executive Office presents Day of Remembrance Proclamation to RISE and AANHP Leaders
In recognition of Feb. 19 as Day of Remembrance, an official proclamation was shared with leadership from the Refugees and Immigrants Support and Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group and the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacifica (AANHP) Affinity Group. Day of Remembrance honors the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated during World War II. This observance serves as a reminder of the harm caused by fear-driven policies and the importance of protecting civil liberties for all. “Remembering this history is essential to preventing the repetition of policies… Read More
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Feb. 23, ORCA is launching a new Tap to Pay feature allowing riders to use credit and debit cards, and digital wallets, to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region. Riders can simply tap their contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover® Network, or American Express credit or debit cards, or cards in digital wallets, using Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay™ to ride. This new feature expands access to public transportation and supports seamless travel experiences for both daily riders and visitors alike. This new feature also comes as Seattle and the Puget Sound region… Read More
Executive Zahilay visits staff at Chinook Wind project in Tukwila
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently visited the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila to learn more about the project and see the habitat restoration work of employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) Water and Land Resources Division. “Yesterday I visited the hard working staff of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division at DNRP to see the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila. What used to be a rundown hotel site is now transformed back into natural habitat that will support salmon recovery for generations to come,” Executive Zahilay… Read More
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