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Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
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King County Wins 2025 Geospatial Professional Network Award for Innovative AI-GIS System
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
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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
The Parent Champions Pilot Program receives BRG Innovation Award for Service
The Parent Champions Pilot Program has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Service. Congratulations to the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and the Developmental Disabilities & Early Childhood Supports Division, and their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government! A special thank you to the program’s project manager Juliette Escobar and group facilitators Ya’Vonne Hubbard and Fathia Hammad. The Innovation Award for Service recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress on our customer service goals to prioritize customer-centered services, improve the customer experience, increase staff understanding… 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
King County Security Tips – How secure is your mobile device?
Most of us have a smartphone, but how many of us really think about the security threats faced by these mobile devices? Mobile devices are vulnerable to many different types of threats. The bad guys are increasing attacks on mobile devices and targeting your phone using malicious applications. Using these methods, they can steal personal and business information without you having any idea what’s going on. Even if you’ve downloaded a security or antivirus application, securing your smartphone goes beyond these services. Improving your mobile security practices is your best defense against… Read More
King County Metro to install operator safety partitions fleetwide
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro bus operators are evaluating safety partition designs as part of the planning process for retrofitting up to 1,300 of the agency’s 1,400 buses. Existing buses not being upgraded will be replaced by a recent order for 89 new buses that have a partition already installed. From now through July 5, four buses, each with a different style of partition currently available on the market, will be touring Metro’s bases. The safety partitions, which riders will begin seeing on both new and existing buses later this… Read More
Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving
Crossposted from Metro Matters It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day. Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, and there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro. Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs. They’re also the former bus drivers… Read More
King County announces five-year plan for climate action
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced the 2025–2030 Strategic Climate Action Plan today, partnering with the Executive Climate Office to send the proposal to the King County Council for consideration. The plan reinforces King County’s commitment to climate action that delivers measurable results — working across county departments and in collaboration with community partners. It builds off the significant progress King County has made in several areas and sets a bold course to cut greenhouse gas emissions, support climate-resilient communities, and invest in a sustainable and equitable region. “King County is staying true to… Read More
2025 Employee Engagement Survey results
A total of 8,524 King County employees shared their thoughts in the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey on what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and how we can build an even better workplace. Employees in the Executive Branch, and in King County Elections, King County Assessor’s Office, and King County Council were eligible to participate in the survey, which found that overall employee engagement is 69%, a 4-point increase from the last survey. Some of the key results include 75% of employees said that they apply equity, racial, and social justice… Read More
Earn free bike, scooter and transit rides this summer!
Crossposted from Metro Matters The popular “Bike and Scoot to Transit” program is back this summer and is even better than in previous years. This program lets people earn free bike, scooter and transit trips while they commute and explore our region. This summer, “Bike and Scoot to Transit” has been expanded to include even more transit hubs in Redmond, Seattle and Shoreline. The program began in 2022 and is a partnership between King County Metro, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Sound Transit, along with the companies Bird, Lime, Siemens and Velocia…. Read More
King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person. Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible. Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations. EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating: Workplace stress Career decisions Strategies to feel better while working, and more. Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments. Phone: 206-263-8733 Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov KingCounty.gov/eap
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
Protecting the wastewater system, one coat of paint at a time
Crossposted from the OneDNRP Newsletter When you think about wastewater, you probably don’t think about paint. But painting plays a big role in keeping our system running safely and reliably. Wes Wilson is one of our industrial painters at West Point Treatment Plant. In this short video, he shows us how his work protects pipes, pumps, and equipment from the harsh, corrosive environment they operate in every day. Take a few minutes to walk the plant with Wes and hear why he takes so much pride in what he does in the… Read More
Seven national awards for achievements in news, social, video, graphic arts, web design, and multicultural outreach
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) communications staff recently received a combined seven awards at two national conferences, recognizing achievements in news media, social media, video production, web design, graphic art, and multicultural outreach. On the same night they received the Golden Post Award at the Government Social Media conference hosted in Orlando, they received awards in six categories at the National Association of Government Communicators annual conference hosted in Pittsburgh. Those are in addition to their three Northwest Regional Emmy Award nominations. “We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team… Read More
Try text-based coaching to reduce stress
Looking for ongoing mental health support without the need for scheduled appointments? Making Life Easier (MLE) offers Textcoach, providing the opportunity for participants to connect with a licensed counselor, known as a Coach, through a secure platform. Textcoach allows you to enjoy the convenience of care available where you are, whenever you need it to help you reach your goals, whether you want to change habits, establish new routines, build your resilience, or boost your emotional fitness. To access Textcoach, sign into Making Life Easier’s web portal below, choose the “Access Care”… Read More
Making Life Easier online support groups
Making Life Easier (MLE) offers virtual, drop-in support group sessions on a variety of topics. When you are dealing with a challenge at home or work, group support can offer perspective, encouragement and, most importantly, the reassurance that you are not alone. MLE’s virtual support groups offer you the opportunity to join live, moderated sessions on a wide variety of topics to help strengthen your emotional fitness. Sample group topics include recovering from addiction, coping with stress, and supporting mental health for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your participation in these groups is anonymous,… Read More
Tim Anderson promoted to lead Regional Animal Services of King County
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC After a competitive nationwide search, Tim Anderson has been chosen as the new manager of Regional Animal Services of King County. He takes over for Dr. Gene Mueller, who retired in December 2024. “We cast a wide net to find our next leader for Regional Animal Services, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional candidate among our own leadership,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “I know that Tim will uphold our commitment to providing outstanding service to the people and pets of King County.” “I’m… Read More
Don’t blow it, cut the fuse: Consumer fireworks banned in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area. “Although the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County, along with many other communities in the region, recognizes that consumer fireworks present an unacceptable level of risk and harm. To help protect our loved ones, our first responders, pets, property, and… Read More
Longer days are returning, seasonal farmers markets are opening, and the benefits of taking advantage of this season are fruitful
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The wait is over: farmers markets are back! Across King County, local farmers, growers, foragers, food businesses, and more will be selling fresh produce, delicious foods, and unique artisanal goods at 40 different markets. On any day of the week, except Monday, there is a farmers market open in King County. To find a market near you, explore our partner, the WA State Farmers Market Association’s Find a Farmers Market tool and navigate to the Regional Farmers Market Directories page to find directories for Seattle and King County. Be sure… Read More
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