Last autumn, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) welcomed staff from King County Elections (KCE) to the Maleng Regional Justice Center and the King County Correctional Facility to assist minimum and medium security jail residents get registered to vote and get their ballots. This year was the third year staff from KCE have visited both juvenile and adult facilities to share voting information and get eligible voters what they need to make their voices heard. Ensuring both safety and access requires thoughtful partnership between DAJD and KCE. During just this past General… Read More

Farmers in Central Washington credit the King County Wastewater Treatment Division for enhancing their drought resilience with Loop biosolids, a natural alternative to artificial fertilizers that require significant energy to produce and often contain harmful chemicals. Loop transforms wastewater into a nutrient-rich amendment that researchers and soil scientists have found increased crop yields by up to 40%. The long-standing product supports the Wastewater Treatment Division’s mission to put recovered resources to beneficial use “It’s clear that for decades Loop biosolids have made a positive impact by transforming the landscape of modern agriculture and land… Read More

Adapted from Tails from RASKC Like many animal shelters across the nation, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is overwhelmed with dogs and cats. To help ease the shelter space crunch, RASKC is waiving adoption fees for dogs through the end of the year during the “Home for the Holidays” promotion. “Our dog kennels have been consistently at or over capacity all year,” said interim RASKC manager Tim Anderson. “I can’t recall that happening in the last twelve years. So, by waiving adoption fees, we hope we can find a place for… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters As Link light rail extends south, King County Metro’s South Link Connections mobility project is working to improve public transportation for communities in south King County. We invite you to learn more about these proposed changes and take our survey by February 28. In response to what we heard from community members in Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and parts of unincorporated King County, Metro is proposing several improvements to service and is seeking your input. Read more.

Crossposted from the DAJD newsletter Every quarter, DAJD staff teams up with Seattle Public Library (SPL) to host a “Read to Me” workshop with people housed at King County Correctional Facility. Through this reoccurring program, residents attend three sessions with SPL’s librarians, ultimately resulting in a recorded story that is sent home to children, grandchildren, or other young relatives as a special keepsake.  “Our role as Children’s Services Librarians is to help parents and caregivers connect with their children through sharing stories and books, and to support parents as the most important… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters We invite you to comment on the final draft of our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan by Jan. 10. Mobility is a route to opportunity, connecting people to their jobs, schools, services, and other important places. People with disabilities face many barriers as they try to get around King County. For example, we know that a higher percentage of people with disabilities rely on public transit for commuting compared to others. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and equitable public transportation to everyone. That is why,… Read More