 Click on the image to watch the KING 5 coverage of the transit safety task force meeting
This week is Transit Appreciation Week, an opportunity for us to thank our transit workers for their work. The best way we can do that is to make sure they are safe and supported in their jobs. And yesterday we kicked off a regional task force focused on safety and security both aboard and around transit for riders and operators alike. With over 100 mayors, councilmembers, public safety officials, union members, bus operators, and riders in attendance, it’s clear all of our transit partners are ready to do their part to build a safer system.
The task force was created in the wake of the tragic murder of transit operator Shawn Yim in December. Just hours after his murder, the leadership of ATU Local 587, flanked by city and county leaders, called for the creation of a countywide task force on transit safety. We will meet regularly through spring 2025 to develop an initial list of recommendations. A report is due in September 2025 to provide accountability for progress to improve transit and security. We can only achieve our mobility, sustainability, economic, and equity goals if everyone feels safe on our transit system and I am fully committed to doing everything in my power to make that a reality.
Source: City of Bellevue
In 2009, the City of Bellevue’s Neighborhood Outreach team started talking with a diverse group of women about how to develop community connections and build understanding of different cultures. These women wanted to get to know their neighbors, who came from all kinds of places and backgrounds, and create a stronger community.
What started as informal get-togethers at the Crossroads Community Center evolved into Bellevue’s Cultural Conversations program, regular community conversations and forums for women to come together, build relationships, and hear diverse stories and perspectives with the goal of creating a greater sense of belonging. Women of all ages, faiths, and cultures are welcome to attend!
Coming together as women to listen, learn, and connect is vital. That’s why I’m thrilled to work with my colleagues, Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Teresa Mosqueda, and the Council Equity and Social Justice Office to continue the tradition started by former King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles of hosting a Women’s History Month panel discussion about the issues and opportunities women face.
This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women educating and inspiring generations”. Join me and an outstanding panel of women leaders this Tuesday, March 25 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm in person at the Chinook Building (Rooms 121-123, 401 5th Ave, Seattle) or via livestream at kingcounty.gov/kctv. This event is open to everyone and I hope to see you there!
The volatility coming out of our federal government isn’t just unsettling—it is having and will continue to have real impacts on people throughout King County and our nation. On Wednesday, I joined local leaders from across Puget Sound to meet with leadership from Senator Patty Murray’s office to discuss local and regional federal priorities and how we can work together to keep things working here regardless of what is happening in the White House.
Although we continue to face uncertainty, I look forward to working with Senator Murray and my colleagues at the local level to get things done for our shared constituents.
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