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VOL. 106, NO. 50
Seattle Expands E Cargo Bike Program The Mailing Wizard: How to Make Sure for Local Businesses
S
eattle is giving small businesses a new way to cut delivery costs, ease traffic, and shrink their environmental footprint through its expanding E-Cargo Bike Program. The effort, launched as a pilot several years ago, now supports companies seeking a low-cost, low-emission alternative to vans and trucks in busy business districts. City officials say the program reflects Seattle’s commitment to cleaner transportation and practical support for local commerce. E-cargo bikes are fast, flexible, and efficient for short trips in dense
BIKE PROGRAM, 3
Gifts Arrive by Christmas The holiday rush is here, and millions of cards and packages are about to move through an already strained delivery network. Carriers say the busiest stretch runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Weather, staffing shifts, and record online shopping have made delivery windows less predictable, so mailing early is the safest option. Below is a quick guide to recommended deadlines for arrival by December 25th. Dates come
from national carriers; remote and international destinations may require even earlier shipping. General Tips Before You Ship Schedule a free USPS pickup USPS will collect prepaid packages from most homes at no cost. Schedule at USPS.com under “Schedule a Pickup.” Packages must be labeled and ready before your usual delivery time.
MAILING WIZARD, 3
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Launches Regional Day of Service on First Full Day in Office Staff Report
K
ing County welcomed a new era of leadership this week as Executive Girmay Zahilay began his first full day in office with a sweeping Regional Day of Service. The decision to place community action at the center of his first official agenda signaled a deliberate and symbolic message from the new executive. Zahilay is entering office with a promise to strengthen civic unity and to focus on practical, people centered solutions. The Regional Day of Service brought together volunteers from across King County for hands on projects in neighborhoods, parks, community centers, and service hubs. County employees joined with residents, local leaders, youth groups, nonprofit staff, and volunteers who simply came to help. The day’s work spanned a broad range of activities that reflected both the strengths and the needs of the region. Many participants said the event felt like a reminder of what community is supposed to feel like during a time when many people often feel disconnected from the institutions that shape their lives. Zahilay said the event was designed to demonstrate his core belief that government must not only craft policy but also show up directly in the community. He said that service can build trust where there is hesitation and can bring neighbors together even when opinions differ. For him, this first day set the tone for the administration he hopes to build, one that approaches leadership as
a relationship between people, not a distant process. Work crews fanned out across King County to participate in dozens of volunteer projects. Some groups supported food banks by stocking shelves and assembling family meal kits. Others gathered in parks to remove overgrown vegetation, clear storm drains, and prepare green spaces for winter restoration work. Volunteers painted community rooms, sorted winter clothing donations, organized shelter supplies, cleaned school campuses, removed graffiti, and helped local senior programs prepare for seasonal needs. Several groups focused on homelessness service outreach. Volunteers helped prepare hygiene kits, blankets, and cold weather supplies for people who are currently living outdoors or who are moving into temporary shelter. Staff members who participate in homelessness policy work had the opportunity to meet residents and frontline providers in person and to better understand the day to day challenges faced by outreach teams. One project stationed near the southern border of the county brought together staff from multiple agencies to help with a long running stream and trail restoration effort. Participants worked with field teams from the parks department to remove invasive plants and to help stabilize shoreline areas that are monitored each winter. The work was physically demanding, but volunteers remarked that the project helped them gain a stronger appreciation for the stewardship responsibilities held by county departments.
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County employees were encouraged to join a project that aligned with their department’s mission. This resulted in staff from public health volunteering at clinics and food distribution centers, transportation staff helping with street and sidewalk cleanup efforts, and administrative staff assisting with community supply drives. Many employees described the day as a meaningful opportunity to see the impact of county programs outside of the office environment. Community organizations expressed gratitude for the event and emphasized that volunteer support is vital year round. Several nonprofit leaders noted that the Regional Day of Service brought attention to ongoing needs that often fall out of public awareness once holiday giving seasons end. They said the visibility of the county’s involvement helped direct residents toward volunteer programs that rely heavily on consistent support. Zahilay said he hopes the Day of Service will become an annual tradition that celebrates unity and shared purpose. He said that government must earn public trust through transparency, collaboration, and an attitude of service. Starting his tenure with residents rather than press conferences or administrative meetings was a conscious choice that reflected his values and his view of leadership. He added that community centered work will continue throughout the year and that his administration intends to build strong relationships with grassroots organizations. The Regional Day of Service concluded at several community hubs where volunteers gathered to share stories from the day, meet
partners from local organizations, and highlight forthcoming opportunities for continued involvement. Early feedback from participants was enthusiastic, with many volunteers saying they were impressed by the scale of the event and by the diversity of service projects available. Residents who participated said the experience made them feel more connected to their neighbors and to the county as a whole. Some said they hoped to bring more people next year, while others said they were already looking for programs that could use help on a regular basis. As King County moves into a new phase under Executive Zahilay’s leadership, the Regional Day of Service served as both a launch and a promise. It showed a commitment to visibility, accountability, and collaboration. It encouraged residents to take part in shaping a stronger and more unified region. It also demonstrated that the new administration plans to lead with its feet as much as with its words. Residents who want to continue the momentum can explore volunteer opportunities through local nonprofits, school districts, community associations, and county supported service partners. Many organizations offer flexible roles for individuals, families, and workplace groups. The county plans to continue sharing information about volunteer programs and upcoming events through its public communication channels, community partners, and local media. For now, the message from the first full day of the new administration is clear. Service is not simply a gesture. It is a foundation. It is a way to bring people together and to remind residents that they are part of something larger than themselves. Executive Zahilay has made it clear that his approach to leadership will be grounded in community and powered by the belief that people working together can build a county that reflects their collective hopes for the future.