Comm Briefs

Verity Credit Union celebrates its new Rainier Valley branch with a free community block party Saturday, Oct. 17, featuring live music, local artisans and kids' activities. The event caps months of neighborhood outreach and highlights Verity's mission as a CDFI to expand financial access for Rainier Valley residents and businesses.

Tacoma City Council is accepting applications for five vacancies on the Community Police Advisory Committee, which advises on police policies, training and accountability. Applications are due by noon Oct. 12 for positions representing Districts 1, 2, 3, an Emerging Leader seat, and an at-large role. Apply at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.

Pierce County will mail ballots Oct. 13 for the Nov. 3 general election, covering congressional, state legislative, county, and judicial races, plus statewide initiatives and local measures. Voter registration updates are due Oct. 26, with ballots accepted via mail postmark or drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Tacoma invites residents to join the annual Green Tacoma Day on Oct. 10, volunteering at seven sites to plant native trees, remove weeds and clean up litter. No experience needed—tools and guidance provided. Mayor Anders Ibsen praised volunteers for preserving green spaces. Details and registration available at greentacomaday.org.

Washington is expanding its Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program by about 2,400 slots for 2026-27, adding 42 new sites and openings at 105 existing ones, including locations in Tacoma, Lakewood and Federal Way. The expansion, funded through a $251 million state and Ballmer Group partnership, aims to boost free preschool access for low-income families despite workforce and facility challenges.

King County Metro riders are seeing expanded transit service across the county following an Aug. 29 service change that added nine bus routes and more than 3,000 bus trips each week, with South King County receiving the largest share of the improvements.

The Seattle Medium’s Pack The House campaign is entering its second week following a strong response from community members who showed up to support...

The Seattle and King County Clinic will return to Seattle Center April 23-26, providing free dental, vision, and medical services to over 3,000 patients in need of healthcare.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking community input on a new name for a South Park neighborhood park following recent allegations of sexual abuse against César Chávez, for whom the park was previously named.

The City of Seattle is seeking applicants to fill three open positions on the Seattle Renters' Commission, which is responsible for providing information, recommendations and guidance to the mayor, Seattle City Council and city departments on issues and policies affecting renters.