African Center fo Excellence

South Link Connections: Shaping the Future of Transit in South King County

As South King County prepares for the arrival of the Federal Way Link Extension in 2026, King County Metro is launching a bold initiative to redesign bus service across the region. The South Link Connections project is more than a transit update—it’s a chance for communities to shape how mobility, equity, and access will look for generations to come.

What’s Changing?

The Federal Way Link Extension will add three new light rail stations:

  • Kent Des Moines Station (near Highline College)
  • Star Lake Station (near S. 272nd Street)
  • Federal Way Downtown Station (at the current Transit Center)

These stations will connect riders to faster, more frequent service across the region—including a 16-minute ride to Sea-Tac Airport and a 42-minute trip to Downtown Seattle.

To prepare, Metro is redesigning 22 bus routes serving 11 cities and unincorporated areas including Auburn, Burien, Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Federal Way. The goal: create seamless connections between buses and light rail, improve service frequency, and ensure transit meets the needs of all riders.

Community at the Center

Metro is engaging deeply with residents, especially those from historically underserved communities. Through surveys, open houses, and outreach led by community-based organizations, Metro is gathering input on:

  • Mobility barriers and service gaps
  • Equity priorities for BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income riders
  • Ideas for improving access to jobs, schools, and essential services

A Mobility Board made up of local riders and a Partner Review Board of community leaders and institutions are helping guide the process.

Why Your Voice Matters

Transit is a lifeline—for youth commuting to school, workers heading to job sites, and families accessing healthcare and groceries. The South Link Connections plan will shape how these lifelines operate for decades.

If you live, work, or travel in South King County, now is the time to speak up. Metro is accepting public feedback through August 31, 2025. You can:

Final Thoughts

This is a pivotal moment for transit equity. By participating, we can ensure that the voices of African immigrant, BIPOC, and working-class communities are not just heard—but reflected in the final design. Let’s build a system that moves all of us forward.

African Center fo Excellence

Environmental Sustainability & Equitable Access: A Call to Action

Abdirahman Omar,

Green spaces should never be an afterthought—they are essential for the well-being, safety, and health of communities. Yet, equitable access to these spaces remains a systemic challenge, particularly for African immigrant and BIPOC communities in Seattle, King County, and beyond.

Despite Seattle’s recognition as the 17th United Nations-designated city for environmental restoration, systemic failures continue to deny historically marginalized communities’ access to safe parks and recreational fields. While environmental restoration efforts have flourished, disparities in green space access persist—leaving refugee and immigrant youth, families, and elders without equal opportunities to enjoy nature, exercise, and connect socially.

The African Center for Excellence: Pioneering Equitable Green Space Access

The African Center for Excellence, led by dedicated environmental advocates and policy influencers, recognizes that true environmental justice must include equitable access to nature.

Their work underscores the reality that green spaces are not just environmental assets, but critical social resources that impact health outcomes, community development, and generational resilience.

This initiative focuses on ensuring:

✅ Safe & accessible parks for seniors—spaces where elders can gather, exercise, and maintain their well-being.

✅ Equitable access to sports fields for youth—essential for physical health, leadership growth, and community-building.

✅ Educational exposure to environmental sustainability—so young scholars can experience and protect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Breaking Down Systemic Barriers

The time for change is now. Local organizations, policymakers, and environmental groups must unite to ensure that parks, sports fields, and recreational spaces are accessible to all—regardless of race, income, or background. Equitable environmental restoration cannot exist without accessible green spaces, and the health and future of these communities depend on systemic reform.

Join the Movement

Every person deserves the opportunity to gather, play, heal, and thrive in safe green spaces. Whether through policy reform, community advocacy, or direct action, we must demand inclusivity in environmental planning. The African Center for Excellence continues to lead this fight—but true change requires collective effort.

Let’s build a sustainable, just future together. 🌍🌱

For partnership and collaboration, contact us at: Abdirahman@africancareers.org

#EnvironmentalJustice #EquitableGreenSpaces #BIPOCLeadership #SustainableFuture