The Journey Toward Shared Justice: King County, WA

The King County stop of the Leading the Way Tour revealed a jurisdiction that demonstrates not only significant potential but also a clear and growing readiness to embrace a truly comprehensive approach to public safety. Across conversations with community partners, local officials, system leaders, and grassroots organizers, a consistent theme emerged: the region is poised to move beyond fragmented or short-term interventions toward strategies that center community experiences and drive long-term safety outcomes.

Attendees expressed a shared understanding that the next phase of work will require deeper alignment across agencies and sectors, stronger mechanisms for shared ownership, and a countywide commitment to elevate strategies that measurably improve the lives of those most impacted by violence and systemic inequities. This includes coordinating prevention and intervention efforts, strengthening community-based infrastructure, and expanding data-informed practices that reflect the lived realities of young people, families, and neighborhoods.

A Moment That Mattered:

Navigating trust-building with a young person in South King County is rarely straightforward. Many young leaders stand at a crossroads—on one side, the familiarity of high-risk behavior shaped by cycles of harm; on the other, the uncertainty of change burdened by broken systems and deep mistrust. 

One young man, recently unhoused and deeply impacted by community violence, had lost faith in every institution meant to support him. But when outreach workers from a local CVI program showed up (not just once, but consistently) he began to see that transformation wasn’t just possible, it was worth believing in. Through the support of Peace Camp staff and mentors, he found a path toward stability. He joined a peer leadership circle, received a housing referral, and eventually began volunteering with youth outreach. His journey echoes that of many in King County: trust isn’t built in a day. But it can start with one.

What’s Ahead:

The future of public safety in King County requires coordination, clarity, and commitment. Young leaders and frontline workers have made clear what safety looks and feels like - now those visions must be operationalized through shared structures, sustainable investments, and trusted governance. Institutions must move beyond temporary initiatives toward long-term accountability. Community-rooted organizations must be supported not just with grants, but with infrastructure and voice. And young people, so often at the frontlines of violence and healing—must be integrated as co-leaders in the process.

Cities United remains committed to walking alongside King County on this journey, co-creating a regional model for safety rooted in healing, equity, and accountability

“I didn’t think anyone cared… but they showed up again. And again. That changed things.” - King County Young Leader