Featured Headlines
VIDEO: Interim DNRP Director Mo McBroom shares her path to public service
KCSO in the spotlight: Air support
Welcoming new neighbors: King County invests in vital support for immigrant and refugee communities
King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland celebrate opening of new permanent supportive housing community, Sheila Stanton Place
News
Get Movin’ with Balanced You: 2026 fall schedule
Movement and physical activity are proven to have a positive impact on mental health. These movement breaks and live weekly fitness classes are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Join us for all the classes in the Get Movin’ with Balanced You series focusing on yoga, stretching, cardio, core exercises, mat-based Pilates, tai chi, and strength training. Classes are for all levels, from beginner to advanced. No special gear is needed and the sessions are all body-weight movement. A… Read More
Protect yourself, your coworkers, and your family: Get your annual flu and COVID-19 shots
King County wants employees to be healthy so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the community we serve. While respiratory illness season begins in autumn, it typically peaks in January and February and continues through the spring, with potential COVID-19 waves any time of year. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older receive the 2026-2027 flu and COVID‑19 vaccines. Read more.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) marks its 81st anniversary this October, offering an important opportunity to recognize the meaningful contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. These individuals bring innovation, adaptability, and resilience, having spent their lives navigating environments not originally designed with their needs in mind. Their lived experience cultivates creative problem‑solving, a sharp ability to spot challenges others might overlook, and a deep persistence developed through overcoming barriers throughout their lives. When employers look beyond outdated assumptions about disability, they uncover talent, capability, and potential that too often… Read More
How to prepare for emergencies at work
Each month the Employee Newsletter will feature a new Safety Tips segment. This month’s topic is: Do you know what to do at work during an emergency? An emergency can take many forms, such as a fire, an earthquake, or an act of violence against you or others. It is important to know where your nearest exits are located and identify safe areas in your workspace. Below are trainings and information that can help you in an emergency: Fire Safety Basics for Employees Floor Warden: Basic Training Floor Warden: Considerations for Persons… Read More
Meet nonprofits involved in our Annual Giving Drive at Nonprofit Expos
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving Every fall, King County employees come together to learn, connect, and make a difference through the Employee Giving Program, and our Nonprofit Expos are one of the best ways to jump in. This year, more than 70 nonprofits will be onsite to share how they’re strengthening communities across our region. Whether you’re passionate about youth programs, environmental restoration, food security, or creative arts, you’ll find organizations eager to talk with you. This year, we have three Nonprofit Expos. One at King Street Center, one at King County… Read More
Celebrating employees during National Forensic Science Week
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter By Chief Kelly Park, Criminal Investigations Division Recently, we recognized the vital contributions forensics make to law enforcement and the pursuit of justice, during National Forensic Science Week, Sept. 20 to 26. The King County Regional AFIS team provides essential identification work throughout all levels of investigation. In 2025 alone, the AFIS staff: Searched the fingerprints of 51,000 people Responded to 1,300 crime scenes Processed 10,000 items of evidence Worked 3,400 criminal cases Recovered 1,700 DNA samples Helped identify 850 deceased or incapacitated… Read More
Solid Waste team’s rapid response saves a life
The quick thinking and swift response by several employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ Solid Waste Division (SWD) helped to save a customer’s life at Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station earlier this month. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, a customer lost consciousness while driving toward the outbound scale, leaving his son unable to move him. The son sought help at the scale house, where the Bow Lake team quickly stepped in and provided immediate assistance. Scale Operator Michelle Loukides called 911 and radioed Transfer Station Operators for assistance. Transfer Station Operator Kurt Weibe was the first to arrive at… Read More
Executive Zahilay proposes $4.6 million in climate investments to cut pollution, create jobs, and build resilience across King County
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay is proposing $4.6 million to cut pollution and build climate resilience across King County. This proposal is part of the Executive’s $746 million supplemental budget that was transmitted to the King County Council last week. The Executive’s climate proposal includes investments to reduce pollution and energy costs, protect residents from extreme weather, prepare workers for clean energy jobs, and continue to implement King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). It also expands popular programs like the Energize program that improves heating, cooling, and energy efficiency in communities… Read More
A new King County iMap is coming!
Crossposted from GIS & You King County GIS Center is pleased to announce the upcoming soft launch of the modernized King County iMap application. Over the coming weeks, users will have the opportunity to explore the new application while the current version remains available. Following the soft launch period, the existing iMap application will be retired and the new application will become the official King County iMap. The new application is available now at https://kc-imap.kingcounty.gov (new URL). Read more.
Pocket parks: Big things come in small packages
Crossposted from King County Parks You may have come across a small parcel of green space in your neighborhood, carved from an old parking lot or leftover fraction of a commercial or residential lot. If so, congratulations! You have a pocket park in your community: a mini outdoor space measuring only a quarter acre or less in size. These bite-sized spaces are often intentionally designed to provide “pockets” of rest and recreation to residents of densely populated urban environments, who may otherwise have limited access to the benefits of parks and other forms… Read More
New data shows DCHS reached over half a million people in 2025 and other impacts across King County
Crossposted from the Cultivating Connections Every day, the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) helps residents find stable housing, access behavioral health care, strengthen their financial security, and connect with essential services. The updated 2025 DCHS Data Dashboard brings the scale and impact of that work into focus. In 2025, DCHS-managed programs and activities reached over half a million people across King County, demonstrating both the scale of the department’s work and its impact on the health and stability of communities. Read more.
Celebrate Archives Month 2026 with King County Archives
October is Archives Month! Celebrate with King County Archives by exploring a variety of activities open to everyone. You can make a reservation to view unique historical records, stop by a pop-up exhibit at the Customer Service Center in the King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, or create your own “zine” with help from local archivists. Discover what archives are, what they hold, and why they matter to our community. Oct. 13 to 23, Archives à la Carte. Free and open to the public, registration required. King County Archives, 1215 E…. Read More
Take part in the Week Without Driving challenge, Oct. 1–8
Metro and King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks invite you to join Week Without Driving, Oct. 1–8. This national challenge encourages participants to explore what everyday travel looks like without driving, and better understand the experiences of people who cannot drive or cannot afford to. Try it for the full week, a day, a weekend, or just a few trips you would usually make by car. Invite a friend, colleague, or neighbor to join you. How to participate: Try different ways to travel. Walk, roll, bike, or take transit. Use… Read More
Keep your heart strong this season with Omada
Colder weather can affect blood pressure and heart health, but small adjustments can make a big difference. With Omada, you’ll connect with a virtual health coach for guidance and receive supportive tools delivered to your home to help you manage your heart health, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes, no matter the season. Read more.
Emergency Kits: Why they’re important
King County wants to help you, your family, and community prepare for emergencies, and stay safe if one occurs. To prepare for an emergency, use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to create a plan. This step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need. Your plan should include emergency kits for your home, vehicle, and workplace. They should include two weeks’ worth of supplies. Why do you need an emergency kit? It can keep you safe and save your life Emergency services may be delayed or unavailable Basic… Read More
Opening doors to connection and independence for adults with developmental disabilities
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Connecting with our communities and making friends with shared interests brings richness to all our lives. That’s why King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Community Inclusion program helps give people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) an opportunity to participate in activities in their local community. From social clubs and volunteering opportunities to activities like climbing gyms, book clubs, knitting circles, pottery classes, gardening, and more, participants have a space to develop relationships with community members while practicing everyday skills that help support independence and foster… Read More
Highlighting King County’s Latinx Affinity Group in Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
In honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we are highlighting King County’s Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx)! KCLx is an employee-led resource group (ERG) that provides a welcoming space for employees to connect, build community, and advance equity, inclusion, and belonging across King County. ERGs promote equity and social justice, foster employee engagement, and enhance personal and professional growth within King County. What we offer: Through monthly meetings, Lunch and Learns, Cafecitos, shared resources, conversations, and opportunities to gather and celebrate together, KCLx creates space for members to connect… Read More
Honoring HR Professionals on Sept. 26
An important day is coming up that honors and celebrates Human Resources (HR) professionals. It’s HR Professionals Day, also known as HR Appreciation Day, on Sept. 26. “Because of you, we have high-quality, efficient, and effective programs and services that help and support the employees of King County and their families,” Matt Smith, Director of the Department of Human Resources said. “Because of you, our employees are better able to deliver innovative, essential services to our region. And because of you, King County’s workforce is strengthened by attracting, retaining, and developing diverse… Read More
Investing in the Power of Youth: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Last August, Public Health – Seattle & King County launched its fourth annual Public Health Camp, welcoming its largest cohort of high school and college students, between the ages of 16-21 years old, who are passionate about working in public health. Public Health Camp creates opportunities for students from underserved schools to explore careers in STEAM while helping build a pipeline for the next generation of public health professionals. For Portraits of Public Health, we talked to Debbie, Shayla, and Greg, the brain trust behind Public Health… Read More
Sharing proposed investments in housing, transportation, and infrastructure in my $746 million supplemental budget with you
Dear King County team, Today, I transmitted a $746 million supplemental budget proposal to the King County Council. This is our second omnibus budget, and includes investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, transit, land conservation, workforce and small business support, and climate action — all for a better county government that works for the people in it. King County continues to face significant budget constraints. The costs to maintain programs and services continue to far outpace revenue, as they have for more than 20 years, and we’re facing a projected $120 million shortfall… Read More
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