Featured Headlines
Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
Emergency exercise tests communications ahead of World Cup
King County Wins 2025 Geospatial Professional Network Award for Innovative AI-GIS System
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
News
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
The Revive I-5 project is designed to extend the life of the aging Ship Canal Bridge and improve safety and ride quality for years to come. While the short-term traffic impacts will be challenging, the long-term payoff will be smoother, safer travel through this critical stretch of I-5. Get the latest updates about this work from WSDOT. As part of the project, two northbound lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge will close while crews repair and resurface the bridge deck. To minimize impacts during major events, work zones will be removed in June… Read More
Celebrating Government Communicators Day, Feb. 20
Crossposted from the DES Express In recognition of Government Communicators Day, coming up on Feb. 20, take a moment to meet the professional communicators in the Department of Executive Services (DES) and learn about what they do. Whether they communicate primarily with employees or the public, or a mix of the two, these are the folks who spend their days juggling deadlines, responding to inquiries, producing content and informing people about the good work that DES divisions do every day! A typical day might involve posting information on the web, writing a… Read More
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, November-December 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters They style hair and coach soccer. Cheer for Real Madrid and travel. Launch rockets and cook. They also “handle problem people with class and grace,” are “patient, friendly, and went above and beyond to help an older rider,” and make passengers “feel like I’m in good hands.” They’re operators with more than two centuries of transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities. Meet your Operators of the Month for November and December 2025. Read more.
Celebrating Black history, arts and culture with Attorney General Nick Brown
Crossposted from DES Express Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown talked about key milestones in Black history and discussed his personal journey into public service at “For Us, By Us: Transformational Conversations,” a Town Hall event on Feb. 3. This was Attorney General Brown’s first address to county employees. Cecelia Hayes, Equity, Social Justice and Engagement Senior Practitioner for the Department of Executive Services, worked several months to organize the event, which was executed in partnership with other “For Us, By Us” (FUBU) leaders. Transformational Conversations is a series of Black employee-led… Read More
Executive Zahilay visits and thanks Water Taxi staff
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently visited the King County Water Taxi to learn more about their operations and see the staff in action. “Our marine division teams help thousands of people get across the Puget Sound from downtown to West Seattle and Vashon Island and back,” Executive Zahilay said. “And soon they will be expanding this service to include more weekends and more hours so more people can get to work, to the hospital, to see friends, and more.” See the full post on Facebook.
Employee Discount at FragranceNet.com: Save $20 on all orders $50 or more
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. Use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including brand new offers on cruises, just in time for spring travel. This month, save on fragrances, skincare, makeup, hair care, aromatherapy, candles, and gifts at prices far below retail. Shop and save at discounts up to 80% off department store prices. You can save even more by buying testers. Click here to log in and use code PERK20 See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet… Read More
Use Form W-4 to change your tax withholding
If you want to change the amount of federal income tax withheld from your pay, use Form W-4 in PeopleSoft to update your payroll. The IRS recommends completing a new Form W-4 when your personal or financial situation changes, but this can be done any time. Go to the IRS website for information about Tax Withholding, including a Tax Withholding Estimator. To adjust the amount of federal income tax withheld from your King County paycheck, update your W-4 in PeopleSoft: Sign in to PeopleSoft Select the Payroll tile Select W-4 Tax Information Enter your choices… Read More
CSO speaks at elementary school about importance of kindness
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Shoreline Community Service Officer (CSO) Dahlia Corona was invited to speak at the Echo Lake Elementary’s annual Great Kindness Challenge on January 21, where this year’s theme was “Kindness Is Our Superpower!” The event highlighted everyday superheroes in the Shoreline community and invited local professionals to share how kindness plays a role in their work. Guest speakers included the Shoreline School District superintendent, Shoreline Deputy Mayor Eben Pobee, a neonatal nurse practitioner, and CSO Corona, who spoke with students about her role with the Shoreline… Read More
Records Management reminder: Every county employee has a responsibility to manage records
As government employees, managing records is a job requirement for each of us. It is not just a role assigned to admin folks; it is a part of all jobs, including those at every level of county government. If you’re curious about what those basic responsibilities are, we encourage you to take the Basic Records Management online training. The online class takes just 15 minutes to complete, can be taken anywhere with internet access, and can be retaken at any time. Some of the basics are also described in these documents: Key Takeaways – Basic Records Management (PDF) Managing Records Throughout… Read More
How to use your King County ID/ORCA transit benefits
As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card grants you access to King County facilities and opens up a world of public transit options in our region through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Buses, light rail, Sounder trains, the Seattle Streetcar and passenger ferries/water taxis provide reliable, consistent, and relaxing ways to get to work. See how to use your ID/ORCA card in the video below. Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options at kingcounty.gov/ETP. For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Safety, Security, and Emergency… Read More
Updates on the new pharmacy benefits manager for Regence medical plans
On Jan. 1, 2026, Ventegra began managing the pharmacy benefits for employees and family members enrolled in the KingCare and KingCare Select (Regence) medical plans. Please note the following updates and reminders about this change. New ID cards are coming. The Ventegra member ID cards sent with the Welcome Kit in January had a printing quality issue. Although the information is correct, it is somewhat difficult to read. The ID cards have been reprinted and will mail soon to all members. Most local pharmacies are in network. Nearly all retail pharmacies in Washington are… Read More
Undersheriff Jesse Anderson retires after almost 35 years
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Laughter filled the room as friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered to celebrate Undersheriff Jesse Anderson and his remarkable career with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The event brought together former and current KCSO members, leaders from several area law enforcement agencies, and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, creating a meaningful reunion centered on stories, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation. Jesse’s impact was evident in every smile and story told. His dedication, leadership, and kindness have left a lasting mark on the department and the people… Read More
Executive thanks employees for keeping public safe during Seahawks parade
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently thanked King County staff for their dedication and service during the Seahawks parade yesterday. “Thank you to the Seahawks for bringing so much joy and energy to our city, region, and state! Thank you also to all of our King County staff for keeping us safe and moving. Team members from Metro, Sound Transit, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and more were working over time alongside city staff to make sure everything went smoothly. Today was a very special day. I hope you enjoyed it with… Read More
Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed. The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship… Read More
Use your King County benefits to safely commute to work
King County offers employees a variety of safe commute options to help you arrive at your destination with confidence through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Your King County employee ID badge doubles as an ORCA card. One tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services: Metro Transit, Sound Transit Express, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit bus service. Link light rail Sounder train Seattle Streetcar Take free, unlimited trips on regional transit, any day, any time, for any reason! Learn more about your King County Employee Transportation Program commuter benefits in this video… Read More
Changes for Fleet motor pool drivers in downtown garages
Do you use any of Fleet’s motor pool vehicles based in downtown Seattle? If you drive motor pool vehicles in either Goat Hill Garage or King Street Center, read on for some important updates. The Goat Hill Garage has been having some connectivity challenges and the License Plate Reader capability is currently down. Fleet has garage access cards for your use when driving a motor pool vehicle. Look for the small packets attached to the vehicle keys with an “S” shaped carabiner, making it easier to detach the packet from the keys to use at the gate… Read More
Deputy Abts-Olsen recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Deputy Nic Abts-Olsen was recently recognized with a commendation from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for his compassionate, trauma-informed response to a stalking victim who had recently relocated for safety. Deputy Abts-Olsen took the victim’s concerns seriously, conducted a thorough investigation, coordinated directly with the City Attorney’s Office, and went above and beyond to help protect her sense of security. The victim later shared high praise for his care, professionalism, and dedication. The Victim Advocate Supervisor also said “His initiative and compassion made… Read More
Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork: TurboTax
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. Save an extra 20% on TurboTax File your taxes with complete confidence with TurboTax and take advantage of two great deals. You can file on your own with step-by-step guidance and get unlimited expert help as you go, plus save 20% when you file! Learn more here. Or let a dedicated expert do taxes for you, start to finish. For a limited time, let a TurboTax expert do your taxes for $150 flat. No hidden fees. Includes all tax situations, federal and state included. Applies if a… Read More
KCIT launches innovative app to support DNRP Park Rangers
King County IT’s GIS Center recently launched a new app for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Park Ranger program, marking a significant advancement in how King County monitors and manages park incidents. Built exclusively for DNRP, this tool provides the first centralized system for tracking park rule violations and other incidents – data that will help improve park safety and enhance the visitor experience. The goal is simple yet powerful, to turn Rangers’ “boots on the ground” work into actionable insights for King County leadership. Using the app, Rangers… Read More
Energize your workday with King County Activity Centers
Hoping to move more while working onsite? Energize your workday and unleash productivity and overall well-being with onsite fitness resources and movement breaks. Maintained by Balanced You, King County provides numerous worksite Activity Centers. These conveniently located spaces provide opportunities for employees to get moderate levels of physical activity and movement – before, during, and after work. Every Activity Center is different, and may feature various commercial grade cardio and strength equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, dumbbells, stretching areas, stability balls, and more. Check out this fun video to learn more… Read More
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