Featured Headlines
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
News
Additional discounts to Kraken hockey games
Additional discounted games in April are now available for King County employees to attend. Purchase tickets here. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
WSDOT e-bike rebate program is back
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has relaunched WE-bike, an instant rebate program that helps Washington residents purchase certain cycling equipment and electric bicycles, also called e-bikes. As of March 30, people across the state are able to apply online for one of these instant rebates. The program will randomly select applicants monthly starting April 13, 2026 through March 29, 2027. Applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for the monthly selections. This grant program is entirely funded through Climate Commitment Act revenues and is available for instant rebates of either $300 or… Read More
Meet the SCOPE Team, connecting services directly to your community
The Supportive Community Outreach, Programs and Engagement (SCOPE) is a multifunctional customer service team within the Department of Community and Human Services that provides centralized information and resource referrals, making it easier for residents of King County to access the services they need. The SCOPE team aim to help residents connect to resources, navigate services, or bridge short-term financial gaps. “In addition to running our customer service center, the SCOPE team is out in community hosting a series of resource events, holding presentations, and gathering feedback from human services providers and community… Read More
Executive connects with youth at King County youth detention facility
Last Friday, Executive Zahilay visited the youth detention facility at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center alongside staff, to connect with youth through basketball, conversation, and arts activities. A powerful portion of the visit included a musical performance by a young man who was aging out of the facility and preparing to transition to adult custody. The visit reflects the Executive’s commitment to staying connected to young people in county custody and building systems that prioritize rehabilitation, so that the hardest moments in a young person’s life do… Read More
Executive Zahilay Transmits $394 Million Supplemental Budget to King County Council
Today King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted a $394 million supplemental budget to the King County Council. This proposal will amend the 2026-2027 budget adopted in November. The package responds to urgent community needs and advances the administration’s priorities including keeping residents safe, expanding access to affordable housing and critical services, strengthening county infrastructure, and building a more accountable and efficient county government. “Every dollar in this budget is a commitment to the people of King County,” said Executive Zahilay. “From keeping our communities safe during a historic World Cup, to making sure families have a roof over their head, to standing with our immigrant and refugee neighbors who… Read More
On the hunt for a hidden source of poop pollution
Crossposted from Headwaters King County typically enjoys a reliable abundance of rainfall. And once it hits the ground, rainwater seeps into soil or runs along streets and parking lots, flowing into storm drains, and disappearing underground. …Or does it? In some parts of King County, stormwater can travel through miles of pipes, creeks, or both before finally emerging in lakes or the Puget Sound. During its journey, stormwater can mix with the E. coli bacteria found in poop from people, pets, and wildlife. Poop-contaminated water can threaten community health and close swim beaches and… Read More
Metro’s bus stop schedules are getting a fresh new look
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is rolling out updated bus stop schedules designed to be easier to read and more helpful for riders with our semi-annual service change on March 28. These refreshed schedules come after we listened to customer suggestions. They make better use of space and include useful details like fare information, the customer service number and other rider resources (when room allows). One important update we want riders to know about is how to read the new schedule layout: Schedule times now flow from top to bottom instead of left… Read More
New youth mental health urgent care now open in Kirkland
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections As part of the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, we are excited to share that youth behavioral health urgent care is now available at our first Crisis Care Center, Connections Kirkland — whether or not you have insurance. The Crisis Care Centers initiative is making sure everyone including children and teens have access to free 24/7 behavioral health crisis services, including: Read more.
Women on the front line: The longest flood activation in at least 40 years
Crossposted from Field Notes Historic flooding in December 2025 from back-to-back atmospheric rivers was an all-hands-on-deck response that required three weeks of 24/7 monitoring. With multiple rivers throughout King County experiencing extreme flooding at the same time, staff took on shifts and supported the coordinated flood response in positions outside of their normal day-to-day jobs, lending their expertise to meet the demands of emergency response and communications. Women responded in full force during this record event. In the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, women hold diverse roles from across STEM (science, technology,… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces new Regional Relationship Managers
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced four additions to his team who will help the County be better connected to the communities we serve. “One of the ways my administration is showing up differently is through our new Regional Relationship Managers,” Executive Zahilay said. “This is a new team structure that reflects our commitment to being in community. These leaders are a key part of how the Executive Office stays connected to communities across King County. They build relationships, stay grounded in what’s happening across regions, and help inform how we respond… Read More
Executive announces new Executive Order to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration
Good afternoon team, This morning, I hosted a press conference to announce a new Executive Order to address the interconnected crises of homelessness, substance use disorder, untreated behavioral health needs, and repeated involvement in the criminal legal system impacting the health and safety of communities throughout King County. Breaking the cycles of homelessness, behavioral health needs, addiction, repeated legal system involvement are distinct and deeply intertwined activities. We cannot address the full scope of the homelessness crisis without addressing behavioral health and addiction. And we cannot effectively do any of that without bringing people inside and staying inside while they receive the supports they need to recover and re-enter our community. Too often,… Read More
Introducing the new look and digital experience for Making Life Easier
Making Life Easier (MLE) is rolling out a refreshed digital experience on April 1, 2026—including an updated website and a brand‑new mobile app. These updates bring a modern look and new features designed to make support even more intuitive, connected, and easy to access for King County employees and anyone living in their household. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, work‑life resources, or guidance for everyday challenges, the new experience helps visitors take the next step with confidence. Read more.
North Bend Police hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” event
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter North Bend recently hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” at Huxdotter Coffee, which gave community members a relaxed opportunity to sit down, enjoy a cup of brew, and chat with incoming KCSO North Bend Chief of Police Ed Hall, who spoke with residents and answered their questions. One attendee added a special touch to the gathering. Retired King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy Paul Schwenn stopped by to say hello. Schwenn and Chief Hall worked together for several years on the Metro BEES team. Chief-to-be Ed Hall becomes the Chief… Read More
KCSO reports significant decrease in crime across King County
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently released information for 2025 Crime Stats in this press release. It highlighted a 22% drop in the crime rate across the County. Sheriff Cole-Tindall sat down with several news outlets to talk about the great work KCSO employees are doing to achieve this impressive decrease. “Our goal, we believe, and our job is to reduce crime and the fear of crime,” said Sheriff Cole-Tindall. “We will continue to do the work that we’ve been doing.” Check out her interview with… Read More
DAJD makes history broadening opportunities for immigrant residents
In October 2025, King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state’s immigration status requirement, at that time. If those officers were removed from service, despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate, creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports. “Immigrant residents who are federally authorized… Read More
Combatting stigma with personal stories: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Lana is a nurse and educator, who uses her own immigration story to build trust with other new arrivals to discuss the stigmatized topic of tuberculosis (TB). For World TB Day on March 24, we’re proud to celebrate her and the incredible work of our TB Program. Hi, Lana! What work do you do at Public Health? I’m a registered nurse and I work as an educational specialist for Public Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. I share awareness about TB, how to get tested, and treatment options. We… Read More
Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area. Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government. If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department,… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history. My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more. Pictured:… Read More
Executive officially proclaimed March 24 as Nowruz
This March, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recognized Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years by more than 300 million people worldwide. Meaning “new day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. On March 24, the official Nowruz proclamation was presented to Refugees & Immigrants Support & Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group leadership by Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer, highlighting the County’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting immigrant and refugee communities. Traditions such as gathering… Read More
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department. Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to protect and promote the health and well-being of more than two million residents. The department works across a wide range of areas focusing on preventing illness and… Read More
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