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News
Landscaping takes shape at new shelter site
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Until now, most of the work being done at the new Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) shelter location has been focused on the interior of the building. Recently, the county’s Facilities Management Division (FMD) worked with a local landscaping company to revitalize the exterior landscaping, opening multiple parking spaces, public walkways, and an entry point to the nearby Green River Trail that had been overrun by weeds and overgrown trees. When the new facility officially opens, the public will be able to park their cars… Read More
Plan ahead for check payments during World Cup events
Crossposted from the DES Express Due to heightened security measures in downtown Seattle during the World Cup matches in June and July, vehicle and pedestrian access to buildings near Lumen Field – including King Street Center – will be significantly restricted. Even on non-match days, expect large crowds and extra traffic that will make travel through the area difficult. To ensure you receive timely check payments during the event, the Payables Team highly recommends minimizing or eliminating your need to pick up checks. For employees who still wish to pick up checks in person,… Read More
Robert E. Gant named King County Juvenile Court Services Director
Crossposted from Medium King County Superior Court has selected Robert E. Gant MA, LMHC, as the Director of Juvenile Court Services. Robert has served as a Juvenile Court Services Manager since joining the Court in 2019 and was Acting Director in 2021. “Robert’s work is characterized by the collaboration and clarity necessary to ensure Juvenile Court delivers programs that are effective, strategic, and promote equitable outcomes,” said King County Superior Court Chief Administrative Officer Linda K. Ridge. “We are grateful for his leadership and longstanding commitment to serving youth and families in… Read More
Executive Zahilay visits Harborview to view geotechnical drilling
Crossposted from the DES Express King County’s Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division (HCID) was pleased to welcome County Executive Girmay Zahilay to Harborview Medical Center on May 4 to view the current geotechnical drilling taking place on campus and learn more about the project. Over the last month, HCID has been conducting geotechnical drilling at various locations across campus, drilling up to 150 feet down to better understand soil conditions in preparation for constructing new facilities for patients and staff. The samples will inform the design of the new patient tower to… Read More
Discounts for Paramount Theatre and Mechanics Bank
Employees can now take advantage of additional discounts to performances of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for Broadway at the Paramount Theatre. Discounted tickets for the 2026-2027 season are available for purchase here. HomeStreet Bank is now officially Mechanics Bank and has continued to offer King County employees banking and mortgage benefits. As part of the Mechanics Bank Affinity Program, employees can access down payment assistance, rate reductions on select consumer loans, and much more. For more information, view this flyer or visit their website. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Prepare for log-in changes to King County’s E-Procurement Portal
Crossposted from the DES Express E-Procurement (powered by Oracle) is rolling out a new log-in page as soon as May 23 to make systems more secure. The Procurement and Payables (P&P) team is working closely with Oracle to determine a specific date for the change and to provide information to help suppliers and employees navigate the new log-in page. After the upgrade, the new Company Single Sign-On option for King County users will appear as “Sign in with KC Identity…” at the bottom. When you select that, you will be logged into… Read More
New Employee Experience page and Customer Focus Survey coming soon
We’re excited to introduce the new and updated Employee Experience page, your hub for understanding and strengthening Employee Engagement at King County. On this page, you can explore what engagement means and why it matters, how we measure it, and how your feedback directly shapes improvements through Action Planning. As a reminder, another opportunity to share your voice is coming soon with the Better Government Customer Focus survey, which launches on May 26. Your feedback is essential—it helps leaders refine processes, build better programs, and strengthen how we serve our community. Surveys aren’t just about gathering information; they’re about taking… Read More
King County to observe Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will be on Sunday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, May 26.
ARFF joins Touch-a-Truck event
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter On April 26, King County Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) joined the annual Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Junior League of Seattle, giving kids of all ages a hands-on look at big rigs from various agencies. The KCSO fire truck was a clear crowd favorite, drawing a steady line of excited future first responders. Special thanks to ARFF Captain Eric Muller and ARFF Sergeant Clint Herman for participating in this fun event.
Inside the pipes that keep everything flowing
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Aaron Squires stands at the edge of a maintenance hole in Redmond, pulling on a pair of waders. A King County truck sits nearby, with cones marking the work zone and cables running down into the opening below. Squires is part of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s 15-member conveyance inspection team, responsible for maintaining and surveying the pipes that spans across our service area. Below the surface, more than 380 miles of County-owned pipe carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. Known as the… Read More
FIFA World Cup to bring road closures, traffic impacts along with the spotlight
Crossposted from the DES Express The first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle kicks off at noon on Monday, June 15, with a total of six games in Seattle through July 6. During that time, there will be many special events throughout the Puget Sound region and the state celebrating the tournament. Local event planners are anticipating 750,000 visitors to the region for the World Cup. While the World Cup events will spotlight our region, they will also bring increased traffic, road closures and pressures on public transportation. Read more.
Celebrating employees during National Emergency Medical Services Week
May 17-23, 2026, is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a time to honor emergency medicine’s frontline workers who provide lifesaving services in our community, day and night. King County’s own Medic One/EMS system has been called “one of the world’s best” which can be directly attributed to the dedication and skill of the EMTs, paramedics, and telecommunicators in the region. EMS Week reminds us to recognize the courage, commitment, and teamwork of those who are there for us in our most critical moments. “We are grateful for the commitment of all EMS… Read More
Trailhead Direct returns Memorial Day weekend with transit service to popular hiking destinations
Crossposted from Metro Matters Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, returns for its ninth season beginning Memorial Day weekend, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the region’s outdoor spaces without the stress of driving or parking. Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), with promotional support from Amazon. Trips to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si trails will operate on weekends and holidays, starting Saturday, May 23 and will run through Sunday, Aug. 30. The 2026 season includes service… Read More
King County Executive visits the Communications Center
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter King County Executive Girmay Zahilay spent a few hours during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, at the 911 Communications Center, where he plugged in with call receiver Clarissa Eyre and dispatcher Verna Riley. Chief Ian Huri gave him a tour, and Operations Manager Katie Emanuel helped explain the technology and coordination that keeps the Communications Center running, and what it takes to keep King County safe. As a fun ‘plus one’ he also brought his father along. Pictured: From left, Executive Zahilay… Read More
Needing to burn off stress? Movement helps
Stress has a way of building up in our bodies and minds. If you’ve been feeling tense or weighed down, moving your body can be one of the fastest ways to release it. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost energy and focus. Balanced You and King County make it easier to fit movement into your day with resources designed to support you. Read more.
Breaking the cycle: Connecting people to mental health care after hospitalization
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections For too long, communities across King County have faced barriers to getting the behavioral health care they need to support their long-term recovery. At the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS), we are breaking the cycle through our commitment to following through, connecting people to routine mental health care and recovery supports after they are discharged from treatment in hospitals, inpatient programs, or Crisis Care Centers. New data shows efforts to connect clients of King County’s behavioral health services to outpatient care after a hospitalization are working… Read More
SeattleFWC26, Governor, Executive, Mayor and transportation partners share ‘Know Before You Go’ info ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™
Crossposted from Metro Matters With 33 days until Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match kicks off in Seattle, SeattleFWC26 and First & Goal, Inc. were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and leaders from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), King County Metro, Port of Seattle, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for a regional “Know Before You Go” event to preview matchday transportation plans. Seattle Stadium will host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1 and July… Read More
New intranet page helps employees navigate World Cup impacts
It’s almost time for Seattle to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches! They will be held at Lumen Field (referred to as Seattle Stadium) between June 15 and July 6. During that time, you should expect substantial impacts to your commute on game days and during World Cup-related community festivities. On game days, there will be street closures and increased pedestrian traffic around King Street Center and other buildings in the downtown campus. King County has launched a tool to help employees navigate closures and delays related to the World Cup in Seattle. It’s a new one-stop-shop intranet page with… Read More
New exhibit highlights Filipinos’ lasting legacy on Washington’s waterfront
Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog A powerful new traveling exhibit, “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront,” is currently showcased at King County Metro’s Water Taxi terminal at Pier 50 through the end of May. “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront” uncovers personal stories that have long gone untold—stories of cannery workers, longshoremen, Navy sailors, faith leaders and families. This spring marked the debut of the exhibit which explores more than a century of Filipino history, labor and community along Washington’s saltwater shores. Over the coming months, the physical exhibit is traveling to host sites around the… Read More
Mental health resources for King County employees
As we begin Mental Health Month, Balanced You reminds King County employees of the many resources available to support you and your loved ones. Making Life Easier (MLE): Free crisis or short-term counseling, daily living support, and online tools for managing stress, available to employees and household members. Mindfulness classes and videos: Resources you can join from anywhere for a reset or a moment of calm. Mental Health First Aid: Training to help employees recognize when coworkers may need support and respond with confidence. Insurance-based mental health providers: Long-term counseling and psychiatric care available through your health plan. Movement… Read More
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