Night shift: What mussels can teach us about Puget Sound pollution
It’s cold and dark when we head to the beach. The mussels in the trunk have been on the road and on ice all day. This morning, ecotoxicologist and shellfish chauffeur Jennifer Lanksbury picked them up from a partner in Penn Cove and now we’re squeezed between two deadlines: these native bay mussels (Mytilus trossulus) can only be out of the water for 12 hours, and they must go back in at exactly the right moment.
The mollusks are key players in the Mussel Watch program, a regional effort led by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The program combines the powers of people and mussels to track toxic contaminants in Puget Sound, and our group is just one of many working in sync to deploy mussels at more than 80 sites. We’re all racing the rain, the clock, and the tide. Read more.
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Minimum wage in unincorporated King County increases to $20.82 on Jan. 1
Crossposted from King County Local
On Jan. 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase in unincorporated King County. The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage an organization can pay an employee. It will increase from $20.29 an hour to $20.82 an hour, with exceptions for smaller businesses. The increase impacts employees and employers.
Unincorporated King County is a wide and diverse area with a variety of workers and employers. To address this, the King County Council proposed a phase-in period for smaller employers based on the number of employees and the gross revenue to get into compliance. Read more.
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Juggling your cash with My Secure Advantage
Trying to balance everyday expenses while saving for retirement or big life purchases can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck without a clear plan. Financial stress doesn’t just impact your wallet; it can affect your health, relationships, and overall well‑being. That’s why taking steps toward financial wellness is so important.
King County employees have a financial well‑being benefit through My Secure Advantage® (MSA). With MSA, you have access to tools and resources designed to help you better manage your money. From personalized coaching to budgeting support and planning strategies, MSA empowers you to take control of your finances. By building a solid plan, you can move beyond day‑to‑day worries and grow confident in your financial future. Read more.
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Financial tips for the holidays from My Secure Advantage
My Secure Advantage (MSA) is a financial wellness program that provides King County employees with tools and coaching to help you reach your financial goals.
The holiday season can bring extra expenses and maintaining financial wellness during this time is important. Balancing everyday costs with holiday spending helps reduce stress, protect long‑term goals, and keep the focus on enjoying time with family and friends. In this video, Balanced You’s Employee Health and Wellness Project/Program Manager III, Karla Clark interviews MSA Financial Advisor, Tiffany Willis about financial planning for the holidays and how to recover after.
For more information about MSA, or to sign up for a 90 day Money Coach, visit this page.
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Stay informed and be prepared for cooler weather
With cooler temperatures and rainy weather upon us, King County wants to help you stay safe at work, at home, and on your commute.
If you work on site, please be prepared for inclement weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Read more.
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Celebrate the holidays with exclusive savings from TicketsatWork
King County has partnered with TicketsatWork, the nation’s leading employee perks and discount program — just in time for the holidays. From holiday shopping and travel to new local deals on groceries, restaurants, and everyday essentials, TicketsatWork helps you save more on what matters most.
With new offers added every week, it’s your go-to resource for savings on:
- Holiday gifts and online shopping
- Local dining and grocery discounts
- Travel, hotels, and attractions
- Theme parks, movies, and entertainment
Don’t forget to download the TicketsatWork App! Download the app and access exclusive employee discounts wherever you go.
- Get a head start on holiday gifting
- Stay connected to favorite deals and new experiences
- Enjoy fast, convenient shopping anytime, anywhere
Getting started is easy and free! Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use company code KingCounty to enroll and start saving today.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Approved: King County Metro’s 2026-27 budget adds service, invests in zero emissions, safety and cleaning
Crossposted from Metro Matters
The King County Council adopted Metro’s 2026-2027 budget in November 2025. The budget adds more than 400,000 hours of Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities. Read more.
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay leads Regional Day of Service on first full day in office
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, his first full day in office, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service focused on food banks and food security across King County. He encouraged all King County residents to volunteer, donate, or find another meaningful way to support the work of our county’s food banks.
This Regional Day of Service corresponds with one of Executive Zahilay’s “Four B’s” guiding his administration – “Boots on the Ground,” making King County government more visible, connected, and community-driven. Read more.
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Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, September – October 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters
They enjoy taking photos, playing soccer and practicing peaceful martial arts. They travel and garden. There are ukulele, piano and guitar players and happy grandparents. Those who ride with them say one went the extra mile to return a lost phone: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it back, knowing it was safely with him the entire time.” Another rider talked about their ability to help a distraught passenger: “I was so impressed with her ability, in the midst of snow and ice and a schedule that was being delayed by a distraught person, to remain calm and be very kind to someone in obvious distress.”
These operators—with over 175 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.
Meet your Operators of the Month for September and October 2025. Read more.
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King County’s new chapter with Executive Girmay Zahilay
Originally emailed to employees Nov. 25, 2025
I am honored to write to you for the first time as your King County Executive. Today, we launch a new chapter for King County. I look forward to this journey with you as we serve the people of our region.
I’ve recorded a video introducing myself and thanking all of you here.
Earlier today, I participated in two swearing-in ceremonies. The first was at NewHolly Gathering Hall and was a very personal event in the same community where I was raised. Around 200 community members came together, and it truly symbolized one of my visions for King County – centering the people most impacted by our decisions and ensuring our county government is closer to the people we serve. The second ceremony just took place at the King County Courthouse with my colleagues on the King County Council.
I want to thank former Executive Shannon Braddock for her dedication and commitment to leading King County following former Executive Dow Constantine’s departure earlier this year. Over the last few weeks, we have worked together to ensure a smooth transition. Read more.
Employee News 