Healthy floodplains and resilient communities: A discussion with King County Flood Warning Center staff
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
It’s 4:30 p.m., you’re still at work when you get a flood alert saying the Snoqualmie River has reached phase 2 – minor flooding is expected in low lying areas. Because you know that driving through floodwaters is dangerous, you need to check to see what the conditions are, plan what route you’ll take home, and figure out how the rest of your night might be impacted.
The King County Flood Warning Center is here to make sure that information is available.
In the following interview we go behind the scenes to see what staff are doing to ensure you get the answers you need. Read more.
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Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system on Oct. 16
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 16 between 9 and 10 a.m. as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness.
Employees will receive test messages from KCInform via phone, text, and email. KCInform is used to notify County employees of emergency situations, infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in department business operations, and other critical impacts.
Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system. However, please register your County provided cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you don’t miss important, time-sensitive messages. The service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected.
If you are not currently registered with KCInform, or want to update your information, go to accountportal.onsolve.net/KCInform. Your County email address is your username, and you can use the password reset function if you have not logged in before. Visit the KCInform website and watch this short video to learn more.
And remember, at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16, Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds as part of the Great Washington ShakeOut drill.
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Honoring heritage, inspiring the future: Celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters
From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we recognize Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities across our region and country. This observance also highlights the importance of representation, connection, and belonging; values we strive to integrate into our workplace and service every day at Metro. Read more.
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Learn more about causes to support at the Annual Giving Drive’s Nonprofit Expos
Join the Employee Giving Program as we meet the nonprofits that make our Annual Giving Drive possible! Nonprofit Expos are a great chance for King County employees to connect with different nonprofit organizations, ask questions, and form connections! Come curious, as we have a unique opportunity to share resources, connect with new people, and create long-lasting connections. These expos are open to all King County employees. Employees do not need to register to attend. Read more.
Start Something Good. Give Today. Learn more about how to join the Annual Giving Drive.
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Join the October 2025 SYT challenge!
The Switch Your Trips (SYT) promotion has officially begun! Leave the car at home during October and reap the benefits of trying other modes of transportation. Complete and log at least 10 trips using a qualifying travel option—that’s carpool, vanpool, bus, train, light rail, foot ferry, bicycle, walking, rolling, skateboarding, or a combination of all modes — and you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win some great prizes — including $1,500, $500, or one of many other great prizes. So, join your fellow King County employees and Switch Your Trips the entire month of October!
Switch Your Trips WA challenges people who live, study, or work in Washington State to replace drive alone trips with sustainable travel options such as walking, biking, rideshare, and transit.
Want more out of your trip? Post a photo of you and your Switched Trip to the SYT Facebook page for your chance to win a $25 weekly gift card!
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October is National Retirement Security Month
King County is committed to helping employees build a financially secure future. October is National Retirement Security Month — a great time to learn more about your retirement options and make sure your plans are on track.
Understand your retirement plans
Employees are enrolled in a King County pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Check your retirement account at drs.wa.gov or call 800-547-6657.
In addition, you are also offered the King County Deferred Compensation Plan, an optional retirement savings plan administered by T. Rowe Price. You can enroll at any time or log in here to review your current contribution rates and investment selections. You can also call 888-457-5770 to speak with a certified retirement specialist.
Attend retirement classes
Employees can also take advantage of available classes and seminars. Read more.
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DLS and Director’s Office honor Orange Shirt Day
Crossposted from the Department of Local Services LinkedIn
Recently, members of the Department of Local (DLS) Services Road Services and Director’s Office teams wore orange shirts to collectively honor Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration of Indigenous children across North America who were taken from their homes to attend residential and boarding schools — many of whom did not return home — beginning in the 1800’s. The commemoration, which centers on the message that “Every Child Matters,” serves as an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind.
The commemoration was organized by Department of Local Services Race, Equity, and Social Justice Program Manager Rita Gray M.Ed., whose grandmother and other family members are boarding school survivors.
For more information about Orange Shirt Day, visit orangeshirtday.org.
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Sound Transit Sergeant Devon Edwards receives prestigious award at IAWP
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee News
It is with great pride and admiration that we recognize Sgt. Devon Edwards for her exceptional achievement in being awarded the prestigious International Association of Women Police (IAWP) scholarship — an honor bestowed upon one outstanding female police officer worldwide. This competitive grant celebrates leadership, vision, and a commitment to advancing global understanding of law enforcement roles across diverse cultures.
Devon Edwards made history as the first female officer from the United States to receive this distinguished award. Her selection reflects not only her dedication to public service but also her passion for fostering international awareness and collaboration with the policing community. The scholarship supports officers who strive to deepen cross-cultural insights into law enforcement, elevate the visibility of women in policing, and champion progressive change.
Last week Devon traveled to Glasgow, Scotland where she represented the King County Sheriff’s Office at the IAWP conference. Her presence and participation were a powerful embodiment of the Sheriff’s ongoing commitment to transforming the police workforce — encouraging, empowering, and uplifting women in law enforcement. Devon’s accomplishment is more than a personal milestone, it is a beacon for future generations of female officers and a testament to the values we uphold at King County. We commend Devon for her trailblazing spirit, her unwavering dedication to service, and her role in helping shape a more inclusive and globally connected law enforcement.
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Executive Braddock’s budget adds 400,000 hours of bus service
Crossposted from Metro Matters
On Sept. 23, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proposed a 2026-27 budget that 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.
“We continue to invest in and grow transit,” Executive Braddock said. “We’re increasing bus and water taxi service, expanding Metro Flex, and improving Access Paratransit.” Read more.
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How my life was changed by Long COVID: Experiences of people in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
We may want to think of COVID-19 as something in the past, but it’s still here and many people are living with the long-term outcomes that can range from unpleasant to utterly debilitating. Long COVID is a condition that can affect any of the organ systems after a COVID infection, and it can happen to people at any age, even if they were previously healthy. Studies have identified more than 200 symptoms that people with Long COVID have experienced, and some can make daily living a challenge.
In this video, local residents shared examples of how their lives have been altered by Long COVID to further understanding of the condition and in the hope that it will encourage others to take steps to prevent getting COVID-19. Read more.
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