2026 Professional Development Scholarship opens on June 1
On June 1, the Professional Development Scholarship Program will open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition, in addition to non-represented employees.
The Scholarship Program is designed to assist eligible employees with their professional development by providing financial assistance towards obtaining training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications.
The second application period for the 2026 Professional Development Scholarship Program opens June 1 through July 10, 2026, for training that begins in 2026.
Applicants should visit the scholarship intranet site to familiarize themselves with the revised application submission process, rating criteria, and frequently asked questions.
For questions, contact ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov.
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KCSO celebrates National Library Week
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter
During National Library Week, held annually in April, Sheriff Cole-Tindall helped spark young imaginations at the Burien Library. She read “We Match,” by Chris Barton, a colorful story about dogs discovering math, to children and their families.
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AAAE event showcases innovation in electrification
Crossposted from Plane Talk
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) showcased its electrification and innovation efforts last month as host of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Transformation’s (ACT) first Innovation Engagement of 2026. More than 30 people gathered at the airport to learn and share information about environmental sustainability. Leaders from Fleet Services, the airport and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division spoke to attendees about electrification efforts.
“KCIA and our tenants continue to lead the industry in innovation and electrification,” said John Parrott, airport director.
The event included a tour of the new UPS facility, the second UPS location to have caster floors. These floors help UPS workers move cargo containers in any direction. Live equipment demonstrations included Modern Aviation’s electric tug along with the airport’s battery-electric sweeper, hybrid fire engine and other equipment.
KCIA was the first airport in the nation to deploy a battery-electric sweeper. In addition, KCIA was also first in the nation to take delivery of a hybrid electric airport fire engine, a Striker Volterra. Over the next few years, the airport will continue to electrify more of its ground vehicle fleet.
“King County International Airport is one of 61 airports participating in our Innovation Consortium, an initiative focused on advancing new technologies and educating airports on their practical application,” said Jeremy Valcich, Director of Innovation Programs at AAAE. “We greatly appreciate the team for highlighting their electric vehicle fleet, offering a scalable example that can inspire airports nationwide as they explore pathways toward more sustainable operations.”
Learn more about environmental efforts at the airport.
Pictured top: Innovation Engagement attendees stand in front of the airport’s hybrid electric fire truck, which replaced the airport’s oldest diesel-only fire truck.
Pictured below: On left, event participants on a tour of UPS’ Seattle sorting facility check out the caster floor. UPS has cut the use of fossil-fueled tugs by more than 50 percent, thanks in part to these new caster floors inside the sort facility and outside on the ramp. On right, One of Modern Aviation’s electric tugs.
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Precinct 4 SET awarded Team of the Year
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter
Congratulations to the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) for receiving one of the highest honors from the Washington State Narcotics Investigations Association, a non-profit professional organization dedicated to providing law enforcement training.
The unit has been named the 2025 Team of the Year — a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional dedication, teamwork, and commitment to protecting our communities.
This honor reflects not only their outstanding work, but also the integrity and professionalism they bring to every investigation. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and grateful for the impact they make every day.
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Executive Zahilay highlights early progress to improve financial stewardship and accountability at King County
Efforts include expanded fraud prevention training, cross-departmental coordination in grant management, and a new internal audit function
Recently, Executive Zahilay highlighted the early progress that has been made over the last two months to implement his Better Government Executive Order and improve accountability and transparency in government operations.
Issued on his 100th day in office, the order includes comprehensive reforms to strengthen financial oversight, reduce cost growth, and improve stewardship of public funds.
“Our focus is clear: stronger accountability, smarter financial practices, and a culture of continuous improvement across County government,” said Executive Zahilay. “Many of the challenges we face were created over years and won’t be solved with quick fixes. These early actions under my new administration show momentum, but we know there is more work to be done. My administration is acting with urgency, clarity, and discipline to make King County the best run local government in the nation.” Read more or view the video below for his latest update.
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Employee discount now includes Microsoft 365 for personal use
King County employees can save 30% on Microsoft 365 Family or Personal through the Microsoft Workplace Discount Program. These annual subscriptions include Office apps, cloud storage, and productivity tools for use on your personal devices.
Please note, when installing Microsoft 365 for personal use, you must sign in with your personal Microsoft account. Do not use your kingcounty.gov credentials, as this can create security risks and make your device subject to Public Records Requests. Follow these step by step instructions to get started.
For more terrific deals, visit the King County employee discount page.
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New study explores the future of farming in King County
Farming in King County is becoming increasingly challenging. High land costs, labor constraints, and shifting market conditions continue to create real barriers for farmers and farm workers, making it harder to sustain and grow agricultural businesses across the region.
To better understand these challenges and identify meaningful solutions, King County recently completed an Agriculture Sector Study. The study takes a closer look at the structural barriers facing the agricultural sector—from access to land and labor costs, employee housing, healthcare costs, and new market opportunities—and identifies recommendations to support farmers and agricultural businesses. Read more.
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Animals and art: 4Culture helps RASKC plan for artwork at new facility
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
In early April, staff from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) and the county’s Facilities Management Division (FMD) toured the future RASKC shelter location in Kent with 4Culture, King County’s cultural funding agency.
4Culture’s mission is to fund, support, and advocate for culture to enhance the quality of life in King County, with a focus on racial equity. The agency helps source artwork for King County’s capital projects through the “1% for Art” initiative, which mandates that all eligible county capital projects set aside 1% of the approved project funding to be used for artwork.
“We want the new facility to be a place in which our community feels seen, heard, and supported. Having artwork that reflects the community we serve, and the pets they love, plays a big part in that,” said Alex Ropes, Animal Shelter Manager. Read more.
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How past trauma and current stressors interact: A conversation with the Employee Assistance Program
Mental Health Month begins on Friday, May 1. Look for additional information throughout May about the benefits and resources we offer to support King County employees’ mental health and well-being.
Many people feel stretched by the pace of work, family responsibilities, and the uncertainty happening in the world right now. According to King County Employee Assistance Program Manager and counselor Miguel Messina, it makes sense that current stressors feel heavy on their own. For some people, those stressors can also stir up older experiences that were never fully resolved.
“If you’re feeling stressed out, snappy toward people, or like your emotions are harder to control, that may be connected to the accumulation of trauma from your past being activated by what’s happening now,” Miguel explains. Read more.
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King County Auditor’s report shows DCHS continues to make significant progress
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Improving how our government works and ensuring public dollars are well spent is a top priority at King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS).
A recent report by the King County Auditor’s Office states that DCHS “made significant progress on audit recommendations, improving training and awareness” over the last several months as the department has implemented new policies and procedures.
The work DCHS is doing will serve as a roadmap for the King County enterprise—ushering in a new era of accountability. Read more.
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