Driving Excellence: Jack Millman Named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Every day, hundreds of thousands of riders step onto King County Metro buses and count on a smooth, safe and welcoming ride. For many lucky passengers, that ride has been in the capable hands of Jack Millman — a driver whose calm presence and consistent kindness have made commutes better and lives brighter. Now, Jack Millman, who has delivered exceptional service for more than two decades, has been named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year.
“Today, it is my absolute privilege to recognize Jack — someone who represents the very best of who we are and what we strive to be,” King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said during a ceremony honoring Millman on Oct. 28. Read more.
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King County announces major workforce investment after new findings show federal funding cuts, cost of living threaten nonprofit sector
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced recently that the county will invest up to $25 million through 2026 to support nonprofit human service providers and workers with higher wages, cost-of-living subsidies, improved benefits, hiring and retention bonuses, professional development, and more.
Recent findings from King County’s Nonprofit Wage & Benefit Survey and Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey show how reductions in federal funding, rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, declining individual donations, volunteer shortages, and other factors are threatening the sector’s viability.
This investment is made possible through the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), a local funding source. Read more.
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Discounts available for the Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker performances, Lion King, and more
Employees can now take advantage of a special 20% discount off of select Pacific Northwest Ballet performances in the 2025/2026 season, featuring The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Firebird, and more! Purchase tickets at the link here.
King County employees can also receive discounted tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, playing at the Paramount Theatre December 2025 through January 2026. Discounted tickets can be purchased here, no promo code needed. For more information, view this flyer.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Sign up for ballot alerts from KCE
Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive a text or email when King County Elections (KCE) has received your ballot back at Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified.
KCE will send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature.
Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process! Sign up today at kce.wiki/BallotAlert.
For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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FMD launches new intranet site for King County employees
The Facilities Management Division (FMD) recently launched a new intranet site. On this site you will be able to:
- Access FMD Services. From repairs and custodial services to HVAC, moving, tenant improvements, capital projects, parking, and ADA requests – FMD has you covered. Use this site to easily submit requests, access up-to-date forms, and connect with the right team.
- Learn more about King County Buildings. On this page, you can learn more about locations, hours, services, and amenities in buildings managed by FMD. Additional buildings will be added soon.
- Review FMD policies and procedures. Here you can learn more about how FMD’s operations and services are aligned with division, department, and county policies and procedures.
FMD is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and sustainable facilities for King County and looks forward to continuing to improve the many ways they serve the County.
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Fleet debuts new online surplus auction
Crossposted from the DES Express
Fleet Services has launched a new online surplus auction, making it possible and easy for the public to buy surplus county goods. Fleet is also making it easier for agencies to send furniture, supplies or other assets to Surplus.
“Providing our local community access to county surplus goods is a big step for the Fleet Personal Property Surplus Program in service of our mission,” said Chauntelle Hellner, director of Fleet Services. “We are excited to continue growing and stabilizing this service and adding value to the county and our community.”
Anyone can access the GovDeals online site and bid on goods. The link is also available via Personal property surplus – King County, Washington. Read more.
Pictured: Jimmy Bui, who works in Fleet’s warehouse, takes a photo of a large, black safe that will be added to the new online auction site.
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Monitoring in Action: The dashboard that powers Executive Priorities Monitoring
Jyoti Karna, with the Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) team, recently interviewed Brad Steinmetz, who leads the Executive Priorities Monitoring Program. The story highlights how the Enterprise Performance Dashboard is transforming this work by streamlining monitoring, aligning measures and giving senior leadership a clear, high-level view of countywide progress.
Once managed through spreadsheets, this work now lives in a single, integrated dashboard that provides transparency and real-time visibility. Brad describes the dashboard as “a game changer,” helping leaders come prepared for critical discussions across the county’s monitoring processes. Read the full story here.
Take a moment to check out this story and explore others in the PSB Monitoring in Action section to see how King County programs are turning data into impact. For more information about the portal, or to send your blog post idea, contact Sara Hospador at Sara.Hospador@kingcounty.gov.
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Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, signs of abuse, and how we can stop it.
Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. It does not discriminate by age, gender, background, or profession. It can impact our coworkers, our neighbors, and our loved ones.
The statistics remind us why awareness matters:
- Nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence and reported it.
- On average, 24 people per minute in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner – more than 12 million people each year.
- Almost 15% of women and 4% of men in the US have been injured as a result of intimate partner violence.
- Most cases go unreported, due to fear, shame, or lack of support.
These are not just numbers—they represent our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and community members. Some may even be among us. No one should ever feel alone.
As an organization, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every person feels safe, respected, and supported. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available. Read more.
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Happy Election season!
Ballots were mailed last week. If you haven’t received yours, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE.
Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information online by Oct. 27. After the 27th, you can register to vote in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day is Nov. 4.
Local elections like this one are your chance to make sure your voice is heard in your community. King County Elections is projecting just 45% turnout this election so your vote will make a big impact.
For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Protect yourself, your family, and your co-workers: Get flu and COVID-19 shots
King County wants employees to be healthy so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the community we serve.
This year, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine and the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. To ensure access to these vaccines, DOH has also issued a standing order authorizing all qualified healthcare providers to vaccinate individuals six months and older, including pregnant people. If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you may want to delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine for up to three months. Learn more on how to get your vaccine in the community here.
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF of vaccine resources to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.
Employee News 