Department of Local Services Employee Spotlight: Code Enforcement Officer II Antonio Dorsey
Crossposted from King County Local
You might have heard of code enforcement officers, but did you ever wonder exactly what a King County code enforcement officer does?
Today, the Department of Local Services introduces Antonio Dorsey, Code Enforcement Officer II with the Permitting Division. He talks about his job, what a typical day of work might look like and how he approaches community members in contentious situations.
Watch the video here:
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NEWS: Executive Braddock issues statement following King County Council committee action on Broadway facility for Seattle’s Crisis Care Center
“King County voters asked for urgent behavioral health care in every part of our region, and this site in Seattle is a leading example of how we’re delivering on that commitment. By investing in places for people to go to receive care, we can help more folks get the mental health treatment they need to recover, and in return, support the overall health and well-being of our communities.”
King County has been working on securing a site location in Seattle for over 15 months. Following months of community listening sessions and engagement by the County, Executive Braddock and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced their joint support for the Broadway facility. Both are committed to continuing to work together, alongside businesses, neighborhood residents, and community organizations, to ensure the center opens and operates successfully and strengthens the surrounding community. With today’s Council committee vote, King County is moving another step closer to purchasing the facility that is anticipated to open in 2027. Read more.
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Department of Local Services launches series of simple, animated videos to answer common Permitting questions
Crossposted from King County Local
Do you have a question about permits in unincorporated King County but don’t know where to start for answers?
Good news! Today, the Department of Local Services launched a series of simple, animated videos that answer some of the most commonly asked questions for the Permitting Division. Read more.
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Parks, people, and public service: Honoring the Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders fellows
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
King County Parks is proud to celebrate Zeinab Al-mohanawy, recently honored by the King County Council as one of this year’s Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellows.
During her yearlong fellowship, Zeinab worked with Parks staff on community engagement and public policy projects, helping strengthen the connections between our parks and the people they serve.
“I want to be someone in my community that’s reflective of my community and its diversity, and really drive change for the next generation that’s coming up,” Zeinab shared. “Leadership is not just about policy, but about relationship-building — showing that you care, that you want to listen, and that you’re here to support.” Read more.
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New ORCA Center supports recovery after overdose
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
King County Executive Shannon Braddock joined the City of Seattle and Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) this week to celebrate the opening of the new Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center and shared a tour of the new facility on Instagram.
The ORCA Center offers people a welcoming place to recover after an overdose and start treatment. It’s an important resource in King County’s work to address local impacts of the opioid crisis.
“Thanks to collaboration across all levels of government to confront the opioid overdose crisis, we now have more resources and capacity to prevent overdoses, respond in real time, provide treatment, and support long-term recovery,” Executive Braddock said. “The new ORCA Center demonstrates our commitment — and action — to ensuring people can access the behavioral health care they need, when they need it.” Read more.
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Support that works: Mental health and recovery resources
Nothing is more important than our health and well-being, and that includes our mental health.
This week is World Suicide Prevention Week, and throughout September we are also recognizing National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a reminder that no one should have to face mental health challenges or substance use disorders alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible.
Many of us have lost people or know people who have tragically lost family and friends to suicide. It is important to remember that we can all help prevent suicide by raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and encouraging well-informed actions. Review this guide from Making Life Easier (MLE) to help you learn what to look for and to better support each other. Read more.
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Be 911 Aware – calling for help using modern devices
Crossposted from KCIT
Many people are giving up their traditional landline phone service and moving to cell phones or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. Be aware that these services works differently than traditional landline 911 service.
If you’re using a cell phone to call 911, only your general location may display at the 911 center. Because of this, it is very important that you know your location and can relay the address, street names, or nearby landmarks. Text-to-911 is a service in King County that can help those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, and anyone who might be unsafe if they were to be heard by an intruder or abusive partner. While texting to 911 is a vital tool, the general rule is to “call if you can, text if you can’t.” If you do need to text 911 in an emergency, be sure to send the location – including city – and the type of help needed (police, fire, or medical).
VoIP allows you to make and receive calls to and from traditional phone numbers using a broadband internet connection. Some users may not even realize that they no longer have landline phone service, because providers may simply call it “home phone service.” VoIP service is attractive because it may be bundled with internet and TV for one price, and may offer free nationwide calling. However, the callers’ address may not display correctly at the 911 center; VoIP 911 calls can be routed to the wrong 911 center, causing delays while the address is determined and the call is transferred. Also, VoIP phone service requires power; when people need help during winter storms or disasters, their phone may not work to call 911 during a power outage. Finally, read the fine print: some VoIP services cannot call 911, and the caller may receive a “service not available” recording. Before you sign up for VoIP service, understand its 911 capabilities. Learn more here.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is a difficult but critical topic, and chances are it has touched your life or someone you know. It affects people of all backgrounds and is currently the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs is key to prevention. Starting a conversation about suicide won’t encourage it; instead, it opens the door to support and connection. If someone you know is struggling, listen without judgment, offer help, and connect them to professional resources. Your awareness and compassion can truly make a life-saving difference. Learn more.
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF about the Making Life Easier program to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.
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KCSO Deputies visit Goddard School In Redmond
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter
Recently, the Goddard School in Redmond reached out with a special request for a visit from King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies. Deputies K. Baker and S. Wickland were more than happy to oblige!
The visit was a hit with students and staff alike, and recently KCSO received a heartfelt thank you letter from the school’s director, expressing their appreciation for the time and care our deputies shared. Moments like these remind us how meaningful it is to connect with young people in our communities and to show them the positive impact of law enforcement beyond the badge.
A big thank you to Deputies Baker and Wickland for representing the Sheriff’s Office with such warmth and professionalism!
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King County Metro represented at Cascade Bicycle Club’s 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party
King County employees are going the distance, riding their bikes from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. over the course of two days.
The 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) took place Aug. 23-24, and was a 195-mile ride with 6,792 feet of elevation gain as riders left from the University of Washington in Seattle and rode all the way to David Lam Park in Vancouver, B.C.
This was a supported ride with snacks and water refill stations provided, but riders needed to bring their own leg power, motivation, and (in order to cross the border) passports.
Three King County employees – Cheryl Mundell, Tyler Jenicek, both with Metro Transit, and Trevor Goodloe, with the Employee Transportation Program, were excited to make the ride and wore specially designed King County Metro cycling jerseys. Those jerseys were universally loved as over the course of two days they met an extraordinary number of other King County employees, both active and retired, from many different departments and divisions, as well as receiving countless kudos, cheers, and compliments from Metro customers along the route.
“We tried to count how many compliments and shout-outs we received on the ride but couldn’t keep track. It seems like every couple of miles somebody had something positive to say,” said Tyler.
“The jerseys gave us an excellent opportunity to interact with other employees as well as the public making the ride that much more enjoyable,” said Cheryl.
Clearly, Cheryl, Tyler, and Trevor had a fantastic time and look forward to expanding King County’s presence at RSVP in 2026! Who wants to ride RSVP with these fun folks next year? Contact Trevor Goodloe at tgoodloe@kingcounty.gov for more information.
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