Executive Braddock celebrates 2025 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively.
“The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life: from farm workers organizing for housing and equal wages, to gifted artists, to vibrant businesses, to music and community festivals,” she said.
Read the full proclamation in English and Spanish.
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Food justice project featured at community event
Crossposted from King County Executive Climate Office newsletter
King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant Program funds community-based projects that support frontline communities, with a special focus on areas specified in the Strategic Climate Action Plan. That includes food systems—and a food sovereignty project was on display (and on the menu!) at an event this month. The African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program Intl. (AYDEPI) held their 3rd annual “Beauty of our African Roots” event at Family Life Center in Federal Way!
The youth-led cultural celebration featured music and dance, community voices and poetry, fashion, and African food. Part of the menu: managu, a dish grown in gardens planted by youth, funded through King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant program. AYDEPI’s project plans to engage youth and frontline communities to develop a circular food system that centers cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
Along with a delicious meal including managu and other dishes, AYDEPI planned a full day of inspirational programming for the community, from dance performances and competitions to videos about their youth soccer program and fund-raising events. Throughout the year, AYDEPI offers opportunities for youth of color to thrive through education, socio-economic empowerment programs, mental health supports, and other resources. Learn more at aydep.org and find more photos on their Instagram page.
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Is your contact information correct in PeopleSoft?
It’s important to review and update your personal contact information in PeopleSoft before Open Enrollment begins.
Here’s why:
- You will receive important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you have listed as of Sept. 30, 2025.
- Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work.
- You can be notified of safety directives, building closures, etc.
- You can receive information at the email address you prefer.
Here’s how:
Watch the Updating Personal Details in PeopleSoft video or follow these steps:
- Sign in to PeopleSoft from any device at kingcounty.gov.
- Go to the Personal Details
- Make sure all items are up-to-date, especially your mailing address and email.
- Save any changes.
King County provides security to protect your confidential personal information from theft, loss, misuse or unauthorized disclosure.
If you need help logging into PeopleSoft, you can call the IT Helpdesk: 206-263-4357.
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Emergency Kits: Why they’re important
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you, your family, and community prepare for emergencies, and stay safe if one occurs.
To prepare for an emergency, use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to create a plan. This step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need. Your plan should include emergency kits for your home, vehicle, and workplace. They should include two weeks’ worth of supplies. Read more.
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CCFJC staff celebrate with Western-themed BBQ
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention News
Staff from the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) came together on Aug. 27, for a lively Western-themed celebration hosted by the King County Detention Officer’s Guild with support from senior management. Read more.
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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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