Welcoming Executive-Elect Girmay Zahilay
From Shannon Braddock, King County Executive
Dear fellow King County employees,
Following last week’s election, we now know that King County’s next executive will be Girmay Zahilay. I want to start by congratulating the Executive-Elect on his successful campaign! We look forward to working closely together over the next two weeks to help his new administration settle in and complete the transition process.
Executive-Elect Zahilay and I are announcing what some of those next steps will look like and who will lead his transition committee. That committee includes four co-chairs:
- Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer at MLK Labor
- Esther Lucero, Chief Executive Officer at Seattle Indian Health Board
- Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation, and
- Doug Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer at Vault89, founder of Family First Community Center
To get started, we created space in Chinook on the 3rd floor for the Executive-Elect and his transition team and committee. From here, current staff will work together with the Executive Office to coordinate next steps. Read more.
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How to apply for a permit to fix property damaged by storm, fire, earthquake or other natural disaster
Crossposted from King County Local
Storm season is underway. For some in unincorporated King County, that means storm damage to property.
The King County Department of Local Services Permitting Division reminds everyone that there are steps residents can take before a natural disaster occurs to help reduce property damage, including:
- Trim any potentially dangerous trees or branches
- Clean out all chimneys
- Winterize pipes
- Keep all potential sources of fuel, such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains, or rugs at least three feet from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
- Assure all smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working properly
For more information on how to prepare for potentially severe and winter weather, there are resources such as the International Code Council.
If property damage does occur from a storm, fire, earthquake or other natural disaster in unincorporated King County, our Permitting Division is here to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Watch the video to learn more about obtaining permits to fix property damage as a result of a natural disaster.
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Supporting residents of unincorporated King County during the federal budget shutdown
Crossposted from King County Local
Many families in unincorporated King County are facing an unexpected challenge: a lapse in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments due to the federal government shutdown. This disruption directly impacts food security for people—including children—who receive SNAP assistance.
Neighborhood food banks and meal programs across the region are expected to see a surge in demand. King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently directed $200,000 in discretionary funding to support 15 food banks in the unincorporated areas, where King County serves as the local government. Read more.
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In recognition of our veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, the Employee Giving Program (EGP) extends gratitude to all people that have served. This holiday honors all U.S. military veterans for their discipline, commitment, and sacrifice in service of our country. We hope to show appreciation for those who have served and support veterans long-term following their service.
Here are a few EGP nonprofits that support veterans and their families. Read more.
To see the full list and discover more search online or review the 2025 Giving Guide of nonprofits by service category.
Start or renew your pledge through Employee Giving on PeopleSoft by Nov. 14. If you are renewing your pledge, remember to click “Continue” then “Confirm” in order to complete the process.
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King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. On Nov. 11, Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor.
Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities.
Services will return to normal on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
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Native American Leadership Council: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native Peoples across the United States. It is also an opportunity to recognize the challenges that continue to affect Indigenous communities and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, respect, and partnership.
The mission of the King County Native American Leadership Council (NALC) exists to create an entity where First Nations, indigenous people, and our allies can come together to build community, leadership, employee enrichment, and cultural preservation. Learn more about the Native American Leadership Council here. To join NALC email Kathrine Festa at katherine.festa@kingcounty.gov.
This month, we call attention to several priorities. Read more.
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Reductions to air traffic set to begin at Sea-Tac, other U.S. airports on Friday, Nov. 7
If you made flight reservations and plan to travel on county-related business on or after Friday, Nov. 7, please be aware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to curb air traffic at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports by 10% due to concerns about staffing shortages of critical workers.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is among the affected airports, but delays and cancellations could impact air travel at other airports nationwide.
Before traveling:
- Check your flight status regularly.
- Arrive early to allow extra time for security screening.
If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled:
- Contact Tangerine Travel at 425-822-2333 for 24/7 assistance with rescheduling.
- You may also email them at onlinesupport@tangerinetravel.com.
Additionally, please notify your supervisor and the Travel Team at travelservices@kingcounty.gov regarding any trip changes and required approvals.
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Executive Braddock statement on voter approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy
King County Executive Shannon Braddock released a statement on the evening of the Nov. 4 election, thanking King County voters for their approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy.
“Once again, King County residents have shown their overwhelming support for our Medic One/EMS system, which continues to set the standard for emergency medical response through innovation and exceptional patient outcomes. Our cardiac arrest survival rate is two to three times higher than most areas in the U.S.—a difference that can be measured in lives saved. I’m grateful to voters for ensuring our paramedics, dispatchers, and EMTs can continue their rapid, life-saving work in every community, day and night.”
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Discounted admission to Holiday Magic by The Fair
King County employees can now take advantage of an enchanting, family-friendly celebration for the holiday season. Holiday Magic admission includes dazzling lights displays and wintertime walk-throughs, festive food vendors, an indoor skating rink and holiday market, s’mores bar with fire pits, The YETI Bar (21+), plus free photo opportunities with classic characters, a holiday photo selfie studio, live animal manger, enchanting rides and more! Learn more here.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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EvergreenHealth remains in Regence network
Regence BlueShield and EvergreenHealth reached a contract agreement on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Services provided by EvergreenHealth providers, clinics, and facilities will continue to be considered in-network by Regence. If you are enrolled in a Regence medical plan and you see an EvergreenHealth provider, there will be no disruption to your coverage or benefits.
For more information, see the Regence News post. If you have questions, please call Regence BlueShield at 800-376-7926 or contact the King County Benefits team at 206-684-1556 or email KC Benefits.
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