“We Belong and We’re Here to Stay” – Disability Pride Month 2025 at King County Parks
Crossposted from King County Parks
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month is an annual observance commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law in July of 1990. The month has been recognized as a time to celebrate and uplift individuals with disabilities. It serves as a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and included. While the ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities, many physical and attitudinal barriers remain, and each day we are taking one step closer to addressing those barriers.
Our Employees
King County is committed to disability justice. The King County supported employment program provides employment and benefits to individuals with disabilities, as people with disabilities face higher unemployment rates. Employees in the King County program are supported by a job coach and often enjoy long careers at King County. Read more.
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King County Metro, Water Taxi and Seattle Streetcar adult fares change Sept. 1, 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Adult fares are changing Sept. 1, 2025, on King County Metro buses, Metro Flex, both Seattle Streetcar lines and both King County Water Taxi routes. ORCA LIFT fares on both Water Taxi routes are also changing. Reduced fare rates for Senior, Disabled, Youth, and ORCA LIFT riders will remain unchanged everywhere else.
The new adult $3 fare brings the price of riding Metro buses, Metro Flex and Seattle Streetcar in alignment with Sound Transit’s flat fare on Link light rail and Express buses. The Metro Vanpool/Transit pass will increase from $99 to $108 to account for this new fare on regular transit service.
This is Metro’s first adult bus fare increase since establishing a flat fare in 2018. Metro’s fare policies support equitable access to transit, our revenue targets and regional coordination. Periodic review of fares is a regular part of Metro’s budget planning process. Read more.
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CHOMP! returns to King County’s Marymoor Park Aug. 16, celebrating local food, farmers, and fun with live music and family-friendly activities
CHOMP!, King County’s annual celebration of local food, sustainability and community, returns to Marymoor Park in Redmond on Saturday, Aug. 16. The free, all-ages event features a full day of live music, food vendors, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about sustainable food practices.
This year’s headliner is Kim Deal, the legendary bassist and co-vocalist of the Pixies and frontwoman of The Breeders. For younger audiences, Bug Friend brings joyful, literacy-inspired music for kids of all ages.
The festival will also feature interactive experiences and activities, including:
- Games, crafts, and gardening activities
- A garden focaccia bakeoff for kids to show off their edible designs
- Local food vendors and farm stands
- A petting zoo
- A horn parade by HONK! Fest West
- Sustainability demonstrations and information booths from regional partners
Now in its ninth year, CHOMP! contributes to King County’s Local Food Initiative by spotlighting farmers, chefs, and artists while building community around local food systems and environmental stewardship.
“CHOMP! brings people together to celebrate what’s fresh, local, and rooted in community,” said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez, director of King County Parks. “We’re honored to host this event and support a more sustainable, equitable food system across King County.” Read more.
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King County Department of Local Services recognized nationally for ‘Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language’ outreach efforts
Crossposted from King County Local
The King County Department of Local Services earned a prestigious recognition for its efforts to reach and engage community members who speak languages other than English in the unincorporated areas.
The department recently won a Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators in the Multicultural Communications Program category for its comprehensive effort, also known as “Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language.”
The approach consisted of three main elements: Read more.
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King County employee Seahawks discounted tickets
The Seattle Seahawks are excited to present an exclusive ticket offer to all King County employees.
- Seahawks vs Raiders, Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m., $40
- Seahawks vs. Texans, Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., $85
- Seahawks vs. Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1:05 p.m., $85
- Seahawks vs. Rams, Thursday, Dec. 18 at 5:15 p.m., $85
- Please note the previously listed Chiefs game is sold out.
Purchase tickets here. For assistance, call or email Ruby Fera at RubyF@Seahawks.com or 425-203-8134.
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Are you one of our 51,000 LinkedIn followers?
More than 51,000 King County employees, residents, and job seekers are getting up-to-date news and information, job opportunities, trainings, employee spotlights, and more by following King County on LinkedIn. Are you one of them?
To follow King County on LinkedIn, go to the King County company page and click “follow.” You will need to create a LinkedIn account if you do not have one.
You can also get employee news and information by following us on these platforms:
- WordPress www.kcemployees.com
- Intranet King County Employee intranet
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Where to get childhood vaccines in King County
Vaccines are essential to keeping kids healthy and protected from serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough. If you’re wondering where to go for childhood vaccinations in King County, here’s what you need to know.
No-cost vaccines for every child
Thanks to Washington State’s Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP), all children ages 0 to 18 can receive recommended vaccines at no cost. Whether your child has insurance or not, they’re eligible. You may be charged an administration fee, but you don’t have to pay for it if you cannot afford it. Read more.
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Plan to be heard!
Do you have a vote plan? Research shows that voters who make a plan to vote are more likely to follow through and make their voices heard. Take a moment today to consider things like where you’ll vote, what pen you’ll use (pro tip: any color is fine!), and what resources you’ll use to research your choices.
If your plan includes returning your ballot by mail, it’s best to get it to a mailbox by Friday, Aug. 1, to be sure it’s postmarked on time.
Prefer a drop box? There are more than 80 official ballot drop boxes around the county. You can find a list and map at kce.wiki/DropBox.
For more information about King County Elections, visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Join Metro in upcoming summer parades!
Summer is here—and with it comes the opportunity to show your King County pride in some of the region’s biggest community celebrations! Employees are invited to participate in either (or both!) of the following upcoming parades and events. Participation is completely optional, unpaid, and on your own time.
Whether you join the route or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a fun way to connect with community, coworkers, and share in the spirit of summer.
Upcoming events:
- Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday, July 26, from 7:30–10:30 p.m. Starts at Alaskan Way & Broad St. and ends at Alaskan Way and Yesler Way. Employees should arrive by 6:45 p.m. to join the Metro group in the assembly area. See the Torchlight parade map.
- Need a ride to the parade? A Metro bus will pick up participants no later than 4:25 p.m. on 6th Avenue between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Atlantic Street, across from the employee parking garage. The bus departs promptly at 4:30 p.m. and will return to the same location after the parade ends.
- Africatown Heritage Parade at Umoja Fest on Saturday, Aug. 2, beginning at 1 p.m. Starts at 23rd Avenue and E. Cherry St., and proceeds south to Jackson St.
For these events, bring water and wear comfortable clothing. King County or Metro gear is encouraged if you have it. For more details or questions, email Gerald Freeman at gerald.freeman@kingcounty.gov.
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Firefighters train for real emergencies with rope rescue drill at South Plant
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories
No need for alarm. This is only a drill!
On a recent morning at our South Treatment Plant in Renton, about 30 firefighters and instructors, outfitted with helmets and harnesses, gathered around a service hatch in the Raw Sewage Pump Building to assess a developing situation. What they encountered was the scene of a high-stakes rescue operation. Their air monitors showed that below the first level, the air was unsafe to breathe, and two individuals were unconscious and in need of rescue.
The team quickly got to work, coming up with a plan to keep themselves safe while performing the rescue. Within minutes, ropes stretched across the facility, and supplied air lines were ready to go. Read more.
Employee News 