Check your inbox: Cybersecurity training email sent Aug. 4
An email from King County’s vendor KnowBe4 was sent Aug. 4 to all employees with links to annual cybersecurity training. This is not a phishing attempt. Annual cybersecurity training is required for all employees and contractors with access to King County systems (even if you took it last year). Training must be completed by Jan. 30, 2026.
Employees who complete cybersecurity training by 5pm on Monday, Aug. 18 will be entered in a prize drawing. Additionally, the first department to cross the finish line (100% participation) will win serious bragging rights, and a shiny trophy. (Please note: this competition is only available for those who complete cybersecurity training online, not the paper version.)
Please check your inbox for the email “King County Cyber Security Awareness Training” from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov. Cybersecurity training is an important safeguard that helps protect vital King County systems; the number of employees that complete training each year impacts our insurance rates. Total instruction time is about 60 minutes.
Thank you for doing your part to protect King County! For assistance, contact the KCIT Helpdesk.
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Monitoring in Action: How King County’s On-Site Septic Program is improving service and equity
Priscilla de Andrade, with the Performance and Strategy (PSB) team, recently interviewed Meagan Jackson, who leads the Operations and Maintenance team in the On-Site Septic systems (OSS) Program. They discussed how performance data is driving smarter service delivery, faster permit reviews, and more equitable responses to septic system failures across King County.
To ensure the program is meeting its goals effectively and equitably, the OSS team relies on a robust performance monitoring system. They collect and analyze data from permit applications and inspection reports to track trends, identify problems early, and evaluate how quickly the program responds to OSS failures. 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 employee information about the portal, or if you are a King County employee and have a blog post idea, contact Sara Hospador at Sara.Hospador@kingcounty.gov.
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Protecting historic nature camps and creating more so a new generation can enjoy healthy outdoor activities
King County Parks is applying multiple strategies to simultaneously protect historic nature camps and provide more equitable access to a new one in South King County, connecting more young people to healthy outdoor recreation and environmental education.
King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently toured Camp Sealth on Vashon Island where the county helped the nonprofit that has operated the summer camp for more than a century permanently protect most of the campsite. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks also partnered to reopen Camp Kilworth in Federal Way and helped Highline Public Schools enhance Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center near North Bend.
The multiple partnerships have made it possible for more young people in underserved communities to experience nature camps that offer a wide range of activities, such as canoeing, archery, bouldering, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, outdoor living skills, and environmental education.
“King County’s innovative approach to land conservation is opening the door for more young people across the region to experience nature camps, where they can enjoy healthy outdoor activities and create lasting memories,” said Executive Braddock. “We’re preserving beloved summer camps that have served generations, while also helping create a new camp in underserved South King County.” Read more.
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Honoring Disability Pride Month and 35 years of the ADA: King County’s path to progress
On July 26, 2025, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proclaimed Disability Pride Day and invited all employees and residents to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and “Nothing About Us Without Us.” You can read the full proclamation here.
Executive Braddock and the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice (OERSJ) celebrated during an event on Saturday, July 26 that included reading the Disability Pride Month proclamation followed by a short program. Monisha Harrell, Director of King County’s Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice, kicked off the program by reflecting on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation was the first pass at civil rights for disabled people —it gave us a blunt instrument for achieving justice. But like all tools, they require refinement. Harrell stressed for all to continue to refine and do better.
Executive Braddock followed by expressing that the 35th anniversary isn’t just a milestone anniversary, but a new era of King County’s commitment to being a more inclusive place for all. She recognized that more than one in four adults in the U.S. have some type of disability and King County’s vision is for all people to have the resources that they need to be fully engaged in their communities. Read more.
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Happy Election Day!
Get your I Voted sticker out – it’s Election Day!
If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, you have until 8 p.m. sharp to get your ovals filled in, return your ballot to a drop box, and make your voice heard. With more than 80 ballot drop boxes around the county, chances are that there’s one near you – find out where at kce.wiki/DropBox.
For more information about King County Elections, visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Make this weekend a voting weekend!
King County Elections (KCE) is projecting just 35% turnout for this election but they would love to see more folks make their voices heard. The local elections on our ballot will shape our communities for years to come.
If you need assistance with anything, give KCE a call at 206-296-VOTE, or visit a Vote Center this weekend. Vote Center locations and hours are available at kce.wiki/VoteCenter.
And if you do spend time this weekend voting and get a good photo, you can tag @kcelections on Instagram, Bluesky, or even LinkedIn!
For more information about King County Elections, visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign starts August 1
Take home any cat or dog from RASKC for just $30 during this month-long special promotion
It’s time to Clear The Shelters! Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has joined with NBCUniversal Local and hundreds of animal shelters and rescues nationwide to promote pet adoptions all this month. Through August 31, you can adopt any cat or dog from RASKC for just $30 – the cost of a pet license.
“Clear The Shelters is the perfect chance to welcome a new family member and support local shelters like ours,” said RASKC Manager Tim Anderson. “Whether you’re looking for a playful kitten, a loyal dog, or another animal companion, our goal is to connect great pets with great homes.”
The King County Pet Adoption Center is located at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent. Pet adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Prospective adopters can see all the animals available at RASKC at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet. Read more.
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“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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