Watch your mailbox!
Your ballot is in the mail. If you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, July 21, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE.
Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information. Election Day is Aug. 5.
Local elections like this one are your chance to make sure your voice is heard in your community. Choices you make this August directly affect who will be on the ballot in November. We’re projecting just 35% turnout this election so your vote will make a big impact.
For more information about King County Elections, visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
Registration open for AAAE Inclusion in Aviation conference
Crossposted from the DES Express
King County International Airport-Boeing Field is gearing up to host the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Inclusion and Aviation Conference in Bellevue from Nov. 17 to 19. Early bird registration is open now through Oct. 3.
Vanessa Chin, Innovation Manager at the airport, is part of the planning team.
“This is the first year it’s ever been brought to the West Coast,” Chin said. “Inclusion and belonging is at the heart of our organization. To invite others to share our inclusive community in the Seattle area is really exciting.” Read more.
$1.5 million grant kick starts solar project at Emergency Management
Crossposted from the DES Express
The county recently kicked off a project to install solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC) in Renton. The county secured a contractor this spring and design is now underway. Once completed in the summer of 2026, the project will begin producing energy and providing environmental benefits.
“It’s an almost immediate payback,” said Sarah Calvillo Hoffman, Climate and Sustainability Manager. Read more.
FMD recognizes security officers who work on holidays
Crossposted from the DES Express
While many county employees enjoy time off on holidays, others keep vital county services operational. Facilities Management Division security officers are among those. Dan Cromwell, Security Management Section Manager, visited security personnel at Maleng Regional Justice Center, Clark Children and Family Justice Center, and the King County Courthouse over the Juneteenth holiday. Dan shared time and treats with his team members working over the holiday.

Bottom image: Pictured from left, Dispatcher Adam Gates, Officer Dot Williams, Dispatcher Ben Register and Officer Latonya Carter-Friday in the FMD Emergency Dispatch Center.
Cybersecurity training starts Aug. 4 – look for the email from KnowBe4
Starting Aug. 4, KCIT’s vendor KnowBe4 will send an email to all employees with links to 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.
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.
Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork, and Monster Jam discounts
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. To cruise into summer, employees can receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit on top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, and more. Use your perks for dining, excursions, and onboard experiences. Learn more here.
TicketsatWork is updated daily with seasonal offers and exclusive savings on everything from home entertainment to your everyday needs. Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including brand new offers on cruises, just in time for spring travel.
Monster Jam: King County employees can receive $5 off select seats for certain Monster Jam performances in September. The discount is available for Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20. Learn more here.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
New employee parking discount process at Goat Hill garage
Crossposted from the DES Express
The process to obtain an employee daily parking discount at the Goat Hill Garage has changed. Employees are no longer required to scan badges at the P1 pay station to receive a discount. Instead, follow the steps below to receive an automatically discounted ticket.
Step 1: Upon entering the garage, scan your employee badge at the reader located to the left of the ticket dispenser.
King County purchases property for new animal shelter
Crossposted from the DES Express
King County has purchased a building that will be the new animal shelter and headquarters for Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). The facility, located at 5920 S 194th St. in Kent, is slated to open in 2027 and will replace the current aging pet adoption center. The new location will have an improved, more efficient layout, allowing RASKC to continue implementing modern animal shelter best practices. It will also improve the pet adoption experience with upgraded kennel spaces and more room for meeting potential new pets.
The site is a about two miles away from the current shelter and by West Valley Highway, I-5, and the Green River Trail, ensuring convenient access to RASKC services.
“This new, modern shelter strengthens King County’s role as a national model for compassionate animal care,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “Thank you to the staff and volunteers who give thousands of cats, dogs, and other animals a second chance by helping them find their forever homes.” Read more.
Heads up: Major I-5 lane closures start July 18 — plan now!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Summer is here — and so is roadwork season, and Seattle has a doozy of a project coming.
Starting Friday, July 18, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will begin major Revive I-5 repair work on the northbound Ship Canal Bridge, and that means two northbound lanes of the freeway will be closed for up to four weeks.
Yes, it’s a big deal. Yes, it’s going to impact your summer travels. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can ease the traffic blues.
WSDOT’s project aims to give the aging Ship Canal Bridge some much-needed TLC. The result will be smoother roads and better safety — but first, the region must power through some serious traffic challenges. Read more.
Balanced You Conversations: Danielle Smith
Balanced You Conversations is a series of talks about important topics related to overall health and well-being.
Karla Clark, Employee Health & Wellness Project/Program Manager III with the Balanced You team, sits down with Danielle Smith, Senior Client Manager for Delta Dental of Washington. They discuss why having a dentist is important, what dental insurance covers, and what to do if you’re feeling worried because you haven’t seen a dentist in a while.
“Many people feel hesitant. What I’d say is just start with a conversation. Dentists are trained to work with patients who are nervous and many offer gentle techniques or additional sedation to help overcome those fears,” says Danielle Smith.
Check out the video below.

