Posted on February 28, 2025 by

Departments bring their insights and expertise to transition team

One of our core King County values is We are responsible stewards – of our finances, our resources, our environment, our heritage, and our future. This value means that we are also responsible for the stewardship of King County government across the executive branch. 

Last November, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that, after four terms, he will not seek re-election in 2025.

The crucial work of King County employees continues and remains as important as ever. As Executive Constantine wrote in his Nov. 12 employee announcement, “While we have seen much success, there is still so much more to do. We must stay the course – this year, next year, and beyond – always advancing toward a future worthy of every person who is here today, and all who will follow.” Read more.

Posted on February 28, 2025 by

Discounted tickets to Washington Spring Fair

King County employees can now take advantage of discounted tickets to the Washington Spring Fair. The Spring Fair is April 10-13 and 17-20.

To purchase tickets, visit thefair.com/corporate, click the “Buy Tickets” button, and enter access code king25. Tickets are only available Feb. 26 through April 20, 2025.

See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Posted on February 28, 2025 by

New veterinarian starts at Regional Animal Services

Crossposted from the DES Express

Weina Dai, DVM, joins Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) on March 2 as their newest veterinarian. She comes to King County from Evergreen Avian and Exotics Animal Hospital (Kirkland) and Cat Care Clinic (Bellevue). She also brings experience in a small animal emergency specialty clinic in Illinois, a wildlife internship at Washington State University/PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) and small animal medicine.

“After an extensive year-long search, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dai to Regional Animal Services of King County,” said Tim Anderson, interim manager at RASKC. “Dr. Dai brings a wealth of expertise and passion for animal welfare, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board. Her dedication to compassionate care and community service will be a tremendous asset to our team and the animals we serve.” Read more.

Posted on February 28, 2025 by

Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving

Crossposted from Metro Matters

It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day.

Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, but there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro.

Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs. Read more.

Posted on February 28, 2025 by

Recognizing Black History Month: African Americans and Labor

Crossposted from Metro Matters

By Tamar Zere, Metro Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager

As we near the end of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on and honor the profound impact, influence and achievements of African Americans whose contributions have shaped the course of American history and continue to drive the ongoing fight for justice and equity.

Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, selects the Black History Month theme to spotlight essential aspects of Black history and culture.

The 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the pivotal role of Black labor in shaping our nation. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor, a significant milestone in the labor movement and Civil Rights Movement. Read more.

Posted on February 28, 2025 by

Harborview Maleng Building project built with equity achievements 

Crossposted from the DES Express

The newly renovated floors at Harborview Medical Center’s Maleng Building, featured at a Jan. 15 ribbon-cutting, exceeded expectations for equity during construction. The two floors provide 40 new single patient rooms, including 20 intensive care rooms.

The Finance and Business Operations Division’s (FBOD) Business Development and Contract Compliance (BDCC) set a goal of 25% minority- and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation. The project exceeded expectations with 29% M/WBE spend. Workforce goals were also surpassed, with 22% of labor hours performed by state-registered apprentices and 38% by priority hire apprentices. Priority hire journey workers accounted for 32% of all journey worker hours. These equity achievements not only benefited underserved communities but also prepared diverse workers and businesses for future Harborview Bond projects.

“The increased participation rate is a result of a forward-thinking Executive Order issued by the King County Executive in 2021, aimed at enhancing opportunities for M/WBE businesses,” said Sandy Hanks, Manager, Business Development and Contract Compliance in FBOD. “Each step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive and equitable environment where all businesses can thrive.” Read more.

Posted on February 21, 2025 by

Available discounts for employees

Employee discounts through TicketsatWork. King County employees can find discounted tickets through TicketsatWork for the Universal Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22, 2025, at Universal Orlando Resort. Select multi-day tickets are on sale now. 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.

See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Posted on February 21, 2025 by

Looking for an in-network dentist near you? 

Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Choosing a dentist you trust and who is conveniently located is essential for maintaining your oral health through preventive health visits. Furthermore, by choosing a dentist and visiting them this year, you may save money on dental care next year!

King County offers two dental plans to most employees. Visit this page for important details about how the plans work. And read below to learn how to find a dentist that meets your needs. Read more.

Posted on February 21, 2025 by

King County Metromance: Coffee, two trolleys, and true love

Crossposted from Metro Matters

Their story begins in back in 2003, when Darryl and Cheryl Estes were both King County Metro operators working out of Atlantic Base in Seattle.

“We were both new trolley operators at the time, and both of us were also new fulltime operators,” recalled Darryl. “We were in the (same) room at the base and had to wait there a long time. At one point as we chatted, I thought ‘maybe she likes me.’ I asked if I could buy her some coffee.”

Cheryl wasn’t too sure at first: He looked, well, a little counter-culture for her tastes.

“It took me a while to say ‘maybe,’” Cheryl said, but she finally agreeing to go grab a coffee with him.

But then, oh no! She canceled that first get-together due to work that came up. But the pair finally rescheduled, and after coffee, decided to go out for real. Read more.

Posted on February 21, 2025 by

Emergency Management regains Crystal Cup

Crossposted from the DES Express

Congratulations to Emergency Management, winner of the year’s coveted Crystal Cup for the 2024 King County Employee Giving Program (EGP). The Crystal Cup is awarded to the division with the highest EGP participation rate in the Department of Executive Services each year.

Emergency Management recaptured the cup from Fleet Services with a 50 percent participation rate.

“Earning the Crystal Cup takes dedication,” said Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Director of DES. “Winning divisions emphasize engagement over the size of individual contributions, connecting employees with organizations that align with their values. I’m incredibly proud of the many DES employees who have so generously stepped forward to participate.” Read more.

Pictured: Lorraine Patterson-Harris, DES Director, presents the Crystal Cup to Brendan McCluskey, Emergency Management Director, for the highest Employee Giving Campaign participation rate in the department for 2024.

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We tell stories that highlight the work we do to support our residents, builds strong communities, and make our region a great place to live and work. Our 17,000+ employees work every day to make King County
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