Stay informed and be prepared for cooler weather
With cooler temperatures and rainy weather upon us, King County wants to help you stay safe at work, at home, and on your commute.
If you work on site, please be prepared for inclement weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Read more.
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Celebrate the holidays with exclusive savings from TicketsatWork
King County has partnered with TicketsatWork, the nation’s leading employee perks and discount program — just in time for the holidays. From holiday shopping and travel to new local deals on groceries, restaurants, and everyday essentials, TicketsatWork helps you save more on what matters most.
With new offers added every week, it’s your go-to resource for savings on:
- Holiday gifts and online shopping
- Local dining and grocery discounts
- Travel, hotels, and attractions
- Theme parks, movies, and entertainment
Don’t forget to download the TicketsatWork App! Download the app and access exclusive employee discounts wherever you go.
- Get a head start on holiday gifting
- Stay connected to favorite deals and new experiences
- Enjoy fast, convenient shopping anytime, anywhere
Getting started is easy and free! Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use company code KingCounty to enroll and start saving today.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Approved: King County Metro’s 2026-27 budget adds service, invests in zero emissions, safety and cleaning
Crossposted from Metro Matters
The King County Council adopted Metro’s 2026-2027 budget in November 2025. The budget adds more than 400,000 hours of Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities. Read more.
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay leads Regional Day of Service on first full day in office
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, his first full day in office, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service focused on food banks and food security across King County. He encouraged all King County residents to volunteer, donate, or find another meaningful way to support the work of our county’s food banks.
This Regional Day of Service corresponds with one of Executive Zahilay’s “Four B’s” guiding his administration – “Boots on the Ground,” making King County government more visible, connected, and community-driven. Read more.
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Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, September – October 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters
They enjoy taking photos, playing soccer and practicing peaceful martial arts. They travel and garden. There are ukulele, piano and guitar players and happy grandparents. Those who ride with them say one went the extra mile to return a lost phone: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it back, knowing it was safely with him the entire time.” Another rider talked about their ability to help a distraught passenger: “I was so impressed with her ability, in the midst of snow and ice and a schedule that was being delayed by a distraught person, to remain calm and be very kind to someone in obvious distress.”
These operators—with over 175 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.
Meet your Operators of the Month for September and October 2025. Read more.
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King County’s new chapter with Executive Girmay Zahilay
Originally emailed to employees Nov. 25, 2025
I am honored to write to you for the first time as your King County Executive. Today, we launch a new chapter for King County. I look forward to this journey with you as we serve the people of our region.
I’ve recorded a video introducing myself and thanking all of you here.
Earlier today, I participated in two swearing-in ceremonies. The first was at NewHolly Gathering Hall and was a very personal event in the same community where I was raised. Around 200 community members came together, and it truly symbolized one of my visions for King County – centering the people most impacted by our decisions and ensuring our county government is closer to the people we serve. The second ceremony just took place at the King County Courthouse with my colleagues on the King County Council.
I want to thank former Executive Shannon Braddock for her dedication and commitment to leading King County following former Executive Dow Constantine’s departure earlier this year. Over the last few weeks, we have worked together to ensure a smooth transition. Read more.
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Growing from a decade of success, King County’s updated Local Food Initiative has a broader vision, addressing hunger relief, access to farmland, and climate resiliency
King County is updating its Local Food Initiative to address some of the most urgent challenges facing the local food economy, including access to hunger relief, rising farmland cost, a lack of food distribution infrastructure, and increasing threats from climate change.
Since launching in 2015, the initiative has guided King County’s efforts to expand access to farmland for farmers, improve the farm-to-market pipeline to get more locally grown food to consumers, and ease access to healthy, affordable food in low-income communities. Read more.
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Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
Crossposted from Metro Matters
The holidays are coming! Whether you are going to holiday events, shopping or celebrating with friends and family, it’s a great time to explore your transit options.
We have some schedule adjustments to bus, water taxi and other services during the upcoming holidays and sharing them here to help you more easily make travel plans.
Tips for holiday travel
- How do I pay my fare? Tap your ORCA card, show your Transit Go Ticket or tap your Android Google Pay app. Insert correct amount of cash into the farebox. Link tickets can be purchased at Link rail stations. ORCA day passes, monthly passes and standard and reduced fare prices are available.
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Keep food poisoning off the menu this holiday season
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
It’s the holiday season, and that means FOOD! Whether you’re hosting a big group or bringing your famous side dish to a gathering, you want to make sure your food is both delicious and safe.
While anyone can get a foodborne illness, and symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting are never pleasant, foodborne illnesses are most dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Read more.
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Spend your remaining FSA funds
Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? To check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA, go to Navia Benefits and sign in to your account. Expenses must be incurred by Dec. 31, 2025, and submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2026. Please see details below.
Health Care FSAs
- The Health Care FSA allows you to carry over up to $660 of unused funds from your 2025 Health Care FSA for use in 2026. Any other remaining funds are forfeited.
- You can use your Health Care FSA funds to pay for a variety of medical, dental, and vision expenses for you, your spouse or eligible domestic partner, and your dependents.
- Health Care FSA funds can be used to pay for orthodontia, sleep products, health and activity trackers, and over-the-counter medications and supplies, including menstrual care products. They can also be used for eligible ergonomic office equipment when you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your doctor.
- See the complete list of Health Care FSA Eligible and Ineligible Expenses. You can also shop online at the FSA Store.
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