“GoGreen” event unites employees in conservation efforts

King County Parks recently hosted its annual “GoGreen” night on July 22, at the Movies at Marymoor showing of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”

The event brought together a variety of King County units working on sustainability initiatives. Since moviegoers often arrive well before showtime, it was the perfect opportunity for these groups to connect with many community members.

Teams attending the event included the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Climate Preparedness Office, DNRP Hazardous Waste in collaboration with Public Health and Seattle Public Utilities, DNRP Solid Waste, DNRP Wastewater Treatment, Department of Executive Services (DES) Office of Emergency Management, DNRP Parks and others.

Groups chatted with attendees, shared conservation and environmental program info, hosted interactive activities, and handed out lots of popular swag!

Thank you to all the employees committed to environmental and sustainability initiatives that will continue to make King County a healthy, safe community!

The latest and greatest from King County ARFF

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employees newsletter

Check out this incredible video featuring the King County Sheriff’s Office Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Unit (ARFF) in action!

This highly trained team stands ready to protect lives, aircraft, and airport operations at the King County International Airport.

Watch the video below.

King County Executive thanks employees for their incredible work hosting the World Cup in Seattle

“King County made history as a FIFA World Cup host, and we couldn’t have done it without our residents, local businesses, and the thousands of King County employees who worked behind the scenes to make this tournament a success.

Together, we:

  • Welcomed millions of transit riders throughout the tournament.
  • Hosted visitors from around the world.
  • Supported local businesses and celebrations across King County.
  • Kept matches, watch parties, and communities safe, welcoming, and moving.

Amazing run, Team USA! Thank you for bringing so much excitement and joy to the nation. Seattle and King County were proud to host you this summer.”

Watch the Instagram video below to see Executive Zahilay’s thank you to employees.

Special giving campaign to support recovery from Venezuelan earthquakes

From July 29 – Aug. 12, employees will be able to give in two ways during this special response: 

Forms must be received no later than 5 p.m. Aug. 12, 2026, by email to employeegiving@kingcounty.gov or interoffice mail to KCEGP KSC-HR-0803. Time donation is unavailable for this campaign, but it will be available in the Annual Giving Drive, which starts in the fall. Read more.

Sign up for ballot alerts! 

Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive a text or email when King County Elections (KCE) has received your ballot back at Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified.

KCE will also send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature.

Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process. Sign up today at kce.wiki/BallotAlert.

For more information about King County Elections visit kingcounty.gov/Elections.

July is Disability Pride Month – The voices of lived experiences, part four

To celebrate Disability Pride month, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) gathered reflections from employees living with hidden and visible disabilities about how their disabilities are an asset in the workplace, and how those attributes allow them to effectively serve King County residents.

In part four of a multi-part series, KCDEN is sharing these first-person experiences to highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities. Because disability status is often stigmatized, the thoughts are shared anonymously and have been edited for brevity and clarity.

“My disability is an asset at work because it set me up to be a life-long learner and I cultivated habits that help me learn about complex processes and new things quickly in work situations. When other kids were out riding bikes and playing sports, I was home reading books and studying things that interested me. While I guess you could say I missed out on some important parts of being young, I also developed a skill set that has helped me provide for myself for my whole life. I wish people knew that it requires extra effort for me to manage their uncomfortable reactions to my disability, on top of managing my own situation.” – An employee from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks

“My disability is an asset at work because it helps me better understand what my clients face daily, and how supports – often simple – can open up doors that significantly improve their opportunities. I wish people knew that many disabilities are “invisible” and to treat everyone equitably so they can participate fully. Internalized ableism has led me not to share my hidden disability…I feel what is a false sense of shame and also fear of being seen as less-than or risky to promote.” – An employee from the Department of Community and Human Services

Every day, King County employees with disabilities provide critical services to our community. As we strive to achieve our vision to make King County a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region where every individual and community is safe, connected, housed, healthy, and empowered to succeed, the important contributions of our employees with disabilities do not go unnoticed. To learn more about KCDEN visit the Employee Resource Groups webpage, or reach out to us at DisabilityEquity@kingcounty.gov.

Bridging the gap between incarceration and community life: Portraits of Public Health

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

A disproportionate number of people in jails and prisons have chronic medical or behavioral health conditions. When people leave jail, it’s a unique moment to connect them to services in the community that they may not have known about before.

A team of social workers at Public Health – Seattle & King County works with people who will be released from jail to link them to vital services, ensuring people receive the care, medications and support they need to make a smooth transition from incarceration to the community.

Maliha is a social worker in the Release Planning Program. For this Portrait of Public Health, we asked her about her experiences working with people with a range of health conditions as they transition out of incarceration. Read more.

A message following the July 26 tragedy at Seattle Center from Executive Zahilay

Team,

Like many of you, I am heartbroken by the shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle Sunday night.

As someone who grew up in this community, I know what the Bite means to our communities. The Bite has long been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions, bringing people together to enjoy time with family and friends. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.  

My heart continues to be with the victims and their loved ones, those who were senselessly injured, Seattle Center employees and vendors, and everyone who has been traumatized by the experience. Read more.

July 30 is the third payday of the month

The next payday will be on Thursday, July 30, which will also be the third payday of the month.

If you view your paystub in PeopleSoft, you may see that the net dollar amount of your July 30 paycheck is larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations will not be deducted from this check.

Please note, Deferred Compensation contributions are now deducted every pay period—even on three-payday months. To make changes to your Deferred Compensation Plan, contact T. Rowe Price at 888-457-5770.

While you are in in PeopleSoft, it’s a good time to complete the following important tasks:

  • Review your W-4 and make sure it’s up to date. You can update your W-4 by selecting the Payroll tile, then W-4 Tax Information.
  • Check your personal information, as Open Enrollment mailings and year-end data processing are fast approaching, and it’s important that this information is correct. Go to the Personal Details tile, make sure all items are current—especially your mailing address and email—and save any changes.

For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.

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. Visit kce.wiki/VotePlan to download a Vote Plan template.

If your Vote Plan includes using a drop box, you’ll be glad to know there are now more than 90 official ballot drop boxes around the county, including brand new boxes in Auburn, Bellevue, Kent, Seattle, and Skykomish. Find a list and map at kce.wiki/DropBox.

For more information about King County Elections visit kingcounty.gov/Elections.