July 31 is the third payday of the month

King County employees have a biweekly payroll schedule and get paid every other Thursday. Most months have two paydays, but some months have three and July 31, 2025, is the third payday of the month. This year, there are 27 paydays. If you view your paystub, you may see that the net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks is larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks. While you are in in… Read More

House Bill 1270, allowing for automatic deferred compensation enrollment, championed by King County employees

Effective August 2025, new King County employees, along with other new county, municipal, and political subdivision employees throughout Washington, can be automatically enrolled in the deferred compensation savings plan. This makes Washington one of only 10 states to have automatic enrollment allowed for all public sector plans. “Our public employees work extremely hard and we appreciate their service,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “This bill makes it easier for them to access their employer’s retirement plan without additional steps or paperwork.” “And I am honored to sign it into law,” he added. This… Read More

Onsite dental clinic for Metro employees 

Jet Dental onsite clinics are coming to Metro! Metro is thrilled to partner with Jet Dental to bring professional dental care directly to Metro employees! Whether you’re due for a cleaning or want a brighter smile, this is your chance. A professional dental team will be onsite offering dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, and optional teeth whitening. The costs include: Dental Exam, Cleaning & X-rays: Billed to your dental insurance (or $150 without insurance) Teeth Whitening: $299 (not covered by insurance) Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged! Make sure to have your insurance info handy… Read More

The Get Movin’ summer schedule is here

Stay active and boost your mental health this summer with free, virtual fitness classes you can join from anywhere! Regular movement is proven to support well-being, and our Get Movin’ with Balanced You summer series makes it easy to stay on track. Enjoy live weekly sessions led by certified trainers, featuring yoga, stretching, cardio, core workouts, mat-based Pilates, tai chi, and strength training; a great opportunity for keeping your body moving and your mind refreshed all season long. Check out the new summer schedule here. Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with the Get Movin’… Read More

Executive Braddock announces winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship

King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced the winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship. The Environmental Catalyst award went to Seattle Times environmental reporter and award-winning author Lynda Mapes. Other winners included an effective hunger relief program that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, a regional bicycle donation hub, an organization that is advancing equitable access to outdoor experiences, and a nonprofit that is developing transit-friendly, sustainable homes that will be permanently affordable. Read more.

Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork – Disneyland

King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. Experience the magic of Disneyland. Save up to $64 on multi-day tickets to the Disneyland® Resort—where every visit brings a new kind of happy. With endless things to do, it’s the perfect place for summer family fun. 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… Read More

Second 2025 Professional Development Scholarship application period ends July 3

The second application period for the 2025 Professional Development Scholarship Program ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. The Scholarship Program is a benefit offered as part of the 2025 Coalition Labor Agreement and is only open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition.   The Scholarship Program is part of the County’s commitment to Investing in YOU, and is designed to assist eligible employees with their professional development by providing up to $3,000 annually towards obtaining training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications.   Awardees for this period will be notified… Read More

King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments

Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person. Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible. Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations. EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating: Workplace stress Career decisions Strategies to feel better while working, and more. Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments. Phone: 206-263-8733 Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov KingCounty.gov/eap

Try text-based coaching to reduce stress

Looking for ongoing mental health support without the need for scheduled appointments? Making Life Easier (MLE) offers Textcoach, providing the opportunity for participants to connect with a licensed counselor, known as a Coach, through a secure platform. Textcoach allows you to enjoy the convenience of care available where you are, whenever you need it to help you reach your goals, whether you want to change habits, establish new routines, build your resilience, or boost your emotional fitness. To access Textcoach, sign into Making Life Easier’s web portal below, choose the “Access Care”… Read More

Making Life Easier online support groups 

Making Life Easier (MLE) offers virtual, drop-in support group sessions on a variety of topics. When you are dealing with a challenge at home or work, group support can offer perspective, encouragement and, most importantly, the reassurance that you are not alone. MLE’s virtual support groups offer you the opportunity to join live, moderated sessions on a wide variety of topics to help strengthen your emotional fitness. Sample group topics include recovering from addiction, coping with stress, and supporting mental health for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your participation in these groups is anonymous,… Read More