King County employees now have access to a new tool for navigating mental health resources. The King County Employee Mental Health Access Guide provides an easy-to-use, comprehensive overview of available programs, outlining services like mindfulness, counseling, psychiatric medication management, educational classes, and more. It clearly identifies which programs offer these resources and how to contact them, making it simpler than ever to find the right support. To download a copy of the Mental Health Access Guide, click here.

The second application period for the 2025 Professional Development Scholarship Program opens on Monday, June 2, 2025, and runs until July 3, 2025. This opportunity is available for training that starts in 2025 and is exclusively for employees represented by a union in the 2025 Coalition Labor Agreement.  This Scholarship Program is part of our commitment to Investing in YOU. It is to help eligible employees with the financial support needed for training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications. Take the next step in your professional journey with King County!  Visit the scholarship webpage to review the… Read More

The second application period for the 2025 Professional Development Scholarship Program opens June 2, 2025 – July 3, 2025, for training that begins in 2025. 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. Applicants should visit the scholarship webpage to familiarize themselves with the application submission process, rating criteria, and frequently asked questions. Please check this webpage periodically as it is undergoing updates ahead of the scheduled launch. The Scholarship Program is designed to… Read More

Are you looking to make a change in the way you commute? Starting May 1, 2025, King County employees can participate in a pilot subsidy program that provides up to $100/month (for up to three months) on an e-bike, e-scooter, or pedal bike subscription through Ridepanda. With this subscription, you’ll be able to: Choose from a selection of e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal bikes all through a month-to-month subscription. Take the vehicle home and use it like it’s your own for commuting, running errands, meeting up with friends, and more. Benefit from included theft… Read More

King County, the Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters have renewed a Master Community Workforce Agreement (MCWA) for another five years. First signed in 2020, the MCWA is a comprehensive pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that serves as a standard Project Labor Agreement. It sets basic terms and conditions of employment on the county’s public works construction projects. The MCWA acts as the mechanism for implementing the county’s highly successful Priority Hire Program, which prioritizes local workers from economically distressed areas on construction projects. “This… Read More

Meditation and mindfulness are techniques used to reduce stress by encouraging a heightened sense of awareness and focused attention. Both approaches share many of the same tools to promote mind and body practices that increase calmness and physical relaxation and enhance overall well-being. There are several meditation and mindfulness resources available for King County employees. Balanced You encourages you to explore these resources to find ones that work for you. Making Life Easier (MLE) Toolkit This meditation toolkit from Making Life Easier (MLE) includes tips sheets, guided videos and audio exercises, and additional resources. Read more.

Regence BlueShield and Providence Swedish and PacMed reached a contract agreement late Friday, March 28, 2025. Services provided by Providence Swedish and PacMed providers, clinics, and facilities will continue to be considered in-network by Regence. If you are enrolled in a Regence medical plan and you see a Providence Swedish or PacMed provider, there will be no disruption to your coverage or benefits. For more information, see the Regence News post. If you have questions, please call Regence BlueShield at 800-376-7926 or contact the King County Benefits team at 206-684-1556 or email KC Benefits.