Brighter, safer stop signs are coming to King County roads
Crossposted from the Department of Local Services Newsletter King County Road Services is making roads in unincorporated King County safer by replacing old stop signs at 17 intersections with new LED signs. These signs are easier to see, especially at night or in bad weather. Construction for this project began in November 2025, and today most of the new signs are already in place. Many of these LED signs use solar power, which saves energy and lowers costs. Some signs are still being switched to solar this spring. This upgrade is part… Read More
On 100th Day, Executive Zahilay announces new Executive Order to strengthen governance and fiscal oversight
On Wednesday, March 4, Executive Zahilay shared the following message: This morning, I hosted a press conference to announce several actions our administration is taking to strengthen county government, prepare for the challenging budget forecasts that lie ahead, continue improving how we manage public funds, and identify savings opportunities. Today also marks my first 100 days in office since our inauguration on November 25. I say our inauguration because this is a team sport. Our shared success as King County government is dependent upon one another. One thing I know for certain is that King County’s… Read More
Infrastructure for the future: Fall City’s septic upgrade supports local businesses
Crossposted from King County Local If you’ve driven through Fall City recently, you may have noticed construction activity behind some local businesses. It’s part of a major infrastructure upgrade: the long-awaited on-site community septic system for the Fall City business district. Since our November update, crews have installed and connected more than half of the septic tanks (40) to the underground treatment plant. The project remains on schedule for completion in Summer 2026, a milestone that will support existing businesses and allow them to fully use their buildings to serve the community. Read more.
Updated King County Critical Area Ordinance enhances protection for environmentally important areas while supporting housing and commercial agriculture
Crossposted from King County Local King County has completed a major update of its regulations for developing land near wetlands, streams, and other critical areas. Created through three years of research, planning, and public discussion, the updated King County Critical Area Ordinance is a set of land use regulations intended to safeguard environmentally critical areas, communities, and infrastructure. The King County Council adopted the final ordinance in December. The term “critical area” refers to land that merits special protection because of its ecological value or importance to public health or safety. Examples include wetlands,… Read More
King County’s new recycling and transfer station in Algona nears completion and features improved water quality, restored habitat
Crossposted from Field Notes When the South County Recycling and Transfer Station in Algona opens this summer to replace its 60-year-old predecessor, customers of King County’s newest solid waste facility will find convenient waste disposal and a wide range of recycling options. Built with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship to ensure long-lasting service for communities in and around Algona, Auburn, Federal Way and Pacific, this new station will feature separate disposal areas for commercial garbage haulers and public self-haul customers. Read more.
Healthy beginnings start with educators: Inside the Child Care Health Program
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In classrooms across King County, public health is at work: though not always in the ways you might expect. It’s happening in quiet moments of partnership with early learning educators, through culturally responsive tools and trainings, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team focused on children’s well-being from the very beginning. This is the work of the Child Care Health Program (CCHP) at Public Health – Seattle & King County. Meeting educators where they’re at Every parent wants to know their child is safe, and every educator wants to… Read More
Executive releases recommendations of 100-member Transition Committee
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has released the report of Transition Committee Recommendations developed by the 100 community members who participated in his Transition Committee in December 2025. “King County residents have delivered a Transition Committee report with policy recommendations for short and long-term actions that our new administration can take,” Executive Zahilay said. “Over the coming months you will see us advancing many of these actions, which primarily focus on the 4Bs: (1) “Breaking the Cycle” of homelessness, addiction, trauma, and incarceration, (2) “Building for Affordability” the housing, childcare, and transit… Read More
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
King County’s Health Through Housing (HTH) initiative is currently housing over 1,000 formerly homeless King County residents, a major milestone! This effort, within the Department of Community and Human Services’ (DCHS) Housing and Community Development Division, is a critical part of King County’s efforts to end homelessness through emergency and permanent supportive housing. The initiative combines stable housing with onsite services, which has been shown to improve residents’ health and keep them in the communities they call home. The HTH team opened multiple sites in the past few months and are continuing to move… Read More
Executive Zahilay transmits legislation to expand Metro bus service and strengthen Link light rail connections in South King County
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Monday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council proposing major updates to Metro bus service across South King County as part of the multi-year South Link Connections project. The proposal builds on the recent opening of the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown Link light rail stations and would create a more connected, reliable transit network serving Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and nearby unincorporated areas. If approved, the new service would launch as… Read More
The 2026 Noxious Weed List is official!
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds Blog What does it mean to be a noxious weed? “Noxious weed” is a legal designation. To become a noxious weed a plant must first meet four criteria. Introduced to Washington state (non-native) Spread beyond where they are planted Create harm where introduced* Difficult to control *This harm can be agricultural, such as reducing crop output, ecological, such as out competing our native plants, or physical, such as toxic to humans or livestock. They can impact wildlife, human health, land value, recreation, and natural resources. Anyone can nominate… Read More
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