Take the KCIA Community Outreach Survey

At King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA), we are always looking for ways to improve our outreach and better connect with the communities we serve. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what is working well and where we can improve. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Community Outreach Survey. Your responses will help guide our efforts to improve communication, engagement opportunities, and access to resources and programs at KCIA. This survey is voluntary and anonymous. You can complete the survey here. Please share your input by July… Read More

Summer safety tips for pets

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Summer-like temperatures have arrived in the Puget Sound region. Be sure to keep yourself and your pets safe from the heat with these tips. Animals cannot sweat like humans, and they are vulnerable to overheating quickly, especially when the temperature rises above 80 degrees. Be sure your pets are ready for the summer heat with these safety tips: Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water to pets, and shade from the sun. Though pets still need exercise during warm weather, take extra care when exercising… Read More

How to help someone in a behavioral health crisis in King County

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  When we see someone experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol related crisis in public, we want to help and often hear from residents and local businesses asking us who they can call. With summer and World Cup kicking off this week, we wanted to share some tips for locals to know from a training hosted earlier this month by the Department of Community and Human Services’ Dr. Matt Goldman and Kelly Tongg, LICSW. Tips to help someone in a crisis: Anyone can call or text 988 to help themselves or to… Read More

Local solutions to food insecurity

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Between the high cost of living and unprecedented cuts to federal food programs, many people in King County are struggling to put food on the table. In 2018-2022, 9.5% of all residents in King County reported that food they purchased sometimes or often did not last, and they did not have money to buy more. Food banks are having a hard time keeping up, and workers who help people find resources are overwhelmed by the growing number of people who need help. “This is a critical moment… Read More

Honoring World Refugee Day in King County, June 20

On World Refugee Day, RISE (Refugees and Immigrants Support & Empowerment) Employee Resource Group joins communities across King County, Washington State, the United States, and around the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees.  Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day honors people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or disaster. It is a day to recognize their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Many King County residents and employees bring lived experiences as refugees… Read More

Summer heat safety: Burn ban takes effect June 22, fireworks prohibited in unincorporated King County

Crossposted from King County Local With warmer temperatures and a busy soccer summer in the forecast, King County is taking several steps to help remind the community the importance of fire safety. The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures this summer. That will create drier conditions and increase the risk of fire. Given that forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County that will take effect Monday, June 22. And with the July 4th holiday in a couple of weeks, Urban also is reminding the community… Read More

Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano as the new Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The current acting director, Dr. Valenciano was confirmed by both the Metropolitan King County Council and the Seattle City Council on Tuesday, June 9. “Community health and wellbeing are central to everything we do at King County, and Dr. Valenciano has the experience, expertise, and commitment to lead this critical department into the future,” said Executive Zahilay. “She is a well-known… Read More

DCHS shares new data showing strong housing stability and improved health outcomes for residents

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) today announced the release of updated data to the Health Through Housing (HTH) Annual Reporting Dashboard. For the fourth consecutive year since the dashboard’s launch, data shows strong outcomes for Health Through Housing residents, providing further evidence that permanent supportive housing delivers positive outcomes for people exiting chronic homelessness. The updated dashboard highlights significant improvements in housing stability, health outcomes, and criminal legal system involvement among residents living in Health Through Housing sites across King County. Read more.

Sharing my first 2026 State of the County address with all of you

On Wednesday, June 10, I delivered my first State of the County address in front of a crowd of over 500 attendees including King County Council, King County department leaders and employees, local elected officials and residents at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center. My goal with this first address was to talk about some of what this administration has been working on, my goals for the future and my commitment to the work ahead with each of you. We are living through a period of tremendous change in King County where… Read More

King County Executive and Council honor Juneteenth

Executive Zahilay and the King County Council jointly proclaim Friday, June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in King County. Together, they share how “Juneteenth is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress, achievements, and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make, and an occasion to look forward to the work that remains to reach full economic and social equity for the descendants of enslaved African Americans.” June 19, 2026 also marks the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, which continues to be a profound symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey… Read More