Opening doors to connection and independence for adults with developmental disabilities
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Connecting with our communities and making friends with shared interests brings richness to all our lives. That’s why King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Community Inclusion program helps give people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) an opportunity to participate in activities in their local community. From social clubs and volunteering opportunities to activities like climbing gyms, book clubs, knitting circles, pottery classes, gardening, and more, participants have a space to develop relationships with community members while practicing everyday skills that help support independence and foster… Read More
Highlighting King County’s Latinx Affinity Group in Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
In honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we are highlighting King County’s Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx)! KCLx is an employee-led resource group (ERG) that provides a welcoming space for employees to connect, build community, and advance equity, inclusion, and belonging across King County. ERGs promote equity and social justice, foster employee engagement, and enhance personal and professional growth within King County. What we offer: Through monthly meetings, Lunch and Learns, Cafecitos, shared resources, conversations, and opportunities to gather and celebrate together, KCLx creates space for members to connect… Read More
How the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy is improving health for thousands of seniors
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections For older adults, access to programs and services that help them maintain their independence is crucial. But more often than not, resources aren’t readily available, and barriers like financial limitations, a lack of transportation, or health conditions keep older adults from thriving. A recent article published in Prevention Science highlights a local model for senior health and wellness that has been quietly changing lives across King County. And while the journal feature is an exciting milestone, the true headline is the story behind it: a successful partnership funded by the King County Department of Community and Human Services’ Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) that proves how structured support can break… Read More
Final review of audited contracts shows no loss of funds to fraud
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Last year, the King County Auditor’s Office released a report showing the need for stronger financial oversight at DCHS and identified 19 contracts for further review. Since then, DCHS has not only implemented stronger oversight and internal controls over public dollars, but the department, in partnership with King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), has now confirmed that no public funds were lost to fraud among the 19 contracts. Following Clark Nuber’s independent forensic review of the 19 contracts valued at $12 million, an estimated $320,000 in potential improper payments… Read More
Executive Zahilay launches Volunteer Corps to connect King County residents to pressing local volunteer needs
Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced the launch of Volunteer Corps, a new program led by his administration that aims to harness the power of motivated residents to meet the pressing needs of the county and local non-profit organizations. As part of his Be in Community value, Volunteer Corps will connect King County nonprofits with a dedicated network of residents who are ready to volunteer and help meet time-sensitive needs. The program will make it easier for organizations to reach people who want to give back while creating more opportunities for… Read More
Switch Your Trips WA challenge begins Oct. 1
What if changing just a few driving trips a month could help you save money, reduce stress, get more active, or spend less time behind the wheel? That’s exactly what Switch Your Trips is all about. Commuters across Washington are challenged to switch drive-alone trips for sustainable alternatives like transit, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, rolling, passenger ferry and/or water taxi, skateboarding, or a combination of modes. Those who participate in the challenge and log at least 10 qualifying trips during October will be entered in a drawing to win prizes, including a… Read More
Diamond Parking Service assumes management and operation of Goat Hill Garage
Effective Monday, Sept. 1, Diamond Parking Service assumed management and operation duties of Goat Hill Garage. Diamond Parking is committed to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high level of service that King County has come to expect, including consistent parking availability and support. They look forward to ensuring your parking experience remains convenient, reliable, and professional. As part of the transition, the dedicated garage attendant staff who King County employees have become accustomed to working with will remain employed at Goat Hill Garage. To minimize any disruptions in services after Sept. 1, all existing phone numbers will remain… Read More
Looking for juvenile Chinook in all the non-natal places
Crossposted from Headwaters This spring, scientists from the Science Section’s Watershed and Ecological Assessment Team (WEAT) went looking for juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in streams where they have not been previously documented. The team spent 29 days in the field, ultimately completing 97 surveys across 20 different streams. Studies like this are time sensitive. The right fish are only in the right places at the right time and even then, they’re very hard to find. To make the best use of small timeframe, agencies like ours rely on seasonal support from early career… Read More
Executive Zahilay proposes new Office of Labor Standards, supporting King County workers and businesses
Yesterday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Labor Council’s monthly delegate meeting, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that his administration is proposing $500,000 to establish a new Office of Labor Standards within King County. This investment will be included in the Executive’s second omnibus budget, which will be proposed next week. Once established, the office will focus on strengthening labor standards and expanding worker and business outreach and education in unincorporated King County, supporting an informed and empowered workforce and robust regional economy. “Working people are the backbone of King… Read More
Data Dive: Crisis services in King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections New data shows King County Department of Community & Human Services helped more people access crisis care last year than ever before, thanks largely to new services and investments made possible by the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers Levy. This levy, approved by voters in 2023, invests in mental health and substance use care across King County. Now, we’ve released two reports that show both the momentum we’re building and the gaps still to address as the system grows: 2025 Crisis Care Centers Annual Report: This report outlines the Crisis Care Center Levy’s activities, accomplishments, and data. 2025 King County Crisis System Data Brief: This brief gives a high-level look… Read More
