Counties across region collaborating on work to support climate-resilient buildings
Crossposted from the Executive Climate Office In the summer of 2024, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties announced we’d received a $50 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lower greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and construction throughout the region. At the time, King County shared that the Executive Climate Office (ECO), using funding from that grant, would partner with local governments in an effort to reduce climate-warming pollution while ensuring access to healthy heating on cold days and cooling on hot ones. A year later, that work is well… Read More
Say goodbye to Common (English) Ivy: Washington issues statewide ban on sales
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds blog Known for its habit of growing up and over 100 ft+ trees and structures, creating carpeted growths in the forest, and housing allergens and rodents, it’s no mystery to PNW locals that common ivy (Hedera helix, AKA English ivy) is an impactful plant. Ivy has been classified as a noxious weed in Washington state since 2002, yet until last month (Aug. 2025) it could be sold and purchased with no legal implications. So why did it take 23 years to ban common ivy from the market? Let’s get… Read More
Teen donates towels to Regional Animal Services
Crossposted from the DES Express On Aug. 15, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) received a donation of about 500 towels collected by a local high school student. The used towels will be repurposed as bedding for animals and for cleaning kennels at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. “We are grateful for the generosity of our incredibly supportive community,” said Alex Ropes, Animal Shelter Manager at RASKC. “Donation drives of all kinds, from kitchen towels to kitty litter, help us continue to care for pets in our shelter and foster… Read More
Year Up United interns wrap up summer
Crossposted from the DES Express This summer, 11 talented interns from the Year Up United program successfully completed their internships with Procurement & Payables (P&P) and Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), finishing the season on a true high note. For many of these young professionals, the idea of stepping away from current jobs to pursue careers in an office setting can feel risky—or even out of reach. But through Year Up United, FBOD provided students from diverse backgrounds and communities with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, grow their skills, and envision new… Read More
Onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics open this week
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year and the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Flu and COVID-19 shots have many important benefits; getting a flu and COVID-19 shot can reduce your risk of getting severe disease, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve health care resources. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work… Read More
DAJD event honors volunteers and providers who serve the jails
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Employee newsletter DAJD’s Resident Programs team hosted a celebration on Aug. 28 in honor of volunteers and providers who are active in the jails. They gathered at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers building in Tukwila for lunch, team-building games and — most of all — recognition. There were chaplains and veteran advocates, teachers and substance use counselors, among others. Read more.
Executive Braddock celebrates 2025 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be… Read More
Food justice project featured at community event
Crossposted from King County Executive Climate Office newsletter King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant Program funds community-based projects that support frontline communities, with a special focus on areas specified in the Strategic Climate Action Plan. That includes food systems—and a food sovereignty project was on display (and on the menu!) at an event this month. The African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program Intl. (AYDEPI) held their 3rd annual “Beauty of our African Roots” event at Family Life Center in Federal Way! The youth-led cultural celebration featured music and dance, community voices and poetry, fashion,… Read More
Department of Local Services Employee Spotlight: Code Enforcement Officer II Antonio Dorsey
Crossposted from King County Local You might have heard of code enforcement officers, but did you ever wonder exactly what a King County code enforcement officer does? Today, the Department of Local Services introduces Antonio Dorsey, Code Enforcement Officer II with the Permitting Division. He talks about his job, what a typical day of work might look like and how he approaches community members in contentious situations. Watch the video here:
NEWS: Executive Braddock issues statement following King County Council committee action on Broadway facility for Seattle’s Crisis Care Center
“King County voters asked for urgent behavioral health care in every part of our region, and this site in Seattle is a leading example of how we’re delivering on that commitment. By investing in places for people to go to receive care, we can help more folks get the mental health treatment they need to recover, and in return, support the overall health and well-being of our communities.” King County has been working on securing a site location in Seattle for over 15 months. Following months of community listening sessions and engagement… Read More
Employee News 