King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. On Nov. 11, Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor. Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities. Services will return to… Read More

Native American Leadership Council: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native Peoples across the United States. It is also an opportunity to recognize the challenges that continue to affect Indigenous communities and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, respect, and partnership. The mission of the King County Native American Leadership Council (NALC) exists to create an entity where First Nations, indigenous people, and our allies can come together to build community, leadership, employee enrichment, and cultural preservation. Learn more about the Native American Leadership Council here…. Read More

Reductions to air traffic set to begin at Sea-Tac, other U.S. airports on Friday, Nov. 7

If you made flight reservations and plan to travel on county-related business on or after Friday, Nov. 7, please be aware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to curb air traffic at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports by 10% due to concerns about staffing shortages of critical workers. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is among the affected airports, but delays and cancellations could impact air travel at other airports nationwide. Before traveling: Check your flight status regularly. Arrive early to allow extra time for security screening. If your flight is significantly delayed… Read More

Executive Braddock statement on voter approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy

King County Executive Shannon Braddock released a statement on the evening of the Nov. 4 election, thanking King County voters for their approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy. “Once again, King County residents have shown their overwhelming support for our Medic One/EMS system, which continues to set the standard for emergency medical response through innovation and exceptional patient outcomes. Our cardiac arrest survival rate is two to three times higher than most areas in the U.S.—a difference that can be measured in lives saved. I’m grateful to voters for ensuring… Read More

Executive Braddock statement on King County’s response to federal government’s delayed SNAP funding

In response to the ongoing need for food security and hunger relief during the federal government shutdown, Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement: “The ongoing government shutdown has threatened the health and well-being of individuals and families, particularly those who rely on federal funding and programs for food security. I am heartened to see how strongly our region and state have responded to support those at risk of losing SNAP benefits, from individuals and community organizations to businesses and local governments. Their compassion and support show the strength of our communities… Read More

Tips for a scary-good Halloween with your pet

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Halloween is “spook-tacular” for kids of all ages, but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets. Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging on Oct. 31. Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away. Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises,… Read More

Make this weekend a voting weekend!

King County Elections is projecting just 45% turnout for this election but they would love to see more folks make their voices heard. The local elections on our ballot will shape our communities for years to come. If you need assistance with anything, give KCE a call at 206-296-VOTE, or visit a Vote Center this weekend. Vote Center locations and hours are available at kce.wiki/VoteCenter And if you do spend time this weekend voting and get a good photo, you can tag @kcelections on Instagram, Bluesky, or even LinkedIn! For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.

King County announces major workforce investment after new findings show federal funding cuts, cost of living threaten nonprofit sector

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced recently that the county will invest up to $25 million through 2026 to support nonprofit human service providers and workers with higher wages, cost-of-living subsidies, improved benefits, hiring and retention bonuses, professional development, and more. Recent findings from King County’s Nonprofit Wage & Benefit Survey and Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey show how reductions in federal funding, rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, declining individual donations, volunteer shortages, and other factors are threatening the sector’s viability. This investment is made possible through the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors, and… Read More

Sign up for ballot alerts from KCE

Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive a text or email when King County Elections (KCE) has received your ballot back at Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified. KCE will send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature. Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process! Sign up today at kce.wiki/BallotAlert. For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.

Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, signs of abuse, and how we can stop it.    Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. It does not discriminate by age, gender, background, or profession. It can impact our coworkers, our neighbors, and our loved ones.   The statistics remind us why awareness matters:   Nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence and reported it.  On average, 24 people per minute in the United States are physically… Read More