Make this weekend a voting weekend!

King County Elections (KCE) is projecting just 35% 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 about King… Read More

Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign starts August 1

Take home any cat or dog from RASKC for just $30 during this month-long special promotion It’s time to Clear The Shelters! Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has joined with NBCUniversal Local and hundreds of animal shelters and rescues nationwide to promote pet adoptions all this month. Through August 31, you can adopt any cat or dog from RASKC for just $30 – the cost of a pet license. “Clear The Shelters is the perfect chance to welcome a new family member and support local shelters like ours,” said RASKC Manager… Read More

King County Metro, Water Taxi and Seattle Streetcar adult fares change Sept. 1, 2025

Crossposted from Metro Matters Adult fares are changing Sept. 1, 2025, on King County Metro buses, Metro Flex, both Seattle Streetcar lines and both King County Water Taxi routes. ORCA LIFT fares on both Water Taxi routes are also changing. Reduced fare rates for Senior, Disabled, Youth, and ORCA LIFT riders will remain unchanged everywhere else. The new adult $3 fare brings the price of riding Metro buses, Metro Flex and Seattle Streetcar in alignment with Sound Transit’s flat fare on Link light rail and Express buses. The Metro Vanpool/Transit pass will… Read More

CHOMP! returns to King County’s Marymoor Park Aug. 16, celebrating local food, farmers, and fun with live music and family-friendly activities

CHOMP!, King County’s annual celebration of local food, sustainability and community, returns to Marymoor Park in Redmond on Saturday, Aug. 16. The free, all-ages event features a full day of live music, food vendors, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about sustainable food practices. This year’s headliner is Kim Deal, the legendary bassist and co-vocalist of the Pixies and frontwoman of The Breeders. For younger audiences, Bug Friend brings joyful, literacy-inspired music for kids of all ages. The festival will also feature interactive experiences and activities, including: Games, crafts, and gardening activities… Read More

King County Department of Local Services recognized nationally for ‘Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language’ outreach efforts

Crossposted from King County Local The King County Department of Local Services earned a prestigious recognition for its efforts to reach and engage community members who speak languages other than English in the unincorporated areas. The department recently won a Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators in the Multicultural Communications Program category for its comprehensive effort, also known as “Local Services Wants to Speak Your Language.” The approach consisted of three main elements: Read more.

Are you one of our 51,000 LinkedIn followers?

More than 51,000 King County employees, residents, and job seekers are getting up-to-date news and information, job opportunities, trainings, employee spotlights, and more by following King County on LinkedIn. Are you one of them? To follow King County on LinkedIn, go to the King County company page and click “follow.” You will need to create a LinkedIn account if you do not have one. You can also get employee news and information by following us on these platforms: WordPress http://www.kcemployees.com Intranet King County Employee intranet

Where to get childhood vaccines in King County

Vaccines are essential to keeping kids healthy and protected from serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough. If you’re wondering where to go for childhood vaccinations in King County, here’s what you need to know. No-cost vaccines for every child Thanks to Washington State’s Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP), all children ages 0 to 18 can receive recommended vaccines at no cost. Whether your child has insurance or not, they’re eligible. You may be charged an administration fee, but you don’t have to pay for it if you cannot afford it. Read… Read More

Plan to be heard!

Do you have a vote plan? Research shows that voters who make a plan to vote are more likely to follow through and make their voices heard. Take a moment today to consider things like where you’ll vote, what pen you’ll use (pro tip: any color is fine!), and what resources you’ll use to research your choices. If your plan includes returning your ballot by mail, it’s best to get it to a mailbox by Friday, Aug. 1, to be sure it’s postmarked on time. Prefer a drop box? There are more… Read More

Join Metro in upcoming summer parades!

Summer is here—and with it comes the opportunity to show your King County pride in some of the region’s biggest community celebrations! Employees are invited to participate in either (or both!) of the following upcoming parades and events. Participation is completely optional, unpaid, and on your own time. Whether you join the route or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a fun way to connect with community, coworkers, and share in the spirit of summer. Upcoming events: Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday, July 26, from 7:30–10:30 p.m. Starts at Alaskan Way & Broad… Read More

Firefighters train for real emergencies with rope rescue drill at South Plant

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories No need for alarm. This is only a drill!  On a recent morning at our South Treatment Plant in Renton, about 30 firefighters and instructors, outfitted with helmets and harnesses, gathered around a service hatch in the Raw Sewage Pump Building to assess a developing situation. What they encountered was the scene of a high-stakes rescue operation. Their air monitors showed that below the first level, the air was unsafe to breathe, and two individuals were unconscious and in need of rescue.  The team quickly got to… Read More