Heads up: Major I-5 lane closures start July 18 — plan now!
Crossposted from Metro Matters Summer is here — and so is roadwork season, and Seattle has a doozy of a project coming. Starting Friday, July 18, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will begin major Revive I-5 repair work on the northbound Ship Canal Bridge, and that means two northbound lanes of the freeway will be closed for up to four weeks. Yes, it’s a big deal. Yes, it’s going to impact your summer travels. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can ease the traffic blues. WSDOT’s project aims to… Read More
Take care working outdoors during hot weather
Hot weather is forecast for the next few days in our region, and a Heat Advisory will be in effect for King County from noon Tuesday to 10 p.m. Wednesday. As some of our work needs to be performed outdoors, we want to ensure that employees and supervisors take care of themselves and one another as temperatures rise. In extreme heat, Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to… Read More
ATU Local 587 and Metro put safety first as Task Force reconvenes
Crossposted from Metro Matters Since the historic inaugural meeting of the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force on March 20, participants from across behavioral health, community, government, labor, law enforcement, public health, safety and transit have been hard at work. As our large group of more than 100 people reconvenes on July 9, we are eager to advance a structured framework for action. Informed by data and stakeholder experience, our action plan will draw from more than 150 solutions distilled into eight strategic themes: Built Environment & Safety Design; Care-Based Safety… Read More
One year later, West Point’s battery system proves its power
One year after activating the first-of-its-kind battery power system at West Point Treatment Plant, operators say it’s exceeded expectations — keeping critical systems online during 78 power disruptions and protecting Puget Sound from potential overflows. The onsite battery power system – which has won multiple engineering awards – kept critical pumps operating during 78 power disruptions, preventing untreated wastewater from being discharged into Puget Sound. There were 15 instances when pumps were powered exclusively by the 2,000 batteries housed in a new 24,000-square-foot structure. It is among dozens of improvements we’ve made… Read More
Ask the Tox Doc: How can I protect myself from harmful chemicals?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider We come in contact with a lot of chemicals in our daily lives, including the products we use to shower, the food we eat, and the air we breathe during our commutes. Not all chemicals are bad for people, but some can seriously hurt our health. Things like lead, formaldehyde, PFAS, and phthalates have health impacts ranging from allergic reactions and cancer to harm to brain development and the reproductive system. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this, but there are many things that people can do individually, at… Read More
Executive Braddock proposes continuation of local behavioral health sales tax for mental health, substance use care
Today, Executive Braddock announced her proposal to renew MIDD, a local 0.1% behavioral health tax that funds vital mental health and substance use treatment. In 2025, MIDD is estimated to generate $97 million for programs that support health, wellness, recovery, and connection to community for people throughout King County. For nearly two decades, MIDD has helped bolster treatment and crisis response programs that have experienced years of divestment at the federal and state levels, providing services to many low-income residents who lack access to care or who do not qualify for Medicaid. “At… Read More
Green Diesel Pilot receives BRG Innovation award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship
The Green Diesel Pilot Project has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship. Congratulations to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Solid Waste Division (SWD), Green Diesel Pilot Project team, and all their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government. A special thank you to Jamey Barker, Scott Barden, James Gentili, and Anthony Slaughter. The Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress in advancing the goals of King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan and/or protecting and… Read More
House Bill 1270, allowing for automatic deferred compensation enrollment, championed by King County employees
Effective August 2025, new King County employees, along with other new county, municipal, and political subdivision employees throughout Washington, can be automatically enrolled in the deferred compensation savings plan. This makes Washington one of only 10 states to have automatic enrollment allowed for all public sector plans. “Our public employees work extremely hard and we appreciate their service,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “This bill makes it easier for them to access their employer’s retirement plan without additional steps or paperwork.” “And I am honored to sign it into law,” he added. This… Read More
Hiking safety with Emery the Emergency Penguin
It’s a beautiful summer here in King County! But before you hit the trail, watch this brand-new hiking safety video featuring Emery the Emergency Penguin (KCIT’s 911 mascot) and King County Search and Rescue teams. Learn the three rules of hiking, and how to contact 911 if you’re stranded or lost in the wilderness. Have fun, and stay safe out there! “That was exciting! Emery is a smart penguin – I’m glad he knew how to help his friend.” Norah Bjore, age 9
Monitoring in action: Behind the numbers, how Best Starts for Kids uses data to build community impact
Priscilla de Andrade, with the King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget, recently spoke with Anne McNair and Kelly Lovett, co-leads of the Best Starts for Kids evaluation team, to explore how data, collaboration, and continuous learning are supporting over 400 community-based organizations and advancing equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families across King County. Their conversation, in this blog post, highlights how Best Starts is using Results-Based Accountability and community-centered evaluation practices to ensure programs are meaningful, effective, and grounded in partnership. Read the full story here, and explore past blog posts… Read More
Employee News 