Executive connects with youth at King County youth detention facility
Last Friday, Executive Zahilay visited the youth detention facility at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center alongside staff, to connect with youth through basketball, conversation, and arts activities. A powerful portion of the visit included a musical performance by a young man who was aging out of the facility and preparing to transition to adult custody. The visit reflects the Executive’s commitment to staying connected to young people in county custody and building systems that prioritize rehabilitation, so that the hardest moments in a young person’s life do… Read More
On the hunt for a hidden source of poop pollution
Crossposted from Headwaters King County typically enjoys a reliable abundance of rainfall. And once it hits the ground, rainwater seeps into soil or runs along streets and parking lots, flowing into storm drains, and disappearing underground. …Or does it? In some parts of King County, stormwater can travel through miles of pipes, creeks, or both before finally emerging in lakes or the Puget Sound. During its journey, stormwater can mix with the E. coli bacteria found in poop from people, pets, and wildlife. Poop-contaminated water can threaten community health and close swim beaches and… Read More
Metro’s bus stop schedules are getting a fresh new look
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is rolling out updated bus stop schedules designed to be easier to read and more helpful for riders with our semi-annual service change on March 28. These refreshed schedules come after we listened to customer suggestions. They make better use of space and include useful details like fare information, the customer service number and other rider resources (when room allows). One important update we want riders to know about is how to read the new schedule layout: Schedule times now flow from top to bottom instead of left… Read More
New youth mental health urgent care now open in Kirkland
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections As part of the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, we are excited to share that youth behavioral health urgent care is now available at our first Crisis Care Center, Connections Kirkland — whether or not you have insurance. The Crisis Care Centers initiative is making sure everyone including children and teens have access to free 24/7 behavioral health crisis services, including: Read more.
North Bend Police hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” event
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter North Bend recently hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” at Huxdotter Coffee, which gave community members a relaxed opportunity to sit down, enjoy a cup of brew, and chat with incoming KCSO North Bend Chief of Police Ed Hall, who spoke with residents and answered their questions. One attendee added a special touch to the gathering. Retired King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy Paul Schwenn stopped by to say hello. Schwenn and Chief Hall worked together for several years on the Metro BEES team. Chief-to-be Ed Hall becomes the Chief… Read More
KCSO reports significant decrease in crime across King County
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently released information for 2025 Crime Stats in this press release. It highlighted a 22% drop in the crime rate across the County. Sheriff Cole-Tindall sat down with several news outlets to talk about the great work KCSO employees are doing to achieve this impressive decrease. “Our goal, we believe, and our job is to reduce crime and the fear of crime,” said Sheriff Cole-Tindall. “We will continue to do the work that we’ve been doing.” Check out her interview with… Read More
DAJD makes history broadening opportunities for immigrant residents
In October 2025, King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state’s immigration status requirement, at that time. If those officers were removed from service, despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate, creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports. “Immigrant residents who are federally authorized… Read More
Combatting stigma with personal stories: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Lana is a nurse and educator, who uses her own immigration story to build trust with other new arrivals to discuss the stigmatized topic of tuberculosis (TB). For World TB Day on March 24, we’re proud to celebrate her and the incredible work of our TB Program. Hi, Lana! What work do you do at Public Health? I’m a registered nurse and I work as an educational specialist for Public Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. I share awareness about TB, how to get tested, and treatment options. We… Read More
Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area. Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government. If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department,… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history. My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more. Pictured:… Read More
Employee News 