First Responders in King County applaud Crisis Care Centers
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections A Crisis Care Center is a place for people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to go and receive urgent care. Funded by the voter-approved levy, anyone can walk into a Crisis Care Center 24/7 with or without insurance to get help and a path to recovery. Crisis Care Centers are also a place first responders can take people in crisis. Now, instead of going to jail or an overcrowded emergency room – which can often make things worse – first responders can easily transport a person to a… Read More
From extinction’s edge to a promising future: How King County and partners put Lake Sammamish kokanee on a path toward recovery
Seven years after a catastrophic decline in the number of adult kokanee salmon returning from Lake Sammamish put the native species on the brink of extinction, a partnership coordinated by King County is reporting a potential breakthrough for a sustainable recovery. Biologists reported that more than 8,300 adult kokanee salmon returned to their spawning grounds during the 2024-25 spawning run, a stunning improvement over the 2017-18 run when just 19 returned. It was the second-highest return since King County began monitoring in 1996. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks… Read More
Therapeutic courts prove people can change their lives
Lane Shaw doesn’t take a moment for granted. “I am four years, six months, and 10 days clean,” he said to applause at the May 13 meeting of the King County Council. A 2023 King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) graduate who now works as a KCDDC Peer Services Specialist, Shaw said prior to entering KCDDC, drugs and crime were all he knew. The resources, accountability, and support offered by therapeutic court helped him change his life. “Today I have my own house, my own cars,” he said. “I have a dog, you know?”… Read More
Three Emmy Award nominations for videos produced by DNRP
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green Three videos produced by our staff Multimedia Producer Ken Christensen are nominated for Northwest Regional Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced at the 62nd annual award ceremony June 7 in Seattle. The awards recognize broadcast excellence in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington with government agencies competing against news stations, documentary filmmakers, commercial videographers, professional sports teams, universities, and other public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Read more.
Executive Braddock unveils 200-Day Plan
On Tuesday, Executive Braddock unveiled a 200-Day Plan for positioning the county for continued success while fostering lasting progress. “Thanks to your service, my office has hit the ground running, advancing essential business and preparing for the future,” the Executive said. “My 200-Day Plan sets out how I will lead and what I will focus on as County Executive.” The 200-Day Plan emphasizes delivering results for King County residents through strategic initiatives, safeguarding services, and prioritizing stability. It focuses on crafting a responsible budget, fostering regional collaboration and innovation wherever possible, and… Read More
Winners of the 2024 Best-Run Government Awards
King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced the winners of 2024 Best-Run Government Awards, which honor exceptional performance, leadership, innovation, and a commitment to equity, efficiency, and effectiveness. In a new video, Executive Braddock revealed the winners of the eight Best-Run Government Awards: five innovation awards – for people, cost, service, climate and environmental stewardship, and equity, racial and social justice – and three leadership awards – for people leaders, individual contributors, and the Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award for senior leaders. “Choosing the winners from the many worthy nominations from Executive… Read More
Take the Wildfire Protection Survey
Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News Did you know that May is Wildfire Awareness Month? A wildfire in unincorporated King County could have major impacts. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prepare for and prevent fires, including reducing flammable material on and around your home, making an emergency plan, following local burn bans and regulations, and signing up for ALERT King County, a regional public information and notification service. Another important thing you can do is take five minutes to complete King County’s 2025 Wildfire Protection Survey, which is… Read More
Smoother rides are ahead as county rolls into its 2025 road resurfacing program
Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News When the days warm up and rains retreat, the King County Road Services Division starts working on roads that have grown bumpy and sprouted potholes. In addition to making your drive more pleasant, resurfacing extends the road’s life and reduces maintenance costs. The work kicks off in May and continues through the fall, with schedules carefully planned to minimize disruptions and get the most work done before cool, wet weather returns. Check MyCommute for updates on specific project dates and locations. To learn more and see… Read More
New Community Service Area Civic Connectors group holds inaugural meeting
Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News Strong communities rely on engaged people and government working together. That’s why King County’s Department of Local Services is trying out a new Community Service Area Civic Connectors program. Local Services brought together more than 30 people from across unincorporated King County on March 29 for the group’s first meeting at Renton Technical College. The group’s goals are to help members understand how King County government operates, to help make connections and build relationships, and to allow county staff members to engage and collaborate with members… Read More
Executive Braddock proclaims May as Mental Health Month
May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources. “During this month, we encourage King County employees to educate themselves about mental health conditions and treatment option; challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same, and create safe, supportive environments for open conversations about mental health,” said Executive Braddock. ” Read the full proclamation here.
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