Executive Constantine announces he won’t seek re-election in 2025

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2025, issuing the following statement: “It was 15 years ago this month that I was sworn in as executive, and it remains an honor, every day, to serve the people of King County. I ran for executive because I care deeply about this region where I was raised and the people who live and work here. My priority was then – and still is today – that every person should be able to thrive, be economically secure, and… Read More

Thank you to veterans

Veterans Day is coming up and the Employee Giving Program would like to thank the people that have served. Veterans Day recognizes all veterans, living and deceased, for their bravery, commitment, and selflessness. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for those that have served in times of war and peace. In celebration of Veterans Day here are some EGP nonprofits that specialize in veterans services – to see the full list and discover more search online or PDF by service category. Read more. Pledge or renew here by Nov. 22.

King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11 

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, 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

King County Metro Community Liaisons connect to all our riders

Crossposted by Metro Matters Metro is proud to introduce our new Community Liaison pilot program. The program features the voices and perspectives of staff who work to strengthen our relationships with our varied communities through their unique voices and perspectives. Spanish speaking riders? We’ve got you. Swahili? Yes indeed—there’s a liaison for you! The team helps ensure that the people most in need of transit can weigh in our plans, policies and decisions. That’s important, because ensuring Metro’s services are welcoming and accessible to all is how we succeed. Read more.

Donate blood at Eastgate Public Health Center, Nov. 27

Giving blood is a simple way to express gratitude for your own good health and know you’re taking action to help a local patient facing a serious medical condition. Schedule an appointment to give blood at Eastgate Public Health Center on Nov. 27 to help make sure we all have a healthy year together. Make it a celebration – of hope, community, and the power we all have to save a life. Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Community Room, Bellevue, WA… Read More

Proposed budget focuses on cleanliness, equity, reliability, safety, and sustainability

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine’s 2025 budget proposal includes transit investments that will expand access to opportunity across our region. The Executive transmitted his proposed budget to the King County Council on Sept. 23. The council is currently considering and modifying the budget. Adoption of the budget is expected by the end of November. Read more.

Regional Veterans Court recognizes hard work of its participants, Nov. 14

The same week the United States honors veterans on Veterans Day, King County Regional Veterans Court (RVC) will recognize the successes and hard work of RVC program participants. The annual celebration of RVC program participants, including participants who have successfully completed the program and will graduate from it, will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at 1:30 p.m. King County employees are invited to attend either in person or via Zoom: In-person: King County Courthouse, Courtroom E326 Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/7597251370 (meeting ID: 759 725 1370) Operated by King County District Court since 2012, RVC understands that… Read More

Healthcare organizations continue commitment to protect patients and healthcare workers with an update to masking guidelines

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Healthcare systems in the Puget Sound region have updated their joint guidelines for masking in hospitals and outpatient clinics during respiratory illness season. This means local healthcare facilities may require patients, visitors and employees to wear masks when respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 are circulating widely in the community. Masking is an effective way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in healthcare settings. These latest guidelines re-affirm the importance of the health and safety of patients and employees, particularly for those who are at high risk… Read More

Tips and resources for coping with election stress 

By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer This article is written for employees of King County. The resources listed are only available to employees of King County. Tuesday, Nov. 5, is Election Day and many Americans are waiting anxiously for the results. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the 2024 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. This can be a time with a lot of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety and it is important that we take care… Read More

Halloween is a great day to vote

Happy Halloween! It’s a great day to vote! We’re projecting 82% turnout for this Election – that’s more than a million ballots returned! – and we expect to see the majority of ballots returned on Monday, Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Election Day, Nov. 5. If you need assistance with anything, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE, or visit a Vote Center this weekend. You’ll find a list of Vote Center locations and hours at kce.wiki/VoteCenter. Your ballot is too important to leave until the last minute. At King County Elections, we… Read More