The Heart and Soul of King County Parks

Cross-posted from King County Parks: Blogs From Your Big Backyard Parks employee RJT can always be spotted at the Jim Ellis Memorial Regional Park’s Preston Athletic Fields with a smile on his face and a song ready to belt. RJT, who has worked for King County for 33 years, has been a staple at the play fields in the eastside community. He can often be heard singing loudly while leaf blowing and cleaning the pavement. RJT’s favorite tasks are push mowing the lawns and cleaning the community center. He’s also responsible for trash and… Read More

King County’s comprehensive new flood plan capitalizes on the latest climate science, adapts to increased flood risks in urban and coastal communities

King County’s first complete update of its Flood Management Plan since 2006 capitalizes on the latest climate science to describe how flood risks in urban and coastal communities and along tributary streams are expected to change in the future. It also identifies actions that will reduce flood risk, improve habitat, and enhance the resilience of communities. Severe flooding – already the most common natural disaster in King County – is expected to occur more frequently due to climate change. The comprehensive plan will guide investments, strategies, and actions to mitigate increasing flood risk. The… Read More

Emergency Management helps communities get prepared

Crossposted from DES Express In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, Emergency Management encourages employees and residents alike to create or update their emergency plans and kits, and to stay informed by signing up for ALERT King County. Emergency Management staff visited and participated in a record number of public outreach events last month. Read more.

Five Questions with Joseph Weber, DHR Disability Services newest Disability Services Consultant 

1. What is your role at King County and when did you start? I am a Disability Services Consultant with the Department of Human Resources (DHR).  My first day in this role was Monday Sept. 30, 2024. 2. What is your background in disability services? I have worked in various government agencies providing disability services to the public and a vast majority of work experience has been working directly with the King County community.  Prior to my current role, I spent my previous 10 years in King County Department of Community and… Read More

King County at the DeafNation Expo, Oct. 19

Join King County at DeafNation to connect climate, action and community, Saturday Oct. 19. Register here for a free ticket. We will host a sign and sing along at 10 a.m. with artists from the Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing communities performing Home, by Jacob Bain/Publish the Quest and talking about how our small actions connect us to each other. Our booth will record suggestions for an ASL environmental glossary, feature interviews on King County’s Green jobs, disability access, climate & forestry, and internships and trivia questions. This biannual event brings the Deaf, hard of… Read More

Election ballots have been mailed out

Your ballot is in the mail! Check your mailbox and if you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, October 21, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE. Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information. Election Day is November 5 – now is a great time to make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard!

Sound Transit Police bike unit boosts system safety with increased visibility and flexibility

Crossposted from the Sound Transit Platform blog You’re used to seeing security on our trains. But now you can see Sound Transit Police on bikes as well. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of our riders, Sound Transit Police, a unit of the King County Sheriff’s Office, has formed a seven-officer bike team. The goal of the team is to increase law enforcement visibility throughout the system with extra presence in problem areas. Because it is a flexible police resource, you might see the bike unit around any station…. Read More

Celebrate education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of teachers around the world. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future by educating, inspiring, and guiding students. This is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges teachers face including underfunded education systems, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient resources. It’s also National Book Month! Join us in celebrating education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive. Read more to learn about few EGP nonprofits that work in these areas. To see the full list and… Read More

Celebrating 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In October, King County celebrates the contributions made by people with disabilities, and how disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, enhance our workforce, our communities, and our country. On Oct. 8, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). A job is so much more than a paycheck. It enables a person to contribute to their community, fulfill their potential, and build meaningful connections with those around them. King County’s Supported Employment Program has been creating significant employment opportunities for those with… Read More

Update on today’s test of KCInform

Today King County conducted a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. The test was an opportunity to practice using the system and identify potential improvements. As part of the test, we discovered that not all county employees received the test alerts. These gaps in the recipient list have now been identified and rectified. For more information about KCInform, please visit the KCInform website and watch this short video.