Help shape affordable housing in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Want to learn how King County can create more affordable housing in unincorporated communities? We’re exploring three policy tools that could improve housing affordability and stability — and we want your input. Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE): A program that lowers property taxes for housing developers that include affordable homes. It can apply to housing like townhomes and condos. State law now allows MFTE in parts of unincorporated King County. Inclusionary Housing: A policy that creates affordable homes as new housing is built. It can be voluntary or required. In the workshops,… Read More
KCSO celebrates National Library Week
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter During National Library Week, held annually in April, Sheriff Cole-Tindall helped spark young imaginations at the Burien Library. She read “We Match,” by Chris Barton, a colorful story about dogs discovering math, to children and their families.
Precinct 4 SET awarded Team of the Year
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter Congratulations to the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) for receiving one of the highest honors from the Washington State Narcotics Investigations Association, a non-profit professional organization dedicated to providing law enforcement training. The unit has been named the 2025 Team of the Year — a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional dedication, teamwork, and commitment to protecting our communities. This honor reflects not only their outstanding work, but also the integrity and professionalism they bring to every investigation. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and… Read More
Executive Zahilay highlights early progress to improve financial stewardship and accountability at King County
Efforts include expanded fraud prevention training, cross-departmental coordination in grant management, and a new internal audit function Recently, Executive Zahilay highlighted the early progress that has been made over the last two months to implement his Better Government Executive Order and improve accountability and transparency in government operations. Issued on his 100th day in office, the order includes comprehensive reforms to strengthen financial oversight, reduce cost growth, and improve stewardship of public funds. “Our focus is clear: stronger accountability, smarter financial practices, and a culture of continuous improvement across County government,” said Executive Zahilay. “Many of the challenges… Read More
New study explores the future of farming in King County
Crossposted from Field Notes Farming in King County is becoming increasingly challenging. High land costs, labor constraints, and shifting market conditions continue to create real barriers for farmers and farm workers, making it harder to sustain and grow agricultural businesses across the region. To better understand these challenges and identify meaningful solutions, King County recently completed an Agriculture Sector Study. The study takes a closer look at the structural barriers facing the agricultural sector—from access to land and labor costs, employee housing, healthcare costs, and new market opportunities—and identifies recommendations to support… Read More
Animals and art: 4Culture helps RASKC plan for artwork at new facility
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC In early April, staff from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) and the county’s Facilities Management Division (FMD) toured the future RASKC shelter location in Kent with 4Culture, King County’s cultural funding agency. 4Culture’s mission is to fund, support, and advocate for culture to enhance the quality of life in King County, with a focus on racial equity. The agency helps source artwork for King County’s capital projects through the “1% for Art” initiative, which mandates that all eligible county capital projects set aside 1% of the… Read More
How past trauma and current stressors interact: A conversation with the Employee Assistance Program
Mental Health Month begins on Friday, May 1. Look for additional information throughout May about the benefits and resources we offer to support King County employees’ mental health and well-being. Many people feel stretched by the pace of work, family responsibilities, and the uncertainty happening in the world right now. According to King County Employee Assistance Program Manager and counselor Miguel Messina, it makes sense that current stressors feel heavy on their own. For some people, those stressors can also stir up older experiences that were never fully resolved. “If you’re feeling… Read More
King County Auditor’s report shows DCHS continues to make significant progress
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Improving how our government works and ensuring public dollars are well spent is a top priority at King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). A recent report by the King County Auditor’s Office states that DCHS “made significant progress on audit recommendations, improving training and awareness” over the last several months as the department has implemented new policies and procedures. The work DCHS is doing will serve as a roadmap for the King County enterprise—ushering in a new era of accountability. Read more.
Notice of King County Personnel Board candidate filing and election
King County Elections will hold a candidate filing period for the elected member position on the King County Personnel Board. The candidate filing period will begin on Monday, May 4 at 8 a.m. and will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8. There is a $5 non-refundable filing fee. The Personnel Board conducts hearings on appeals of certain personnel actions as provided for in Section 540 of the King County Charter. The Personnel Board consists of five members, four of whom are appointed, and one member elected by county career service employees. The… Read More
Seeing GIS through fresh eyes: A middle schooler’s inspiring visit to the King County GIS Center
Crossposted from GIS & You Sometimes the best reminder of why GIS matters comes from seeing it through fresh eyes. Recently, an energetic 8th grader with a real passion for maps and geography visited the King County GIS Center with his mom for a lunchtime learning adventure. His excitement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions made it a memorable visit with Fred Lott and the GIS Center staff. It was inspiring to see him realize just how much of daily life GIS quietly shapes. We’re happy to share his story here on the GIS… Read More
Employee News 