Executive Zahilay announces key amendments and regional partnerships to improve Sound Transit 3 system plan for King County

Yesterday, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced his sponsorship for new amendments to the ST3 system update plan that will advance critical transit projects in King County and improve accountability at Sound Transit.   The Sound Transit Board is expected to vote on these amendments and updated plan on Thursday. In March, the Executive committed to regional collaboration to address the agency’s $34.5 billion funding shortfall while keeping projects affordable and moving forward.  “Addressing a budget deficit of this size is incredibly challenging, and difficult decisions were always going to be necessary,” said Executive Zahilay. “Even so, we made meaningful progress to move all of King County’s projects forward, and… Read More

Celebrate American wetlands this month!

Crossposted from Headwaters Each May, we celebrate American Wetlands Month to shine a light on these special ecosystems that provide clean water, flood protection, and critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetland Inventory Program, a vital tool for tracking wetlands across the United States, including right here in King County. You can learn more about this work and check out status and trends in the NWI’s 50th anniversary Storymap. The NWI includes a wetland inventory that was developed by King County and adopted by… Read More

Older Americans Month: Investing in senior health promotion

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Every May, the nation observes Older Americans Month (OAM) to recognize the contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to helping older adults thrive in their communities. The 2026 OAM national theme, Champion Your Health, focuses on prevention and wellness as cornerstones of healthy aging. It highlights the importance ofevidence-based approaches, caregiver roles, and community partnerships that empower individuals to lead healthy lives. Read more.

Landscaping takes shape at new shelter site

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Until now, most of the work being done at the new Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) shelter location has been focused on the interior of the building. Recently, the county’s Facilities Management Division (FMD) worked with a local landscaping company to revitalize the exterior landscaping, opening multiple parking spaces, public walkways, and an entry point to the nearby Green River Trail that had been overrun by weeds and overgrown trees. When the new facility officially opens, the public will be able to park their cars… Read More

Robert E. Gant named King County Juvenile Court Services Director

Crossposted from Medium King County Superior Court has selected Robert E. Gant MA, LMHC, as the Director of Juvenile Court Services. Robert has served as a Juvenile Court Services Manager since joining the Court in 2019 and was Acting Director in 2021. “Robert’s work is characterized by the collaboration and clarity necessary to ensure Juvenile Court delivers programs that are effective, strategic, and promote equitable outcomes,” said King County Superior Court Chief Administrative Officer Linda K. Ridge. “We are grateful for his leadership and longstanding commitment to serving youth and families in… Read More

Executive Zahilay visits Harborview to view geotechnical drilling

Crossposted from the DES Express King County’s Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division (HCID) was pleased to welcome County Executive Girmay Zahilay to Harborview Medical Center on May 4 to view the current geotechnical drilling taking place on campus and learn more about the project. Over the last month, HCID has been conducting geotechnical drilling at various locations across campus, drilling up to 150 feet down to better understand soil conditions in preparation for constructing new facilities for patients and staff. The samples will inform the design of the new patient tower to… Read More

King County to observe Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will be on Sunday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, May 26.

ARFF joins Touch-a-Truck event

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter On April 26, King County Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) joined the annual Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Junior League of Seattle, giving kids of all ages a hands-on look at big rigs from various agencies. The KCSO fire truck was a clear crowd favorite, drawing a steady line of excited future first responders. Special thanks to ARFF Captain Eric Muller and ARFF Sergeant Clint Herman for participating in this fun event.

Inside the pipes that keep everything flowing

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Aaron Squires stands at the edge of a maintenance hole in Redmond, pulling on a pair of waders. A King County truck sits nearby, with cones marking the work zone and cables running down into the opening below. Squires is part of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s 15-member conveyance inspection team, responsible for maintaining and surveying the pipes that spans across our service area.  Below the surface, more than 380 miles of County-owned pipe carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. Known as the… Read More

FIFA World Cup to bring road closures, traffic impacts along with the spotlight

Crossposted from the DES Express The first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle kicks off at noon on Monday, June 15, with a total of six games in Seattle through July 6. During that time, there will be many special events throughout the Puget Sound region and the state celebrating the tournament. Local event planners are anticipating 750,000 visitors to the region for the World Cup. While the World Cup events will spotlight our region, they will also bring increased traffic, road closures and pressures on public transportation. Read more.