Executive Zahilay visits staff at Chinook Wind project in Tukwila
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently visited the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila to learn more about the project and see the habitat restoration work of employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) Water and Land Resources Division. “Yesterday I visited the hard working staff of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division at DNRP to see the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila. What used to be a rundown hotel site is now transformed back into natural habitat that will support salmon recovery for generations to come,” Executive Zahilay… Read More
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
The Revive I-5 project is designed to extend the life of the aging Ship Canal Bridge and improve safety and ride quality for years to come. While the short-term traffic impacts will be challenging, the long-term payoff will be smoother, safer travel through this critical stretch of I-5. Get the latest updates about this work from WSDOT. As part of the project, two northbound lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge will close while crews repair and resurface the bridge deck. To minimize impacts during major events, work zones will be removed in June… Read More
CSO speaks at elementary school about importance of kindness
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Shoreline Community Service Officer (CSO) Dahlia Corona was invited to speak at the Echo Lake Elementary’s annual Great Kindness Challenge on January 21, where this year’s theme was “Kindness Is Our Superpower!” The event highlighted everyday superheroes in the Shoreline community and invited local professionals to share how kindness plays a role in their work. Guest speakers included the Shoreline School District superintendent, Shoreline Deputy Mayor Eben Pobee, a neonatal nurse practitioner, and CSO Corona, who spoke with students about her role with the Shoreline… Read More
Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed. The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship… Read More
King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 16
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
A new tool makes it easy to find a Wetland Walk and celebrate World Wetlands Day
Crossposted from Headwaters Do you enjoy winter wildlife, unique plants, and peaceful preserves? Are you craving time outdoors in the midst of our darkest season? If so, allow us to recommend a Wetland Walk! King County is home to different types of wetlands, including tidal marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. These special ecosystems support plants, animals, and people, and provide wonderful opportunities to get outside and explore. Read more.
King County Licensing takes steps to combat human trafficking through awareness and training of taxi drivers
While Human Trafficking Awareness Month is wrapping up, the need for more eyes and ears on alert for this horrific crime continues all year long. Human trafficking occurs when force, fraud, or coercion is used to compel a person into sex acts, labor, or services against their will. One organization, Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST), estimates that more than 2,000 women, men, and children are currently being exploited in the Puget Sound region. Human trafficking is usually considered a hidden crime because it often happens in private settings. However, it… Read More
King County launches new battery-electric buses with enhanced operator safety features
Crossposted from Metro Matters Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined King County Metro to launch a new fleet of battery-electric buses that enhance transit operator safety, reduce harmful emissions, and prioritize deployment in south King County communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County starting Monday, Feb. 2. Initial service will operate periodically on routes 105, 128, 161, 165, 184, and RapidRide F Line as Metro evaluates performance and ramps… Read More
Department of Local Services joins community to unveil ‘Welcome to Skyway’ mural
Crossposted from King County Local A brightly colored piece of artwork now greets anyone traveling in the heart of Skyway. It’s the result of community feedback and advocacy, as well as support from the Department of Local Services. Last week, the department joined the community to unveil the new “Welcome to Skyway” mural along the north end of Renton Avenue South. Stretching 40 feet long and standing 4 feet high, the unveiling marked the culmination of a community driven effort led by the West Hill Community Association and supported by the Department… Read More
Reserve space with the Fee Assistance Program
Crossposted from the King County Parks Newsletter If you need to reserve fields or other spaces in our parks this year, check out our Fee Assistance Program! Our goal is to make sure everyone in the community can rent or use a park facility — regardless of the ability to pay. Reserve picnic shelters, trails, tennis courts, ballfields, and more. Learn more and apply here.
Employee News 