Local solutions to food insecurity
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Between the high cost of living and unprecedented cuts to federal food programs, many people in King County are struggling to put food on the table. In 2018-2022, 9.5% of all residents in King County reported that food they purchased sometimes or often did not last, and they did not have money to buy more. Food banks are having a hard time keeping up, and workers who help people find resources are overwhelmed by the growing number of people who need help. “This is a critical moment… Read More
Honoring World Refugee Day in King County, June 20
On World Refugee Day, RISE (Refugees and Immigrants Support & Empowerment) Employee Resource Group joins communities across King County, Washington State, the United States, and around the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees. Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day honors people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or disaster. It is a day to recognize their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Many King County residents and employees bring lived experiences as refugees… Read More
Summer heat safety: Burn ban takes effect June 22, fireworks prohibited in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local With warmer temperatures and a busy soccer summer in the forecast, King County is taking several steps to help remind the community the importance of fire safety. The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures this summer. That will create drier conditions and increase the risk of fire. Given that forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County that will take effect Monday, June 22. And with the July 4th holiday in a couple of weeks, Urban also is reminding the community… Read More
Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano as the new Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The current acting director, Dr. Valenciano was confirmed by both the Metropolitan King County Council and the Seattle City Council on Tuesday, June 9. “Community health and wellbeing are central to everything we do at King County, and Dr. Valenciano has the experience, expertise, and commitment to lead this critical department into the future,” said Executive Zahilay. “She is a well-known… Read More
DCHS shares new data showing strong housing stability and improved health outcomes for residents
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) today announced the release of updated data to the Health Through Housing (HTH) Annual Reporting Dashboard. For the fourth consecutive year since the dashboard’s launch, data shows strong outcomes for Health Through Housing residents, providing further evidence that permanent supportive housing delivers positive outcomes for people exiting chronic homelessness. The updated dashboard highlights significant improvements in housing stability, health outcomes, and criminal legal system involvement among residents living in Health Through Housing sites across King County. Read more.
Sharing my first 2026 State of the County address with all of you
On Wednesday, June 10, I delivered my first State of the County address in front of a crowd of over 500 attendees including King County Council, King County department leaders and employees, local elected officials and residents at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center. My goal with this first address was to talk about some of what this administration has been working on, my goals for the future and my commitment to the work ahead with each of you. We are living through a period of tremendous change in King County where… Read More
King County Executive and Council honor Juneteenth
Executive Zahilay and the King County Council jointly proclaim Friday, June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in King County. Together, they share how “Juneteenth is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress, achievements, and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make, and an occasion to look forward to the work that remains to reach full economic and social equity for the descendants of enslaved African Americans.” June 19, 2026 also marks the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, which continues to be a profound symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey… Read More
Management team donates time to Food Lifeline
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Employee Newsletter Ten people from Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) Senior Management Team spent a recent Friday volunteering at Food Lifeline in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. During a two-hour morning session on May 29, the team boxed 10,000 pounds of cabbage, then returned for an afternoon shift to bag 2,000 pounds of dried black beans. The team performed this day of service as part of DAJD’s commitment to Employee Giving. Senior management hopes the volunteer work will encourage other employees and workgroups to donate… Read More
Take care working outdoors during hot weather
With warm temperatures heading our way, employees and supervisors are reminded to take care of themselves and one another as temperatures rise. There will be a gradual warming trend through Friday, with temperatures expected to warm further on Saturday, and peak Sunday and Monday. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors, and in extreme heat, Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever… Read More
Seattle’s first FIFA World Cup match kicks off on Monday, June 15
The first of six FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches at Lumen Field in Seattle (referred to as Seattle Stadium for the FIFA World Cup) between Belgium and Egypt kicks off at noon, Monday, June 15. On game days, street closures will go into effect four hours before kickoff and stay in place until approximately two hours after the end of the match. There will be significant security and crowd-control measures in place around the stadium, with no on-site parking at the stadium. Both King Street Center (KSC) and the Graybar Building are located within the secure… Read More
Employee News 