Protecting the wastewater system, one coat of paint at a time

Crossposted from the OneDNRP Newsletter When you think about wastewater, you probably don’t think about paint. But painting plays a big role in keeping our system running safely and reliably. Wes Wilson is one of our industrial painters at West Point Treatment Plant. In this short video, he shows us how his work protects pipes, pumps, and equipment from the harsh, corrosive environment they operate in every day. Take a few minutes to walk the plant with Wes and hear why he takes so much pride in what he does in the… Read More

Seven national awards for achievements in news, social, video, graphic arts, web design, and multicultural outreach 

Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) communications staff recently received a combined seven awards at two national conferences, recognizing achievements in news media, social media, video production, web design, graphic art, and multicultural outreach. On the same night they received the Golden Post Award at the Government Social Media conference hosted in Orlando, they received awards in six categories at the National Association of Government Communicators annual conference hosted in Pittsburgh. Those are in addition to their three Northwest Regional Emmy Award nominations. “We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team… Read More

Tim Anderson promoted to lead Regional Animal Services of King County

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC After a competitive nationwide search, Tim Anderson has been chosen as the new manager of Regional Animal Services of King County. He takes over for Dr. Gene Mueller, who retired in December 2024. “We cast a wide net to find our next leader for Regional Animal Services, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional candidate among our own leadership,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “I know that Tim will uphold our commitment to providing outstanding service to the people and pets of King County.” “I’m… Read More

Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, March-April 2025

Crossposted from Metro Matters They cook, take trips and root for their grandchildren’s sports teams. They collect comic books, watch retro TV, ride motorcycles, crochet, and work with worms. Some are traveling in the footsteps of relatives who work for transit systems across the county and country. Those who ride with them say “Thanks to the operator who greets me with a big smile,” that they are “always kind and patient,” and have “Such great compassion and understanding for others.” These operators—with a combined 175 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy… Read More

Recipient of Innovation Award for Cost recovered $5 million in delinquent tax revenue

The Personal Property Escalated Collection Team, part of Treasury Operations in the Finance and Business Operations Division of the Department of Executive Services, is the winner of the 2024 Best-Run Government Award for Cost. The award was one of eight announced by Executive Shannon Braddock on May 8. Through its Outreach to Businesses program, the team worked collaboratively with King County commercial businesses to recover $5.3 million of revenue and fees from 2023 and 2024 delinquent taxes – and reduce the portion of taxes which had become delinquent from 4.06% in 2023… Read More

DAJD’s Closing the Officer Vacancy Gap project receives Innovation Award for People

In recent years, law enforcement has been one of the most challenging industries for recruitment and hiring. Between 2019 and 2023, law enforcement hiring nationwide saw a 40% increase in job openings and a 39% decrease in applicants per job, creating unprecedented recruitment challenges. These trends deeply impacted King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), which experienced a rise in vacancies—from 19 in 2020 to 120 Corrections Officer (CO) vacancies by early 2024—despite record-setting hiring years in 2022 and 2023. The department also saw a high vacancy rate for Juvenile… Read More

Shuyi Hu awarded the 2024 Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award: People Leader

When a critical project to update King County’s court case management system faced a significant challenge, Shuyi Hu, Technology Division Director for the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) – Technology Services Division, stayed focused and kept the project moving. His determination, tenacity, innovative approach, and leadership skills contributed to Shuyi winning the 2024 Best-Run Government – Leadership Excellence Award – People Leader. The Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Awards recognize individuals who have made significant and tangible leadership contributions to developing Executive branch values in others, improving workplace culture, and leading organizational change… Read More

May 18-24 2025 is National Emergency Medical Services Week

King County Executive Shannon Braddock has declared May 18-24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week in King County. “This is in recognition of the value and the accomplishments of our emergency medical services personnel throughout our region,” she said. EMS Week is a time to honor emergency medicine’s frontline workers who provide lifesaving services in our community – day and night. Our own Medic One/EMS system in King County has been called “one of the world’s best” which can be directly attributed to the dedication and skill of the EMTs, paramedics and… Read More

Meet Wellness Hero Aaron Parker 

Balanced You Wellness Heroes highlights employees doing things to better their lives, the lives of their colleagues, and our community. Meet Wellness Hero Aaron Parker, Director of Community Corrections Division, Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD). In this video, Aaron talks about his career and role at King County, the benefits of sports for youth mental health, and what he does outside of work including volunteering at the Seattle Central District Little League. They most recently had the opportunity to officially open the Mariners season!

All in for Road Services All Hands event

What happens when more than 300 Road Services Division employees get together to learn, connect, and recharge? They roll up their sleeves at the fourth annual All Hands event, held on May 7, 2025! With teambuilding as the theme, collaboration and connection were at the heart of every activity. The Road Services Division hosts this annual daylong event to offer employees valuable professional development opportunities, help them learn more about the wide range of King County benefits, and most importantly, foster greater collaboration and connection across the team. The event draws hundreds… Read More