Executive Braddock statement on King County’s response to federal government’s delayed SNAP funding

In response to the ongoing need for food security and hunger relief during the federal government shutdown, Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement: “The ongoing government shutdown has threatened the health and well-being of individuals and families, particularly those who rely on federal funding and programs for food security. I am heartened to see how strongly our region and state have responded to support those at risk of losing SNAP benefits, from individuals and community organizations to businesses and local governments. Their compassion and support show the strength of our communities… Read More

Join us in the Annual Giving Drive!

Dear fellow King County employee,  As we enter the season of giving, I’m proud to announce the launch of our Annual Giving Drive, running from Sept. 29 to Nov. 14, 2025. This year’s theme, “Start Something Good,” is a celebration of King County’s strong legacy and invites us to cultivate hope and take positive action.  Every act of giving is a fresh beginning. Through the Annual Giving Drive, we can choose to grow the good by supporting causes that matter most to each of us.  The Annual Giving Drive is closely aligned… Read More

My 2026-2027 proposed biennial budget: Message from Shannon Braddock, King County Executive

Dear fellow King County employee,  Tuesday I transmitted my 2026-2027 proposed biennial budget to the Metropolitan King County Council. It is a budget that prioritizes key investments in public safety, housing, and behavioral health while preventing devastating cuts to critical services thanks to a new revenue source. The budget also prepares King County for uncertainties surrounding future federal funding.  My 2026-2027 budget proposal protects core services to ensure safe, vibrant, and healthy communities where everyone can thrive. It also creates efficiencies and invests in proven programs serving those in need. By proposing… Read More

Executive Braddock celebrates 2025 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month 

Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be… Read More

Support that works: Mental health and recovery resources

Nothing is more important than our health and well-being, and that includes our mental health.  This week is World Suicide Prevention Week, and throughout September we are also recognizing National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a reminder that no one should have to face mental health challenges or substance use disorders alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible.  Many of us have lost people or know people who have tragically lost family and friends to suicide. It is important to remember that we can… Read More

Executive Braddock announces $2.17 million in Re+ grants that will help small businesses and nonprofits reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions

King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently announced a combined $2.17 million in grant funding for 14 projects that will reduce waste and keep valuable resources in the economy and out of the landfill. Each project contributes to Re+, King County’s initiative to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to a sustainable circular economy. Nearly half of the projects will reduce food waste by collecting unused crops from local farms for culinary training and free meals, reducing waste generated from events, and converting food waste into organic fertilizer for local farmers. Several… Read More

Health + Care: A comic strip salutes 10 years of Seattle/King County Clinic

Crossposted from Public Health Insider It’s been over 10 years since Seattle Center invited Public Health – Seattle & King County to join an ambitious effort to stand-up a massive pop-up clinic. The doors opened to Seattle/King County Clinic in KeyArena in 2014, with free medical, dental and vision care. We didn’t imagine then that it would become the largest community-driven free health clinic of its kind in the United States! We are enormously proud to be one of the over 100 organizations that continue to make this free healthcare opportunity happen…. Read More

Modernize aquatic centers, enhance parks, restore river corridors, expand access to outdoor recreation: Executive Braddock announces $31 million in King County Parks Levy grant funding

King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced her proposal for $31 million in Parks Levy funding that would modernize aquatic centers, enhance parks and trails, restore river corridors, and expand access to outdoor recreation. The King County Parks Levy has generated a combined $88.6 million for community grants since it was approved by voters in August 2019. Half of the funding would help city- and school-operated aquatic centers make swimming pools more accessible to children and families of all abilities while assisting with electrical, plumbing, and heating upgrades. City parks throughout King County would… Read More

Executive Braddock proposes continuation of local behavioral health sales tax for mental health, substance use care

Today, Executive Braddock announced her proposal to renew MIDD, a local 0.1% behavioral health tax that funds vital mental health and substance use treatment. In 2025, MIDD is estimated to generate $97 million for programs that support health, wellness, recovery, and connection to community for people throughout King County. For nearly two decades, MIDD has helped bolster treatment and crisis response programs that have experienced years of divestment at the federal and state levels, providing services to many low-income residents who lack access to care or who do not qualify for Medicaid. “At… Read More

Green Diesel Pilot receives BRG Innovation award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship

The Green Diesel Pilot Project has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship. Congratulations to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Solid Waste Division (SWD), Green Diesel Pilot Project team, and all their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government. A special thank you to Jamey Barker, Scott Barden, James Gentili, and Anthony Slaughter. The Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress in advancing the goals of King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan and/or protecting and… Read More