King County announces applications are now open for Executive’s Small Business Awards
On July 3, King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced that applications for the Executive’s Small Business Awards are now open. There are eight Small Business of the Year award categories: Overall Small Business, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Exporting, Green/Sustainable, Workforce Development, Rural, and Creative Economy. “Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, providing jobs, driving innovation, and reflecting the rich diversity of our region,” said Executive Braddock. “It’s an honor to celebrate the entrepreneurs whose vision and determination power King County’s economy and strengthen our communities.” To be eligible, businesses must be located within King… Read More
Honoring Juneteenth: A day to learn, reflect, and act
Dear fellow King County employee, As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth tomorrow, June 19, I want to take a moment to recognize the deep significance of this day, not only in American history, but also in our collective journey toward racial justice, equity, and freedom. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day that represents the long and ongoing struggle for true racial equity and freedom,… Read More
Megan Pedersen appointed Chief People Officer for King County
King County Executive Shannon Braddock has appointed King County’s Director of Office of Labor Relations (OLR), Megan Pedersen, to the Chief People Officer role for the remainder of the Executive’s term. This follows Whitney Abram’s announcement that she is departing to Sound Transit. Whitney’s last day was June 2, 2025. We are fortunate at King County to have built a strong team with deep experience and talent, ensuring continuity, stability, and a seamless transition when employees and leaders depart. We continue to lead with our King County values, and our priority is… 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
Honoring those who served and their sacrifices this Memorial Day
Dear fellow King County employee, As we prepare to observe Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the profound significance of this day. Memorial Day honors the brave members of our country’s armed forces who gave their lives fighting to protect and preserve freedom here at home and around the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who have served, and particularly to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their sacrifices—and the sacrifices of their families—remind us of the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy. We… Read More
Kerry Wade receives Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award
For her commitment to enriching the lives of young people in King County and shaping programs and policies focused on children, Kerry Wade, Best Starts for Kids Community Partnership Manager, has been honored with the Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award – Individual Contributor. Her leadership helps ensure all children grow up happy, healthy, and thriving in their communities. 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 while inspiring others to… Read More
Executive Braddock unveils 200-Day Plan
On Tuesday, Executive Braddock unveiled a 200-Day Plan for positioning the county for continued success while fostering lasting progress. “Thanks to your service, my office has hit the ground running, advancing essential business and preparing for the future,” the Executive said. “My 200-Day Plan sets out how I will lead and what I will focus on as County Executive.” The 200-Day Plan emphasizes delivering results for King County residents through strategic initiatives, safeguarding services, and prioritizing stability. It focuses on crafting a responsible budget, fostering regional collaboration and innovation wherever possible, and… Read More
Winners of the 2024 Best-Run Government Awards
King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced the winners of 2024 Best-Run Government Awards, which honor exceptional performance, leadership, innovation, and a commitment to equity, efficiency, and effectiveness. In a new video, Executive Braddock revealed the winners of the eight Best-Run Government Awards: five innovation awards – for people, cost, service, climate and environmental stewardship, and equity, racial and social justice – and three leadership awards – for people leaders, individual contributors, and the Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award for senior leaders. “Choosing the winners from the many worthy nominations from Executive… Read More
Executive Braddock proclaims May as Mental Health Month
May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources. “During this month, we encourage King County employees to educate themselves about mental health conditions and treatment option; challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same, and create safe, supportive environments for open conversations about mental health,” said Executive Braddock. ” Read the full proclamation here.
Join King County in recognizing Mental Health Month
Each May, King County joins people across the country to recognize Mental Health Month. This year, with so much change and uncertainty in the world, many of us are feeling high levels of stress. Mental Health Month reminds us to pause, acknowledge the stress we are experiencing, and explore resources that can help us support our well-being. Right now, you may be carrying more than usual. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, changes at work or home, or the weight of trying to hold everything together—I want you to know that… Read More
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