Update on storm damage at Pet Adoption Center, limited operations to continue
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Unfortunately, the cat building at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) sustained significant damage from falling trees during the recent storm and the structure has been deemed unsafe for occupancy. As a result, we have lost more than half of our available cat housing. This has a tremendous impact on our ability to help animals and serve our community. As a result, RASKC will temporarily adapt operations to focus our limited resources on priority situations where immediate intervention is necessary. Read more.
Ringing in the New Year: King County Metro and regional transit agencies celebrate New Year’s Eve with free fares
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations. “Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” Executive Zahilay said. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access… Read More
Wishing all employees a joyful holiday season
Happy Holidays to all our employees and their loved ones. May you enjoy time together with joy and laughter. A special thank you to our employees who are working over the holiday. King County is grateful for your service.
King County DNRP employees continue 24/7 flood response after rapid levee repairs, repurposing trails for emergency responders, treating 2 billion gallons of wastewater
Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes In a wide range of actions that include rapid levee responses, operating the Flood Warning Program, repurposing trails to assist emergency responders, preparing transfer stations for a surge in debris, and treating more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks employees continue to contribute to a coordinated emergency response to the historic storm. Read more.
VIDEO: Flood Patrol’s quick response helped a community evacuate flooding on the White River
Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes It was just after midnight Tuesday when Josh Kubo and Craig Garric – two members of King County’s Flood Patrol – were inspecting a flood barrier along the White River when water seeping through suddenly became a breach. As soon as the barrier collapsed, the crew members quickly adapted from monitoring to rescue. They reported the breach to the King County Flood Warning Center and then ran door to door in the middle of the night, guiding neighbors to an evacuation route. A King County Sheriff’s Office deputy… Read More
Employee safety reminders and resources
King County cares about the safety of our employees and provides a number of safety programs and resources to help you stay safe and informed. Who to contact In an emergency, call 911 first, then call Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security at 206-296-5000 when you are able. FMD Security Unit: Contact the Security Unit to seek assistance from FMD Security and report non-emergency incidents. Web: FMD Security Unit | Phone: 206-296-5000 | Email: FMD.Security@kingcounty.gov Click here to report a security incident to the Facilities Management Division Security team. Security Escort Program: Upon request, King County provides security escorts to employees in downtown Seattle to and from… Read More
Our top stories and videos for 2025
The twice-weekly King County Employee Newsletter is developed by the Employee Communications Team, within the Department of Human Resources (DHR). This newsletter regularly updates employees with important, relevant information. Throughout 2025, the newsletter shared exciting highlights, employee spotlights, emergency and safety news, notices about benefits and retirement, learning and development opportunities, and other essential information. We are thankful to you, King County employees, for interacting with these stories, sharing ideas and opportunities to include, and encouraging others to engage with them. You inspire us to research, write, and develop meaningful, essential content… Read More
Connecting salmon back to their habitat: The Fish Passage Restoration Program
Jyoti Karna, intern at the Performance and Strategy (PSB) team, recently interviewed Evan Lewis and Rose LeSmith on the Fish Passage Restoration Program. The story highlights the incredible work underway to reconnect salmon to historic habitat by removing barriers like culverts and stream crossings across unincorporated King County – and the role monitoring plays in turning a long-term vision into a coordinated, measurable program. Read the full story here. Take a moment to check out this story and explore others in the Monitoring in Action section to see how King County programs are turning data… Read More
King County hosts national leaders in evidence-informed policymaking
Crossposted from the DES Express More than 200 people attended a national convening in the Chinook Conference Center on Nov. 12, including about 100 attendees from across the country and an additional 100 King County employees. The event showcased leading practices in how local governments use data and evidence to advance equitable community outcomes. Read more.
Resources to support mental and emotional health during a disaster
Making Life Easier (MLE) provides resources to support the mental and emotional health of you and your household members, including during and after natural disasters, such as the flooding King County is currently experiencing. Employees and anyone residing in the employee’s home can call MLE at 888-874-7290 24/7 and reach a licensed counselor who can provide in-the-moment support over the phone and can connect you to work-life specialists who can help identify community resources for needs like housing, food, and personal care items. Read more.
Employee News 