Records Management Reminder: Manage records throughout your employment
As government employees, managing records is a job requirement for each of us. It is not just a role assigned to admin folks; it is a part of all jobs, including those at every level of county government. It is for that reason that each of us should be managing our records throughout our employment, and not just at the end. Employees who are supervisors are also responsible for records that were not managed by their direct reports, and should encourage their staff to manage their records over time. This could include periodically identifying and deleting transitory records, periodically… Read More
Pedals and paws: A summer safety guide
Crossposted from King County Parks This time of year is made for getting outside. With so many people enjoying King County’s parks and trails during the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to keep these spaces safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. Two of the biggest ways you can help? Slow your roll and leash up your pup. This summer, King County Parks and partner organizations are teaming up to promote safe, enjoyable experiences across the region. You might see staff out on the trails offering friendly reminders, answering questions, and even rewarding great trail etiquette. Be sure to give them… Read More
Join the Ragnar Trail Rainier Relay Team!
Do you enjoy running? Hiking? Camping? Questionable decisions that somehow turn into great stories? Then Ragnar trail runs might be for you! We’re putting together a team of King County employees for the Ragnar Trail Rainier Relay held Friday, Aug. 21 to Saturday the 22, where teammates take turns running beautiful trail loops, cheer each other on, hang out at camp between runs, and prove that a little dirt, a few hills, and not much sleep can still equal an amazing weekend. No, you don’t have to run a marathon! Ragnar is a relay, so… Read More
2029 midpoint update to the King County Comprehensive Plan: Public input is now open
Crossposted from King County Local King County is starting work on its next update to the Comprehensive Plan (due in 2029), and we’re inviting the public to help shape what’s included. A draft scope of work is now available for review. This document outlines the topics that could be included in the midpoint update, the plan for environmental review, and how community members can get involved throughout the process. For this 2029 Midpoint Update, the county is proposing to focus on three major areas: Climate Change and Resiliency Shorelines Housing The scope of work… Read More
Watch your mailbox!
Your ballot is in the mail. If you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, July 20, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE. Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information. Vote early! As soon as you’ve made your choices, make a point to return your ballot as soon as possible. Voting early means you can rest assured your ballot is on time and your voice will be heard. For more information about King County Elections visit kingcounty.gov/Elections.
Welcoming new neighbors: King County invests in vital support for immigrant and refugee communities
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) seeks to create a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region where all individuals and communities are safe, connected, housed, healthy, and empowered to succeed. For newly arrived immigrant, refugee, and asylee neighbors, navigating the complexities of a new place can be daunting—especially when facing systemic barriers and the evolving challenges of federal civil immigration enforcement. To meet these urgent and shifting needs, King County DCHS is proud to announce the distribution of $2 million in emergency support funds to address emerging needs among immigrant, refugee, and asylee communities in King County. This… Read More
July is Disability Pride Month – The voices of lived experiences, part two
To celebrate Disability Pride month, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) gathered reflections from employees living with hidden and visible disabilities about how their disabilities are an asset in the workplace, and how those attributes allow them to effectively serve King County residents. In part two of a multi-part series, KCDEN is sharing these first-person experiences to highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities. Because disability status is often stigmatized, the thoughts are shared anonymously and have been edited for brevity and clarity. “My disability is an asset at work because I am a… Read More
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, March-April 2026
Crossposted from Metro Matters They cook and also love Volkswagens. They travel and enjoy weightlifting. They golf, snowboard, play soccer and enjoy walks. Their riders say they are: “super cheerful and considerate,” “exceptionally courteous, especially to elderly passengers,” and an “incredibly kind and friendly driver who makes the commute better.” They’re operators with close to a combined 250 years of transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities. Meet your Operators of the Month for March and April 2026. Read more.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay appoints Matt Smith to lead the Department of Human Resources
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay appointed Matt Smith to serve as the Director of the King County Department of Human Resources (DHR), pending Council confirmation. Smith will lead the department which supports King County’s workforce of more than 18,000 employees. “Matt Smith is an accomplished leader who shares my belief that an organization’s greatest strength lies in its people,” said Executive Zahilay. “He has a deep understanding of human resources strategy, leadership, and labor and employment law. I look forward to Matt’s leadership to advance King County’s priorities and to support our talented, innovative, diverse, and inclusive workforce that aims to make a difference in their communities and the lives of the… Read More
King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland celebrate opening of new permanent supportive housing community, Sheila Stanton Place
On July 8, King County, Plymouth Housing, and the City of Kirkland celebrated the grand opening of Sheila Stanton Place, a new permanent supportive housing community providing 101 homes for adults exiting homelessness. Developed through the King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Health Through Housing initiative and operated by Plymouth Housing, the community combines affordable housing with on-site services designed to help residents maintain stability, improve health, and build meaningful connections in the communities where they live. Sheila Stanton Place is the result of years of collaboration between King County, Plymouth Housing, the City of Kirkland, service providers, faith leaders,… Read More
Employee News 