Stars, stripes, and second chances
We’re celebrating 250 years of the red, white, and blue! Adopt any dog or kitten from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) for just $50 through July 31. See our selection of adoptable pets here, or visit us at the King County Pet Adoption Center, located at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent. Adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. See all the adorable adoptable pets we have waiting for you at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.
Records Management Reminder: Retain each email in a thread
Each email has unique metadata, including some data we do not even see when viewing our emails in Outlook. When emails are viewed as part of a thread or chain, some of that metadata for the previous emails can be lost. It is for that reason that state guidance and case law requires that we manage each email, even if the text of those emails are included in a single thread or chain. The exception to that is are emails that are transitory and can be deleted at any time. For more information, review the Email… Read More
Mid-year reminder: Make the most of your FSA dollars
We’re halfway through 2026, and it’s a good time to check your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balances and take steps to make sure you spend your remaining funds before the end of the year. Here’s some additional reminders: Health Care FSAs Use Health Care FSA funds to purchase summer-related items such as sunscreen, first aid kits, and prescription sunglasses. Schedule any necessary back-to-school check-ups and sports physicals if you have children. Many over-the-counter items are FSA-eligible, such as pain relievers, cold and allergy medicine, antacids, and feminine care. See the complete list… Read More
Bots trying to join your Teams call? Don’t let them in!
King County is seeing an increase in automated “meeting bots” attempting to join Microsoft Teams meetings—sometimes without the meeting organizer’s knowledge. These bots can pose a serious security risk; unauthorized bots may record, transcribe, or export meeting content to external systems, potentially exposing confidential information. Microsoft Teams now detects many external bots and places them in the meeting lobby, clearly marking them as automated participants. However, human approval is still required: someone in the meeting must choose whether to admit or block the bot. What you should do: If you see a… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces one-year lease for Harbor Island Studios with CREATE48 Media Network
Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a one-year lease agreement with CREATE48 Media Network for the use of Harbor Island Studios, supporting the region’s growing film industry, strengthening the creative economy, and expanding job opportunities for local filmmakers, creatives, and production professionals. “Harbor Island Studios has been a unique public asset that supports King County’s film industry and creative economy. I’m glad we were able to find a nonprofit partner to continue momentum for the community while we work with stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy that supports access to affordable film and production space in our region,” said Executive Zahilay. “We’re excited that CREATE48 Media Network will… Read More
Progress on extreme heat preparedness five years after fatal heat dome
Crossposted from Field Notes Five years after the Pacific Northwest Heat Dome that led to 34 heat-related deaths in King County, our staff continues to work with partner agencies and communities to better prepare our region for extreme heat. Guided by King County’s Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy, we’ve made progress on multiple fronts to help people stay safe and promote more equitable access to healthy tree canopy. Read more.
July is Disability Pride Month
The Disability Pride flag – Celebrating inclusion for all The King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) invites you to recognize Disability Pride. The Disability Pride flag was created in 2019 by disability rights activist Ann Magill. Initially, the flag featured a zigzag design. After receiving feedback from people with visual and other disabilities, the flag was revised in 2021. It is now comprised of 5 diagonal stripes of various colors on a faded black background. Each stripe represents an array of disabilities, including: Red for physical disabilities Gold for neurodiversity White for invisible disabilities and… Read More
A year in residence: Q’mmunity House’s impact on LGBTQIA+ veterans in King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections After only a year in operation, Q’mmunity House is making a profound impact, achieving full occupancy by the end of its first year. As a first-in-the-nation transitional home designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ veterans experiencing homelessness, the program provides on-site case management, essential connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming environment. Read more.
What to know before taking transit to events on the big July 4 holiday weekend
Crossposted from Metro Matters Fireworks, parades, picnics and festivals on the Fourth of July weekend — there’s so much going on in honor of the country’s 250th birthday! Here’s some things to know before stepping onto transit on July 4 to get to your celebration. King County Metro buses are operating on a Sunday schedule on Friday, July 3, (a holiday for many workers) and will operate a regular Saturday schedule on Saturday, July 4. There are bus reroutes planned in several areas July 4 due to events, such as parades, fun runs and local festivals around… Read More
ADA Title II and Disability Equity Resource Hub is live for employees
It is officially July, which means it is officially Disability Pride Month! From the ADA and Disability Equity Team to you, we hope you have a month full of accessibility, inclusion, and disability joy. The ADA team is part of the Executive’s Office and focuses on systemwide change to build a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and equity in every part of King County government. One of the ways the team is celebrating is by launching our new SharePoint site and resource hub. Here employees can learn more about our team, our work, get support for your department, and learn about… Read More
Employee News 