Eligible PERS 2 members can switch to PERS 3 in January
Each January, certain members of Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 have the opportunity to make a permanent transfer to PERS Plan 3. If you are an active PERS Plan 2 member who began service before Sept. 1, 2002, and you will earn service credit in January, you are eligible to transfer to Plan 3. Use the resources on the Department of Retirement Systems website to help you decide if transferring to Plan 3 is right for you. To transfer from Plan 2 to Plan 3, complete a Member Transfer form and return it by… Read More
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums to increase in 2026
The Employment Security Department recently announced that premium rates for the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program will be changing next year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026: The premium rate will increase from 0.92% to 1.13% of your gross wages. Employers will pay 28.57% of the total premium and employees will pay 71.43%. This is a slight change from 2025 when the ratio was employer 28.48% and employee 71.52%. The Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program is funded by mandatory premiums collected from employees and employers in Washington state. By law,… Read More
King County Road crews monitoring, responding 24/7 to flooding
Crossposted from King County Local Road Services Division crews with the Department of Local Services have been monitoring and responding to roadways and bridge conditions in unincorporated King County throughout this historic storm. Heavy rainfall and flooding have overwhelmed roads and bridges across the region. As Western Washington braces for another atmospheric river next week, the impacts from this week’s extreme weather are far from over. In other words, expect continued road closures as conditions change. (At the time of this blogpost, nearly 30 roads in unincorporated King County were closed, with… Read More
King County DNRP employees continue 24/7 flood response after rapid levee repairs, repurposing trails for emergency responders, treating two billion gallons of wastewater
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. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay on Friday hosted Gov. Bob Ferguson’s press briefing at a levee along the Green River where DNRP’s Flood Patrol discovered a sinkhole that could have potentially caused… Read More
Stranded but steady: Operator keeps Carnation Treatment Plant running during atmospheric river
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories When a powerful atmospheric river settled over King County this week, the Snoqualmie Valley experienced some of the most significant impacts. Floodwaters quickly covered rural roads around Carnation, cutting off access to neighborhoods, farms, and the Carnation Treatment Plant. Inside the plant, Wastewater Operator Tyler Stiltner suddenly found himself on an island. Surrounded by rising water and unable to leave, he became the only person able to keep the facility running while the storm intensified. His experience offers a firsthand look at what it means to protect… Read More
Discounts available for Cirque du Soleil ECHO
Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil ECHO, where poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share. This 20th Big Top show offers bold new visuals, a unique aesthetic, and vibrant characters that bring a universe of color and wonder to life. Discounts are available for performances at Marymoor Park, Jan. 30 – Mar. 15, 2026. Use this link to save up to 20% using this link for select seats/dates. VIP Packages and groups of 10+ save 25% +… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates historic appointment of Rhonda Lewis as the new King County Councilmember for District 2 and appointment of Sound Transit board members
Rhonda Lewis was unanimously selected by the King County Council for an interim appointment to District 2. She becomes the first Black woman ever to serve on the Council, and creates the first majority of women in the Council’s history. At the same meeting, the Council unanimously approved Executive Zahilay’s slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Read more.
Inclement weather information for employees
With rain and flooding continuing to cause hazardous travel conditions across parts of King County, here are some resources to help you stay informed and safe on your commute. WHERE TO GET OFFICIAL INFORMATION King County Emergency News: kcemergency.com River levels, flood conditions, and sandbag resources and distribution: flood.kingcounty.gov, or call the King County Flood Warning Center, 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263 Road closures and travel impacts: MyCommute (King County) and WSDOT King County My Commute Transit service impacts: King County Metro and Sound Transit Schedules and maps – King County, Washington, kingcounty.gov. Emergency alerts: ALERT King County sign-up ALERT King County – King… Read More
Employee discounts to performances at 5th Avenue Theatre
King County employees can take advantage of a 25% discount to several upcoming performances at the famed 5th Avenue Theatre. Elf – The Musical: Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, 2025 Monty Python’s Spamalot: Feb. 4 – 15, 2026 Jesus Christ Superstar: May 2 – 17, 2026 View more information and purchase tickets here. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Tips for traveling with King County Metro this winter season
Crossposted from Metro Matters Winter season has arrived and King County Metro’s tools will help you stay informed so you can travel safely. Know before you go Visit MetroWinter.com for tips on traveling during winter weather on bus, Access paratransit, streetcar, the King County Water Taxi or Metro Flex on-demand services. There are eight languages offered on the webpage including English, plus additional languages via the Google Translate tool. What’s a snow route? If buses can’t travel their regular routes due to roadway conditions, they might switch to alternate streets called snow routes. Preview snow routes for your favorite bus routes. Updates will be… Read More
Employee News 