Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, July – August 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters They enjoy watching the Seattle Sounders and Manchester United. One is a “Proud Country Girl” who enjoys being outdoors. They fish, hunt and travel and play softball and volleyball. Those who ride with them say one went the extra mile to return a lost phone: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it back, knowing it was safely with him the entire time.” Another rider talked about their ability to help a distraught passenger: “I was so impressed with her ability, in the midst of snow and… Read More
King County Metro ridership growth second highest among nation’s largest transit agencies
Crossposted from Metro Matters Marking ongoing positive ridership growth, King County Metro posted a silver medal win among the 10 largest transit agencies nationwide. Metro had an estimated 63 million boardings this year through Aug. 31, which is increase and 4.5 million higher than the same time last year. Comparing Aug. 2024 and 2025, we’re seeing about 5,000 more morning boardings, 6,600 more midday boardings and 9,500 more afternoon boardings on an average weekday. A regional rising star is the RapidRide G Line. Although the new line only just celebrated its one-year anniversary,… Read More
Disability services available for employees
This October is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. As we celebrate acknowledgement, it is helpful to be reminded of the amazing Disability Services teams taking care of and supporting King County employees. Disability Services collaborates with the individual, their healthcare provider, and the appropriate departmental personnel for an individualized analysis of reasonable job accommodations that could effectively meet health or disability needs in the workplace. View this Disability Services Overview for more information and… Read More
Start something good. Give today.
King County’s Annual Giving Drive is underway, running from Sept. 29 to Nov. 14, 2025. This year’s theme, “Start Something Good,” is a celebration of King County’s strong legacy and invites us to cultivate hope and take positive action. Every act of giving is a fresh beginning. Through the Annual Giving Drive, we can choose to grow the good by supporting causes that matter most to each of us. Check out this video to learn more about the Annual Giving Drive, ways to give, and how to join! To see the full list of Employee Giving… Read More
Two King County Airport leaders recognized by airport executives’ association
John Parrott, director of King County International Airport-Boeing Field, received the President’s Award of Distinction from the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NWAAAE) during the chapter’s annual conference in early October. Dave Decoteau, who serves as the airport’s deputy director, was elected first vice-president of NWAAAE during the same gathering in Colorado Springs. Read more. Pictured below: On left, John Parrott, Director of King County International Airport-Boeing Field, and on right, Dave Decoteau, the airport’s Deputy Director and recently elected first vice-president of NWAAAE.
King County named Public Agency of the Year
Crossposted from the DES Express Submitted by the Finance and Business Operations Division King County received the Public Agency of the Year Award at an awards ceremony last Friday evening, Oct 17. Ken Guy, director of the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), accepted the award on behalf of the County, quipping, “Better never stops.” The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council presented the award, which goes to a public agency that demonstrates strong leadership, innovative ideas, and a genuine commitment to supplier diversity and economic inclusion. It recognizes organizations that do… Read More
What keeps us going when the weeds keep growing
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds Blog “What do you say when the [Noxious Weed] work feels futile?” This was a question that came to us earlier this season from Andrew Munson, a Noxious Weed coordinator over in San Juan County. It wasn’t a rhetorical question — he was genuinely wondering how other weed professionals handle the hard stuff: the Sisyphean [no end in sight] reputation of Noxious Weed control, the thankless days, the public skepticism, the physical toll, the moments that make you ask what’s the point? We felt it. Because we’ve… Read More
John Hurt’s career: family, service and new horizons
Within days of leaving active duty in the Army, he started as a corrections tech at the King County Jail — where both of his parents worked at the time. Decades later, he’s taking on new challenges as a supervisor. Read more. Pictured: Corrections Program Administrator John Hurt, left, is congratulated by Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Director Allen Nance.
King County launches new Stop Hate Hotline
Recently, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, in partnership with King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and non-profit Crisis Connections, announced the launch of the new Stop Hate Hotline, marking a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to combat hate crimes and support affected communities. The hotline can be reached at 833-786-7481 or 833-STOP-H81. “The launch of the Stop Hate Hotline represents King County’s unwavering commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and protected from hate and bias. This hotline provides crime victims and survivors support, resources, and assistance in reporting… Read More
Celebrate World Animal Day and Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: Give back through the Annual Giving Drive!
October is a special time to honor our furry, feathered, floating, and four-legged friends. World Animal Day was on Oct. 4, which shines a global spotlight on animal welfare, reminding us of the joy and companionship animals bring. You can see all animals awaiting adoption at the Regional Animal Shelter of King County here. It’s also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a chance to support the thousands of dogs waiting for loving homes. Through the Annual Giving Drive, you can donate to nonprofits that rescue, shelter, and care for animals in need. Whether you’re… Read More
