Take the KCIA Community Outreach Survey

At King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA), we are always looking for ways to improve our outreach and better connect with the communities we serve. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what is working well and where we can improve. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Community Outreach Survey. Your responses will help guide our efforts to improve communication, engagement opportunities, and access to resources and programs at KCIA. This survey is voluntary and anonymous. You can complete the survey here. Please share your input by July… Read More

King County Employee Transportation Program E-bike subsidy pilot

The King County Employee Transportation Program (ETP) is now accepting applications for the e-bike subsidy with options to lease a class 1 or 2 e-bike for up to one year. This subsidy can be used for up to $100 per month for up to one year e-bike lease subscription from any of the ETP preapproved vendors (Ridepanda, Rybit, Wombi). Spaces are limited, but if selected, you will receive a follow up email with concierge support to help identify which bike and vendor may work best for you. Options to purchase during or… Read More

Summer safety tips for pets

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Summer-like temperatures have arrived in the Puget Sound region. Be sure to keep yourself and your pets safe from the heat with these tips. Animals cannot sweat like humans, and they are vulnerable to overheating quickly, especially when the temperature rises above 80 degrees. Be sure your pets are ready for the summer heat with these safety tips: Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water to pets, and shade from the sun. Though pets still need exercise during warm weather, take extra care when exercising… Read More

How to help someone in a behavioral health crisis in King County

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  When we see someone experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol related crisis in public, we want to help and often hear from residents and local businesses asking us who they can call. With summer and World Cup kicking off this week, we wanted to share some tips for locals to know from a training hosted earlier this month by the Department of Community and Human Services’ Dr. Matt Goldman and Kelly Tongg, LICSW. Tips to help someone in a crisis: Anyone can call or text 988 to help themselves or to… Read More

Local solutions to food insecurity

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Between the high cost of living and unprecedented cuts to federal food programs, many people in King County are struggling to put food on the table. In 2018-2022, 9.5% of all residents in King County reported that food they purchased sometimes or often did not last, and they did not have money to buy more. Food banks are having a hard time keeping up, and workers who help people find resources are overwhelmed by the growing number of people who need help. “This is a critical moment… Read More

Honoring World Refugee Day in King County, June 20

On World Refugee Day, RISE (Refugees and Immigrants Support & Empowerment) Employee Resource Group joins communities across King County, Washington State, the United States, and around the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees.  Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day honors people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or disaster. It is a day to recognize their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Many King County residents and employees bring lived experiences as refugees… Read More

Summer heat safety: Burn ban takes effect June 22, fireworks prohibited in unincorporated King County

Crossposted from King County Local With warmer temperatures and a busy soccer summer in the forecast, King County is taking several steps to help remind the community the importance of fire safety. The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures this summer. That will create drier conditions and increase the risk of fire. Given that forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County that will take effect Monday, June 22. And with the July 4th holiday in a couple of weeks, Urban also is reminding the community… Read More

One week left in Personnel Board election 

Did you know that King County employees elect a representative to the Personnel Board? Tasked with hearing appeals of certain personnel actions, the Personnel Board consists of four appointed members and one elected member.  Ballots were mailed earlier this month to all career-service King County employees.   Ballots are due by June 23, so be sure to vote and get yours back in the mail as soon as possible! Ballots must be received by June 23. If you have questions about how to return your ballot, reach out to King County Elections at 206-296-1565 or Election.Services@kingcounty.gov.   To learn… Read More

FMD leads tabletop exercises to keep employees safe

Crossposted from the DES Express The Facilities Management Division’s (FMD) Security Management Section (SMS) recently led two tabletop exercises at the King County Courthouse with participants from multiple county agencies, including the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the King County Council. The goal for these exercises was to equip participants with tools and knowledge to respond to a range of scenarios where an active aggressor or active shooter is present. For the Active Aggressor exercise, SMS walked through potential scenarios, like a county council meeting turning rowdy, to allow council staff to think… Read More

Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano as the new Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The current acting director, Dr. Valenciano was confirmed by both the Metropolitan King County Council and the Seattle City Council on Tuesday, June 9. “Community health and wellbeing are central to everything we do at King County, and Dr. Valenciano has the experience, expertise, and commitment to lead this critical department into the future,” said Executive Zahilay. “She is a well-known… Read More