Lisa Pearson on board as new FMD Director
Crossposted from DES Express Courtesy of Facilities Management Division Lisa Pearson has joined the Facilities Management Division (FMD) as the new Director. Her first day was Sept. 15. Pearson spent 26 years in the federal government, with the last nine years serving as Deputy Regional Commissioner and then Regional Commissioner for the Public Buildings Service (PBS), which is a service of the General Services Administration (GSA). “In those roles I worked with a team of six divisions who delivered real estate and facility programs and services in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington… Read More
Department of Local Services Employee Spotlight: Code Enforcement Officer Jancarlo Guerrero
Crossposted from King County Local You might have heard of code enforcement officers, but did you ever wonder exactly what exactly a King County code enforcement officer does? Today, the Department of Local Services introduces Jancarlo Guerrero, Code Enforcement Officer with the Permitting Division. He talks about his job, what a typical day of work might look like and how he approaches community members in contentious situations. Watch the video here:
Emergency preparedness: Stay informed and get involved
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you, your family, and community prepare for emergencies, and stay safe if one occurs. Making a plan and building a kit are key elements in emergency preparedness along with: Stay Informed: Know who to turn to for updates, alerts, and warnings during an emergency Get Involved: Talk to your neighbors about sharing resources during an emergency Whether you’re at home or at work trying to provide essential King County services during an emergency, staying informed and getting involved is critical. They can make a difference in how well and how… Read More
Counties across region collaborating on work to support climate-resilient buildings
Crossposted from the Executive Climate Office In the summer of 2024, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties announced we’d received a $50 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lower greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and construction throughout the region. At the time, King County shared that the Executive Climate Office (ECO), using funding from that grant, would partner with local governments in an effort to reduce climate-warming pollution while ensuring access to healthy heating on cold days and cooling on hot ones. A year later, that work is well… Read More
Discounts available for GAMMA Sports
King County employees can now take advantage of a discount for sports equipment with GAMMA Sports. Whether you’re on the court for tennis, paddle, or pickleball, GAMMA Sports is built for your game. King County employees get 20% off pickleball paddles, racquet grips, balls, bags, court equipment, and more. The discount excludes stringing machines. Visit gammasports.com and use code KCW20. For questions, contact Scott Granse at scott.granse@gammasports.com. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Say goodbye to Common (English) Ivy: Washington issues statewide ban on sales
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds blog Known for its habit of growing up and over 100 ft+ trees and structures, creating carpeted growths in the forest, and housing allergens and rodents, it’s no mystery to PNW locals that common ivy (Hedera helix, AKA English ivy) is an impactful plant. Ivy has been classified as a noxious weed in Washington state since 2002, yet until last month (Aug. 2025) it could be sold and purchased with no legal implications. So why did it take 23 years to ban common ivy from the market? Let’s get… Read More
Teen donates towels to Regional Animal Services
Crossposted from the DES Express On Aug. 15, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) received a donation of about 500 towels collected by a local high school student. The used towels will be repurposed as bedding for animals and for cleaning kennels at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. “We are grateful for the generosity of our incredibly supportive community,” said Alex Ropes, Animal Shelter Manager at RASKC. “Donation drives of all kinds, from kitchen towels to kitty litter, help us continue to care for pets in our shelter and foster… Read More
Year Up United interns wrap up summer
Crossposted from the DES Express This summer, 11 talented interns from the Year Up United program successfully completed their internships with Procurement & Payables (P&P) and Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), finishing the season on a true high note. For many of these young professionals, the idea of stepping away from current jobs to pursue careers in an office setting can feel risky—or even out of reach. But through Year Up United, FBOD provided students from diverse backgrounds and communities with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, grow their skills, and envision new… Read More
He’s racing to motivate you
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention News Sergeant Joshua Bott recently finished his first Ironman 70.3 mile race. He’s competing not for himself, but to inspire those around him. And he’d love it if a few co-workers could join him in the Seattle Marathon this fall. Read more.
Airport transitions to renewable diesel
Crossposted from Plane Talk As part of King County International Airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the airport recently transitioned its entire regular diesel fleet to renewable diesel. “We have 45 pieces of equipment and trucks that will be renewable diesel,” said Colin Douglas, Maintenance Manager at the airport. Now instead of spewing higher levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide, all the airport’s heavy-duty equipment, from generators to snow plows and fire trucks, will use renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is primarily made from used cooking oil and… Read More
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