DAJD makes history broadening opportunities for immigrant residents
In October 2025, King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state’s immigration status requirement, at that time. If those officers were removed from service, despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate, creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports. “Immigrant residents who are federally authorized… Read More
Combatting stigma with personal stories: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Lana is a nurse and educator, who uses her own immigration story to build trust with other new arrivals to discuss the stigmatized topic of tuberculosis (TB). For World TB Day on March 24, we’re proud to celebrate her and the incredible work of our TB Program. Hi, Lana! What work do you do at Public Health? I’m a registered nurse and I work as an educational specialist for Public Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. I share awareness about TB, how to get tested, and treatment options. We… Read More
Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area. Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government. If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department,… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history. My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more. Pictured:… Read More
Executive officially proclaimed March 24 as Nowruz
This March, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recognized Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years by more than 300 million people worldwide. Meaning “new day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. On March 24, the official Nowruz proclamation was presented to Refugees & Immigrants Support & Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group leadership by Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer, highlighting the County’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting immigrant and refugee communities. Traditions such as gathering… Read More
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department. Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to protect and promote the health and well-being of more than two million residents. The department works across a wide range of areas focusing on preventing illness and… Read More
Discounted tickets to Washington Spring Fair
King County employees can now take advantage of discounted tickets to the Washington Spring Fair. The Spring Fair is April 10-12 and 17-19. To purchase tickets, visit thefair.com/corporate, click the “Buy Tickets” button, and enter access code 26king. Tickets are only available trough April 19. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Records Management Reminder: Make good records in the first place
A big part of records management is being mindful about what records we decide to create in the first place. Making good records to begin with is essential to good records management and the Executive’s focus on better government. Some general tips include: For more information, visit the County Records and Information Management Program’s website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP), in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to… Read More
New temporary cat building to open March 27
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC The Cat Adoptions Building, a newly-refurbished trailer at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), will open on March 27 to receive incoming cats and allow adopters to once again choose a new furry feline friend on-site at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. During the December 2025 storms, the cat building at the Pet Adoption Center suffered damage that rendered it unusable. Since then, RASKC has been unable to accept new cats for sheltering. RASKC was also forced to rely on members of the community to foster… Read More
Ask a tox doc: What’s the big deal with plastic?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys. I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves? Read more.
Employee News 