Career Cards: Learn what it’s like to be on King County’s environmental science team
Crossposted from Headwaters Many people are surprised to learn that King County has an entire team of scientists working behind the scenes to understand and protect our environment. In fact, the Science Section has nearly 50 dedicated professionals working in, for, and with communities throughout our region! Genuine connections and diverse perspectives make our work better, but if other people don’t know who we are or what we do, how can we forge relationships, welcome new views, and respond to community needs and concerns? If local students don’t know jobs like ours even exist, are we losing the opportunity to inspire a whole generation of homegrown scientists? Read more.
Executive Zahilay commits to regional collaboration and problem-solving in the face of Sound Transit’s long-term fiscal challenges
Recently, King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Girmay Zahilay released the following statement on the Sound Transit’s Board of Director’s retreat and conversations about the Enterprise Initiative. The Enterprise Initiative is an agencywide effort to ensure that project delivery and operations are affordable going forward while delivering on the objectives of the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan. Sound Transit currently faces a $34.5 billion shortfall over the next 20 years. Read more.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro break ground on South King County’s RapidRide I Line with regional and community partners
Yesterday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro were joined by federal, state, and local transit partners, along with community partners, to celebrate a major milestone in expanding fast, reliable, high-quality transit service across South King County. The event marks the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line, a new corridor designed to strengthen north–south bus service, connect the cities of Renton, Kent, and Auburn, and improve access to jobs and essential services. The project advances Metro’s commitment to making equitable investments in transit, particularly in historically underserved communities… Read More
Four Fridays Film Festival a success
Crossposted from the DES Express The Four Fridays Film Festival welcomed more than 200 participants to “hang out” with presenters at the end of each work week last month to honor Black history and culture. Films included “Black Panther,” “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Rustin” and “Hidden Figures.” Level-set questions ahead of each screening helped viewers to build capacity and foster meaningful discussion on issues relevant to community, inclusion, belonging, and greater cultural understanding in King County and beyond. Four Fridays was an outgrowth of the “DES Friday Afternoon Hang” film series,… Read More
Nowruz celebrates renewal, hope, and new beginnings
Annually on March 20, Nowruz marks the spring equinox, and is a longstanding celebratory tradition of renewal and fresh beginnings observed for more than 3,000 years across many different cultures. Translating from Persian to “New Day,” Nowruz is a reminder that growth follows every season of change. The King County Refugees & Immigrant Support & Empowerment (RISE) affinity group celebrates Nowruz to foster connection, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging among employees from diverse backgrounds. “Recognizing holidays like Nowruz helps highlight traditions that are meaningful to many communities and creates opportunities for learning, appreciation, and stronger connections across our workplace,” said Nasir… Read More
King County Metro expands bus service and launches systemwide all-door boarding starting March 28
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro will expand bus service and launch systemwide all-door boarding starting Saturday, March 28, making transit faster and easier to use across the region. The service change strengthens connections to Sound Transit’s Link light rail system, including the new 2 Line Crosslake Connection between Seattle and the Eastside, and adds earlier morning trips, later evening service, and more weekend options for riders. Read more.
Emergency Management and partners feted at flooding recognition event
Crossposted from the DES Express Employees who had a role in the flood response in December gathered to receive recognition for their hard work late last month. They came from the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Local Services (DLS), Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) and of course, Emergency Management in the Department of Executive Services (DES). Before the remarks began, the group in the packed Emergency Operations Center were treated to a bluesy song honoring their efforts. “December rains fell heavy, rivers overflowed,” crooned a male voice. “King County fought… Read More
New Executive Office organizational structure
From King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Our team continues to grow! I am excited to welcome these key leaders to our administration, who bring diverse skillsets, expertise, and strong commitments to serving the residents of King County. Read more.
Update on King County’s response to the opioid overdose crisis
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County’s Five Priorities to Stop the Surge of Overdose Deaths were first announced in March 2024 as a coordinated cross-government response to slow the opioid overdose crisis. Over the past two years, we have seen a promising overall decline in overdoses in King County: fatal overdoses decreased 32% from 2023 to 2025. Nonetheless, fatal overdoses in 2025 remain elevated compared to before 2022. Working in partnership, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and Public Health Seattle & King County are investing in 13 actions to increase widespread access to treatment, medications, overdose reversal drugs,… Read More
Department of Local Services announces $90,000 in Alan M. Painter grants to support efforts that bring together communities in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local King County’s Department of Local Services recently announced $90,000 in Alan M. Painter grants for 2026. The grants support projects that will bring together and strengthen communities across unincorporated King County. The grant program focuses on inclusivity, funding events and projects that are open to everyone regardless of race, income, or language spoken. This popular program honors Alan M. Painter, the founding director of King County’s Community Service Area program and a long-time public servant who worked for the City of Seattle before coming to King County,… Read More
Employee News 