King County Permitting expanding in-person customer support
Crossposted from King County Local Starting June 1, walk‑up permitting hours will double to four days a week at 919 SW Grady Way in Renton: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Technical experts are available on Thursdays for complex questions. Permitting staff are also at the Fall City Library the first Tuesday of every month, from 1 to 3 p.m. Customers can always: E-mail: PermitQuestions@kingcounty.gov Call: 206-296-6600
FMD starts Walking Bus Pilot Program
On Monday, June 1, the Facilities Management Division (FMD) will start a Walking Bus Pilot Program in the Downtown Seattle Core. The FMD Walking Bus Pilot Program pairs groups of King County Employees with an FMD Security Officer to escort them to public transit hubs in the Downtown Core at the end of the workday. To participate, please arrive at the designated departure location and time as described below, there will be a white sign clearly marked “Walking Bus” that indicates the meeting location at each building. The Walking Bus will make… Read More
Benefits Unlocked: Supporting you in navigating your benefits
Do your benefits ever feel like a puzzle that’s hard to put together? Many employees run into stress when trying to figure out their health insurance, whether it’s for physical, dental, or mental health. King County’s new Benefits Unlocked series is here to simplify that process. Join the Balanced You team’s Karla Clark and the Benefit team’s Matt Munson as they discuss topics such as finding a healthcare provider, understanding how to make changes, anticipating any costs, and more. Together, they will answer your questions and help you feel more confident using… Read More
Women in Rail inspiring future trades workers
Crossposted from the Metro Layover Employee Newsletter Metro’s Women in Rail Employee Resource Group (ERG) helped showcase careers in skilled trades at the 45th annual Washington Women in Trades Fair earlier this month at Seattle Center. Lead Track Maintainer Stephanie Forester, Lead Maintenance Service Center Worker Helen Nicdao, and Lead Facilities Electrician Erika Ruff staffed the Rail Division table, giving attendees a hands-on look at the equipment and work that keep Metro’s rail system running every day. This year, the group wanted the display to feel authentic to the work employees do… Read More
Employees only: Join us for Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 1
We invite employees to kick off Pride Month with King County Executive Zahilay at the King County Pride Flag Raising ceremony. All interested employees are welcome to attend with supervisor approval. Participation is completely optional. The event will include light refreshments and recognition of employees and community members whose leadership, advocacy, and service continue to strengthen and support LGBTQIA+ communities across King County. Monday, June 1, 2026 11 a.m. King County Administration Building Plaza
Executive Zahilay announces key amendments and regional partnerships to improve Sound Transit 3 system plan for King County
Yesterday, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced his sponsorship for new amendments to the ST3 system update plan that will advance critical transit projects in King County and improve accountability at Sound Transit. The Sound Transit Board is expected to vote on these amendments and updated plan on Thursday. In March, the Executive committed to regional collaboration to address the agency’s $34.5 billion funding shortfall while keeping projects affordable and moving forward. “Addressing a budget deficit of this size is incredibly challenging, and difficult decisions were always going to be necessary,” said Executive Zahilay. “Even so, we made meaningful progress to move all of King County’s projects forward, and… Read More
Finding calm in times of change: The power of mindfulness
Are you noticing increased stress due to ongoing uncertainty? During times of change, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions – such as anxiety or frustration – alongside hope for what’s ahead. Mindfulness offers a way to pause during difficult feelings, notice what’s happening in the moment, and respond with greater calm and clarity. Balanced You and King County provide resources to help employees learn about and practice mindfulness skills. Read more.
Celebrate American wetlands this month!
Crossposted from Headwaters Each May, we celebrate American Wetlands Month to shine a light on these special ecosystems that provide clean water, flood protection, and critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetland Inventory Program, a vital tool for tracking wetlands across the United States, including right here in King County. You can learn more about this work and check out status and trends in the NWI’s 50th anniversary Storymap. The NWI includes a wetland inventory that was developed by King County and adopted by… Read More
Summer ultimate frisbee season ready for launch
King County’s ultimate frisbee team is back for another summer season, with Wednesday evening games starting in June and running through mid-August. Players of all experience levels are welcome, including anyone brand new to the sport. It’s a great way to meet colleagues, get outside, and keep the momentum going after work hours. Interested? Reach out to Danny Arauz or Amelia Bahr for details.
Older Americans Month: Investing in senior health promotion
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Every May, the nation observes Older Americans Month (OAM) to recognize the contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to helping older adults thrive in their communities. The 2026 OAM national theme, Champion Your Health, focuses on prevention and wellness as cornerstones of healthy aging. It highlights the importance ofevidence-based approaches, caregiver roles, and community partnerships that empower individuals to lead healthy lives. Read more.
Employee News 