Celebrating a record number of graduates from King County Children, Youth and Young Adult Division programs!
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections More than 234 young people celebrated earning their secondary credentials (GEDs or high school diplomas) last month thanks to several programs managed by the department’s Children, Youth, and Young Adults Division (CYYAD). Many of these young people also earned college credits. CYYAD operates three learning centers for young people ages 16 to 24. Run by our team of dedicated social services professionals, these centers engage young people by connecting them with education and employment services after leaving or being pushed out of traditional high school without a credential. Read more.
Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving
Crossposted from Metro Matters It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day. Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, and there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro. Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs. Read more.
Refuge Outdoor Festival returns to King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground, elevating BIPOC youth leadership in the outdoors
King County Parks welcomes the Refuge Outdoor Festival back to Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation for its eighth year Aug 22-24, offering a weekend of workshops, outdoor recreation, art, music and community in nature designed by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. In a climate of shrinking public investment in outdoor recreation, organizers view the festival’s continued presence as a reflection of deep community resilience. “We’re proud to continue hosting the Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground and to support events that reflect the diversity… Read More
Green Workforce Development Training receives Innovation Award for Equity and Racial and Social Justice
The recipient of the 2024 Best-Run Government Innovation Award for Equity and Racial and Social Justice is the Green Workforce Development Training program. Developed by the Solid Waste Division in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks – with a big assist from community-based organizations – the innovative job training program protects the environment, provides high-demand job skills to BIPOC and frontline communities, and helps the building industry meet requirements to deconstruct buildings and salvage materials that may still have value. Eighteen participants have completed the training, and several have moved into… Read More
Watch your mailbox!
Your ballot is in the mail. If you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, July 21, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE. Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information. Election Day is Aug. 5. Local elections like this one are your chance to make sure your voice is heard in your community. Choices you make this August directly affect who will be on the ballot in November. We’re projecting just 35% turnout this election so your vote will make a big impact. For… Read More
Registration open for AAAE Inclusion in Aviation conference
Crossposted from the DES Express King County International Airport-Boeing Field is gearing up to host the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Inclusion and Aviation Conference in Bellevue from Nov. 17 to 19. Early bird registration is open now through Oct. 3. Vanessa Chin, Innovation Manager at the airport, is part of the planning team. “This is the first year it’s ever been brought to the West Coast,” Chin said. “Inclusion and belonging is at the heart of our organization. To invite others to share our inclusive community in the Seattle area… Read More
$1.5 million grant kick starts solar project at Emergency Management
Crossposted from the DES Express The county recently kicked off a project to install solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC) in Renton. The county secured a contractor this spring and design is now underway. Once completed in the summer of 2026, the project will begin producing energy and providing environmental benefits. “It’s an almost immediate payback,” said Sarah Calvillo Hoffman, Climate and Sustainability Manager. Read more.
FMD recognizes security officers who work on holidays
Crossposted from the DES Express While many county employees enjoy time off on holidays, others keep vital county services operational. Facilities Management Division security officers are among those. Dan Cromwell, Security Management Section Manager, visited security personnel at Maleng Regional Justice Center, Clark Children and Family Justice Center, and the King County Courthouse over the Juneteenth holiday. Dan shared time and treats with his team members working over the holiday.
Cybersecurity training starts Aug. 4 – look for the email from KnowBe4
Starting Aug. 4, KCIT’s vendor KnowBe4 will send an email to all employees with links to cybersecurity training. This is not a phishing attempt. Annual cybersecurity training is required for all employees and contractors with access to King County systems (even if you took it last year). Training must be completed by Jan. 30, 2026. Cybersecurity training is an important safeguard that helps protect vital King County systems; the number of employees that complete training each year impacts our insurance rates. Total instruction time is about 60 minutes. Thank you for doing your… Read More
Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork, and Monster Jam discounts
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. To cruise into summer, employees can receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit on top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, and more. Use your perks for dining, excursions, and onboard experiences. Learn more here. TicketsatWork is updated daily with seasonal offers and exclusive savings on everything from home entertainment to your everyday needs. Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including… Read More
