‘They have enormous hearts:’ Water Taxi crew helps person in distress
Crossposted from The Captain’s Blog The crew of the King County Water Taxi Sally Fox saw the person on the Seacrest Dock in West Seattle as they were preparing to finish their trip across Elliott Bay on March 16. As they boarded passengers for the late morning trip back to downtown Seattle, Deckhand Zack Klaja noticed a person standing on the opposite side of the guardrail at the dock. Klaja made Captain GW Rogers aware that something was out of the norm. “When you’re the deckhand that’s grabbing the first line you… Read More
Executive Braddock proposes continuation of local behavioral health sales tax for mental health, substance use care
Today, Executive Braddock announced her proposal to renew MIDD, a local 0.1% behavioral health tax that funds vital mental health and substance use treatment. In 2025, MIDD is estimated to generate $97 million for programs that support health, wellness, recovery, and connection to community for people throughout King County. For nearly two decades, MIDD has helped bolster treatment and crisis response programs that have experienced years of divestment at the federal and state levels, providing services to many low-income residents who lack access to care or who do not qualify for Medicaid. “At… Read More
Green Diesel Pilot receives BRG Innovation award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship
The Green Diesel Pilot Project has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship. Congratulations to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Solid Waste Division (SWD), Green Diesel Pilot Project team, and all their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government. A special thank you to Jamey Barker, Scott Barden, James Gentili, and Anthony Slaughter. The Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress in advancing the goals of King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan and/or protecting and… Read More
House Bill 1270, allowing for automatic deferred compensation enrollment, championed by King County employees
Effective August 2025, new King County employees, along with other new county, municipal, and political subdivision employees throughout Washington, can be automatically enrolled in the deferred compensation savings plan. This makes Washington one of only 10 states to have automatic enrollment allowed for all public sector plans. “Our public employees work extremely hard and we appreciate their service,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “This bill makes it easier for them to access their employer’s retirement plan without additional steps or paperwork.” “And I am honored to sign it into law,” he added. This… Read More
Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork, summer escape
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. Book your summer escape. Enjoy up to 60% off hotel reservations at over 225,000 properties worldwide. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a dream vacation, let your next adventure begin. 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 brand new offers on cruises, just… Read More
Digital Accessibility (ADA) Training now available in NEOGOV
KCIT is pleased to offer Digital Accessibility (ADA) Training in NEOGOV. These 55 on-demand learning modules were developed by Deque University, an industry leader for technical accessibility training. Courses discuss how to use accessibility tools in a wide range of common King County software applications such as Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and more. These courses are available to all King County employees in NEOGOV through March 2026; content can be accessed for a one-time fee of $14 (usually $300). Contact KCIT’s EIB Manager, Jennifer Broadus, for details. Digital accessibility is crucial to… Read More
Hiking safety with Emery the Emergency Penguin
It’s a beautiful summer here in King County! But before you hit the trail, watch this brand-new hiking safety video featuring Emery the Emergency Penguin (KCIT’s 911 mascot) and King County Search and Rescue teams. Learn the three rules of hiking, and how to contact 911 if you’re stranded or lost in the wilderness. Have fun, and stay safe out there! “That was exciting! Emery is a smart penguin – I’m glad he knew how to help his friend.” Norah Bjore, age 9
Monitoring in action: Behind the numbers, how Best Starts for Kids uses data to build community impact
Priscilla de Andrade, with the King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget, recently spoke with Anne McNair and Kelly Lovett, co-leads of the Best Starts for Kids evaluation team, to explore how data, collaboration, and continuous learning are supporting over 400 community-based organizations and advancing equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families across King County. Their conversation, in this blog post, highlights how Best Starts is using Results-Based Accountability and community-centered evaluation practices to ensure programs are meaningful, effective, and grounded in partnership. Read the full story here, and explore past blog posts… Read More
DAJD’s first-ever K-9 team hits the ground sniffing
By Noah Haglund, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Corrections Officer Raymond Gentz and his K-9 partner Koda smiled for the cameras on a bright, summery morning in early June. The newly minted duo from King County was one of a half-dozen handler-dog teams celebrating the completion of a rigorous course in drug detection. They trained for six weeks with the State Department of Corrections, mostly in Spokane. Graduation took place at the DOC headquarters in Tumwater. Now, Gentz and Koda form the first-ever K-9 team at the Department of Adult and… Read More
KCSO participates in Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Seattle Police to take part in the Special Olympics Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run, carrying the Flame of Hope along the Seattle waterfront. This annual tradition brings law enforcement agencies together across the country to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. This annual event is more than just a run—it’s a show of unity, inclusion, and the kind of community support that goes far beyond public safety…. Read More
Employee News 