Executive Zahilay announces leadership transition at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Crossposted from Field Notes King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted an appointment as the new CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance, a partner organization that contributes to safe, clean, reliable water supply in the Central Puget Sound region. The department completed major projects during Taylor’s tenure, including King County’s largest-ever floodplain restoration project, a unique onsite battery system that provides reliable power to West Point Treatment Plant, and the renewal of the King County Parks Levy. Read more.
Thanking employees during Public Service Recognition Week
Dear team, As King County Executive, one thing I enjoy is getting out to Be in Community, meeting with teams at worksites across King County and thanking you all for the work you do. It’s one way I get to know more about you, your work, learn about your innovation, and learn of obstacles I can help remove. This week, as part of Public Service Recognition Week, I’ll be visiting employees at our 9-1-1 Communications Center in Renton to connect with the team, hear and learn from them, and thank them for the critical… Read More
Help shape affordable housing in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Want to learn how King County can create more affordable housing in unincorporated communities? We’re exploring three policy tools that could improve housing affordability and stability — and we want your input. Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE): A program that lowers property taxes for housing developers that include affordable homes. It can apply to housing like townhomes and condos. State law now allows MFTE in parts of unincorporated King County. Inclusionary Housing: A policy that creates affordable homes as new housing is built. It can be voluntary or required. In the workshops,… Read More
2026 Professional Development Scholarship opens on June 1
On June 1, the Professional Development Scholarship Program will open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition, in addition to non-represented employees. The Scholarship Program is designed to assist eligible employees with their professional development by providing financial assistance towards obtaining training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications. The second application period for the 2026 Professional Development Scholarship Program opens June 1 through July 10, 2026, for training that begins in 2026. Applicants should visit the scholarship intranet site to familiarize themselves with the revised application submission process, rating criteria, and frequently asked questions…. Read More
KCSO celebrates National Library Week
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter During National Library Week, held annually in April, Sheriff Cole-Tindall helped spark young imaginations at the Burien Library. She read “We Match,” by Chris Barton, a colorful story about dogs discovering math, to children and their families.
AAAE event showcases innovation in electrification
Crossposted from Plane Talk King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) showcased its electrification and innovation efforts last month as host of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Transformation’s (ACT) first Innovation Engagement of 2026. More than 30 people gathered at the airport to learn and share information about environmental sustainability. Leaders from Fleet Services, the airport and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division spoke to attendees about electrification efforts. “KCIA and our tenants continue to lead the industry in innovation and electrification,” said John Parrott, airport… Read More
Precinct 4 SET awarded Team of the Year
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter Congratulations to the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) for receiving one of the highest honors from the Washington State Narcotics Investigations Association, a non-profit professional organization dedicated to providing law enforcement training. The unit has been named the 2025 Team of the Year — a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional dedication, teamwork, and commitment to protecting our communities. This honor reflects not only their outstanding work, but also the integrity and professionalism they bring to every investigation. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and… Read More
Executive Zahilay highlights early progress to improve financial stewardship and accountability at King County
Efforts include expanded fraud prevention training, cross-departmental coordination in grant management, and a new internal audit function Recently, Executive Zahilay highlighted the early progress that has been made over the last two months to implement his Better Government Executive Order and improve accountability and transparency in government operations. Issued on his 100th day in office, the order includes comprehensive reforms to strengthen financial oversight, reduce cost growth, and improve stewardship of public funds. “Our focus is clear: stronger accountability, smarter financial practices, and a culture of continuous improvement across County government,” said Executive Zahilay. “Many of the challenges… Read More
Employee discount now includes Microsoft 365 for personal use
King County employees can save 30% on Microsoft 365 Family or Personal through the Microsoft Workplace Discount Program. These annual subscriptions include Office apps, cloud storage, and productivity tools for use on your personal devices. Please note, when installing Microsoft 365 for personal use, you must sign in with your personal Microsoft account. Do not use your kingcounty.gov credentials, as this can create security risks and make your device subject to Public Records Requests. Follow these step by step instructions to get started. For more terrific deals, visit the King County employee discount page.
New study explores the future of farming in King County
Crossposted from Field Notes Farming in King County is becoming increasingly challenging. High land costs, labor constraints, and shifting market conditions continue to create real barriers for farmers and farm workers, making it harder to sustain and grow agricultural businesses across the region. To better understand these challenges and identify meaningful solutions, King County recently completed an Agriculture Sector Study. The study takes a closer look at the structural barriers facing the agricultural sector—from access to land and labor costs, employee housing, healthcare costs, and new market opportunities—and identifies recommendations to support… Read More
