Juneteenth: A personal reflection on freedom, struggle, and pride as a Black man in modern America
By a Black man living in modern history -William Herbert, Human Resources professional with Metro Transit Mobility Division, and Water and Land Resources Division Foreword Every year, June 19th rolls around, and for many in America, it may pass like any other summer day. But for me—as a Black man, military veteran, husband, and father living in modern-day America—Juneteenth is not just a date in history. It’s a mirror. A memorial. A celebration. And a call to action. It’s a day that encapsulates the joy of freedom, the weight of delayed justice,… Read More
The Parent Champions Pilot Program receives BRG Innovation Award for Service
The Parent Champions Pilot Program has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Service. Congratulations to the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and the Developmental Disabilities & Early Childhood Supports Division, and their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government! A special thank you to the program’s project manager Juliette Escobar and group facilitators Ya’Vonne Hubbard and Fathia Hammad. The Innovation Award for Service recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress on our customer service goals to prioritize customer-centered services, improve the customer experience, increase staff understanding… Read More
How to get a 2025 King County Pride t-shirt and volunteer for the parade, June 29
There are two ways to get your King County Pride shirt this year: Be one of the first 75 King County participants to arrive as part of the King County contingent at the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, and you can receive a free shirt. Or, if you want to ensure you get a shirt and in your preferred size, you can order in advance by following the steps below. This year’s Pride shirts range in cost from $16.89 – $22.89 (before tax), with sizes available to order from adult… Read More
King County Security Tips – How secure is your mobile device?
Most of us have a smartphone, but how many of us really think about the security threats faced by these mobile devices? Mobile devices are vulnerable to many different types of threats. The bad guys are increasing attacks on mobile devices and targeting your phone using malicious applications. Using these methods, they can steal personal and business information without you having any idea what’s going on. Even if you’ve downloaded a security or antivirus application, securing your smartphone goes beyond these services. Improving your mobile security practices is your best defense against… Read More
King County Metro to install operator safety partitions fleetwide
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro bus operators are evaluating safety partition designs as part of the planning process for retrofitting up to 1,300 of the agency’s 1,400 buses. Existing buses not being upgraded will be replaced by a recent order for 89 new buses that have a partition already installed. From now through July 5, four buses, each with a different style of partition currently available on the market, will be touring Metro’s bases. The safety partitions, which riders will begin seeing on both new and existing buses later this… 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. They’re also the former bus drivers… Read More
King County announces five-year plan for climate action
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced the 2025–2030 Strategic Climate Action Plan today, partnering with the Executive Climate Office to send the proposal to the King County Council for consideration. The plan reinforces King County’s commitment to climate action that delivers measurable results — working across county departments and in collaboration with community partners. It builds off the significant progress King County has made in several areas and sets a bold course to cut greenhouse gas emissions, support climate-resilient communities, and invest in a sustainable and equitable region. “King County is staying true to… Read More
2025 Employee Engagement Survey results
A total of 8,524 King County employees shared their thoughts in the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey on what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and how we can build an even better workplace. Employees in the Executive Branch, and in King County Elections, King County Assessor’s Office, and King County Council were eligible to participate in the survey, which found that overall employee engagement is 69%, a 4-point increase from the last survey. Some of the key results include 75% of employees said that they apply equity, racial, and social justice… Read More
Earn free bike, scooter and transit rides this summer!
Crossposted from Metro Matters The popular “Bike and Scoot to Transit” program is back this summer and is even better than in previous years. This program lets people earn free bike, scooter and transit trips while they commute and explore our region. This summer, “Bike and Scoot to Transit” has been expanded to include even more transit hubs in Redmond, Seattle and Shoreline. The program began in 2022 and is a partnership between King County Metro, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Sound Transit, along with the companies Bird, Lime, Siemens and Velocia…. Read More
King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person. Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible. Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations. EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating: Workplace stress Career decisions Strategies to feel better while working, and more. Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments. Phone: 206-263-8733 Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov KingCounty.gov/eap
Employee News 