Construction preparation work continues as new shelter design takes shape
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), the county’s Facilities Management Division (FMD), and the design team have reached an initial agreement on the new shelter site layout. Next, FMD will finalize design documents and meet with the City of Kent and King County Public Health to ensure that design decisions are up to code. The final design is expected to be approved by mid-summer. In the meantime, interior upgrades, electrical, and plumbing fixture replacements are ongoing. FMD has been working with a contractor to bring the… Read More
Reminder: Consumer fireworks banned in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area. Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County. You can report violations online; you will be asked… Read More
Think twice about fireworks this Fourth of July
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC America will mark its 250th birthday this Fourth of July, and there are lots of celebrations planned all over the nation for the milestone. Many of those celebrations will include fireworks, both professional displays and people shooting off their own. While most areas of King County have banned most types of consumer fireworks, it’s a good bet that you’ll still hear a few bangs, booms, and pops around Independence Day. To help your pet cope with the noise and reduce the chance that they run away, Regional… Read More
Solving septic system puzzles: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider When you think of the public health department, you might think of vaccines, clinics, and disease tracking — you probably don’t think of septic systems. But where our wastewater goes and how it gets treated is foundational to public health! This installment of Portraits of Public Health features one of our septic experts, Beau, who shares his passion for the importance of septic systems in protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and allowing a property to function as a home. Read more.
Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality
A message from King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Team, Sunday, I joined hundreds of King County employees, families, friends, and even a few pets to march together in solidarity, unity, and celebration at the Seattle Pride Parade. Pride celebrates a rich history of resistance, courage, and joy. It grew from the fight for basic rights and dignity, led by people, particularly Black Trans women, who refused to accept invisibility or inequality. Their activism laid the foundation for the freedoms and recognition the LGBTQIA+ community continues to pursue today. From the bold acts… Read More
Professional Development Scholarship application period closes July 10
Applications for the Professional Development Scholarship are open through Friday, July 10, 11:45 p.m. Eligible employees can receive up to $3,000 annually for training, certificates, degrees, licenses, or certifications. Check the scholarship intranet page for eligibility criteria, scholarship guidelines, and the application link. For help with the application, join the virtual support office hours on June 26 or July 8. Friday, June 26 from noon to 1 p.m. Join here. Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 6 to 7 p.m. Join here. For questions, email ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov and visit the scholarship intranet page.
Celebrate at the Seattle Pride Parade and travel with Metro!
Crossposted from Metro Matters The Seattle Pride Parade is back and more fabulous than ever on Sunday, June 28, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend to honor our LGBTQIA+ community—and have a lot of fun. It’s likewise a meaningful moment to observe the ongoing work to advance equity, dignity and support for LGBTQIA+ people. We’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead and ride transit if they are traveling to or around downtown Seattle to ease their trips. Read more.
Dr. Susan McLaughlin confirmed as Director of King County Department of Community and Human Services
This month, the King County Council confirmed Dr. Susan McLaughlin as the Director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) after Executive Girmay Zahilay nominated her earlier this year. Since last December, Dr. McLaughlin has served as the Acting Director of DCHS. She has spent over 20 years in DCHS, including serving as the Health and Human Services Administrator and the Director of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division. In her time with the department, she has overseen a wide range of programs for mental health and substance… Read More
Employee Assistance Program and Making Life Easier undergo refresh, July 1
Historically, Making Life Easier (MLE) has focused on helping King County employees with home- and life-related stress and concerns. On July 1, MLE will expand its services to also help employees with workplace issues. This all-in-one counseling is provided by King County’s external vendor Curalinc. Also on July 1, King County’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will change its name to the Employee Assistance for Supervisors (EAS) and will provide resources to supervisors only. Supervisors will receive counseling, coaching, consulting, and training from the King County mental health professionals who worked with EAP. Click… Read More
The King County Water Taxi is inviting everyone to “Make it a Boat Day” this summer
Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog On a warm June day, with music pulsing in the background, hundreds of people came to the King County Water Taxi terminal at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle for a celebration. They came down to the water on Friday, June 12 at the encouragement of the Water Taxi to “Make it a Boat Day” and take advantage of the opportunities that are available by sailing the Salish Sea. The M/V Doc Maynard sailed to the pier sporting new colors for the summer. The special wrap is in… Read More
Employee News 