King County to observe Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will be on Sunday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, May 26.

ARFF joins Touch-a-Truck event

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter On April 26, King County Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) joined the annual Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Junior League of Seattle, giving kids of all ages a hands-on look at big rigs from various agencies. The KCSO fire truck was a clear crowd favorite, drawing a steady line of excited future first responders. Special thanks to ARFF Captain Eric Muller and ARFF Sergeant Clint Herman for participating in this fun event.

Inside the pipes that keep everything flowing

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Aaron Squires stands at the edge of a maintenance hole in Redmond, pulling on a pair of waders. A King County truck sits nearby, with cones marking the work zone and cables running down into the opening below. Squires is part of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s 15-member conveyance inspection team, responsible for maintaining and surveying the pipes that spans across our service area.  Below the surface, more than 380 miles of County-owned pipe carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. Known as the… Read More

FIFA World Cup to bring road closures, traffic impacts along with the spotlight

Crossposted from the DES Express The first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle kicks off at noon on Monday, June 15, with a total of six games in Seattle through July 6. During that time, there will be many special events throughout the Puget Sound region and the state celebrating the tournament. Local event planners are anticipating 750,000 visitors to the region for the World Cup. While the World Cup events will spotlight our region, they will also bring increased traffic, road closures and pressures on public transportation. Read more.

Celebrating employees during National Emergency Medical Services Week

May 17-23, 2026, is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a time to honor emergency medicine’s frontline workers who provide lifesaving services in our community, day and night. King County’s own Medic One/EMS system has been called “one of the world’s best” which can be directly attributed to the dedication and skill of the EMTs, paramedics, and telecommunicators in the region. EMS Week reminds us to recognize the courage, commitment, and teamwork of those who are there for us in our most critical moments. “We are grateful for the commitment of all EMS… Read More

Trailhead Direct returns Memorial Day weekend with transit service to popular hiking destinations

Crossposted from Metro Matters Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, returns for its ninth season beginning Memorial Day weekend, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the region’s outdoor spaces without the stress of driving or parking. Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), with promotional support from Amazon. Trips to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si trails will operate on weekends and holidays, starting Saturday, May 23 and will run through Sunday, Aug. 30. The 2026 season includes service… Read More

King County Executive visits the Communications Center

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter King County Executive Girmay Zahilay spent a few hours during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, at the 911 Communications Center, where he plugged in with call receiver Clarissa Eyre and dispatcher Verna Riley. Chief Ian Huri gave him a tour, and Operations Manager Katie Emanuel helped explain the technology and coordination that keeps the Communications Center running, and what it takes to keep King County safe. As a fun ‘plus one’ he also brought his father along. Pictured: From left, Executive Zahilay… Read More

Needing to burn off stress? Movement helps

Stress has a way of building up in our bodies and minds. If you’ve been feeling tense or weighed down, moving your body can be one of the fastest ways to release it. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost energy and focus. Balanced You and King County make it easier to fit movement into your day with resources designed to support you. Read more.

Breaking the cycle: Connecting people to mental health care after hospitalization

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections For too long, communities across King County have faced barriers to getting the behavioral health care they need to support their long-term recovery. At the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS), we are breaking the cycle through our commitment to following through, connecting people to routine mental health care and recovery supports after they are discharged from treatment in hospitals, inpatient programs, or Crisis Care Centers. New data shows efforts to connect clients of King County’s behavioral health services to outpatient care after a hospitalization are working… Read More

SeattleFWC26, Governor, Executive, Mayor and transportation partners share ‘Know Before You Go’ info ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

Crossposted from Metro Matters With 33 days until Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match kicks off in Seattle, SeattleFWC26 and First & Goal, Inc. were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and leaders from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), King County Metro, Port of Seattle, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for a regional “Know Before You Go” event to preview matchday transportation plans. Seattle Stadium will host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1 and July… Read More