New intranet page helps employees navigate World Cup impacts
It’s almost time for Seattle to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches! They will be held at Lumen Field (referred to as Seattle Stadium) between June 15 and July 6. During that time, you should expect substantial impacts to your commute on game days and during World Cup-related community festivities. On game days, there will be street closures and increased pedestrian traffic around King Street Center and other buildings in the downtown campus. King County has launched a tool to help employees navigate closures and delays related to the World Cup in Seattle. It’s a new one-stop-shop intranet page with… Read More
New exhibit highlights Filipinos’ lasting legacy on Washington’s waterfront
Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog A powerful new traveling exhibit, “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront,” is currently showcased at King County Metro’s Water Taxi terminal at Pier 50 through the end of May. “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront” uncovers personal stories that have long gone untold—stories of cannery workers, longshoremen, Navy sailors, faith leaders and families. This spring marked the debut of the exhibit which explores more than a century of Filipino history, labor and community along Washington’s saltwater shores. Over the coming months, the physical exhibit is traveling to host sites around the… Read More
Mental health resources for King County employees
As we begin Mental Health Month, Balanced You reminds King County employees of the many resources available to support you and your loved ones. Making Life Easier (MLE): Free crisis or short-term counseling, daily living support, and online tools for managing stress, available to employees and household members. Mindfulness classes and videos: Resources you can join from anywhere for a reset or a moment of calm. Mental Health First Aid: Training to help employees recognize when coworkers may need support and respond with confidence. Insurance-based mental health providers: Long-term counseling and psychiatric care available through your health plan. Movement… Read More
What’s the risk of hantavirus in King County?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider The outbreak of hantavirus on an international cruise ship has put this rare disease in the headlines. WHO is leading the investigation of that situation involving a specific type of hantavirus that has not been found in the United States. We wanted to learn more about whether hantavirus poses a risk to people in King County, so we checked in with Dr. Jocelyn Mullins, a public health veterinarian and resident expert at Public Health – Seattle & King County on diseases coming from animals. Dr. Mullins, what is hantavirus and how people can get it? Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. It primarily… Read More
10 years of repair: Solid Waste Division celebrates 100 community repair events across King County, providing free repair services to keep household items out of the landfill
Crossposted from Field Notes Darren Moffatt has always loved tinkering. Although it’s not his day job, several times a year you’ll find him volunteering as a “fixer” at King County-sponsored repair events. He can be spotted working a screwdriver, applying glue, or even rewiring electronics. “Repair events help keep items out of the landfill by giving them new life instead of throwing them away.” Darren says. “But repair events also have invaluable community impact. At one event, a woman brought me a broken hair clip that seemed simple to me. A piece… Read More
King County Human and Civil Rights Commission releases inaugural annual report
The Human and Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) released its inaugural 2025-2026 annual report, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve King County’s equity goals and ensure all residents are treated fairly and justly. “King County is committed to being an inclusive, welcoming place for all people – regardless of their race, religion, gender, or ability,” said Executive Girmay Zahilay. “At a time when our federal government is attacking civil rights, HCRC is working to ensure we are advancing equity, fairness, and justice in King County and uplifting the voices of communities who have not historically had a seat at the table in decision-making processes. Read more.
Mental Health Month: Caring for ourselves in a time of change
As we recognize Mental Health Month, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of well-being in our lives and in our work. Mental health is a shared human experience. Many of us are balancing responsibilities at home, at work, and in our communities while navigating stress, uncertainty, and change. That reality is part of what makes this work, and our commitment to one another, so important. Every day, across King County, you show up to serve our residents and communities. Whether you are supporting someone in crisis, helping a… Read More
Charge your batteries (human and electric) for Bike Everywhere Month!
May is Bike Everywhere Month, and to celebrate the joy of bicycling there is a friendly competition: the Bike Everywhere Challenge! Throughout the month, teams at King County will create a little friendly competition for who can get the most trips and/or ride the most miles during the month of May. Please consider forming or joining a team to get riding! There are prizes for most trips logged, most miles ridden, and random drawings for participants, courtesy of the Employee Transportation Program. To sign up for the Bike Everywhere Month challenge under… Read More
2026 Big Backyard 5K and 10K offers discount for King County employees
Join us for the 2026 Big Backyard 5K & 10K at Marymoor Park on Sunday, June 7. It is a fun, family-friendly run and walk for all ages and abilities. King County employees can take advantage of a 50% registration discount by using the code KCP50. Register here. This discount code has not been previously mentioned. All employees are eligible for the discount. If you registered and did not receive the discount, please reach out to Mirsa Rutledge at MiRutledge@kingcounty.gov for your discount refund. This annual event is a great way to get outside for a run or walk with… Read More
King County Dependency CASA at the Mariners
CASA volunteers and staff came together at the May 3 Mariners game in support of We Are Family Day, a special game day event celebrating foster, kinship, and adoptive families. It was a meaningful opportunity to build community, celebrate families and raise awareness about the CASA program, highlighted by seeing our name on the big screen! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the dependency court system. Whether or not serving as a CASA is the right fit for you, we encourage you… Read More
Employee News 