Running and repairing our system, 24/7
Crossposted from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division newsletter We’re in the second construction season of our Effluent Pump Station Gate Rehabilitation project at West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle! Last year, crews replaced one of four large gates, each about 8 feet by 8 feet and nearly 40 feet underground. This year, they’re replacing the remaining three. These gates allow us to take individual pumps offline for maintenance without shutting down the entire system that sends fully treated wastewater safely to Puget Sound. That means safer, easier maintenance and a more… Read More
As he retires, Officer Carlos Duell hopes he set an example for others to follow
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention newsletter During 36 years on the job, Corrections Officer Carlos Duell earned a reputation as one of the department’s stalwarts. He was always quick to volunteer for extra shifts. So much so, it was almost like having two officers in one. “You know, and I’ve worked so much overtime that oftentimes people would say, ‘Hey, man, what shift are you on? Like, how do you work all these hours and not be tired?’” Duell walked out of Court Detail for the final time… Read More
King County awards $2.75 million in capital grants for food assistance providers
Recently, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a combined $2.75 million in capital grant funding for 30 local food assistance providers and community food programs to improve food security in King County. The grants, which range from $11,000 to $450,000, will address long-term infrastructure needs and enhance the local food system. Funding will support projects ranging from facility improvements to the purchase of refrigerated vans for mobile food delivery services. “The need for food assistance in King County communities has never been greater. As the cost of groceries continues to rise, more seniors, families, and… Read More
Bumbershoot discount available for employees
King County employees can now take advantage of an admission discount to the Bumbershoot 2026 Music and Arts Festival, happening Saturday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, the 6. Employees have access to a two-day general admission and re-entry pass. Tickets would be available at a group rate of $140, which is currently a savings of $45.50 per ticket. Buy tickets here using promo code KingCounty2027. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
King County’s surface water management fee discount for low-income property owners – Apply by Sept. 15
Please share this information with friends, family or neighbors in unincorporated King County that may be eligible for a fee discount: If you qualify as a low-income household and live on your own property in unincorporated King County, you may be eligible for a 50 percent discount on the annual surface water management fee on your land parcel(s). The open period to apply is every year from Aug. 1 through Sept. 15. Learn more about the fee discount at kingcounty.gov/SWMFeeDiscount. Assistance with applying is available from Business and Finance staff by calling 206-477-4800, or… Read More
Amid extremely dry conditions, Fire Marshal issued Stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County that went into effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, Aug. 7. Stage 2 burn bans will be issued in neighboring incorporated cities via coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Marshals. During a Stage 2 burn ban, all outdoor fires such as backyard fire pits or campfires that use chopped firewood or charcoal are prohibited. Any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such… Read More
Now recruiting 2026 Employee Giving Program ambassadors
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving Help drive impact as an ambassador for the Employee Giving Program. The Employee Giving Program (EGP) is now recruiting King County employees to serve as ambassadors for their work groups and sites for the 2026 Annual Giving Drive. The Employee Giving Program was established in 1988 by employees to provide employees with a means to support their favorite nonprofit organizations. It is the only authorized charitable solicitation of King County employees. King County employees can register to become an EGP Ambassador here. Since the founding of the… Read More
Opening doors to health through language access: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider One in three residents of King County speaks a language other than English at home according to U.S. Census data. For these residents, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s small but mighty Language Access team opens doors to services and information to help them make decisions about their health for themselves and their families. We wanted to know what makes the Language Access program’s approach unique, so we talked to Claudia who manages the linguists in this program. Hi Claudia! Your team works with translators and… Read More
King County’s Energize program expands to help in-home childcare providers and adult family homes with energy-efficient heat pumps, providing healthy heating and cooling
King County’s Energize program is helping families, in-home childcare providers, adult family homes, and community spaces switch to clean energy and reduce energy costs by installing efficient electric heat pumps for heating and cooling that protect human health and the environment. The program has expanded with new grant funding and includes qualifying homes and businesses in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, bringing energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the Central Puget Sound region. “We’re making sure more children, families, and seniors in our region’s frontline communities have the reliable, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems they need to stay… Read More
Discount for upcoming Kraken game, Oct. 4
King County employees can take advantage of a discount to the upcoming Seattle Kraken hockey game on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Employee News 