La Niña predicted to return to King County, prepare for a potentially active flood season
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Scientists expect that La Niña, a natural weather pattern of cooler and wetter weather, will happen this fall and winter, creating the potential for an active flood season in the region from October through April. Typically, La Niña lasts for one or two years, but the most recent La Niña lasted from 2020 to 2023, which was unusual. There were some moderate to high flood events during those years that resulted in major damage to homes, businesses, roads, and other important infrastructure in King… Read More
King County Metro’s ‘24/7’ commitment to bus shelter cleaning
Cross-posted from Metro Matters At King County Metro, we know the importance to our riders of a clean and inviting bus stop. That’s why we’ve moved our cleaning teams to around-the-clock service, introduced a cool new tool to scrub sidewalks and are transitioning to clear polycarbonate in many of our bus shelters. Metro Facilities Superintendent Jose Reyna and his teams are pleased to now provide shelter cleaning for three, eight-hour shifts per day. “Metro upgrading to more frequent cleanings of bus shelters lets us respond more quickly,” Reyna said. “Also, we will have… Read More
The Heart and Soul of King County Parks
Cross-posted from King County Parks: Blogs From Your Big Backyard Parks employee RJT can always be spotted at the Jim Ellis Memorial Regional Park’s Preston Athletic Fields with a smile on his face and a song ready to belt. RJT, who has worked for King County for 33 years, has been a staple at the play fields in the eastside community. He can often be heard singing loudly while leaf blowing and cleaning the pavement. RJT’s favorite tasks are push mowing the lawns and cleaning the community center. He’s also responsible for trash and… Read More
King County’s comprehensive new flood plan capitalizes on the latest climate science, adapts to increased flood risks in urban and coastal communities
King County’s first complete update of its Flood Management Plan since 2006 capitalizes on the latest climate science to describe how flood risks in urban and coastal communities and along tributary streams are expected to change in the future. It also identifies actions that will reduce flood risk, improve habitat, and enhance the resilience of communities. Severe flooding – already the most common natural disaster in King County – is expected to occur more frequently due to climate change. The comprehensive plan will guide investments, strategies, and actions to mitigate increasing flood risk. The… Read More
Sign up for ballot alerts
Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive an alert when we’ve received your ballot back at King County Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified. We will send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature. Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process. For more information, visit https://kingcounty.gov/en/home/dept/elections.
Emergency Management helps communities get prepared
Crossposted from DES Express In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, Emergency Management encourages employees and residents alike to create or update their emergency plans and kits, and to stay informed by signing up for ALERT King County. Emergency Management staff visited and participated in a record number of public outreach events last month. Read more.
Every day is Climate Action Day with the Annual Giving Drive
The International Day of Climate Action, observed on October 24, raises awareness and mobilizing efforts to combat climate change. The day focuses on promoting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources in a just way, protect ecosystems, and advocate for policy changes that addresses the climate crisis. This day also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the planet so current and future generations can thrive and live in harmony with nature. Join us in celebrating Climate Action Day. Read more to learn about EGP… Read More
Attend a 2024 Open Enrollment info session or Benefit Fair
View the most recent Open Enrollment information at http://www.kingcounty.gov/open-enrollment. Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is coming up, Nov. 1–15. Get a head start on understanding your 2025 benefit choices and the changes for next year by attending an online information session or a benefits fair hosted by your Benefits team. Register for an Open Enrollment Information Session to: Attend a Benefit Fair to: Benefit Fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations: For additional information and tools, go to Open Enrollment or contact the King… Read More
Five Questions with Joseph Weber, DHR Disability Services newest Disability Services Consultant
1. What is your role at King County and when did you start? I am a Disability Services Consultant with the Department of Human Resources (DHR). My first day in this role was Monday Sept. 30, 2024. 2. What is your background in disability services? I have worked in various government agencies providing disability services to the public and a vast majority of work experience has been working directly with the King County community. Prior to my current role, I spent my previous 10 years in King County Department of Community and… Read More
King County at the DeafNation Expo, Oct. 19
Join King County at DeafNation to connect climate, action and community, Saturday Oct. 19. Register here for a free ticket. We will host a sign and sing along at 10 a.m. with artists from the Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing communities performing Home, by Jacob Bain/Publish the Quest and talking about how our small actions connect us to each other. Our booth will record suggestions for an ASL environmental glossary, feature interviews on King County’s Green jobs, disability access, climate & forestry, and internships and trivia questions. This biannual event brings the Deaf, hard of… Read More
Employee News 