Seeing GIS through fresh eyes: A middle schooler’s inspiring visit to the King County GIS Center
Crossposted from GIS & You Sometimes the best reminder of why GIS matters comes from seeing it through fresh eyes. Recently, an energetic 8th grader with a real passion for maps and geography visited the King County GIS Center with his mom for a lunchtime learning adventure. His excitement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions made it a memorable visit with Fred Lott and the GIS Center staff. It was inspiring to see him realize just how much of daily life GIS quietly shapes. We’re happy to share his story here on the GIS… Read More
Find a Walk Partner for safety in numbers
The Walk Partner program is now live on RideshareOnline.com. With Walk Partner, you can match yourself with other people to walk to and from King County buildings. In addition to talking to your friends and co-workers to see if they could walk with you, RideshareOnline.com is a great tool for matching yourself with other walkers. How to use Rideshare Online Create an account (or sign in if you already have one). “Add a trip“ in your Ride Match / My Trips section. Instead of using your home and work address, enter where you would be walking… Read More
King County opens new Disaster Recovery Center to help residents apply for federal assistance
Residents in King County who were affected by the historic December 2025 flooding may now qualify for federal disaster assistance under Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. After the flooding, Washington requested federal disaster declarations to help individuals affected by the atmospheric river flooding, as well as to help public entities repair infrastructure and partially reimburse their response efforts. The application deadline is June 10, 2026. From April 28 to June 10, King County will operate a Disaster Recovery Center for people who would like in-person assistance with their FEMA application. It is located at the King County Elections Office, 919… Read More
Free admission to the 2026 King County Fair
King County employees can receive free admission to the King County Fair, happening July 16-19. In honor of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and the Back to our Roots 2026 fair theme, the fair is inviting all King County employees to enjoy a free day. King County managed the fair for over 140 years, from 1863-2006. For more information, visit kingcofair.com. Free admission for employees only, with proof of employment such as ID badge or recent paystub. View this flyer for details. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
King County is working with communities to promote forest canopy in urban unincorporated areas
A study launched this spring by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will assess the current condition of forest canopy in unincorporated areas, which will inform future actions with communities that promote equitable access to healthy tree canopy. The project team will study 34 square miles, which includes urban unincorporated communities and the unincorporated rural towns of Fall City, Vashon, and Snoqualmie Pass. The study is led by the department’s new Urban Forestry Program, building on decades of progress King County foresters have made promoting forest health in rural… Read More
Alongside people during vital life moments: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Birth and death are some of life’s most meaningful and complex moments, and for nearly two decades in Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Vital Records, Robbie has been supporting community members through the process of gathering and filing records for these momentous events. We’re proud to celebrate Robbie, her 24 years of service to King County, and the essential work of the eight dedicated staff she leads in our Vital Records team in our series, Portraits of Public Health. Hi Robbie! What does the Vital… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces plan to purchase Skyway Park Bowl as location for Skyway Community Center
Crossposted from Field Notes King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently announced that King County Parks has entered an agreement to purchase Skway Park Bowl as the location for Skyway’s first community center. The 3.82-acre property is adjacent to the northwest corner of the park. King County Parks will continue to work with community partners to collect public input on the design for the new community center and which programs it will offer. The location was selected based on strong community preference and the approval of an advisory committee. “For more than a decade, Skyway neighbors… Read More
Executive Zahilay statement on King County Regional Homelessness Authority forensic audit
On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement following a forensic evaluation report of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) commissioned by King County and the City of Seattle: “Solving King County’s significant homelessness crisis requires honesty about where the regional response system is falling short and a commitment among government partners to bring more people inside. We have a responsibility to ensure this system delivers results — operating with greater efficiency, full transparency, and strong accountability for every public dollar entrusted to us. Read more.
King County Executive Zahilay and partners celebrate the opening of Copperleaf, a new 235-unit affordable housing community in Northgate
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County’s largest affordable housing investment, developed by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, offers 235 units of high-quality affordable housing and amenities in a central Northgate location, steps from the Northgate Station King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and community members celebrated the grand opening of Copperleaf Northgate (Copperleaf), a new transit-oriented affordable housing community with 235 apartments in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. The project reflects King County’s ongoing investment in transit-oriented development, including the contribution of public land and $30 million in transit-oriented development funding… Read More
Pinwheels for prevention, CASA Program invites volunteers
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the King County Dependency CASA Program curated a pinwheel display at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC). Each pinwheel represents a child in King County who is still waiting to be matched with a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer; a consistent, caring adult who advocates for their best interests during a critical time in their life. There are currently 357 children still waiting. If you find yourself at the CCFJC, we invite you to take a moment to view the display and… Read More
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