King County Executive proclaims June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed June 2024 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. In the proclamation, Executive Constantine urges all King County residents to honor the fight against discrimination and to honor the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people to our County and our society. Read the full proclamation below. 

BRG Leadership Excellence Award for Individual Contributor

Alicia Martinez, from the Department of Community and Human Services/Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division, has been honored as the winner of the Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for an Individual Contributor. Executive Constantine launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018. Best-Run Government is our commitment to continuously improve the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of how King County operates. The awards recognize individuals and project teams in the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King… Read More

King County program successfully creating jobs and long-term housing

In 2021, King County established the Jobs and Housing Program to combat the region’s homelessness crisis using funds from the American Rescue Plan. The program connects people experiencing homelessness to subsidized employment, housing, and career services to help them permanently exit the homelessness system. The program is an excellent example of how multiple King County departments and community organizations come together to help some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in the County. It’s designed to provide temporary job opportunities and housing resources with the goal of eventually developing into more… Read More

BRG Leadership Excellence Award for People Leader

Congratulations to Mike Bacnis, Finance/Accounting Supervisor for DES/FBOD, for winning the 2023 Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader. The Executive launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018 to recognize individuals and project teams In the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King County. The Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader honors someone who manages staff and has made significant and tangible leadership contributions to developing the Executive branch values in others, improving… Read More

What’s on at City Hall Park this spring and summer? 

City Hall Park, adjacent to the King County Courthouse, is offering movies, workshops, and more this spring and summer in addition to the daily buskers in the park.  There will be three free movie screenings this summer starting at noon:   The Bike Mobile truck is providing free to low-cost bike maintenance and bicycles at City Hall Park on select Tuesdays in 2024. Upcoming dates include: June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, August 6, August 20, Sept. 3, Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15 (all from 1 to 4 p.m.), Nov…. Read More

Danotra McBride receives 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the winners of the 2023 Best-Run Government Awards on May 9, with eight King County employees, leaders, and teams recognized for their outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation. In a surprise ceremony, Executive Constantine announced that Danotra McBride, Director of Jail Health Services, was the winner of the 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award, the awards’ highest honor. The Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award – named for former Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett, the driving force behind Lean and continuous improvement for nine years at the County –… Read More

Retirement-related calls and emails are not from King County vendors

Several King County employees have reported receiving suspicious calls and emails about retirement and deferred compensation plans. Should anyone claiming to represent King County employee retirement or financial services contact you directly, do not provide them with personal information. Calls are from someone stating they work for Equitable financial services who wants to discuss your deferred compensation plan. This caller does not represent any King County retirement or financial programs. In addition, Equitable is not a provider of any King County retirement or financial plans. In addition, emails have been received with… Read More

May is proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in King County. “Jewish immigrants to America, since their first arrival to our shores in the 16th century, have played a central role in the creation, growth, freedom, prosperity, and strength of the United States of America,” Executive Constantine states in his Proclamation. “Since 2006, the month of May has been celebrated as Jewish American Heritage Month, pursuant to a bipartisan resolution of Congress.” Executive Constantine also recognized the significant contributions Jewish Americans have made “to… Read More

King County receives recognition at annual Women in Trades event

The Washington Women in Trades Job Fair held recently at the Seattle Center brought together a diverse array of talented individuals in the trades industry. The event served as a platform for showcasing the exciting career opportunities available at King County, while highlighting the county’s support for diversity and innovation. The job fair was a vibrant gathering, where attendees had the chance to connect with skilled professionals and explore various career pathways. From carpentry to electrical work, participants engaged with representatives from different trades, gaining insights into the industry’s latest trends and… Read More

Celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

King County is celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, which started on Sunday and runs through May 11. King County’s corrections officers and juvenile detention officers perform a critical role in managing people during the most turbulent and vulnerable times of their lives—when they are accused of compromising the safety and wellbeing of the community, resulting in their incarceration. The professionalism and persistence of these employees should make us all proud. They show courage, sacrifice, and resolve that demonstrates commitment and dedication to public safety, while also ensuring that people in… Read More