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Metro’s bus stop schedules are getting a fresh new look
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is rolling out updated bus stop schedules designed to be easier to read and more helpful for riders with our semi-annual service change on March 28. These refreshed schedules come after we listened to customer suggestions. They make better use of space and include useful details like fare information, the customer service number and other rider resources (when room allows). One important update we want riders to know about is how to read the new schedule layout: Schedule times now flow from top to bottom instead of left… Read More
New youth mental health urgent care now open in Kirkland
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections As part of the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, we are excited to share that youth behavioral health urgent care is now available at our first Crisis Care Center, Connections Kirkland — whether or not you have insurance. The Crisis Care Centers initiative is making sure everyone including children and teens have access to free 24/7 behavioral health crisis services, including: Read more.
Women on the front line: The longest flood activation in at least 40 years
Crossposted from Field Notes Historic flooding in December 2025 from back-to-back atmospheric rivers was an all-hands-on-deck response that required three weeks of 24/7 monitoring. With multiple rivers throughout King County experiencing extreme flooding at the same time, staff took on shifts and supported the coordinated flood response in positions outside of their normal day-to-day jobs, lending their expertise to meet the demands of emergency response and communications. Women responded in full force during this record event. In the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, women hold diverse roles from across STEM (science, technology,… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces new Regional Relationship Managers
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced four additions to his team who will help the County be better connected to the communities we serve. “One of the ways my administration is showing up differently is through our new Regional Relationship Managers,” Executive Zahilay said. “This is a new team structure that reflects our commitment to being in community. These leaders are a key part of how the Executive Office stays connected to communities across King County. They build relationships, stay grounded in what’s happening across regions, and help inform how we respond… Read More
Executive announces new Executive Order to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration
Good afternoon team, This morning, I hosted a press conference to announce a new Executive Order to address the interconnected crises of homelessness, substance use disorder, untreated behavioral health needs, and repeated involvement in the criminal legal system impacting the health and safety of communities throughout King County. Breaking the cycles of homelessness, behavioral health needs, addiction, repeated legal system involvement are distinct and deeply intertwined activities. We cannot address the full scope of the homelessness crisis without addressing behavioral health and addiction. And we cannot effectively do any of that without bringing people inside and staying inside while they receive the supports they need to recover and re-enter our community. Too often,… Read More
Introducing the new look and digital experience for Making Life Easier
Making Life Easier (MLE) is rolling out a refreshed digital experience on April 1, 2026—including an updated website and a brand‑new mobile app. These updates bring a modern look and new features designed to make support even more intuitive, connected, and easy to access for King County employees and anyone living in their household. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, work‑life resources, or guidance for everyday challenges, the new experience helps visitors take the next step with confidence. Read more.
North Bend Police hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” event
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter North Bend recently hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” at Huxdotter Coffee, which gave community members a relaxed opportunity to sit down, enjoy a cup of brew, and chat with incoming KCSO North Bend Chief of Police Ed Hall, who spoke with residents and answered their questions. One attendee added a special touch to the gathering. Retired King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy Paul Schwenn stopped by to say hello. Schwenn and Chief Hall worked together for several years on the Metro BEES team. Chief-to-be Ed Hall becomes the Chief… Read More
KCSO reports significant decrease in crime across King County
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently released information for 2025 Crime Stats in this press release. It highlighted a 22% drop in the crime rate across the County. Sheriff Cole-Tindall sat down with several news outlets to talk about the great work KCSO employees are doing to achieve this impressive decrease. “Our goal, we believe, and our job is to reduce crime and the fear of crime,” said Sheriff Cole-Tindall. “We will continue to do the work that we’ve been doing.” Check out her interview with… Read More
DAJD makes history broadening opportunities for immigrant residents
In October 2025, King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state’s immigration status requirement, at that time. If those officers were removed from service, despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate, creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports. “Immigrant residents who are federally authorized… Read More
Combatting stigma with personal stories: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Lana is a nurse and educator, who uses her own immigration story to build trust with other new arrivals to discuss the stigmatized topic of tuberculosis (TB). For World TB Day on March 24, we’re proud to celebrate her and the incredible work of our TB Program. Hi, Lana! What work do you do at Public Health? I’m a registered nurse and I work as an educational specialist for Public Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. I share awareness about TB, how to get tested, and treatment options. We… Read More
Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area. Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government. If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department,… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history. My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more. Pictured:… Read More
Executive officially proclaimed March 24 as Nowruz
This March, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recognized Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years by more than 300 million people worldwide. Meaning “new day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. On March 24, the official Nowruz proclamation was presented to Refugees & Immigrants Support & Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group leadership by Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer, highlighting the County’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting immigrant and refugee communities. Traditions such as gathering… Read More
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department. Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to protect and promote the health and well-being of more than two million residents. The department works across a wide range of areas focusing on preventing illness and… Read More
Discounted tickets to Washington Spring Fair
King County employees can now take advantage of discounted tickets to the Washington Spring Fair. The Spring Fair is April 10-12 and 17-19. To purchase tickets, visit thefair.com/corporate, click the “Buy Tickets” button, and enter access code 26king. Tickets are only available trough April 19. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Records Management Reminder: Make good records in the first place
A big part of records management is being mindful about what records we decide to create in the first place. Making good records to begin with is essential to good records management and the Executive’s focus on better government. Some general tips include: For more information, visit the County Records and Information Management Program’s website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP), in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to… Read More
New temporary cat building to open March 27
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC The Cat Adoptions Building, a newly-refurbished trailer at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), will open on March 27 to receive incoming cats and allow adopters to once again choose a new furry feline friend on-site at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. During the December 2025 storms, the cat building at the Pet Adoption Center suffered damage that rendered it unusable. Since then, RASKC has been unable to accept new cats for sheltering. RASKC was also forced to rely on members of the community to foster… Read More
Ask a tox doc: What’s the big deal with plastic?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys. I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves? Read more.
KCSO hosted Dr. Kevin Gilmartin’s presentation Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) was pleased to host Dr. Kevin Gilmartin on March 5 for the presentation of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, based on his groundbreaking book. First responders from agencies across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties joined KCSO professional staff, members of the Peer Support Team, and others at the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) for this event. Dr. Gilmartin holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and served for 20 years with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. He is also an adjunct instructor… Read More
Help your favorite nonprofit be part of the King County Employee Giving Program
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving Throughout the Annual Giving Drive, employees often ask why their favorite nonprofit is not part of the King County Employee Giving Program (KCEGP). Now is the time to help your favorite nonprofit by submitting a nonprofit referral! When a nonprofit participates in the KCEGP it allows King County employees to support that nonprofit through our program. It also allows employees to use their sick leave for volunteering benefit with that nonprofit. Read more.
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