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Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
Emergency exercise tests communications ahead of World Cup
King County Wins 2025 Geospatial Professional Network Award for Innovative AI-GIS System
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
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King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person. Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible. Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations. EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating: Workplace stress Career decisions Strategies to feel better while working, and more. Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments. Phone: 206-263-8733 Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov KingCounty.gov/eap
Happy Pride Month!
Crossposted from Metro Matters This week, I had the honor of raising the Pride Progress Flag at Bellevue Base alongside colleagues from Metro’s LGBTQIA+* Employee Resource Group, members of the Metro Leadership Team, Chief People Officer Megan Pedersen and base employees. The flag was raised following a brief program of speakers—a meaningful moment that reminded us of the power of visibility and community. This annual tradition is one of the many ways Metro shows solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a joyful and powerful way to begin our month… Read More
Protecting the wastewater system, one coat of paint at a time
Crossposted from the OneDNRP Newsletter When you think about wastewater, you probably don’t think about paint. But painting plays a big role in keeping our system running safely and reliably. Wes Wilson is one of our industrial painters at West Point Treatment Plant. In this short video, he shows us how his work protects pipes, pumps, and equipment from the harsh, corrosive environment they operate in every day. Take a few minutes to walk the plant with Wes and hear why he takes so much pride in what he does in the… Read More
Seven national awards for achievements in news, social, video, graphic arts, web design, and multicultural outreach
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) communications staff recently received a combined seven awards at two national conferences, recognizing achievements in news media, social media, video production, web design, graphic art, and multicultural outreach. On the same night they received the Golden Post Award at the Government Social Media conference hosted in Orlando, they received awards in six categories at the National Association of Government Communicators annual conference hosted in Pittsburgh. Those are in addition to their three Northwest Regional Emmy Award nominations. “We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team… Read More
Try text-based coaching to reduce stress
Looking for ongoing mental health support without the need for scheduled appointments? Making Life Easier (MLE) offers Textcoach, providing the opportunity for participants to connect with a licensed counselor, known as a Coach, through a secure platform. Textcoach allows you to enjoy the convenience of care available where you are, whenever you need it to help you reach your goals, whether you want to change habits, establish new routines, build your resilience, or boost your emotional fitness. To access Textcoach, sign into Making Life Easier’s web portal below, choose the “Access Care”… Read More
Making Life Easier online support groups
Making Life Easier (MLE) offers virtual, drop-in support group sessions on a variety of topics. When you are dealing with a challenge at home or work, group support can offer perspective, encouragement and, most importantly, the reassurance that you are not alone. MLE’s virtual support groups offer you the opportunity to join live, moderated sessions on a wide variety of topics to help strengthen your emotional fitness. Sample group topics include recovering from addiction, coping with stress, and supporting mental health for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your participation in these groups is anonymous,… Read More
Tim Anderson promoted to lead Regional Animal Services of King County
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC After a competitive nationwide search, Tim Anderson has been chosen as the new manager of Regional Animal Services of King County. He takes over for Dr. Gene Mueller, who retired in December 2024. “We cast a wide net to find our next leader for Regional Animal Services, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional candidate among our own leadership,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “I know that Tim will uphold our commitment to providing outstanding service to the people and pets of King County.” “I’m… Read More
Don’t blow it, cut the fuse: Consumer fireworks banned in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area. “Although the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County, along with many other communities in the region, recognizes that consumer fireworks present an unacceptable level of risk and harm. To help protect our loved ones, our first responders, pets, property, and… Read More
Longer days are returning, seasonal farmers markets are opening, and the benefits of taking advantage of this season are fruitful
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The wait is over: farmers markets are back! Across King County, local farmers, growers, foragers, food businesses, and more will be selling fresh produce, delicious foods, and unique artisanal goods at 40 different markets. On any day of the week, except Monday, there is a farmers market open in King County. To find a market near you, explore our partner, the WA State Farmers Market Association’s Find a Farmers Market tool and navigate to the Regional Farmers Market Directories page to find directories for Seattle and King County. Be sure… Read More
Hot deals on cool pets this summer!
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Summer is here, and what better way to spend those long, sunny days than with a new pet from Regional Animal Services of King County! Now through July 31, RASKC will have daily pet adoption specials, with a theme for each day of the week. Enjoy these pawsitively awesome discounts on dogs, cats, and all adoptable pets. Senior Sundays: $30 adoption fee for all pets over five years old, or for pet adopters 65 and older Mixed Breed Mondays: $30 adoption fee for all mixed breed dogs… Read More
Second 2025 Professional Development Scholarship application period is open
The second application period for the 2025 Professional Development Scholarship is now open! This application period will remain open from June 2 – July 3, 2025. This application period is to pay for training courses or programs that BEGIN in 2025, OR, for those in a self-paced online degree program, are both taking courses and have tuition and fees to pay during that period. To apply, visit the scholarship website and click the “APPLY HERE” button. Please familiarize yourself with the eligibility and application requirements before submitting. Previous applicants, please be aware that the application has… Read More
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, March-April 2025
Crossposted from Metro Matters They cook, take trips and root for their grandchildren’s sports teams. They collect comic books, watch retro TV, ride motorcycles, crochet, and work with worms. Some are traveling in the footsteps of relatives who work for transit systems across the county and country. Those who ride with them say “Thanks to the operator who greets me with a big smile,” that they are “always kind and patient,” and have “Such great compassion and understanding for others.” These operators—with a combined 175 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy… Read More
Construction to clog northbound I-5 this summer
WSDOT is launching “Revive I-5” work this summer to rehabilitate I-5 and the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle. Major construction begins this July, lasting about four weeks. Work will continue over the next two years, ending in 2027. There will be significant northbound I-5 traffic disruptions this summer. During the northbound closures and lane reductions, Express lanes will stay open 24/7 in the northbound direction. 2025 key dates June 20 – 23 (Friday night to Monday morning): Northbound I-5 two-lane reduction across Ship Canal Bridge. July 18 – 21 (Friday night to Monday… Read More
Discounts for employees for Seattle Storm, The Lion King, and more
Several discounts are available for upcoming events this summer and later this year. Free admission to Emerald Downs on Sunday, June 22: King County employees can get free admission to King County Day at Emerald Downs on Sunday, June 22, by bringing their King County badge, displaying their King County email inbox on their phone, or displaying any other generally accepted proof of employment. Employees may bring up to five members of their family (six total free tickets). Tickets will be available for pick-up on Sunday, June 22, in front of the general… Read More
Recipient of Innovation Award for Cost recovered $5 million in delinquent tax revenue
The Personal Property Escalated Collection Team, part of Treasury Operations in the Finance and Business Operations Division of the Department of Executive Services, is the winner of the 2024 Best-Run Government Award for Cost. The award was one of eight announced by Executive Shannon Braddock on May 8. Through its Outreach to Businesses program, the team worked collaboratively with King County commercial businesses to recover $5.3 million of revenue and fees from 2023 and 2024 delinquent taxes – and reduce the portion of taxes which had become delinquent from 4.06% in 2023… Read More
June is National Safety Month, and helpful safety resources
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and June is National Safety Month. According to Injury Facts, preventable workplace deaths totaled 4,543 nationally and serious work-related injuries totaled 4.07 million in 2023. Employer obligations include providing a safe working environment, as well as the financial support, management oversight, personal protective equipment, and tools and training staff need to do their jobs safely. Both management and workers need to do their part to make safety a core value. Together, these elements are part of a greater continuous improvement process that aims to identify safety hazards and reduce… Read More
DAJD’s Closing the Officer Vacancy Gap project receives Innovation Award for People
In recent years, law enforcement has been one of the most challenging industries for recruitment and hiring. Between 2019 and 2023, law enforcement hiring nationwide saw a 40% increase in job openings and a 39% decrease in applicants per job, creating unprecedented recruitment challenges. These trends deeply impacted King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), which experienced a rise in vacancies—from 19 in 2020 to 120 Corrections Officer (CO) vacancies by early 2024—despite record-setting hiring years in 2022 and 2023. The department also saw a high vacancy rate for Juvenile… Read More
Megan Pedersen appointed Chief People Officer for King County
King County Executive Shannon Braddock has appointed King County’s Director of Office of Labor Relations (OLR), Megan Pedersen, to the Chief People Officer role for the remainder of the Executive’s term. This follows Whitney Abram’s announcement that she is departing to Sound Transit. Whitney’s last day was June 2, 2025. We are fortunate at King County to have built a strong team with deep experience and talent, ensuring continuity, stability, and a seamless transition when employees and leaders depart. We continue to lead with our King County values, and our priority is… Read More
Support King County Parks at Cougar Mountain
The Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series, organized by the Seattle Running Club and Northwest Trail Runs, features exciting trail races in King County’s Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. This year is the 22nd running of this event. Proceeds from the series support King County Parks, with more than $254,000 donated since the start of the series. Register here to join the monthly summer trail races at Cougar Mountain. King County employees can receive a 20% discount with the code KCPEmployee_25.
New Mental Health Access Guide available for King County employees
King County employees now have access to a new tool for navigating mental health resources. The King County Employee Mental Health Access Guide provides an easy-to-use, comprehensive overview of available programs, outlining services like mindfulness, counseling, psychiatric medication management, educational classes, and more. It clearly identifies which programs offer these resources and how to contact them, making it simpler than ever to find the right support. To download a copy of the Mental Health Access Guide, click here.
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