Featured Headlines
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
News
One day left to pledge: Annual Giving Drive
Thank you to everyone who has participated in this year’s Annual Giving Drive so far! As a reminder, the Employee Giving Program made a one-time extension to this year’s Annual Giving Drive (AGD), to Friday, Nov. 21., 2025. If you are donating eligible Vacation or Compensatory time, tomorrow Nov. 21, 2025 is a firm deadline and one of the benefits of PeopleSoft is that it can be done from home. Every year, hundreds of hours of time must be turned away because they come in after the deadline and were not able to be processed. Click here to learn more about giving… Read More
Special discount for Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO
King County employees can now take advantage of discounted tickets for ECHO, performing at King County’s Marymoor Park Jan. 30 to March 22. Use this link to save up to 40% on select seats and dates. For groups of 10+, enjoy up to 40% off plus reduced handling fees. For questions or more information, contact Sarah.Hudson@cirquedusoleil.com. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Executive Braddock announces upgrades to Metro’s Access paratransit service, improving freedom and flexibility for riders with disabilities living in rural communities
Crossposted from Metro Matters Recently, King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Metro announced an improved customer experience for Access paratransit service customers and seniors, especially in rural communities, delivering on one of the key priorities in the Executive’s 200-Day Plan. People with disabilities who live in rural communities and use Access will have an easier time making reservations and enjoy improved on-time arrivals. There are also pilot programs that range from grocery delivery to same-day reservations. These services – alongside new in-person support for Access paratransit, Community Van, and Hopelink – will offer… Read More
As surging utility costs make housing less affordable throughout King County, Executive Braddock brings together partners to develop a more sustainable future
With household costs for utilities projected to rapidly increase each year for the next decade – making housing even less affordable than it is today – King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Sound Cities Association on Friday brought together more than 150 elected officials, regulators, and public works managers from throughout King County to develop a path that both protects the natural environment and reduces the burden on homeowners. A typical single-family household in King County currently pays an estimated $400 per month for utilities, including natural gas, electricity, solid waste, stormwater, sewer, and… Read More
Monitoring in Action: PHSKC responds to unpermitted food vending with an equity and data-driven perspective
Ava Michler, with the Performance and Strategy (PSB) team, spoke with Eyob Mazengia about how Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) responds to unpermitted food vending. The Food Safety team decreases barriers to receiving permits and uses data visualization to inform their operations. As we see an increase of unpermitted food vending throughout the county, the Food Safety team’s work has been critical for protecting the health of county residents and upholding food safety standards. A key part of their approach is supporting vendor entrepreneurial goals, by providing guidance and… Read More
Employee notice about the KC Employee ID/ORCA pass
King County employees can now note that their ORCA pass will automatically renew at the start of the new year and disregard the expiration alert when tapping for use on transit. For questions or concerns, please reach out to the Employee Transportation Program coordinator at ETP@kingcounty.gov. For more information, visit the Employee Transportation Program SharePoint employee website.
Support Hurricane Melissa relief through the Annual Giving Drive
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica and parts of the Caribbean, thousands of families are facing unimaginable loss. Homes, hospitals, and infrastructure have been destroyed. Many communities still remain without power, clean water, or access to basic necessities. Through the Annual Giving Drive, we have an opportunity to come together and support the nonprofits working tirelessly on the ground to provide emergency aid and long-term recovery. Here are the Employee Giving Program (EGP) nonprofits that are responding to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. Read more. To see the full list and discover more, search online or review… Read More
Annual Giving Drive extended to Nov. 21
Good news: the Employee Giving Program is making a one-time extension to this year’s Annual Giving Drive (AGD), made possible by the early kick-off. The AGD was launched a week earlier than usual to meet an anticipated payroll processing deadline. We have since learned that we can stick to our usual timing. The new deadline will be Nov. 21. This includes Time Donations. This is a special opportunity, during a busy time. Join us in coming together for an extra week of fun, joy, and community! Renew now. Donate now. Learn more on the King County Employee Giving… Read More
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
Crossposted from Metro Matters This Veterans Day, we recognized and thanked all of Metro’s military service members, past and present, for their service and sacrifice. Your continued commitment to public service strengthens our community. On Monday, Nov. 10, we held a ceremonial flag raising at one of our facilities honor the courage and dedication of veterans and their families. In addition to this ceremony, we’re also continuing our annual tradition of highlighting Metro colleagues who have served in the military. This year, I’m pleased to share the stories of four veterans —Nicholas Warren, Ruy… Read More
It’s the journey and the destination
Crossposted from Metro Matters While I lead transit communications and marketing in Washington state, my earliest public transportation journeys were nearly 5,000 miles away in my birthplace of London, England. As a toddler, my paternal grandmother—who exclusively took transit or walked—would take my sister and me on double-decker buses. I’d always ask to go upstairs. But my Granny, to avoid taking two small children up and down a windy staircase on a moving vehicle, creatively claimed that we couldn’t go up there because that’s where the bus driver lives. Read more.
Welcoming Executive-Elect Girmay Zahilay
From Shannon Braddock, King County Executive Dear fellow King County employees, Following last week’s election, we now know that King County’s next executive will be Girmay Zahilay. I want to start by congratulating the Executive-Elect on his successful campaign! We look forward to working closely together over the next two weeks to help his new administration settle in and complete the transition process. Executive-Elect Zahilay and I are announcing what some of those next steps will look like and who will lead his transition committee. That committee includes four co-chairs: Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer… Read More
How to apply for a permit to fix property damaged by storm, fire, earthquake or other natural disaster
Crossposted from King County Local Storm season is underway. For some in unincorporated King County, that means storm damage to property. The King County Department of Local Services Permitting Division reminds everyone that there are steps residents can take before a natural disaster occurs to help reduce property damage, including: Trim any potentially dangerous trees or branches Clean out all chimneys Winterize pipes Keep all potential sources of fuel, such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains, or rugs at least three feet from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces. Assure all smoke detector and carbon… Read More
Supporting residents of unincorporated King County during the federal budget shutdown
Crossposted from King County Local Many families in unincorporated King County are facing an unexpected challenge: a lapse in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments due to the federal government shutdown. This disruption directly impacts food security for people—including children—who receive SNAP assistance. Neighborhood food banks and meal programs across the region are expected to see a surge in demand. King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently directed $200,000 in discretionary funding to support 15 food banks in the unincorporated areas, where King County serves as the local government. Read more.
In recognition of our veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, the Employee Giving Program (EGP) extends gratitude to all people that have served. This holiday honors all U.S. military veterans for their discipline, commitment, and sacrifice in service of our country. We hope to show appreciation for those who have served and support veterans long-term following their service. Here are a few EGP nonprofits that support veterans and their families. Read more. To see the full list and discover more search online or review the 2025 Giving Guide of nonprofits by service category. Start or renew your pledge through Employee Giving on… Read More
King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. On Nov. 11, Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor. Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities. Services will return to… Read More
Native American Leadership Council: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native Peoples across the United States. It is also an opportunity to recognize the challenges that continue to affect Indigenous communities and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, respect, and partnership. The mission of the King County Native American Leadership Council (NALC) exists to create an entity where First Nations, indigenous people, and our allies can come together to build community, leadership, employee enrichment, and cultural preservation. Learn more about the Native American Leadership Council here…. Read More
Reductions to air traffic set to begin at Sea-Tac, other U.S. airports on Friday, Nov. 7
If you made flight reservations and plan to travel on county-related business on or after Friday, Nov. 7, please be aware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to curb air traffic at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports by 10% due to concerns about staffing shortages of critical workers. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is among the affected airports, but delays and cancellations could impact air travel at other airports nationwide. Before traveling: Check your flight status regularly. Arrive early to allow extra time for security screening. If your flight is significantly delayed… Read More
Executive Braddock statement on voter approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy
King County Executive Shannon Braddock released a statement on the evening of the Nov. 4 election, thanking King County voters for their approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy. “Once again, King County residents have shown their overwhelming support for our Medic One/EMS system, which continues to set the standard for emergency medical response through innovation and exceptional patient outcomes. Our cardiac arrest survival rate is two to three times higher than most areas in the U.S.—a difference that can be measured in lives saved. I’m grateful to voters for ensuring… Read More
Discounted admission to Holiday Magic by The Fair
King County employees can now take advantage of an enchanting, family-friendly celebration for the holiday season. Holiday Magic admission includes dazzling lights displays and wintertime walk-throughs, festive food vendors, an indoor skating rink and holiday market, s’mores bar with fire pits, The YETI Bar (21+), plus free photo opportunities with classic characters, a holiday photo selfie studio, live animal manger, enchanting rides and more! Learn more here. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
EvergreenHealth remains in Regence network
Regence BlueShield and EvergreenHealth reached a contract agreement on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Services provided by EvergreenHealth providers, clinics, and facilities will continue to be considered in-network by Regence. If you are enrolled in a Regence medical plan and you see an EvergreenHealth provider, there will be no disruption to your coverage or benefits. For more information, see the Regence News post. If you have questions, please call Regence BlueShield at 800-376-7926 or contact the King County Benefits team at 206-684-1556 or email KC Benefits.
About
We tell stories that highlight the work we do to support our residents,
build strong communities, and make our region a great place to live and work.
Our 17,000+ employees work every day to make King County
a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
Share this:
King County, WA LinkedIn
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with all King County professional news.
Employee News 