Featured Headlines
VIDEO: Interim DNRP Director Mo McBroom shares her path to public service
KCSO in the spotlight: Air support
Welcoming new neighbors: King County invests in vital support for immigrant and refugee communities
King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland celebrate opening of new permanent supportive housing community, Sheila Stanton Place
News
Attend an Open Enrollment info session or Benefit Fair
Open Enrollment is around the corner, Nov. 1–15. Get a head start on understanding your 2027 benefit choices by attending an online education session and a benefit fair hosted by your Benefits team. You’ll also learn about the changes for next year, including: Attend a virtual Open Enrollment Education Session today through Nov. 13: Register for an Open Enrollment Education Session. If you can’t attend a live education session, watch the Open Enrollment Overview video. Attend a Benefit Fair Nov. 2–13: Benefit Fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m…. Read More
Be part of this year’s Annual Giving Drive
Join in on Annual Giving Drive (AGD) fun! This year’s theme, Good Grows Here, reflects the idea that every act of generosity helps build a stronger, more connected community. When we contribute in whatever ways we can, we support the places and people around us. Through the Annual Giving Drive, we can support causes and nonprofits that are close to our hearts and make a difference across King County and beyond. Here are some ways you can take action. Good Grows Here. Give Today. Learn how to be part of this year’s… Read More
Ensuring you get all important announcements: Turning “Focused” inbox off in Microsoft Outlook
The “Focused” inbox in Microsoft Outlook separates your inbox into two tabs — Focused and Other. That keeps important email messages in the Focused tab while the rest remain easily accessible, but out of the way, in the “Other” tab. Leaving the “Focused” inbox on may keep you from seeing important information and notices, such as Open Enrollment and benefits information. To turn this feature off, and change back to a more typical inbox: The “Focused” and “Other” tabs will disappear from the top of your mailbox.
Changes for Deferred Compensation “catch-up” contributions for ages 50 and older
If you contribute to the King County Employees Deferred Compensation Plan, are over 50, and earned more than $150,000 in 2025, there are some changes that came into effect in 2026. The pre-tax deferred compensation contributions for employees are capped as follows: Additional “catch-up” contributions to your plan above $24,500 (i.e. $8,000 for ages 50-59 or $11,250 for ages 60 to 63) are made as Roth contributions—meaning they are taken out of your pay post-tax. No action is required, but any pre-tax catch-up contributions beyond the standard limit may automatically switch to… Read More
Reminder: Mandatory Cybersecurity Training due Jan. 29, 2027
Annual cybersecurity training is required for all employees and contractors with access to King County systems (even if you took it last year). On Aug. 24, KCIT’s vendor “KnowBe4” sent an email with links to your cybersecurity training. If you haven’t already, please find the training links in your email. Training must be completed by Friday, Jan. 29, 2027, by 5 p.m. Cybersecurity training is an important safeguard that helps protect vital King County systems; the number of employees that complete the training each year impacts our insurance rates. Total instruction time… Read More
Get ready for Open Enrollment!
Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits begins on Sunday, Nov. 1 and ends Nov. 15. Get a head start on understanding your 2027 benefit choices. There are a few changes for next year, including the following. Go to the Open Enrollment intranet site for the full list of changes. KingCare Select medical plan changes: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) changes: The following resources are available to help you learn about your 2027 benefit choices: If you have questions, contact or stop by the Benefits office. Language assistance and disability support services are available.
Collaboration between DES divisions supercharges airport electrification
Crossposted from the DES Express Magazine article highlights work by KCIA, Fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions In its October edition, Airport Improvement magazine features collaboration between multiple county agencies, two of them in the Department of Executive Services, along with King County Sheriff’s Office, to become carbon neutral by 2030. King County International Airport-Boeing Field, Fleet Services, and KCSO’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit have worked together to replace aging vehicles with electric or hybrid ones. Read more in the official article, “Electric Vehicles Amp Up Carbon Neutrality Efforts at King… Read More
DES employees recognized for years of service
Crossposted from the DES Express Terie Bednarski, Functional Analyst in the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), and Robert Renouard, Capital Project Manager in the Facilities Management Division (FMD), were recognized at a recent King County Council meeting for their years of service to the county. Bednarski has worked at the county for 45 years; Renouard for 35. Congratulations! Read more.
Free breast and cervical cancer screenings break down barriers
Crossposted from Public Health Insider For many people across King County, especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating care in another language, getting a cancer screening can feel intimidating. Worries about cost, discomfort, or communication barriers often lead people to delay routine mammograms and Pap/HPV tests that can detect cancer early. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re taking a moment to remind people that free, in‑language breast and cervical cancer screenings are available through Public Health – Seattle & King County and our community partners. We come together from across the… Read More
County support, volunteers and partnerships seed success of Ching Community Garden
Crossposted from the DES Express The Ching Community Garden, which celebrated its grand opening in Shoreline this month, is anticipated to become an Asian American heritage site, food forest and community garden. It’s already showing that years of volunteer work, collaboration and partnerships, together with county financial support, are starting to bear fruit. King County provided $1.9 million to buy the property in 2022 and an additional $411,000 for fencing, signage, a garden pavilion, and garden development. Several of the volunteers on the project are county employees, laboring on their own time… Read More
About
King County is an employer where people are treated with respect,
receive equitable opportunities for advancement, and are fully supported to do excellent work.
This blog highlights what we are doing to act on these goals
and shares stories about the work our 20,000+ employees do every day,
uplifting residents, building strong communities, and making our region a great place to live and work.
Read more about our amazing employees.
Learn what it means to make a difference through public service.
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