Crossposted from Public Health Insider Every few years, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) hosts a memorial to ensure that every King County resident is remembered. The KCMEO’s Indigent Remains Program provides burial for King County residents who have died without resources or family to claim their remains for a proper burial. The next ceremony to remember these individuals will take place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton (100 Blaine Ave NE). It’s open to any member of the public who wishes to pay… Read More

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections A Crisis Care Center is a place for people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to go and receive urgent care. Funded by the voter-approved levy, anyone can walk into a Crisis Care Center 24/7 with or without insurance to get help and a path to recovery. Crisis Care Centers are also a place first responders can take people in crisis. Now, instead of going to jail or an overcrowded emergency room – which can often make things worse – first responders can easily transport a person to a… Read More

Seven years after a catastrophic decline in the number of adult kokanee salmon returning from Lake Sammamish put the native species on the brink of extinction, a partnership coordinated by King County is reporting a potential breakthrough for a sustainable recovery. Biologists reported that more than 8,300 adult kokanee salmon returned to their spawning grounds during the 2024-25 spawning run, a stunning improvement over the 2017-18 run when just 19 returned. It was the second-highest return since King County began monitoring in 1996. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks… Read More

Lane Shaw doesn’t take a moment for granted. “I am four years, six months, and 10 days clean,” he said to applause at the May 13 meeting of the King County Council. A 2023 King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) graduate who now works as a KCDDC Peer Services Specialist, Shaw said prior to entering KCDDC, drugs and crime were all he knew. The resources, accountability, and support offered by therapeutic court helped him change his life. “Today I have my own house, my own cars,” he said. “I have a dog, you know?”… Read More

Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News Did you know that May is Wildfire Awareness Month? A wildfire in unincorporated King County could have major impacts. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prepare for and prevent fires, including reducing flammable material on and around your home, making an emergency plan, following local burn bans and regulations, and signing up for ALERT King County, a regional public information and notification service. Another important thing you can do is take five minutes to complete King County’s 2025 Wildfire Protection Survey, which is… Read More

Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News When the days warm up and rains retreat, the King County Road Services Division starts working on roads that have grown bumpy and sprouted potholes. In addition to making your drive more pleasant, resurfacing extends the road’s life and reduces maintenance costs. The work kicks off in May and continues through the fall, with schedules carefully planned to minimize disruptions and get the most work done before cool, wet weather returns. Check MyCommute for updates on specific project dates and locations. To learn more and see… Read More

Crossposted from Unincorporated Area Community News Strong communities rely on engaged people and government working together. That’s why King County’s Department of Local Services is trying out a new Community Service Area Civic Connectors program. Local Services brought together more than 30 people from across unincorporated King County on March 29 for the group’s first meeting at Renton Technical College. The group’s goals are to help members understand how King County government operates, to help make connections and build relationships, and to allow county staff members to engage and collaborate with members… Read More