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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.
Employee Giving Program Nonprofits that are fighting hunger and building food security
The Employee Giving Program (EGP) and our Annual Giving Drive provide employees with tools to support food access for communities in moments of uncertainty and the long term. Food banks and pantries, meal programs, food distributors, community centers and other groups are currently preparing to significantly increase their service capacity which will require additional resources. Supporting these organizations by volunteering and donating requested items can address immediate needs around program funding and food supplies. Long term, material support will prepare these groups to replenish their current supplies and serve the growing demand. Here… Read More
Executive Braddock statement on King County’s response to federal government’s delayed SNAP funding
In response to the ongoing need for food security and hunger relief during the federal government shutdown, Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement: “The ongoing government shutdown has threatened the health and well-being of individuals and families, particularly those who rely on federal funding and programs for food security. I am heartened to see how strongly our region and state have responded to support those at risk of losing SNAP benefits, from individuals and community organizations to businesses and local governments. Their compassion and support show the strength of our communities… Read More
Reminder to take Pulse Survey on Employee Communications
The pulse survey email is legitimate message—not spam—and the survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is conducting a survey about employee communications and tracking progress on the Employee Engagement Survey that was sent in March. Last week, all Executive Branch employees (excluding Short-term Temporary positions) received an email from Qualtrics with the subject “King County Employee Pulse Survey: Together We Thrive.” This email is not spam. The survey takes about 10 minutes and is confidential. Please complete the survey by Nov. 14. We want to hear from… Read More
Open Enrollment is live!
Open Enrollment is underway. Ensure you have the right benefits in place for you and your family for next year by completing Open Enrollment by Nov. 15. Check out the following resources to learn more about your benefit choices: Go to the Open Enrollment web page to see the 2026 Key Benefit Changes. Stop by a Benefit Fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Here is the schedule for this week: Tuesday, Nov. 4, King County Equipment Maintenance, 155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, J Bldg. Wednesday, Nov. 5, Atlantic/Central Transit Base, 1500 6th Ave S,… Read More
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