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Telling the stories of King County employees

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Featured Headlines

Clean energy projects bring $5.2 million in savings for WTD

Balanced You attends the Healthy Worksite Summit

Let the world class KCSO Motorcycle Unit take you for a spin

Meet the SCOPE Team, connecting services directly to your community

News

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

King County to observe Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will be on Sunday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, May 26.

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

ARFF joins Touch-a-Truck event

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter On April 26, King County Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) joined the annual Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Junior League of Seattle, giving kids of all ages a hands-on look at big rigs from various agencies. The KCSO fire truck was a clear crowd favorite, drawing a steady line of excited future first responders. Special thanks to ARFF Captain Eric Muller and ARFF Sergeant Clint Herman for participating in this fun event.

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Inside the pipes that keep everything flowing

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Aaron Squires stands at the edge of a maintenance hole in Redmond, pulling on a pair of waders. A King County truck sits nearby, with cones marking the work zone and cables running down into the opening below. Squires is part of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s 15-member conveyance inspection team, responsible for maintaining and surveying the pipes that spans across our service area.  Below the surface, more than 380 miles of County-owned pipe carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. Known as the… Read More

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

FIFA World Cup to bring road closures, traffic impacts along with the spotlight

Crossposted from the DES Express The first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle kicks off at noon on Monday, June 15, with a total of six games in Seattle through July 6. During that time, there will be many special events throughout the Puget Sound region and the state celebrating the tournament. Local event planners are anticipating 750,000 visitors to the region for the World Cup. While the World Cup events will spotlight our region, they will also bring increased traffic, road closures and pressures on public transportation. Read more.

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Celebrating employees during National Emergency Medical Services Week

May 17-23, 2026, is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a time to honor emergency medicine’s frontline workers who provide lifesaving services in our community, day and night. King County’s own Medic One/EMS system has been called “one of the world’s best” which can be directly attributed to the dedication and skill of the EMTs, paramedics, and telecommunicators in the region. EMS Week reminds us to recognize the courage, commitment, and teamwork of those who are there for us in our most critical moments. “We are grateful for the commitment of all EMS… Read More

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Trailhead Direct returns Memorial Day weekend with transit service to popular hiking destinations

Crossposted from Metro Matters Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, returns for its ninth season beginning Memorial Day weekend, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the region’s outdoor spaces without the stress of driving or parking. Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), with promotional support from Amazon. Trips to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si trails will operate on weekends and holidays, starting Saturday, May 23 and will run through Sunday, Aug. 30. The 2026 season includes service… Read More

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

King County Executive visits the Communications Center

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter King County Executive Girmay Zahilay spent a few hours during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, at the 911 Communications Center, where he plugged in with call receiver Clarissa Eyre and dispatcher Verna Riley. Chief Ian Huri gave him a tour, and Operations Manager Katie Emanuel helped explain the technology and coordination that keeps the Communications Center running, and what it takes to keep King County safe. As a fun ‘plus one’ he also brought his father along. Pictured: From left, Executive Zahilay… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Needing to burn off stress? Movement helps

Stress has a way of building up in our bodies and minds. If you’ve been feeling tense or weighed down, moving your body can be one of the fastest ways to release it. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost energy and focus. Balanced You and King County make it easier to fit movement into your day with resources designed to support you. Read more.

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Breaking the cycle: Connecting people to mental health care after hospitalization

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections For too long, communities across King County have faced barriers to getting the behavioral health care they need to support their long-term recovery. At the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS), we are breaking the cycle through our commitment to following through, connecting people to routine mental health care and recovery supports after they are discharged from treatment in hospitals, inpatient programs, or Crisis Care Centers. New data shows efforts to connect clients of King County’s behavioral health services to outpatient care after a hospitalization are working… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

SeattleFWC26, Governor, Executive, Mayor and transportation partners share ‘Know Before You Go’ info ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

Crossposted from Metro Matters With 33 days until Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match kicks off in Seattle, SeattleFWC26 and First & Goal, Inc. were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and leaders from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), King County Metro, Port of Seattle, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for a regional “Know Before You Go” event to preview matchday transportation plans. Seattle Stadium will host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1 and July… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

New intranet page helps employees navigate World Cup impacts

It’s almost time for Seattle to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches! They will be held at Lumen Field (referred to as Seattle Stadium) between June 15 and July 6. During that time, you should expect substantial impacts to your commute on game days and during World Cup-related community festivities. On game days, there will be street closures and increased pedestrian traffic around King Street Center and other buildings in the downtown campus.  King County has launched a tool to help employees navigate closures and delays related to the World Cup in Seattle. It’s a new one-stop-shop intranet page with… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

New exhibit highlights Filipinos’ lasting legacy on Washington’s waterfront

Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog A powerful new traveling exhibit, “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront,” is currently showcased at King County Metro’s Water Taxi terminal at Pier 50 through the end of May. “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront” uncovers personal stories that have long gone untold—stories of cannery workers, longshoremen, Navy sailors, faith leaders and families. This spring marked the debut of the exhibit which explores more than a century of Filipino history, labor and community along Washington’s saltwater shores. Over the coming months, the physical exhibit is traveling to host sites around the… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Mental health resources for King County employees

As we begin Mental Health Month, Balanced You reminds King County employees of the many resources available to support you and your loved ones. Making Life Easier (MLE): Free crisis or short-term counseling, daily living support, and online tools for managing stress, available to employees and household members. Mindfulness classes and videos: Resources you can join from anywhere for a reset or a moment of calm. Mental Health First Aid: Training to help employees recognize when coworkers may need support and respond with confidence. Insurance-based mental health providers: Long-term counseling and psychiatric care available through your health plan. Movement… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

What’s the risk of hantavirus in King County?

Crossposted from Public Health Insider The outbreak of hantavirus on an international cruise ship has put this rare disease in the headlines. WHO is leading the investigation of that situation involving a specific type of hantavirus that has not been found in the United States. We wanted to learn more about whether hantavirus poses a risk to people in King County, so we checked in with Dr. Jocelyn Mullins, a public health veterinarian and resident expert at Public Health – Seattle & King County on diseases coming from animals. Dr. Mullins, what is hantavirus and how people can get it?  Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. It primarily… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

10 years of repair: Solid Waste Division celebrates 100 community repair events across King County, providing free repair services to keep household items out of the landfill

Crossposted from Field Notes Darren Moffatt has always loved tinkering. Although it’s not his day job, several times a year you’ll find him volunteering as a “fixer” at King County-sponsored repair events. He can be spotted working a screwdriver, applying glue, or even rewiring electronics. “Repair events help keep items out of the landfill by giving them new life instead of throwing them away.” Darren says. “But repair events also have invaluable community impact. At one event, a woman brought me a broken hair clip that seemed simple to me. A piece… Read More

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

King County Human and Civil Rights Commission releases inaugural annual report 

The Human and Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) released its inaugural 2025-2026 annual report, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve King County’s equity goals and ensure all residents are treated fairly and justly.  “King County is committed to being an inclusive, welcoming place for all people – regardless of their race, religion, gender, or ability,” said Executive Girmay Zahilay. “At a time when our federal government is attacking civil rights, HCRC is working to ensure we are advancing equity, fairness, and justice in King County and uplifting the voices of communities who have not historically had a seat at the table in decision-making processes. Read more.

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Mental Health Month: Caring for ourselves in a time of change

As we recognize Mental Health Month, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of well-being in our lives and in our work. Mental health is a shared human experience. Many of us are balancing responsibilities at home, at work, and in our communities while navigating stress, uncertainty, and change. That reality is part of what makes this work, and our commitment to one another, so important. Every day, across King County, you show up to serve our residents and communities. Whether you are supporting someone in crisis, helping a… Read More

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Charge your batteries (human and electric) for Bike Everywhere Month!

May is Bike Everywhere Month, and to celebrate the joy of bicycling there is a friendly competition: the Bike Everywhere Challenge! Throughout the month, teams at King County will create a little friendly competition for who can get the most trips and/or ride the most miles during the month of May. Please consider forming or joining a team to get riding! There are prizes for most trips logged, most miles ridden, and random drawings for participants, courtesy of the Employee Transportation Program. To sign up for the Bike Everywhere Month challenge under… Read More

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

2026 Big Backyard 5K and 10K offers discount for King County employees

Join us for the 2026 Big Backyard 5K & 10K at Marymoor Park on Sunday, June 7. It is a fun, family-friendly run and walk for all ages and abilities. King County employees can take advantage of a 50% registration discount by using the code KCP50. Register here. This discount code has not been previously mentioned. All employees are eligible for the discount. If you registered and did not receive the discount, please reach out to Mirsa Rutledge at MiRutledge@kingcounty.gov for your discount refund. This annual event is a great way to get outside for a run or walk with… Read More

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Lilia Cabello Drain

King County Dependency CASA at the Mariners

CASA volunteers and staff came together at the May 3 Mariners game in support of We Are Family Day, a special game day event celebrating foster, kinship, and adoptive families. It was a meaningful opportunity to build community, celebrate families and raise awareness about the CASA program, highlighted by seeing our name on the big screen! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the dependency court system. Whether or not serving as a CASA is the right fit for you, we encourage you… Read More

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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
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