Executive Braddock announces $2.17 million in Re+ grants that will help small businesses and nonprofits reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions
King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently announced a combined $2.17 million in grant funding for 14 projects that will reduce waste and keep valuable resources in the economy and out of the landfill. Each project contributes to Re+, King County’s initiative to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to a sustainable circular economy.
Nearly half of the projects will reduce food waste by collecting unused crops from local farms for culinary training and free meals, reducing waste generated from events, and converting food waste into organic fertilizer for local farmers. Several other projects will make construction more sustainable by converting plastics into 2×4 beams for decking and benches, expanding lumber recovery, and increasing access to a popular tool library.
King County’s Solid Waste Division administers the Re+ Circular Economy Grants. Read more.
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King County Metro asks ‘Where to?’ in rider-centric ad campaign
Crossposted from Metro Matters
A bicycle race. A first date. A polar plunge. Every rider has a different destination, but they’re all taking King County Metro to get there.
Our new advertising campaign, “Where to?”, shares some of the individual aspirations behind the 1.8 million trips that Metro delivers each week.
Metro’s in-house creative and marketing teams captured stunning visuals of riders using transit to traverse our beautiful region by bus, light rail and water taxi. In a nod to the destination signs on buses that might read “Ballard,” “Downtown” or “Skyway,” each rider’s personal destination floats above their heads thanks to special effects. We see them enjoying the journey as well—and connecting and growing along the way. Read more.
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BBQ held at Precinct 3 to celebrate our little chiefs
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter
On Aug. 14, King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) employees gathered to welcome LC Carson and LC Easton into their law enforcement family, and were thrilled to have their families join too! A special barbecue was in order. LC Carson had a special request for ribs, and KCSO staff were more than happy to serve them up. A special shout out to Det. Hoaglan for preparing! As for LC Easton, since he loves to drive, we surprised him with a police car, complete with flashing lights and sirens. It was a big hit!
The day included officers and staff from Black Diamond Police Department, Maple Valley Police Department, Washington State Patrol, KCSO Precinct 3, and KCSO specialty units. We even had a special appearance from Guardian One!
LC Carson and LC Easton were formally sworn in at the “Chief for a Day” event at the Criminal Justice Training Center on Aug. 28.
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National Payroll Week Sept. 1-5
National Payroll Week is Sept. 1–5. It is a time to honor and celebrate the vital work of payroll professionals.
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Jay Osborne says, “I want to take this opportunity to thank our payroll professionals for everything they do for all King County employees. They are always there for King County employees, ensuring we receive our pay accurately and on time for each pay period. Our employees know that they can rely on the payroll team’s expertise and professionalism, and the systems they have developed and manage.”
King County is a large, diverse organization and its payroll has many complexities. When changes occur, the payroll team quickly adjusts and efficiently executes them. When deadlines loom, they are quick to put in the extra effort to ensure the job gets done. “I am proud of our payroll team, and grateful for their skills, knowledge, and commitment to the employees of King County,” says Osborne.
View the official proclamation here, where Executive Shannon Braddock recognizes and thanks payroll professionals for their contributions. King County appreciates the important work they do for King County employees every day.
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Preparing for emergencies in National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you stay safe – and keep your family and community safe – in the event of an emergency.
The best time to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency is before it happens. Here are some steps you can take to be more prepared:
- Make a plan workbook: Use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to start (or continue) your preparedness journey. The step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need to be ready for an emergency.
- Personal and family readiness: Emergencies can happen anywhere, any time. Make sure you’re ready at home, in your car, or at work or school. Find out how.
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New Data Shows King County DCHS Services Reached Nearly Half a Million Residents
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
King County’s Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) released new data highlighting the department’s transformative impact. Last year, DCHS reached more than 477,000 residents through services including affordable housing, behavioral health treatment, child care, education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults, support for veterans, and resources for people with developmental disabilities.
For the first time, department-wide data includes all five divisions, giving a more comprehensive look at DCHS’ impact, including the location of funded services, where participants live, how services were accessed and investments made, among other findings. Read more.
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The newest back-to-school must-have: Free Youth Transit Pass!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Binder, paper, pens and pencils, calculator, backpack, ORCA Card!
With school just around the corner, a useful item that also makes a great fashion statement is a Free Youth Transit Pass (FYTP)—also known as a Youth ORCA card!
The pass is good 24/7/365. This will be the fourth school year that youth 18 years of age and younger will be able to use it to board transit for free. The card is the stress-free way for getting to after school activities, picking up siblings, getting to work, or heading to a movie or concert on Metro and other transit agencies throughout the region. Read more.
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KCSO hosts IVLP for delegates from Kazakhstan
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee newsletter
Chief Jose Marenco and Sound Transit Police Chief Marcus Williams recently welcomed a delegation from Kazakhstan as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visit served as a platform for an information exchange centered on strategies for countering corruption and promoting transparency in law enforcement.
During the session, KCSO leadership shared best practices, oversight measures, and community engagement approaches aimed at building trust and accountability. The Kazakh delegates offered insight into their own challenges and solutions, fostering a mutually beneficial dialogue.
By participating in the IVLP, the King County Sheriff’s Office continues to strengthen international partnerships and demonstrate its commitment to ethical policing and global collaboration in the fight against corruption.
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Farewell to the voice in our ears: Melanie Browne is hanging up her headset
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee newsletter
After 38 years of keeping her cool under pressure, looking out for deputy safety, and making the Communications Center a place people want to be, Operator 72 — Melanie (Mel) Browne — is officially hanging up her headset.
Mel has done it all in her time here: call-taking, dispatching, training, leading — and always making sure the people she worked with felt supported. She’s known for her quick wit, her calm in chaos, and her ability to make even the toughest shifts just a little bit lighter.
But her talents go far beyond the radio waves. Mel pours a meannnn root beer float every year at the Goats n’ Floats fundraiser for the One Heart Wild Animal Sanctuary in Silverdale. She is a decades-long supporter of GLOBE Youth of Snohomish, helping make Snohomish County a safe and nurturing place for LGBTQIA+ youth — and you can still catch her at their annual Sno-homo Bingo.
Mel is the chef of her homestead, famous for smoked salmon, ribs, gumbo, and a spice collection that could rival a gourmet market. She and her wife, Brenda, share their pasture with five goats, two cats, and one bear (the bear just likes the salmon scraps). And now they are ready to travel; Alaska, Badlands National Park, and Mount Rushmore are at the top of their list.
We are celebrating her incredible career at her retirement party on Aug, 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Communications Center (3511 NE 2nd Street, Renton). Come for the hugs and stay for the stories! There’s 38 years’ worth!
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Now recruiting 2025 Employee Giving Program Ambassadors
Bring a little inspiration to your day and build connection with your team by signing up to be an Ambassador.
The Employee Giving Program is now recruiting King County Employees to serve as an Ambassadors for this year’s Annual Giving Drive to their work groups/sites.
As an Ambassador, you are the heart and soul of our Employee Giving Program team. We CANNOT run this program and support so many great causes without you. Last year that resulted in $2.37 million! You are the key to making sure that every King County employee has an opportunity to connect to a cause they care about through the program. Read more.
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