Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
Crossposted from the DAJD Employee Newsletter For two decades, José Reynaga has been a dedicated custodian for King County, ensuring that the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) remains safe, clean, and welcoming every day. Beyond his essential custodial work, Reynaga has nurtured something extraordinary that brightens the lives of everyone around him: His passion for gardening and flowers. Read more. Pictured: Miae Aramori, left, and José Reynaga, right, showcasing two of Reynaga’s beautiful floral arrangements at a recent CCFJC staff appreciation event.
King County government observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 13 in 2025. This holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region. Most County operations will close on Oct. 13, but some will continue, including some court… Read More
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro’s commitment to improving the safety of our employees and riders remains unwavering. We have a clear-eyed focus on what people, process, technology, and other resource investments we need to make to make a meaningful impact on transit safety. At the heart of Metro’s commitments are continuing to focus on how we care for our employees and how we care for our riders. The King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force identified opportunities to coordinate across sectors to prevent, deter, and ensure people are following our… Read More
When you support local businesses in Skyway, you’re doing more than just shopping — you’re fueling the local economy, creating jobs, and helping build a stronger, more connected community. Every coffee, workout, or meal purchased in Skyway keeps dollars circulating where they matter most, right here at home. The Department of Local Services’ Basha Alexander dropped by some of those businesses recently. Some have been in the area for more than 30 years while others are relative newcomers to the Skyway area. View the original post on Instagram here.
Crossposted from Headwaters Oh, October. The crisp breeze hinting at cooler days to come. The stunning displays of fall foliage. The shifting, softening sunlight. If you love this time of year, you’re not alone: toxic algae do, too, and typically peak in our lakes this month! Fortunately, the Science Section has a team of lake scientists who work with other King County agencies and local communities to help keep people and pets safe from toxic algae. Together we monitor, test, and respond to algae incidents so everyone can enjoy our lakes safely all year long. Read… Read More
Crossposted from Public Health Insider As we age, caring for our brain becomes just as important as protecting our heart, bones, and muscles. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER study offers hopeful news: lifestyle changes, especially those that target multiple risk factors, can help preserve memory and thinking skills in older adults. The best part? These strategies are practical, science-backed, and easy to start. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or thinking ahead for yourself, here are four ways to invest in your brain health, starting today! Read more.
Bloodworks Northwest will be at the Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue in Seattle, on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for blood donations. Book your appointment online here. Enter “King County” for the Sponsor Name. Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments are available at most locations. Photo identification is required. Need help booking an appointment? Call Bloodworks’ Donor Care Team at 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org. Bloodworks is your local source for blood. Your donation can save lives. Blood donors help support a lifesaving blood supply to 95%… Read More
Various groups and communities have been targeted by executive orders and policy directives recently issued by the federal administration. Guided by our values and True North, King County will continue to provide county services and programs that support all communities and all people, including immigrants and refugees, women, transgender people, LGBTQ+ people, people of all racial identities, people with disabilities, and people of every religion, or of no religion. We are steadfast in our commitment to our employees. There are many services and resources offered by King County and organizations in the community… Read More
National Customer Service Week is Oct. 6-10, and it’s an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of employees at King County who serve and support our customers every day. “We focus on the customer” is an Executive Branch core value. To standardize the customer service approach at King County, the Customer Service Playbook offers guidance and tips for employees who support customers, both internal and external. Providing exemplary customer service is what we aspire to at King County. It’s what we must do to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Thanks… Read More
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green It’s 4:30 p.m., you’re still at work when you get a flood alert saying the Snoqualmie River has reached phase 2 – minor flooding is expected in low lying areas. Because you know that driving through floodwaters is dangerous, you need to check to see what the conditions are, plan what route you’ll take home, and figure out how the rest of your night might be impacted. The King County Flood Warning Center is here to make sure that information is available. In the following interview… Read More
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 16 between 9 and 10 a.m. as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. Employees will receive test messages from KCInform via phone, text, and email. KCInform is used to notify County employees of emergency situations, infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in department business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system. However, please register your County provided cell phone (if applicable)… Read More
Crossposted from Metro Matters From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we recognize Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities across our region and country. This observance also highlights the importance of representation, connection, and belonging; values we strive to integrate into our workplace and service every day at Metro. Read more.
Join the Employee Giving Program as we meet the nonprofits that make our Annual Giving Drive possible! Nonprofit Expos are a great chance for King County employees to connect with different nonprofit organizations, ask questions, and form connections! Come curious, as we have a unique opportunity to share resources, connect with new people, and create long-lasting connections. These expos are open to all King County employees. Employees do not need to register to attend. Read more. Start Something Good. Give Today. Learn more about how to join the Annual Giving Drive.
The Switch Your Trips (SYT) promotion has officially begun! Leave the car at home during October and reap the benefits of trying other modes of transportation. Complete and log at least 10 trips using a qualifying travel option—that’s carpool, vanpool, bus, train, light rail, foot ferry, bicycle, walking, rolling, skateboarding, or a combination of all modes — and you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win some great prizes — including $1,500, $500, or one of many other great prizes. So, join your fellow King County employees… Read More
King County is committed to helping employees build a financially secure future. October is National Retirement Security Month — a great time to learn more about your retirement options and make sure your plans are on track. Understand your retirement plans Employees are enrolled in a King County pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Check your retirement account at drs.wa.gov or call 800-547-6657. In addition, you are also offered the King County Deferred Compensation Plan, an optional retirement savings plan administered by T. Rowe Price. You can enroll at… Read More
Crossposted from the Department of Local Services LinkedIn Recently, members of the Department of Local (DLS) Services Road Services and Director’s Office teams wore orange shirts to collectively honor Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration of Indigenous children across North America who were taken from their homes to attend residential and boarding schools — many of whom did not return home — beginning in the 1800’s. The commemoration, which centers on the message that “Every Child Matters,” serves as an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and… Read More
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee News It is with great pride and admiration that we recognize Sgt. Devon Edwards for her exceptional achievement in being awarded the prestigious International Association of Women Police (IAWP) scholarship — an honor bestowed upon one outstanding female police officer worldwide. This competitive grant celebrates leadership, vision, and a commitment to advancing global understanding of law enforcement roles across diverse cultures. Devon Edwards made history as the first female officer from the United States to receive this distinguished award. Her selection reflects not only her dedication to… Read More
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Sept. 23, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proposed a 2026-27 budget that adds more than 400,000 hours of Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities. “We continue to invest in and grow transit,” Executive Braddock said. “We’re increasing bus and water taxi service, expanding Metro Flex, and improving Access Paratransit.” Read more.
Crossposted from Public Health Insider We may want to think of COVID-19 as something in the past, but it’s still here and many people are living with the long-term outcomes that can range from unpleasant to utterly debilitating. Long COVID is a condition that can affect any of the organ systems after a COVID infection, and it can happen to people at any age, even if they were previously healthy. Studies have identified more than 200 symptoms that people with Long COVID have experienced, and some can make daily living a challenge…. Read More
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Overdose is the leading cause of preventable injury death in King County, but an easy-to-use nasal spray called naloxone is saving lives. When someone overdoses on opioids like fentanyl or prescription painkillers, their breathing slows or stops. Naloxone, sometimes also called Narcan, quickly reverses the effects of opioids, often restoring normal breathing in 2-3 minutes. Through strong community partnerships and innovative approaches, Public Health’s distribution of this life-saving tool to community-based organizations in 2025 is on pace to double that distributed in 2024. This work is funded… Read More