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Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
Emergency exercise tests communications ahead of World Cup
King County Wins 2025 Geospatial Professional Network Award for Innovative AI-GIS System
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
News
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
Tips for a scary-good Halloween with your pet
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Halloween is “spook-tacular” for kids of all ages, but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets. Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging on Oct. 31. Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away. Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises,… Read More
Make this weekend a voting weekend!
King County Elections is projecting just 45% turnout for this election but they would love to see more folks make their voices heard. The local elections on our ballot will shape our communities for years to come. If you need assistance with anything, give KCE a call at 206-296-VOTE, or visit a Vote Center this weekend. Vote Center locations and hours are available at kce.wiki/VoteCenter And if you do spend time this weekend voting and get a good photo, you can tag @kcelections on Instagram, Bluesky, or even LinkedIn! For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
Boost the impact of arts and culture with the Annual Giving Drive
With Halloween coming up, it’s easy to be inspired by all the fun costumes, eye-catching decorations, and entertaining movies — plus related traditions like the Haitian Fèt Gede, Irish Samhain, Mexican Día de los Muertos and Filipino Undas. It’s just as easy to take for granted the time, training, resources, skills and knowledge required to create much of the art we enjoy every day. We are surrounded by creative potential that is nurtured, developed and amplified by arts and culture nonprofits. The Annual Giving Drive is a great way to support these organizations spanning the many creative disciplines and cultures… Read More
Driving Excellence: Jack Millman Named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters Every day, hundreds of thousands of riders step onto King County Metro buses and count on a smooth, safe and welcoming ride. For many lucky passengers, that ride has been in the capable hands of Jack Millman — a driver whose calm presence and consistent kindness have made commutes better and lives brighter. Now, Jack Millman, who has delivered exceptional service for more than two decades, has been named King County Metro’s Operator of the Year. “Today, it is my absolute privilege to recognize Jack — someone who represents the very… Read More
King County announces major workforce investment after new findings show federal funding cuts, cost of living threaten nonprofit sector
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced recently that the county will invest up to $25 million through 2026 to support nonprofit human service providers and workers with higher wages, cost-of-living subsidies, improved benefits, hiring and retention bonuses, professional development, and more. Recent findings from King County’s Nonprofit Wage & Benefit Survey and Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey show how reductions in federal funding, rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, declining individual donations, volunteer shortages, and other factors are threatening the sector’s viability. This investment is made possible through the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors, and… Read More
Discounts available for the Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker performances, Lion King, and more
Employees can now take advantage of a special 20% discount off of select Pacific Northwest Ballet performances in the 2025/2026 season, featuring The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Firebird, and more! Purchase tickets at the link here. King County employees can also receive discounted tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, playing at the Paramount Theatre December 2025 through January 2026. Discounted tickets can be purchased here, no promo code needed. For more information, view this flyer. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
Sign up for ballot alerts from KCE
Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive a text or email when King County Elections (KCE) has received your ballot back at Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified. KCE will send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature. Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process! Sign up today at kce.wiki/BallotAlert. For more information visit kingcounty.gov/elections.
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