Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention News Sergeant Joshua Bott recently finished his first Ironman 70.3 mile race. He’s competing not for himself, but to inspire those around him. And he’d love it if a few co-workers could join him in the Seattle Marathon this fall. Read more.
Crossposted from Plane Talk As part of King County International Airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the airport recently transitioned its entire regular diesel fleet to renewable diesel. “We have 45 pieces of equipment and trucks that will be renewable diesel,” said Colin Douglas, Maintenance Manager at the airport. Now instead of spewing higher levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide, all the airport’s heavy-duty equipment, from generators to snow plows and fire trucks, will use renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is primarily made from used cooking oil and… Read More
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Along a quiet residential street in Black Diamond, a large industrial truck draws curious looks from neighbors on a recent sunny morning. King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s new sewer cleaning truck has arrived. “We’re basically pressure washing the pipe at 12 to 15 feet underground,” says Jim Giger, a conveyance inspector at WTD. Large black and red hoses inserted into the opening of a maintenance hole. A worker’s boots are visible next to the maintenance hole lid. The Conveyance Inspection team lowers a suction hose and jet… Read More
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year and the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Flu and COVID-19 shots have many important benefits; getting a flu and COVID-19 shot can reduce your risk of getting severe disease, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve health care resources. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work… Read More
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Employee newsletter DAJD’s Resident Programs team hosted a celebration on Aug. 28 in honor of volunteers and providers who are active in the jails. They gathered at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers building in Tukwila for lunch, team-building games and — most of all — recognition. There were chaplains and veteran advocates, teachers and substance use counselors, among others. Read more.
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Employee newsletter Dr. Camille Moniz’s impact on youth is hard to put into words. The Intervention Specialist’s influence reaches far beyond the juvenile detention center, leaving a lasting mark on the lives she touches. Read more.
Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be… Read More
Crossposted from King County Executive Climate Office newsletter King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant Program funds community-based projects that support frontline communities, with a special focus on areas specified in the Strategic Climate Action Plan. That includes food systems—and a food sovereignty project was on display (and on the menu!) at an event this month. The African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program Intl. (AYDEPI) held their 3rd annual “Beauty of our African Roots” event at Family Life Center in Federal Way! The youth-led cultural celebration featured music and dance, community voices and poetry, fashion,… Read More
It’s important to review and update your personal contact information in PeopleSoft before Open Enrollment begins. Here’s why: You will receive important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you have listed as of Sept. 30, 2025. Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work. You can be notified of safety directives, building closures, etc. You can receive information at the email address you prefer. Here’s how: Watch the Updating Personal Details in PeopleSoft video or follow these steps: Sign in to PeopleSoft… Read More
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you, your family, and community prepare for emergencies, and stay safe if one occurs. To prepare for an emergency, use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to create a plan. This step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need. Your plan should include emergency kits for your home, vehicle, and workplace. They should include two weeks’ worth of supplies. Read more.
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention News Staff from the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) came together on Aug. 27, for a lively Western-themed celebration hosted by the King County Detention Officer’s Guild with support from senior management. Read more.
Crossposted from King County Local You might have heard of code enforcement officers, but did you ever wonder exactly what a King County code enforcement officer does? Today, the Department of Local Services introduces Antonio Dorsey, Code Enforcement Officer II with the Permitting Division. He talks about his job, what a typical day of work might look like and how he approaches community members in contentious situations. Watch the video here:
“King County voters asked for urgent behavioral health care in every part of our region, and this site in Seattle is a leading example of how we’re delivering on that commitment. By investing in places for people to go to receive care, we can help more folks get the mental health treatment they need to recover, and in return, support the overall health and well-being of our communities.” King County has been working on securing a site location in Seattle for over 15 months. Following months of community listening sessions and engagement… Read More
Crossposted from King County Local Do you have a question about permits in unincorporated King County but don’t know where to start for answers? Good news! Today, the Department of Local Services launched a series of simple, animated videos that answer some of the most commonly asked questions for the Permitting Division. Read more.
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green King County Parks is proud to celebrate Zeinab Al-mohanawy, recently honored by the King County Council as one of this year’s Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellows. During her yearlong fellowship, Zeinab worked with Parks staff on community engagement and public policy projects, helping strengthen the connections between our parks and the people they serve. “I want to be someone in my community that’s reflective of my community and its diversity, and really drive change for the next generation that’s coming up,” Zeinab shared. “Leadership is not… Read More
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Executive Shannon Braddock joined the City of Seattle and Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) this week to celebrate the opening of the new Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center and shared a tour of the new facility on Instagram. The ORCA Center offers people a welcoming place to recover after an overdose and start treatment. It’s an important resource in King County’s work to address local impacts of the opioid crisis. “Thanks to collaboration across all levels of government to confront the opioid overdose crisis, we now have… Read More
Nothing is more important than our health and well-being, and that includes our mental health. This week is World Suicide Prevention Week, and throughout September we are also recognizing National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a reminder that no one should have to face mental health challenges or substance use disorders alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible. Many of us have lost people or know people who have tragically lost family and friends to suicide. It is important to remember that we can… Read More
Crossposted from KCIT Many people are giving up their traditional landline phone service and moving to cell phones or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. Be aware that these services works differently than traditional landline 911 service. If you’re using a cell phone to call 911, only your general location may display at the 911 center. Because of this, it is very important that you know your location and can relay the address, street names, or nearby landmarks. Text-to-911 is a service in King County that can help those who are… Read More
Suicide is a difficult but critical topic, and chances are it has touched your life or someone you know. It affects people of all backgrounds and is currently the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs is key to prevention. Starting a conversation about suicide won’t encourage it; instead, it opens the door to support and connection. If someone you know is struggling, listen without judgment, offer help, and connect them to professional resources. Your awareness and compassion can truly make a life-saving difference. Learn more. Supervisors: Here… Read More
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter Recently, the Goddard School in Redmond reached out with a special request for a visit from King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies. Deputies K. Baker and S. Wickland were more than happy to oblige! The visit was a hit with students and staff alike, and recently KCSO received a heartfelt thank you letter from the school’s director, expressing their appreciation for the time and care our deputies shared. Moments like these remind us how meaningful it is to connect with young people in… Read More