Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
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
Navigating substance use concerns—whether for yourself or someone you care about—can feel overwhelming. That’s why King County employees and anyone living in their household have access to a suite of confidential, stigma-free resources through Making Life Easier (MLE). Addiction Care Navigator is MLE’s online clinical assessment that offers a stigma-free, anonymous and confidential way to assess substance use risk and to immediately connect you with care and support. Read more.
Crosposted from Public Health Insider Getting a COVID shot this fall might look a little different from state to state, but here in Washington, it’s pretty simple: all people ages 6 months and up can get the updated (2025-26) COVID vaccine. Here’s what you need to know. Who should get a COVID shot this fall? The short answer: it’s a good idea for everyone! No matter your age or health, vaccination can protect you from severe illness and Long COVID. The slightly longer answer: we strongly recommend that certain people at higher… Read More
Crossposted from Headwaters The Science Section brings together experts from different fields to investigate and address environmental concerns. But what is a limnologist, a gager, or a hydrogeologist? Why do we need fish ecologists and oceanographers? What do they do and why does it matter? In Five Questions you’ll meet the people behind the science and learn about their work and what it means for the rest of us. Read more.
Dear fellow King County employee, As we enter the season of giving, I’m proud to announce the launch of our Annual Giving Drive, running from Sept. 29 to Nov. 14, 2025. This year’s theme, “Start Something Good,” is a celebration of King County’s strong legacy and invites us to cultivate hope and take positive action. Every act of giving is a fresh beginning. Through the Annual Giving Drive, we can choose to grow the good by supporting causes that matter most to each of us. The Annual Giving Drive is closely aligned… Read More
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is hosting two gun safety events: a gun lockbox giveaway event at Kirkland City Hall on Sept. 29, and a gun buyback in Skyway with the King County Sheriffs Office on Oct. 4. Both events are free and open to all. Read more.
Crossposted from Metro Matters Expert Metro staff work tirelessly to deliver service across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day. You don’t see them, but they’re essential to making sure your trip goes smoothly every day. They help train the operators you see everyday, keep track of buses throughout the region and support drivers and the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are the supervisors, instructors, and coordinators who put their backgrounds from other fields into good use. We want to introduce you to the staff that… Read More
Crossposted from DES Express Danielle Lucero and Nicole Way both serve as Chief of Staff in the Department of Executive Services, with Lucero in the Director’s Office and Way wrapping up a special duty assignment in the Facilities Management Division (FMD) as Deputy Director/Chief of Staff. What does it take to become Chief of Staff at King County, a position that involves finance and budgeting as well as government and legislative relations? Both Lucero and Way started in entry-level, temporary positions and worked their way up. Lucero started at the county as… Read More
Get ready to rally around the causes that matter most—King County’s Annual Giving Drive kicks off Sept. 29 and runs through Nov. 14, 2025. This King County tradition is more than just a fundraising campaign; it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and collective impact. Each year, employees come together to support organizations close to their hearts, making a difference both locally and globally. Whether you’re a longtime participant or joining for the first time, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful and fun. Let’s make 2025 our most generous… Read More
Dear fellow King County employee, Tuesday I transmitted my 2026-2027 proposed biennial budget to the Metropolitan King County Council. It is a budget that prioritizes key investments in public safety, housing, and behavioral health while preventing devastating cuts to critical services thanks to a new revenue source. The budget also prepares King County for uncertainties surrounding future federal funding. My 2026-2027 budget proposal protects core services to ensure safe, vibrant, and healthy communities where everyone can thrive. It also creates efficiencies and invests in proven programs serving those in need. By proposing… Read More
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green The ubiquity of plastic and the efforts to manage it sustainably is a difficult challenge for farmers to tackle. From greenhouse film to packaging materials, plastic is everywhere, and while these materials are crucial for farm operations, options for conveniently disposing of plastic products are limited. Plastic materials used on farms are typically shut out of recycling streams due to contamination from soil and plant matter, leaving farmers with few choices other than to dispose of them in landfills or let them pile up on their… Read More
For assistance with minor tech issues, Executive Branch employees may visit the new IT Helpdesk Walk-Up Window on the 7th floor of the Chinook Building starting Oct. 1. KCIT’s expert staff can help with quick fixes such as password resets, audio issues, or connectivity issues. You can also replace basic equipment like a faulty charging cable, keyboard, or mouse by simply exchanging it at the IT Window. For faster service, please submit a ticket before going to the IT Helpdesk window (if possible). You can visit both IT Helpdesk Walkup Window locations at the Chinook… Read More