Executive Constantine on adoption of $10.2 billion 2025 King County budget - Investing in our values

King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement after the County Council unanimously approved the $10.2 billion budget for 2025, which includes significant investments in housing, health, safety, transportation, climate, and the environment.

“This budget reflects King County's values by directing investments toward our environment, shared prosperity, and support for those furthest from opportunity, access, and justice — building a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

I want to extend my gratitude to the King County Council for their dedication in passing this budget for 2025, with special thanks to Budget Chair Girmay Zahilay for his thoughtful leadership. This year presented significant challenges, and I commend the Council for rising to the occasion. I also want to thank the residents of King County who participated in the budget deliberation process — your input has made this a stronger, more inclusive budget. Read more.

General Wage Increase/Cost of Living Adjustment for 2025

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, a combined General Wage Increase (GWI) and Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) of 5.5 percent will apply for employees represented by the King County Coalition of Unions and non-represented employees.

Employees will start to see the increase on their paychecks after Jan. 1, 2025. You can find the 2025 Wage Tables here.

Represented employees whose unions are not part of the Coalition of Unions should reach out to their union representatives for questions about their applicable increase. You can also review your union’s contract any time on this website. You can also reach out to your HR manager with questions.

Emergency preparedness reminders and working alternatives

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for the Puget Sound region beginning today (Nov. 21) at 10 p.m. through tomorrow at 10 a.m. For more details on the upcoming weather, go to weather.gov/sew.

As parts of King County continue to recover from this week’s inclement weather and prepare for more, here are reminders about emergency preparedness and work policies.

Power outages: If you are teleworking and experience a power outage that affects your ability to effectively work remotely, please contact your supervisor to discuss other options for completing work tasks. These may include taking leave or working from your regular King County worksite.

If you work on site, please be prepared for inclement weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Read more.

King County Metro Vehicle Maintenance celebrates ‘superhero’ as Employee of the Year

Crossposted from Metro Matters

Chris Blandi is the Clark Kent of King County Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance: Quiet and unassuming, but a genuine Superman under his modest exterior, able to juggle multiple jobs keeping King County Metro’s bus fleet rolling while remaining cool and unruffled. His excellence as a mechanic was celebrated Monday when he was named Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year.

Blandi, selected by his fellow vehicle maintenance team members for the honor, was lauded at a celebration at Metro’s Central Base. Read more.

Administrative professional recognitions now available for July through September

The Administrative Professionals Program is excited to announce the Administrative Professional Recognitions for the third quarter of 2024, from July through September. These 18 individuals have been recognized for their excellence as administrative professionals at King County. View the recognitions here.

The list includes: Alaina Emde, Alicia Warren, Amanda Knell, Carlos Bratcher, Cindy Hachtel, Danielle Hursh, Elizabeth Fong, Ithica Nolan-Williams, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Kristine Hanson, Laila McClinton, Lauren Olson, Marni Donnelly, My Huynh, Roger Bruckshen, Sam Wick, Sara Stefano, and Valerie Garza

Thank you to the Administrative Specialists, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and others who keep King County operating! Please consider taking a moment to recognize an Administrative Professional on your team, so we can give them a shoutout in the upcoming quarter. For more information about the Administrative Professionals Program, visit kingcounty.gov/AdministrativeProfessionals.

Witnessing small acts adding up to big impacts 

The Annual Giving Drive is ending and King County employees have made incredible efforts in making a positive change in communities throughout King County and beyond.

"What I love the most about the Employee Giving Program is that it gives every King County employee the chance to support the causes and communities that matter most to them. I think there's something wonderful in knowing that we are helping to shape the world we live in. Employees recognize how hard and important the nonprofit organizations' work is and they want to be a part of it." - Beth R.

Join in this collective effort by Friday, November 22.  

If you have participated in payroll donation in the past, don't forget to renew. While renewing is easy, it is not automatic. On average it takes 3 minutes. 

• Pledge - Click Make or Renew Annual Pledge and update your details.
• Proceed - Click Proceed to review your pledge.
• Confirm - Click Confirm to submit. You will receive an email when complete.

Pledge or renew here by November 22.  Together, our smalls acts equal big impacts! Read more.

Larry Gossett Service Award nominations are now open

The 2025 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake. 

As part of the celebration, the Larry Gossett Service Award nominations are now open. The award recognizes and affirms an individual or organization that has made significant contributions in the areas of racial equity, social justice, and/or human rights in King County.

For more information about the award nominations, click here.

Government records reveal stories of accessibility advocacy

Crossposted from DES Express

King County Archives is excited to announce its new online exhibit that sheds light on an aspect of our local history: the development of disability rights and services in King County government.

Thanks to funds received from the Washington Digital Heritage Grant, the Archives staff have digitized more than 400 items to bring these important stories to the forefront. The exhibit, Accessibility, Centered: A History of Disability Services in King County, highlights the efforts of disability advocates and showcases important milestones, including the first Washington State Special Olympics in the 1970s, summer camps featuring hot air balloon rides for children with disabilities, and the push for paratransit services. Read more.

Register now for December retirement classes

Check out the upcoming educational opportunities below to help you learn about—and prepare for—retirement. Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

Use the links below to register for the following online classes provided by your King County Retirement Team. For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, read the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.

Road to Retirement: Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. Register for Road to Retirement.

To register for the following Deferred Compensation Plan education sessions, go to T. Rowe Price Education Sessions. For more information, go to the Deferred Compensation Plan web page or contact KC Deferred Comp.

Retirement Catch-Up Options: Dec. 13 at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and Noon. Learn about all the catch-up contribution options available in your King County Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan, including the three-year special catch-up, over 50 catch-up, and the 60-63 catch-up.

Pet of the Week: Anita

I am a two-year-old, female dog, Akita mix, ID #A716719. I am still on the young side. I weigh 54 lbs and am considered a large breed dog. I am a very smart dog. At the shelter I am practicing how to "sit," "stay," "come," "down" and "shake." I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. I am an independent dog who likes to do my own thing. I am full of energy and I love to play. I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. My caregivers have noticed that I seem to do well with other large dogs. When meeting dogs in a new home, I would do best with a slow introduction.

As Pet of the Week, my adoption fee has been reduced. You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.