News releases

February 3, 2026
King County’s new recycling and transfer station in Algona nears completion and features improved water quality, restored habitat
When the South County Recycling and Transfer Station in Algona opens this summer to replace its 60-year-old predecessor, customers of King County’s newest solid waste facility will find convenient waste disposal and a wide range of recycling options.

January 14, 2026
VIDEO: A unique salmon recovery partnership in King County has proven to be an effective model for collective impact
A unique partnership created 25 years ago in King County has so far reconnected 730 acres of floodplain, completed 719 salmon recovery projects, and planted nearly 1,500 acres of native vegetation in riparian areas. The partners recently signed a new agreement that will sustain the effort for at least the next decade.

December 8, 2025
'A healthy lake sends a powerful message’: Landmark King County study of Lake Washington finds that cities can grow without harming water quality
A study by King County scientists – recently published in a national scientific journal – found surprising improvements in Lake Washington’s water quality this century, even as the watershed’s population increased by 350,000 people.

November 19, 2025
Growing from a decade of success, King County’s updated Local Food Initiative has a broader vision, addressing hunger relief, access to farmland, and climate resiliency
King County is updating its Local Food Initiative 10 years after its initial launch, enhancing the policy roadmap to strengthen the local food economy and make homegrown food accessible to all.

November 17, 2025
As surging utility costs make housing less affordable throughout King County, Executive Braddock brings together partners to develop a more sustainable future
The household costs for utilities – natural gas, electricity, solid waste, stormwater, sewer, and water – are expected to escalate each year for the next decade. As part of her 200-Day Plan, Executive Braddock brought together elected officials and experts from throughout King County to begin developing a more sustainable future, one that protects the natural environment without making housing less affordable.

September 9, 2025
King County partners with hunger relief organization to provide $755,000 in grant funding to strengthen local food infrastructure after federal spending cuts
Twenty-two food growers, distributors, and hunger relief organizations throughout King County will receive a combined $755,000 in grant funding to strengthen the local food infrastructure following abrupt cuts to authorized federal funding earlier this year.

September 3, 2025
Executive Braddock announces $2.17 million in Re+ grants that will help small businesses and nonprofits reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions
Small businesses and nonprofits will receive a combined $2.17 million in grant funding to reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions, advancing King County’s Re+ initiative.

August 28, 2025
Non-emergency motor vehicles remain prohibited from Foothills Trail Bridge during White River Bridge closure due to safety risks, weight limits, and access for emergency responders
Motorized vehicles – including motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs, and dune buggies – are still prohibited from the Foothills Trail Bridge during the closure of the White River Bridge due to safety risks, weight limits, and access for emergency responders.

July 30, 2025
VIDEO: Protecting historic nature camps and creating more so a new generation can enjoy healthy outdoor activities
Executive Braddock toured Camp Sealth on Vashon to see how King County Parks is protecting historic nature camps and working with partners to create a new one in underserved South King County.

July 28, 2025
CHOMP! returns to King County’s Marymoor Park Aug. 16, celebrating local food, farmers, and fun with live music and family-friendly activities
CHOMP! returns to Marymoor Park on Aug. 16 with free live music, local food, family activities, and a focus on supporting sustainable farming through this year’s beneficiary, the Washington Hmong Farmers Cooperative.

July 24, 2025
Modernize aquatic centers, enhance parks, restore river corridors, expand access to outdoor recreation: Executive Braddock announces $31 million in King County Parks Levy grant funding
Fifty-six community-led projects throughout the region would receive a combined $31 million in King County Parks Levy grant funding under a proposal by Executive Braddock. The grant program has awarded a combined $88 million to partners since voters approved the current Parks Levy in August 2019.

July 17, 2025
Refuge Outdoor Festival returns to King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground, elevating BIPOC youth leadership in the outdoors
The Refuge Outdoor Festival returns Aug 22-24 to King County Parks’ Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground for a weekend of community and connection in nature, with expanded BIPOC youth leadership and a continued commitment to equity in the outdoors.

July 2, 2025
Executive Braddock announces winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship
Seattle Times reporter and author Lynda Mapes received the Environmental Catalyst award at the 2025 Green Globe Award ceremony presented by Executive Shannon Braddock, honoring nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals who contribute to resilient, sustainable, equitable communities.

June 24, 2025
‘We still brace ourselves, but now we can breathe easier’: Operators at West Point Treatment Plant credit new battery system for delivering reliable power during its first year
The first-of-its-kind battery system at King County’s West Point Treatment Plant proved effective during its first year, keeping critical pumps operating during 78 power disruptions. There were 15 instances when pumps at the state’s largest treatment plant were powered exclusively by the 16.8-megawatt battery system.

June 18, 2025
King County Parks opens new trail segment connecting Burien and SeaTac, completing two-thirds of a regional trail that connects Lake Washington to Puget Sound
King County Parks’ latest expansion of the Lake to Sound Trail creates seven miles of contiguous, paved urban trail through South King County. Once complete, the 16-mile regional trail will connect five cities and four other regional trails to Sound Transit Link light rail stations.

2025 news releases