News releases

July 29, 2026
VIDEO: New Loop biosolids product offers high-quality compost for community gardens, building on decades of success with farmers
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is building on its longstanding Loop biosolids program to produce high-quality compost that is suitable for use in residential gardens. Through a new pilot program, the county is distributing Loop Compost to community organizations across the Central Puget Sound region on a limited basis while exploring potential retail opportunities.

July 20, 2026
CHOMP!, King County’s local food celebration, returns Aug. 15 to Marymoor Park with Cat Power, Whitney, Daniel Tiger, local food vendors and sustainable living activities
CHOMP!, King County’s local food celebration, returns to Marymoor Park in Redmond on Aug. 15 with a full day of live music, local food vendors, and sustainable living activities for all ages.

July 14, 2026
King County offers new toolkit to make homes and neighborhoods more resilient to increasing wildfire risk
A new toolkit developed by King County climate, forestry, and emergency management experts is now available to help residents prepare their families, homes, and neighborhoods for increasing wildfire risk in Western Washington.

July 8, 2026
To keep regional trails safe and accessible, King County Parks is reminding trail users that motorized vehicles are prohibited
King County Parks this week is launching a public awareness campaign to keep regional trails safe and accessible as the market for unauthorized motorized vehicles that can reach speeds up to 50 mph rapidly grows.

June 25, 2026
Progress on extreme heat preparedness five years after heat dome
Five years after the Pacific Northwest Heat Dome that led to 34 heat-related deaths in King County, our staff continues to work with partner agencies and communities to better prepare our region for extreme heat.

June 2, 2026
King County Parks to complete major upgrades for Dockton Park and Marina with a community celebration Saturday
King County Parks will host a community event on Saturday, June 6 to celebrate the completion of a multi-year project that restored Dockton Park and Marina on Vashon, three years after renovating the nearby playground.

May 26, 2026
‘Transparent and well-defined financial management practices’: Leading agencies re-affirm high credit ratings for King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division
Moody’s and S&P Global assigned high credit ratings to the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s upcoming bond issuance, helping the utility borrow money at lower interest rates and saving money for sewer ratepayers. Agencies cited strong financial management practices and a dedicated commitment to system investment, practices that have allowed King County to maintain high credit ratings for more than 15 years.

May 22, 2026
Outdoor movies return to King County’s Marymoor Park this summer with food trucks, entertainment, dog-friendly activities
Outdoor movies return to King County’s Marymoor Park on July 8, as the KeyBank Movies at Marymoor series launches its 22nd season of outdoor films, entertainment, and food trucks. Events run weekly through Aug. 26.

May 7, 2026
Executive Zahilay announces leadership transition at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
John Taylor, who has served as a member of Executive Zahilay’s Cabinet leading the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted a CEO position at the Cascade Water Alliance.

April 23, 2026
New sewer rate proposal transmitted to reliably operate King County’s wastewater system, protecting water quality and public health
A new sewer rate proposal for 2027 would provide King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division the resources it needs to protect water quality and public health while outlining specific actions to achieve long-term affordability.

April 21, 2026
VIDEO: King County is working with communities to promote forest canopy in urban unincorporated areas
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ new Urban Forestry Program is conducting a study that will prioritize forest enhancement projects in unincorporated communities, building on decades of progress for rural forests.

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.

2025 news releases