MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

Legislation would require King County workers back to office 3 days a week

Sep 25, 2025, 1:30 PM | Updated: 3:10 pm

King County (1)...

The King County Administration building in downtown Seattle. (Photo: Dyer Oxley, KIRO Newsradio)

(Photo: Dyer Oxley, KIRO Newsradio)

King County Council member Reagan Dunn is proposing legislation that would require most county employees to work in the office at least three days a week, emphasizing the need for a return-to-office arrangement.

“The proposed policy mirrors the City of Seattle’s current workplace expectations and fulfills plans originally announced by the King County executive, the mayor of Seattle, and the CEO of Sound Transit in August 2024,” the news release stated.

“King County employs nearly 18,000 people and is a key participant in Seattle’s downtown workforce,” the release continued. “It was one of the first counties in the nation to transition to remote work during the COVID-19 crisis.”

King County Council member’s reasoning for back-to-office mandate

Dunn’s proposal comes amid ongoing debates over remote work policies in the public sector.

“It is long overdue that King County follow through on its commitment to return to in-person work,” Dunn said. “Returning to in-person work will not only improve services to residents, it will also ensure the public’s right to see their government at work and what their taxes are, or are not, paying for.”

Dunn’s legislation is expected to be referred to a special council labor policy committee.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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