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.

MyNorthwest Politics

bite of seattle briefing...

James Lynch

Voicemail shows Seattle mayor’s aide asked police to delay Bite of Seattle shooting briefing

A voicemail is adding to the dispute over who asked Seattle police to delay a public briefing after a gang-related mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle.

7 hours ago

Rod Dembowski on homelessness agency...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘People have died’: Councilmember Dembowski blasts King County homelessness agency for leaving $260M unspent

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority left about $260 million in available funding unspent while running up a deficit of nearly $17 million.

8 hours ago

pothole budget...

Luke Duecy

Seattle budget: Rob Saka proposes $14 million for traffic safety, restores pothole funding

Rob Saka is proposing $14 million for traffic safety projects and restoring $1.3 million for pothole repairs as the city council reviews Wilson’s budget.

8 hours ago

vote...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Some voters in Hoquiam, Oakville and Raymond have to vote again. What a mess

Some voters in one town send back a second ballot on top of the first. Some voters in two other towns get a new ballot to fill out.

14 hours ago

Everett...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Everett proposes a $766 million budget with a potential new sales tax

Everett’s proposed budget for next year does not cut services or staff, but it could include a new sales tax to fund public safety.

2 days ago

homelessness (1)...

Luke Duecy

Seattle’s new homelessness plan aims to move people into housing. Here are the big questions

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is betting that a more coordinated approach to homelessness can get more people off the streets, but questions remain.

5 days ago

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