King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2019 to be Black History Month in King County. “The scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential to the progress of our nation and we will continue to honor these accomplishments every month and every day in Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., County, Washington State,” Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation. You can read the Executive’s proclamation here.  

Crossposted from King County Emergency News  According to Seattle Weather Blog, humans had not yet walked on the Moon the last time our area saw so much snow in one month. So far, 20.2 inches of snow has fallen at Sea-Tac Airport, making it the snowiest February on record there. February 2019 will definitely go down as one of the top ten snowiest months ever in our region – where it ultimately ends up on the list depends on how the next 16 days shake out.  Read more from King County Emergency News

View the video below to see Executive Dow Constantine provide an overview of the actions King County is taking to keep the region safe and moving during the biggest winter storm in years.  This video includes footage of Executive Dow Constantine meeting with King County  Metro vehicle maintenance employees, Facilities Maintenance Division employees, and staff at the Emergency Operations Center. He also visited the new Jefferson Day Center, which is operated by the Salvation Army through a contract with King County Department of Community and Human Services. 

How to do you go from low morale, poor work life balance, lack of clarity in communication and no compass in the form of vision, mission and goals to a highly engaged team where members pitch in to balance workload and are focused on a simple, impactful mission? In the Wastewater Treatment Division, the Regulatory Compliance and Land Acquisition Services (RCLAS) Unit used lean tools in their engagement action plan. The results of their efforts won them recognition as a Performance Achievement Award finalist and their story provides a model to follow…. Read More

Our Facilities Management Division (FMD) employees have been working hard to remove snow and ice from about 40 buildings, ensuring access is safe for community members and staff. These employees have been working eight days straight with 4 a.m. start times to clear paths around our facilities. Their work has kept buildings safe, and dealt with blown tires and rough roads during poor conditions. They have worked collaboratively with leadership and other agencies while staying overnight, away from their families. To thank them for their continued dedication, King County Executive Dow Constantine stopped by for a… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters  King County Executive Dow Constantine Tuesday directed Metro to restore most of its bus service and shift operations to snow routes starting Wednesday, Feb. 13. This will allow Metro to switch from operating its core Emergency Snow Network (ESN) and expand to providing service on at least 90 percent of routes across King County. Road conditions will be evaluated as Metro repairs and restores its fleet and ramps back up to full service in the coming days.  Read more from Metro Matters

Thank you to our awesome employees for your service during these difficult winter weather conditions. Your commitment to public service is clear to see and greatly appreciated. For Wednesday, Feb. 13, most King County operations will open as normally scheduled: Most Executive branch operations will open as regularly scheduled. King County Council will operate on regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Department of Elections will operate on regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Renton Headquarters and annex in Seattle. Department of Assessments will open on regular hours. District Court will… Read More

As we continue to dig out of this winter storm, we want to take a moment to thank all of our employees who are working onsite or teleworking to ensure our customers can access the services on which they rely. It has been challenging for our entire community and we appreciate your service. If you are commuting home this evening, please be extra safe on the roads and let safety guide your commute decisions. King County Metro Transit remains on Emergency Snow Network this evening, with severely limited or no service in some areas… Read More

District Court will close today except for essential staff for in-custody calendars. Superior Court will close with the exception of both Chief Criminal courts (10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Juvenile Court first appearance calendar (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.). Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is closed with the exception of certain calendars. Department of Assessments and King County Council will open on a two-hour delay. Elections will operate with Critical Crew In-Person, Online Support & Ballot Box Closing. Most Executive branch operations will open as normally scheduled today to ensure that customers can access as many of our services… Read More

Most Executive branch operations will open as normally scheduled Monday, Feb. 11, to ensure that customers can access as many of our services as possible during this protracted winter snow event. Unless otherwise directed by department leadership, employees are expected to report to work as scheduled. If you are able to safely commute to your worksite or have an agreement in place to telecommute or work at an alternative location, please do so. District Court, Superior Court, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, King County Council, the Department of Assessments, and the Department of Judicial Administration are closed today. Elections… Read More

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has been elected to sit at the board for Pet Alliance of Washington, with manger Dr. Gene Mueller serving as Secretary.   “Regional Animal Services of King County is excited and enthusiastic to work with the Alliance to help pets and people across the State, while we in turn grow and learn from colleagues,” says Dr. Gene Mueller, RASKC Manager and Secretary of Pet Alliance of Washington.     The Pet Alliance of Washington was created to increase the lifesaving efforts of organizations in Washington State that… Read More

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  We’re not playing games – Checkers is our awesome Pet of the Week!  This young pittie mix loves exploring, so he is looking for an adventurous family who can help get his energy out through exercise and keeping his mind busy. Because he’s so spirited, he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” personality pets. Checkers already knows “sit,” “lay down,” and “off,” but he is still working on his manners.   Read more from Tails from RASKC

Basic Data Visualization, April 10: Our ability to gather and collect data has steadily increased over the past decade. But data alone is not information and does not easily convey a compelling story. This half-day introductory course will allow participants to understand why data visualization is important, explore ways to tell a story with data, and mock up data visualizations in whiteboard exercises, using tips explored in class. Register and learn more.  Facilitating Effective Meetings, April 16: This one day training covers the skills used by a facilitator to design and run an effective meeting…. Read More

Due to heavy snow in the forecast, non-mission critical functions for the Executive branch will close at 2 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 8. Please be extra safe in your commute and check for any impacts or delays before leaving. Priority and mission-critical services will continue to be provided in accordance with department emergency planning. First responders and other mission critical staff are expected to report to or remain at their work location at the usual time. This includes, but is not limited to, corrections officers, 9-1-1 call center operators, emergency personnel, security staff,… Read More

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  A significant snowstorm hit King County this week, dropping as much as ten inches of snow. Temperatures are not expected to warm much above freezing the next couple of days, so it’s important to make sure your pet is kept safe and warm.  As always, the best thing to do is to keep your pet inside when it’s cold and wet outside.   Read more from Tails from RASKC

Salary: $112,068.95 – $142,054.02 Annually  Location: Washington, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Hours Vary  Department: DPH – Public Health  Job Number: 2019-09307  Closing: 2/11/2019 5:00 PM Pacific  Public Health Seattle-King County is searching for a (Career Service) Chief Pharmacist Officer to supervise the clinical practice of other pharmacists, general oversight of pharmaceutical services, including quality improvement and assurance standards, ensure integrity of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and ensuring that services and programs are in alignment with the department’s strategic plan.  Learn more about this position or view all available positions.

Another winter storm is heading our way tomorrow, and will likely bring more snow and ice to the region, particularly Friday afternoon and evening. If the roads are snowy and icy, expect delays to your commute and be prepared for very cold weather. Please have a commute plan with several fall back options, dress warmly, and as always, let safety guide your commute decisions. If you haven’t already, talk to your supervisor about your role in an emergency, and know how to contact them. Metro buses may have to move to snow… Read More

Dear fellow King County employee, As our region continues to dig out of this week’s snow storm, I want to recognize and thank our employees for reporting to work in snowy, icy, and very cold conditions Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday morning. When our customers needed us, to get them home or to work, to clear a path for them on the roads, to provide the services and care they count on, these employees went above and beyond to deliver great service. Difficult times and trying conditions often bring out the best… Read More

Thank you to King County Metro and King County Roads employees for working hard to keep employees, residents and our community safely moving throughout the snow and ice. We are grateful to Metro employees for getting us all safely to and from our destinations, and to Road Services for maintaining our roadways throughout the county to keep traffic moving carefully and free from harm. Kudos to you for your commitment and dedication!

Crossposted from Employee Giving Program  As our 30th anniversary season comes to a close, we’re celebrating you — the people who went above and beyond to make the Annual Giving Drive a success.  You’re invited to our Annual Celebration and Star Awards!  Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Chinook Rooms 121/123  Read more from Employee Giving Program

The snowy weather is a perfect reminder for employees to sign up for KCInform, the King County employee emergency alert system. This system, powered by CodeRED, allows us to reach you by phone, text, and email with timely information in an emergency or natural disaster. Your safety is our priority, whether you are at work or home, so having updated personal contact information (work cell phone and home phone, email, and/or cell phone) is critical for reaching you wherever you are. Many employees previously registered to receive alerts through this system, but if… Read More

On Friday, January 25, Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency to bolster the State’s response to a large measles outbreak in Clark County, Washington, that could spread widely. In King County we have had one reported case of measles as of January 31, 2019 and we remain very concerned about the potential for additional cases here. Measles spreads effectively among unvaccinated people, including in schools, households, places of employment, social settings, public spaces, healthcare facilities, and any place where people gather.   Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women,… Read More

King County operations will return to normal hours Wednesday, Feb. 6. If you are scheduled to work Wednesday, please plan to report to work at your normal start time or discuss any changes beforehand with your supervisor. Be prepared for cold weather: Please be prepared for very cold weather on your morning commute. As always, have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. Metro buses: You can sign up for Metro Transit Alerts (text, email, tweets via @kcmetrobus, see RSS feed via desktop or mobile RSS… Read More

Due to icy road conditions, King County operations will open at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. (District Court staff are expected to report to work by 10 a.m.; Superior Court will have a two hour delayed opening). First responders and other mission critical staff are expected to report to their work location at their usual time. This includes, but is not limited to, corrections officers, 9-1-1 call center operators, emergency personnel, security staff, and certain senior managers. Employees who are unsure of their designation should contact their supervisor. Employees who are not… Read More

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Fall in love with Bryce, our Pet of the Week!  This seven-year-old boy quickly became a favorite among staff and volunteers at the Pet Adoption Center. He is curious, affectionate, and active. He also loves to meow, so if you like a “talker,” Bryce might just be the cat for you! He cannot hear though, so he is looking for a special home with a family who will take the time to get to know his communication style. Because Bryce is deaf, he should be an indoor-only… Read More