DLS employee highlights local Skyway businesses
When you support local businesses in Skyway, you’re doing more than just shopping — you’re fueling the local economy, creating jobs, and helping build a stronger, more connected community.
Every coffee, workout, or meal purchased in Skyway keeps dollars circulating where they matter most, right here at home.
The Department of Local Services’ Basha Alexander dropped by some of those businesses recently. Some have been in the area for more than 30 years while others are relative newcomers to the Skyway area. View the original post on Instagram here.
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Fall vibes and… toxic algae?
Oh, October. The crisp breeze hinting at cooler days to come. The stunning displays of fall foliage. The shifting, softening sunlight. If you love this time of year, you’re not alone: toxic algae do, too, and typically peak in our lakes this month!
Fortunately, the Science Section has a team of lake scientists who work with other King County agencies and local communities to help keep people and pets safe from toxic algae. Together we monitor, test, and respond to algae incidents so everyone can enjoy our lakes safely all year long. Read more.
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Six brain healthy habits to support memory, mood, and lifelong vitality
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
As we age, caring for our brain becomes just as important as protecting our heart, bones, and muscles. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER study offers hopeful news: lifestyle changes, especially those that target multiple risk factors, can help preserve memory and thinking skills in older adults.
The best part? These strategies are practical, science-backed, and easy to start. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or thinking ahead for yourself, here are four ways to invest in your brain health, starting today! Read more.
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Sign up now to donate blood on Oct. 29
Bloodworks Northwest will be at the Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue in Seattle, on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for blood donations.
Book your appointment online here. Enter “King County” for the Sponsor Name. Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments are available at most locations. Photo identification is required.
Need help booking an appointment? Call Bloodworks’ Donor Care Team at 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
Bloodworks is your local source for blood. Your donation can save lives. Blood donors help support a lifesaving blood supply to 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals. Your blood donation could help people in accidents, or in surgeries and organ transplants. It might be needed by people receiving treatment for cancer, bleeding disorders, blood diseases, or immune system conditions.
For safety, no visitors under 16 at donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
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Resources and services that support all people
Various groups and communities have been targeted by executive orders and policy directives recently issued by the federal administration.
Guided by our values and True North, King County will continue to provide county services and programs that support all communities and all people, including immigrants and refugees, women, transgender people, LGBTQ+ people, people of all racial identities, people with disabilities, and people of every religion, or of no religion.
We are steadfast in our commitment to our employees. There are many services and resources offered by King County and organizations in the community that can help employees and their families get support, legal advice, and more. You will find a selection of services and resources here. Read more.
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Celebrating employees who provide customer service
National Customer Service Week is Oct. 6-10, and it’s an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of employees at King County who serve and support our customers every day. “We focus on the customer” is an Executive Branch core value. To standardize the customer service approach at King County, the Customer Service Playbook offers guidance and tips for employees who support customers, both internal and external. Providing exemplary customer service is what we aspire to at King County. It’s what we must do to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Thanks to our customer-facing employees who are helping create a customer-centric culture at King County.
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Healthy floodplains and resilient communities: A discussion with King County Flood Warning Center staff
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
It’s 4:30 p.m., you’re still at work when you get a flood alert saying the Snoqualmie River has reached phase 2 – minor flooding is expected in low lying areas. Because you know that driving through floodwaters is dangerous, you need to check to see what the conditions are, plan what route you’ll take home, and figure out how the rest of your night might be impacted.
The King County Flood Warning Center is here to make sure that information is available.
In the following interview we go behind the scenes to see what staff are doing to ensure you get the answers you need. Read more.
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Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system on Oct. 16
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 16 between 9 and 10 a.m. as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness.
Employees will receive test messages from KCInform via phone, text, and email. KCInform is used to notify County employees of emergency situations, infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in department business operations, and other critical impacts.
Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system. However, please register your County provided cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you don’t miss important, time-sensitive messages. The service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected.
If you are not currently registered with KCInform, or want to update your information, go to accountportal.onsolve.net/KCInform. Your County email address is your username, and you can use the password reset function if you have not logged in before. Visit the KCInform website and watch this short video to learn more.
And remember, at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16, Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds as part of the Great Washington ShakeOut drill.
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Honoring heritage, inspiring the future: Celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters
From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, we recognize Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities across our region and country. This observance also highlights the importance of representation, connection, and belonging; values we strive to integrate into our workplace and service every day at Metro. Read more.
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Learn more about causes to support at the Annual Giving Drive’s Nonprofit Expos
Join the Employee Giving Program as we meet the nonprofits that make our Annual Giving Drive possible! Nonprofit Expos are a great chance for King County employees to connect with different nonprofit organizations, ask questions, and form connections! Come curious, as we have a unique opportunity to share resources, connect with new people, and create long-lasting connections. These expos are open to all King County employees. Employees do not need to register to attend. Read more.
Start Something Good. Give Today. Learn more about how to join the Annual Giving Drive.
Employee News 