Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell announce new agreement on City Hall Park
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a new agreement regarding the future of City Hall Park that will result in the City retaining ownership and developing a plan to safely activate the park and fountain area in Prefontaine Park.
The new agreement will include the City of Seattle increasing activation, security, and a visible presence in the park following an expected vote by the City Council to pass the mayor’s proposed budget, which includes $2.8 million dedicated to the park. The City and County previously agreed to a land swap for 13 county-owned parcels in exchange for City Hall Park, and that agreement will now be cancelled. Read more.
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Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje on the power of giving
Meet Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje, manager of the Employee Giving Program. In this video she talks about the Annual Giving Drive and ways we can make an impact in our community by giving to causes we are passionate about.
King County employees can donate their time or money as part of the Annual Giving Drive from now until Nov. 18, 2022. Read more here, and watch the interview below.
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Benefits Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15
Benefit changes for 2023: Learn about new options before Open Enrollment
Take the time to review your benefit choices—including some new options—before Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15. Several benefit changes become effective in 2023, including the following:
New dental plan choice
If you are in the Regular or Transit ATU 587 employee benefit group, you have a second dental plan choice. With the Cigna Dental HMO plan, you choose a network dentist who manages your overall dental care. This plan has no deductible and no annual maximum benefit, which means there is no limit to the dollar amount they will pay per year. The Cigna plan also covers two years of orthodontia treatment at a flat rate of $2,049 for kids and $2,553 for adults. For details, see the Dental Plan Summary and go to the Cigna website for King County employees.
Life insurance opportunity
If you are in the Regular or the Transit ATU 587 Full-time Full-benefits group, you have a one-time opportunity during Open Enrollment this year to enroll or increase your current supplemental life insurance coverage amount. Starting in 2023, you can elect up to 6x your annual salary, up to a maximum of $750,000. Evidence of insurability may be required. No new options are available for spouse/domestic partner coverage. For more information, see the Securian Life Insurance Flyer and the Supplemental Life FAQ.
New KingCare Select network—Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
The KingCare Select medical plan is now offering a fourth network option. The Virginia Mason Franciscan Health network offers 900 primary care providers, 10,000 specialists, and nine hospitals in King, Pierce, and Kitsap counties. The KingCare Select plan offers lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs than the traditional KingCare PPO plan. For more information, go to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and KingCare Select.
Other benefit changes
To see all of the changes and new options for your employee benefit group, go to 2023 Benefit Changes.
Benefit fairs and education sessions
If you have questions, attend an in-person Benefits Fair or Register for an online Open Enrollment information session hosted by your Benefits team. If you can’t attend a live session, watch the Open Enrollment Overview video.
Open Enrollment information was also mailed recently to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft—see mailers for Regular employees, Transit ATU 587 employees, and Deputy Sheriff employees.
Need assistance? The Benefits office is again open for walk-up service!
Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations
Chinook Building, 2nd Floor
401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
206-684-1556 or KC Benefits
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
Closed on Veterans Day: Nov. 11
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Disability Equity Action Plan Update
In 2020, the disability community reached out to King County, pointing out areas where the County was falling short in equitably serving people with disabilities: ADA compliance, accessibility, communications, disability equity in programs, and inclusive employment. In response to the community feedback, the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) staff developed a Disability Equity Action Plan in partnership with disability community members and advocacy groups such as the Disability Empowerment Center (formerly Alliance of People with Disabilities), The ARC of King County, The NW ADA Center, and the King County Disability Consortium.
This October marks one year since the King County Council accepted the Disability Equity Action Plan. OESJ hired three permanent staff in the Civil Rights/ADA Disability Equity Team and remains committed and accountable to the objectives of this plan. This update describes the progress on the main objectives highlighted.
Objective 1: Continue development, utilization, and support of internal ADA liaison network. In 2021, the ADA Liaisons completed ADA initial assessments for their departments. This data was pivotal in planning and prioritizing which departments would first complete ADA self-evaluations and corrective action/transition plans. Due to staffing changes, some departments no longer have an active ADA Liaison; planning is underway to reengage those departments to strengthen the ADA network across the county to push this critical work forward.
Objective 2: Continue to utilize disability equity consultant for review of internal county policies and practices. OESJ has been working with the social equity consulting firm, Epiphanies of Equity, who bring expertise in disability justice, anti-racism, and system level reconstruction. Epiphanies of Equity is reviewing King County policies and practices along with engaging community voices to develop recommendations to the County on better serving people with disabilities, especially those with intersecting racial identities.
Objective 3: Fund two FTE ADA Coordinator positions. Two FTE ADA Coordinator positions were funded and filled in January 2022. A third FTE for an ADA/Civil Rights Manager was filled in May 2022.
Objective 4: Establish interbranch workgroup in collaboration with legislative and judicial branches. The pre-planning for an interbranch workgroup to collaborate on accessibility and disability equity practices is underway. Analysis on how to factor disability equity and accessibility work into existing interbranch collaborations is being conducted.
Objective 5: Reactivate Section 504/ADA Advisory Committee. The Section 504/ADA Advisory Committee (KCC 2.55.01) has been inactive for many years, and work is underway to reactivate it by refreshing the code and recruiting new members. An internal Core Team has been meeting since August 2022 and is conducting an internal needs assessment and a community engagement plan. A planning workgroup of people with disabilities will develop community-based recommendations to reflect the needs and interests of King County community members with disabilities. The goal is to issue a recommendations report in 2023, laying the groundwork to propose a code revision and more robust objectives for the ADA/504 Committee.
Objective 6: Create & fund disability specialist FTE when funding for NACCHO grant ends. An ADA/Disability Specialist role was fully funded upon the completion of the NACCHO grant in June of 2022. This is one of the two FTE ADA Coordinator positions.
Objective 7: Establish an affinity group for county employees with disabilities. The King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) is the newest affinity group, for employees with disabilities. KCDEN held their official first meeting in January 2022 and meets monthly. This provides a space for employees with disabilities to discuss their experiences and look at ways to guide the county to be more equitable to our internal and external disability community. Special thanks to Karla Lynch and Lili Stansberry for their work in starting KCDEN and bravely co-chairing this new affinity group.
The majority of these action items are being managed by the Office of Equity and Social Justice, ADA and Disability Equity Team. Many of these items require deliberate and heavy co-creation with the disability community to ensure the need is being met. This plan is just the beginning of a long-term commitment of King County to achieve ADA compliance and improve understanding and best practices around disability justice and equity. Much work is still needed. Plans and strategies are underway beyond the objectives in the Disability Equity Action Plan and are in direct response to feedback from the community. Stay tuned for more updates on future planning and strategy to get closer to our True North- Making King County a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.
Please contact the ADA/Disability Equity Team for more information:
Jenni Mechem, ADA/Civil Rights Section Manager, jmechem@kingcounty.gov.
Dorian Esper-Taylor, ADA/Disability Equity Specialist, despertaylor@kingcounty.gov.
Taryn Farley, ADA/Disability Equity Specialist, tfarley@kingcounty.gov.
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Smoky conditions likely continuing tomorrow
Smoke from wildfires is affecting some areas in King County today and tomorrow. While the forecast has smoke decreasing later this week, air quality may change frequently throughout the day, and may be different from location to location. Check airnow.gov and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for updates.
King County departments are implementing standard operating procedures and providing safety guidance for employees who are working outside in smoky conditions. This includes limiting outdoor work and issuing masks. DES Fleet Stores has ample supply of N95 masks for employees. Section Managers and Division Safety Officers can submit requests for N95 masks to the DES Fleet Stores Expeditor.
Wildfire smoke may cause headaches and irritation of your eyes, nose and throat for everyone and serious health problems for high-risk groups. People who are most sensitive to wildfire smoke are pregnant women, children, people over the age of 65, and those with heart or respiratory conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, diabetes, and stroke survivors. If your health conditions get worse around smoke, contact your health care provider. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone else has serious symptoms, like trouble breathing. Get more information on how to prepare for wildfire smoke.
More information
- kingcounty.gov/wildfiresmoke (includes many resources, including downloadable graphics for sharing)
- How to improve indoor air at home (Español – Spanish)
Sign up for poor air quality alerts
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Supporting people living with disabilities through the 2022 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2022 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports people living with disabilities. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center (HSDC) (9267): Working together with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech differences through advocacy, early education, audiology, speech therapy, and ASL interpreting.
- Canine Partners for Life (5085): Service & companion dogs are professionally & custom trained to enable persons with physical, developmental, & cognitive disabilities to become more independent.
- Autism Speaks, Pacific Northwest (4083): Promotes solutions for needs of individuals with autism and families; increasing ASD acceptance and research into causes and better interventions.
- Community Homes, Inc (5720): Creating rich, full lives for adults with developmental disabilities by providing and promoting quality, community-based housing and services.
- Outdoors for All Foundation (2797): Enriches the lives of 3,000 children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation thanks to the support of over 800 volunteers.
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 18, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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Stay home when you’re sick or have symptoms this flu season
We’re heading back indoors, children are back in schools, and sure enough, the cold and flu season has arrived. At the same time, COVID-19 remains with us, and as we spend more time indoors, we could expect to see the number of COVID illnesses rise again. Please do what you can to prevent the spread of illness in our workplaces and community.
If you get sick, please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread your illness to your co-workers.
COVID-19 and the flu virus will both likely be spreading this fall and winter. You may think you have the flu, but actually have COVID-19— or vice versa. Anyone who has symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 should avoid contact with others and test for COVID-19 immediately. This can help prevent you from accidentally spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
If you have the flu, it’s important to stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. If you have symptoms of COVID or test positive, follow this guidance: Isolation and quarantine – King County.
Get vaccinated for flu and an updated COVID-19 booster
Even if you’re young and healthy, both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to serious complications that require hospitalization. Getting vaccinated not only helps prevent you from getting ill, it also decreases the severity of illness if you do get infected and helps protect those around you who cannot receive the shot because of their age or underlying conditions.
The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. Get it at a worksite clinic or from your health care provider or local pharmacy.
There’s now an updated booster vaccine for COVID-19. It’s important to get the updated booster shot, even if you’ve gotten COVID-19 or had a booster shot previously, to prevent severe illness and long COVID. The coronavirus changes over time and the updated booster targets the Omicron variants that are circulating now, in addition to the original COVID-19 strain.
Everyone 5 years and older is eligible if it has been at least two months since completing the primary series of vaccine or receiving the last booster dose. You can get the updated boosters from your healthcare provider, many pharmacies, and at King County’s vaccination clinic at the Auburn Outlet Collection Mall (appointments and drop-ins welcome) and the Eastgate Public Health Center. Updated boosters are free, and no insurance or proof of citizenship is required. More information about locations and appointments: kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
Our colleagues at Public Health also have answers to common questions about the updated booster: Should I get an updated booster? We asked an expert. – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER.
If you have questions about sick leave, please talk to your supervisor or HR Manager (employee access only). Thank you for helping to stop germs and stay healthy!
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7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
The Annual Giving Drive is underway and King County employees have until Nov. 18 to fundraise for causes they are passionate about. But did you know that you can give back all year? You can use up to three sick days per calendar year to volunteer at a nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program.
Besides providing necessary support to an organization, volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can improve your own mental health and help you feel good. Read through the 7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering, including stress reduction, confidence building, and preventing isolation.
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King County named among top 10 Green Fleets
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
King County placed sixth in the 2022 NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Green Fleet Awards Competition. NAFA is the industry’s largest membership association for those who manage the vehicular fleet and mobility responsibilities for their employers.
The Green Fleet Awards recognizes government and commercial fleets in North America that implement innovative programs designed to minimize the negative environmental impacts of their fleet operations. Read more.
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Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees
Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates.
When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here.
All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County. Read more.
Employee News 