Metro receives national award for innovative paratransit map
Crossposted from Metro Matters, originally shared from Metro Magazine
For decades, transit agencies across the U.S. have relied on a simple text description to explain one of the most complex aspects of ADA paratransit service: service is available within three-quarters of a mile of fixed-route transit. While technically accurate, that explanation often leaves customers with more questions than answers.
Seattle’s King County Metro set out to change that. Read more.
Protect yourself, your family, and co-workers: Get your annual flu and COVID-19 shots
King County wants employees to be healthy so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the community we serve.
While respiratory illness season begins in autumn, it typically peaks in January and February and continues through the spring, with potential COVID-19 waves any time of year. Watch the video to learn more.
Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. Here are upcoming onsite clinics:
- Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Maleng Regional Justice Center
- Monday, Oct. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., North Transit Base
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to noon, King County Courthouse (New appointment slots are open.)
Employees are encouraged to schedule an appointment at a convenient location. Online registration for appointments prior to arrival is strongly advised. Walking in on the day of the clinic without an appointment may be possible, pending vaccine availability. Schedule your appointment.
Be part of this year’s Annual Giving Drive
The Annual Giving Drive (AGD) is here! This year’s theme, Good Grows Here, reflects the idea that every act of generosity helps build a stronger, more connected community. When we contribute in whatever ways we can, we support the places and people around us.
Through the Annual Giving Drive, we can support causes and nonprofits that are close to our hearts and make a difference across King County and beyond. Here are some ways you can take action.
Good Grows Here. Give Today. Learn how to be part of this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
Ethics reporting requirement for employees
King County employees are entrusted to act with honest, fair, and responsible use of public resources. Our conduct must uphold public trust and withstand public review. To reinforce these standards, the Code of Ethics was recently revised to clarify reporting requirements related to potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest may occur when personal interests, or the interests of someone close to you, a former employer, a vendor, or a future employer, could influence, or appear to affect, your ability to make fair and honest decisions.
When you become aware of a potential conflict of interest, you are required to disclose it in writing to your supervisor immediately. This proactive step helps us address concerns promptly and protects you, the County, and public trust.
The Ethics Program welcomes ethics questions and concerns. Email us at Program.Ethics@KingCounty.gov. We are an advisory office that helps employees understand and navigate compliance with the Code of Ethics. Thank you for your continued dedication to upholding our ACTIVATE values.
Dave Decoteau takes the helm of NWAAAE
Crossposted from the Plane Talk newsletter
Recently, at the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NWAAAE) conference in Missoula, Montana, Dave Decoteau, Deputy Director of King County International Airport, was named president.
The NWAAAE promotes airports by developing, connecting, and educating aviation industry professionals. The membership region includes Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, and Northwest Territory.
Pictured: Dave Decoteau with his wife, Jillian, at the NWAAAE conference.
Celebrating excellence: Peter Ngo named King County Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters
If there’s one thing you can count on in Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance division, it’s that Transit Mechanic Peter Ngo will show up ready to skillfully tackle whatever challenge the day brings. Today, he was recognized for his consistent excellence as the King County Metro Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year.
“Peter sets a standard for reliability and professionalism that inspires everyone around him,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “His dedication strengthens our operations daily and reflects the best of what Metro stands for.” Read more.
Executive Zahilay moves to accelerate Metro’s RapidRide R Line, deliver long-awaited transit improvements to south Seattle
Today, Executive Zahilay announced three steps to advance the long-awaited RapidRide R Line: proposing $64.4 million in accelerated funding, sending a proposed route and station plan to the King County Council, and moving forward with the project’s design. The project will provide faster, more reliable transit in neighborhoods from Downtown Seattle, Chinatown-International District, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton, Dunlap, Rainier Valley, and Rainier Beach. Read more.
Executive Zahilay celebrates future Skyway Community Center, gathers feedback on building’s design and recreational opportunities
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay invited community feedback on design concepts for the future Skyway Community Center at a celebration Oct. 10, marking an important milestone toward delivering the long-requested community space in the heart of Skyway. Read more.
Join me this Saturday for King County’s first Regional Day of Service
Hey, King County!
Do you have plans on Saturday, Oct. 17? I’ll be at White Center Heights Park for King County’s inaugural Regional Day of Service – and I’d love for you to join me.
We all have a role to play in making our neighborhoods better. Being in Community, one of my 4 Bs for a Better Future, is a top priority of my administration, and volunteerism is a direct way to put that into practice. That’s why we’re partnering with the Duwamish Alive Coalition to celebrate 20 years of their work for cleaner water, healthier wildlife habitat, and thriving communities.
We’re calling King County employees and the King County Volunteer Corps to Duwamish Alive! – a biannual event that has brought neighbors together to restore and protect the Duwamish watershed since 2006. We’ll be planting native trees, pulling weeds, and spreading mulch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Center Heights Park (10208 7th Ave. S.W., Seattle). I hope you’ll work alongside me.
Register for Regional Day of Service here. For questions, contact ParksVolunteer@kingcounty.gov.
A note for employees: you’re welcome to take part in your personal capacity, using a personal email account to register. If you believe participating is part of your King County job responsibilities, please check with your supervisor before attending in your official capacity. Read more.
Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system on Oct. 15
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 15 at approximately 9:30 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. The phone call and text will come from 206-477-5330 and the email from KCInform via noreply@everbridge.net. 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. Providing your personal contact information is completely voluntary and we will only use KCInform to contact you in emergencies or to test the system.
If you are not currently registered with KCInform, or want to update your information, go to member.everbridge.net/index/101672076443714 or bit.ly/4iGPtZw. Click the blue button to Sign in with SSO credentials from a King County device and you should be directly logged in. You can find and update your contact details under My Profile. If you have any problems updating your information, contact KCInform@kingcounty.gov for assistance.
Visit the KCInform website and watch the video below to learn more.
And remember, at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, 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.
