New reporting and performance-monitoring tool now available
Crossposted from the DES Express
Employees and managers alike now have access to critical reports and data the Department of Executive Services (DES) Director’s Office uses for strategic planning, assessment and management. Robby White, Data and Analytics Manager for DES, created the online set of department-wide reports as a window into the department’s data analytics.
“To me it’s part of accountability,” said White, who recently was selected into the career service position after serving in it as a special duty assignment for nearly a year. “Something like this is intended to create a better sense of department-wide identity – how does your work fit into the bigger picture?” Read more.
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DCHS strengthens oversight and accountability with new policies and improvements
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
By Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Acting Director of DCHS
In 2020, the department’s priority was clear: Get resources to the community quickly and provide relief throughout the health emergency and into recovery. The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) moved fast to deliver critical funding—from rental assistance to isolation and quarantine facilities—across the region when it mattered most. DCHS expanded partnerships with smaller, community-based organizations—trusted groups with deep roots in the neighborhoods they serve and a proven ability to connect people to the services they need. Read more.
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King County drug court marks major milestone at graduation ceremony
Crossposted from the Seattle Times
Four men accepted graduation certificates, commemorative coins, and orders dismissing their criminal cases at a Wednesday celebration marking their completion of the rigorous, five-phase King County Drug Diversion Court program.
Their success represents a significant milestone for the therapeutic court that has now graduated over 3,000 participants since its inception in 1994.
“Welcome to one of the most joyful days we have here in King County Superior Court,” said
Judge Michael Scott, who began his two-year rotation presiding over the court in January. Read more.
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Career Cards: Learn what it’s like to be on King County’s environmental science team
Many people are surprised to learn that King County has an entire team of scientists working behind the scenes to understand and protect our environment. In fact, the Science Section has nearly 50 dedicated professionals working in, for, and with communities throughout our region!
Genuine connections and diverse perspectives make our work better, but if other people don’t know who we are or what we do, how can we forge relationships, welcome new views, and respond to community needs and concerns? If local students don’t know jobs like ours even exist, are we losing the opportunity to inspire a whole generation of homegrown scientists? Read more.
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Executive Zahilay commits to regional collaboration and problem-solving in the face of Sound Transit’s long-term fiscal challenges
Recently, King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Girmay Zahilay released the following statement on the Sound Transit’s Board of Director’s retreat and conversations about the Enterprise Initiative. The Enterprise Initiative is an agencywide effort to ensure that project delivery and operations are affordable going forward while delivering on the objectives of the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan. Sound Transit currently faces a $34.5 billion shortfall over the next 20 years. Read more.
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro break ground on South King County’s RapidRide I Line with regional and community partners
Yesterday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro were joined by federal, state, and local transit partners, along with community partners, to celebrate a major milestone in expanding fast, reliable, high-quality transit service across South King County.
The event marks the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line, a new corridor designed to strengthen north–south bus service, connect the cities of Renton, Kent, and Auburn, and improve access to jobs and essential services. The project advances Metro’s commitment to making equitable investments in transit, particularly in historically underserved communities where transit is a daily lifeline for getting to jobs, school, and essential services. Read more.
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Four Fridays Film Festival a success
Crossposted from the DES Express
The Four Fridays Film Festival welcomed more than 200 participants to “hang out” with presenters at the end of each work week last month to honor Black history and culture. Films included “Black Panther,” “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Rustin” and “Hidden Figures.” Level-set questions ahead of each screening helped viewers to build capacity and foster meaningful discussion on issues relevant to community, inclusion, belonging, and greater cultural understanding in King County and beyond. Four Fridays was an outgrowth of the “DES Friday Afternoon Hang” film series, begun by Cecelia Hayes, Equity Social Justice and Engagement senior practitioner, in 2021. Read more.
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Nowruz celebrates renewal, hope, and new beginnings
Annually on March 20, Nowruz marks the spring equinox, and is a longstanding celebratory tradition of renewal and fresh beginnings observed for more than 3,000 years across many different cultures. Translating from Persian to “New Day,” Nowruz is a reminder that growth follows every season of change.
The King County Refugees & Immigrant Support & Empowerment (RISE) affinity group celebrates Nowruz to foster connection, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging among employees from diverse backgrounds.
“Recognizing holidays like Nowruz helps highlight traditions that are meaningful to many communities and creates opportunities for learning, appreciation, and stronger connections across our workplace,” said Nasir Khudaiberdiev, RISE co-chair.
Nowruz is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide and is an official public holiday in many countries. Across generations, families welcome the new year with spring cleaning, festive meals, and the beautiful Haft-Seen table – a symbolic arrangement of seven items beginning with the Persian letter “S,” each representing prosperity, health, love, patience, and rebirth. Traditional Haft-Seen items often include:
- Sprouted Greens (Sabzeh) – Rebirth and renewal
- Garlic (Seer) – Health and protection
- Apple (Seeb) – Beauty and vitality
- Dried Oleaster Fruit (Senjed) – Love and wisdom
- Sweet Pudding (Samanu) – Strength and abundance
- Vinegar (Serkeh) – Patience and aging
- Sumac (Somāq) – Sunrise and new beginnings
Nowruz reminds us that every ending carries the seed of a new beginning. Just as nature awakens after winter, we too can embrace growth, transformation, and optimism. Happy new year and happy spring!
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King County Metro expands bus service and launches systemwide all-door boarding starting March 28
Crossposted from Metro Matters
King County Metro will expand bus service and launch systemwide all-door boarding starting Saturday, March 28, making transit faster and easier to use across the region. The service change strengthens connections to Sound Transit’s Link light rail system, including the new 2 Line Crosslake Connection between Seattle and the Eastside, and adds earlier morning trips, later evening service, and more weekend options for riders. Read more.
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Emergency Management and partners feted at flooding recognition event
Crossposted from the DES Express
Employees who had a role in the flood response in December gathered to receive recognition for their hard work late last month. They came from the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Local Services (DLS), Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) and of course, Emergency Management in the Department of Executive Services (DES).
Before the remarks began, the group in the packed Emergency Operations Center were treated to a bluesy song honoring their efforts.
“December rains fell heavy, rivers overflowed,” crooned a male voice. “King County fought floods on so many roads. Sheriff’s team flew through the night, damn the squall, Evacuations swift and sure, EOC got the calls.” Read more.
Pictured: Employees and leaders involved in the flood response and recovery gathered for a recognition event late last month. Brendan McCluskey, Director of Emergency Management, stands at center holding the proclamation.
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