Earn free bike, scooter and transit rides this summer!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
The popular “Bike and Scoot to Transit” program is back this summer and is even better than in previous years. This program lets people earn free bike, scooter and transit trips while they commute and explore our region.
This summer, “Bike and Scoot to Transit” has been expanded to include even more transit hubs in Redmond, Seattle and Shoreline. The program began in 2022 and is a partnership between King County Metro, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Sound Transit, along with the companies Bird, Lime, Siemens and Velocia.
“Bike and Scoot to Transit” allows people to connect their Transit GO Ticket app with their Lime or Bird accounts and then ride shared bikes and scooters to transit hubs to earn rewards. Those rewards can be used to pay for their next transit trip, and future bike or scooter ride. Read more.
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King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person.
- Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible.
- Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations.
EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating:
- Workplace stress
- Career decisions
- Strategies to feel better while working, and more.
Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments.
- Phone: 206-263-8733
- Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov
- KingCounty.gov/eap
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Happy Pride Month!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
This week, I had the honor of raising the Pride Progress Flag at Bellevue Base alongside colleagues from Metro’s LGBTQIA+* Employee Resource Group, members of the Metro Leadership Team, Chief People Officer Megan Pedersen and base employees. The flag was raised following a brief program of speakers—a meaningful moment that reminded us of the power of visibility and community. This annual tradition is one of the many ways Metro shows solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a joyful and powerful way to begin our month of celebration, reflection and advocacy.
Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions LGBTQIA+ communities have made to history, society, and cultures around the world. In most places, it’s observed in June to honor the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—a pivotal moment in the movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. While Pride Month is a time for celebration, it’s also a call to action. Across the country, anti-trans legislation and rising acts of violence and hate continue to threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. There is still much work to be done. Read more.
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Protecting the wastewater system, one coat of paint at a time
Crossposted from the OneDNRP Newsletter
When you think about wastewater, you probably don’t think about paint. But painting plays a big role in keeping our system running safely and reliably.
Wes Wilson is one of our industrial painters at West Point Treatment Plant. In this short video, he shows us how his work protects pipes, pumps, and equipment from the harsh, corrosive environment they operate in every day.
Take a few minutes to walk the plant with Wes and hear why he takes so much pride in what he does in the video below.
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Seven national awards for achievements in news, social, video, graphic arts, web design, and multicultural outreach
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) communications staff recently received a combined seven awards at two national conferences, recognizing achievements in news media, social media, video production, web design, graphic art, and multicultural outreach.
On the same night they received the Golden Post Award at the Government Social Media conference hosted in Orlando, they received awards in six categories at the National Association of Government Communicators annual conference hosted in Pittsburgh.
Those are in addition to their three Northwest Regional Emmy Award nominations.
“We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team of communication professionals who help the public appreciate the impressive work performed each day by our employees, reinforcing our reputation as trusted environmental stewards,” said DNRP Director John Taylor. “The multiple national awards affirm their unique ability to take overlooked achievements by our workforce and make them accessible to the people we serve.” Read more.
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Try text-based coaching to reduce stress
Looking for ongoing mental health support without the need for scheduled appointments? Making Life Easier (MLE) offers Textcoach, providing the opportunity for participants to connect with a licensed counselor, known as a Coach, through a secure platform.
Textcoach allows you to enjoy the convenience of care available where you are, whenever you need it to help you reach your goals, whether you want to change habits, establish new routines, build your resilience, or boost your emotional fitness.
To access Textcoach, sign into Making Life Easier’s web portal below, choose the “Access Care” icon, then choose the “Text with a Coach” icon.
From there, you will:
- Select your preferred language. Textcoach® is available in English, Spanish and French.
- Connect with a Coach by exchanging text messages, voice notes, tip sheets, videos and resource links.
- Daily messages from your Coach will help you boost emotional fitness and wellbeing.
Sign into Making Life Easier now.
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Making Life Easier online support groups
Making Life Easier (MLE) offers virtual, drop-in support group sessions on a variety of topics. When you are dealing with a challenge at home or work, group support can offer perspective, encouragement and, most importantly, the reassurance that you are not alone. MLE’s virtual support groups offer you the opportunity to join live, moderated sessions on a wide variety of topics to help strengthen your emotional fitness. Sample group topics include recovering from addiction, coping with stress, and supporting mental health for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Your participation in these groups is anonymous, ensuring you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. To join a virtual support group, sign into the Making Life Easier web portal at the link below, choose the “Access Care” icon, then choose the “Digital Support Group” icon.
From there, you will:
- Create a username and select an avatar. All meetings are completely anonymous.
- Choose a topic and session date and time that works best for you.
- Participate in activities, answer questions and provide feedback anonymously by exchanging texts with the moderator.
Sign into Making Life Easier now.
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Tim Anderson promoted to lead Regional Animal Services of King County
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
After a competitive nationwide search, Tim Anderson has been chosen as the new manager of Regional Animal Services of King County. He takes over for Dr. Gene Mueller, who retired in December 2024.
“We cast a wide net to find our next leader for Regional Animal Services, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional candidate among our own leadership,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “I know that Tim will uphold our commitment to providing outstanding service to the people and pets of King County.”
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to lead one of the premier animal care and control agencies in the nation,” Anderson said. “We’ve built a great program here, and I’m proud of our outreach to historically underserved communities. As manager, I will continue to prioritize partnerships that help make RASKC more accessible, inclusive, and responsive.” Read more.
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Don’t blow it, cut the fuse: Consumer fireworks banned in unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local
As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.
“Although the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County, along with many other communities in the region, recognizes that consumer fireworks present an unacceptable level of risk and harm. To help protect our loved ones, our first responders, pets, property, and neighborhoods, I want to remind everyone that fireworks are prohibited within unincorporated King County. Instead, I encourage residents to celebrate safely by attending a permitted public fireworks show, joining a local community event, or exploring the many other fun and festive ways to enjoy the Fourth of July.” – King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban
Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County. Read more.
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Longer days are returning, seasonal farmers markets are opening, and the benefits of taking advantage of this season are fruitful
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
The wait is over: farmers markets are back! Across King County, local farmers, growers, foragers, food businesses, and more will be selling fresh produce, delicious foods, and unique artisanal goods at 40 different markets. On any day of the week, except Monday, there is a farmers market open in King County. To find a market near you, explore our partner, the WA State Farmers Market Association’s Find a Farmers Market tool and navigate to the Regional Farmers Market Directories page to find directories for Seattle and King County. Be sure to pick up a WA State Farmers Market Directory at your market’s Info Booth, too.
Keep reading to learn more about why farmers markets are so important for our local food economy and why we should shop at them. Read more.
Employee News 