Strengthening oversight: DCHS moves closer to completing audit recommendations
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Last year, the King County Auditor’s Office released a report showing the need for stronger financial oversight at the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS). The report also detailed 10 recommendations for DCHS to implement to strengthen internal controls and stewardship of public dollars. Now, the department is making progress on the 10 recommendations, with nearly half completed.
“I’m proud of the progress DCHS has made. This is a testament to our commitment to being responsible stewards of public funds,” said Amber Green, DCHS Deputy Director. “DCHS is laying the groundwork for Better Government practices across the entire county.” Read more.
Getting vaccinated against flu, COVID, and RSV: A message from Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano
Dear Colleagues,
Does it feel like everyone you know has been sick with something lately? Yep, it’s respiratory virus season again. While we can’t get ahead of every cough and cold, we can protect ourselves from three of the biggest offenders – flu, COVID, and RSV – with vaccines. COVID and flu are circulating now, so it’s the right time to drop by one of King County’s onsite worksite vaccine clinics or make an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy.
Here’s why I get vaccinated every fall. Like many of you, my life can get hectic. I’ve got work, a bottomless inbox, and two small kids with all the joy and chaos they bring. If I’m going to take time away from it all, I’d rather do it by choice, not because I’m sick.
True, I could still catch flu or COVID after getting vaccinated. But vaccines can make the difference between not feeling good for a few days and being utterly flattened for a week or two. Vaccination reduces your risk of hospitalization, prevents disability, makes Long COVID less likely, and can even save your life.
Here at Public Health, we work closely with the Washington Department of Health to make science-based recommendations that are informed by guidance from professional medical societies and focused on safety. Read more.
Balanced You Conversations: Miguel Messina
Balanced You Conversations is a series of talks about important topics related to overall health and well-being.
Karla Clark, Employee Health & Well-being Program Manager III with the Balanced You team, sits down with Miguel Messina, Employee Assistance for Supervisors Program Manager. They discuss the Employee Assistance for Supervisors (EAS) program and the resources that are available to King County employees.
Miguel explains that EAS provides confidential counseling, coaching, and consultation to help supervisors and people leaders manage stress, build skills, and navigate workplace challenges. Strengthening supervisors and people leaders, he notes, ultimately benefits employees by improving team support and performance. While EAS focuses on supervisors and people leaders, employees seeking personal or work‑related assistance can use the Making Life Easier program.
Knowing your role during winter weather and emergencies
King County is responsible for providing services to more than 2.3 million people in our region, including in emergencies and inclement weather.
HR Policy 2011-009, County Operations During Emergency Situations and Inclement Weather, provides direction on the closure of county facilities, employee designations, employee reporting requirements, pay, continuity of operations, and communications during emergencies and inclement weather.
Each department is required to have a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan, which sets out how we will perform essential functions during or after an emergency. In case of a significant disaster or emergency, county leaders must prioritize which functions and services will be provided, and which can be delayed or suspended.
This includes providing each employee with an employee designation in one of three classifications: First Responders, Mission Critical Employees, and Non-mission Critical in an Emergency Employees.
We want to make sure you understand the expectations of your role during an emergency. If you do not currently know your designation, your department and/or division leadership will communicate which designation applies to your role. Read more.
Executive Zahilay launches Advisory Panel to speed up permitting, build more homes, and support business growth
Recently, as part of his Building More and Better Government agenda, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a new Permitting Advisory Panel to streamline regulations, reduce red tape, and remove barriers to building housing and opening businesses in King County.
The panel will develop actionable recommendations to speed up permitting and approvals while advancing King County’s goals for more affordable housing, thriving small businesses, and reliable public infrastructure.
“Permitting should not be an obstacle to building a home or opening a new business,” said Executive Zahilay. “While our county permitting teams have made significant progress in reducing permitting timelines and improving customer service, we need to go further. I’m asking the panel members for their recommendations on how to cut red tape, speed up approvals, and make it easier to build housing and open businesses while still maintaining our commitment to safe, healthy buildings.” Read more.
King County EOC held open house to prepare for FIFA
In preparation for FIFA, the King County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) hosted an open house for members of the ethnic media in May 2026. Attendees received a tour of the Emergency Operations Center and the 911 Call Center, participated in a press event with the King County Sheriff’s Office, and participated in a workshop on emergency information.
Feedback from ethnic media professionals, which includes the development of a cultural calendar, will continue to be incredibly helpful for planning and community awareness purposes. For more on what was learned, read Insights from the King County Emergency Operations Center Open House for Ethnic and Multilingual Media.
Partners in organizing the open house included the King County Flood Control District, King County Sheriff’s Office, Local Services, and Department of Natural Resources and Parks Stormwater Services.
King County’s accommodation process and Disability Services contact information
Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and calls attention to the barriers that still keep too many people out of the workforce.
If you have a medical condition that is impacting your ability to perform your essential job functions, you may want to begin the accommodation process by discussing your needs with your supervisor, contacting your HR Partner, or contacting Disability Services/Transit Disability Services. You are not required to disclose any sensitive medical information to your supervisor or manager, only what the limitation or restriction is, and what job task you are having difficulty performing.
You can contact Disability Services by:
Email at DisabilityService@kingcounty.gov, or phone at 206-263-9329, or by reaching out directly to the Disability Services Consultant assigned to your department/division.
For Metro Transit employees, email TransitDisabilityServices@kingcounty.gov, call 206-477-8319, or reach out directly to the assigned Disability Services Specialist.
Watch your mailbox!
Registered voters, your ballots are in the mail. If you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, October 19, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE.
Not sure if you’re registered? Visit VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration information.
KCE encourages voters to make a plan to vote early! Return your ballot as soon as you’ve made your choices. Voting early means you can rest assured your ballot is on time and your voice will be heard.
For more information about King County Elections visit kingcounty.gov/Elections.
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.
