La Niña predicted to return to King County, prepare for a potentially active flood season
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Scientists expect that La Niña, a natural weather pattern of cooler and wetter weather, will happen this fall and winter, creating the potential for an active flood season in the region from October through April.
Typically, La Niña lasts for one or two years, but the most recent La Niña lasted from 2020 to 2023, which was unusual. There were some moderate to high flood events during those years that resulted in major damage to homes, businesses, roads, and other important infrastructure in King County. Even minor flooding can lead to big disruptions such as closing roads and requiring costly clean-up and repairs to property.
It is hard to predict natural disasters, and climate change makes it even harder. Protect your loved ones, pets, community, and yourself by knowing your flood risk and making a plan for flood season. Learn more.
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King County Metro’s ‘24/7’ commitment to bus shelter cleaning
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
At King County Metro, we know the importance to our riders of a clean and inviting bus stop. That’s why we’ve moved our cleaning teams to around-the-clock service, introduced a cool new tool to scrub sidewalks and are transitioning to clear polycarbonate in many of our bus shelters.
Metro Facilities Superintendent Jose Reyna and his teams are pleased to now provide shelter cleaning for three, eight-hour shifts per day.
“Metro upgrading to more frequent cleanings of bus shelters lets us respond more quickly,” Reyna said. “Also, we will have more intense cleaning coverage on weekends. We’re definitely stepping up our service.” Read more.
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The Heart and Soul of King County Parks
Cross-posted from King County Parks: Blogs From Your Big Backyard
Parks employee RJT can always be spotted at the Jim Ellis Memorial Regional Park’s Preston Athletic Fields with a smile on his face and a song ready to belt.
RJT, who has worked for King County for 33 years, has been a staple at the play fields in the eastside community. He can often be heard singing loudly while leaf blowing and cleaning the pavement. RJT’s favorite tasks are push mowing the lawns and cleaning the community center. He’s also responsible for trash and recycle collection, cleaning the restrooms, and seasonal work like clearing invasive blackberry bushes.
“I care about the plants and trees and flowers in our parks and facilities for the public,” RJT said. “And a clean safe playground for the kids.” Read more.
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King County’s comprehensive new flood plan capitalizes on the latest climate science, adapts to increased flood risks in urban and coastal communities
King County’s first complete update of its Flood Management Plan since 2006 capitalizes on the latest climate science to describe how flood risks in urban and coastal communities and along tributary streams are expected to change in the future. It also identifies actions that will reduce flood risk, improve habitat, and enhance the resilience of communities.
Severe flooding – already the most common natural disaster in King County – is expected to occur more frequently due to climate change. The comprehensive plan will guide investments, strategies, and actions to mitigate increasing flood risk.
The King County Council in September unanimously approved the plan proposed by Executive Dow Constantine.
“Our comprehensive new flood plan – shaped by frontline communities and guided by the latest climate science – outlines strategic actions that will better protect people, homes, and infrastructure,” said Executive Constantine. “Floodwaters don’t recognize borders, so we are expanding our approach to adapt to increasing flood risks in urban and coastal communities, promoting a more equitable, resilient future for our region.” Read more.
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Sign up for ballot alerts
Visit kce.wiki/BallotAlert to receive an alert when we’ve received your ballot back at King County Elections Headquarters, and when your signature has been verified.
We will send you a reminder to vote before Election Day, and an alert if there’s any issue with your signature. Ballot alerts are the best way to track your ballot through every part of the process.
For more information, visit https://kingcounty.gov/en/home/dept/elections.
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Emergency Management helps communities get prepared
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, Emergency Management encourages employees and residents alike to create or update their emergency plans and kits, and to stay informed by signing up for ALERT King County. Emergency Management staff visited and participated in a record number of public outreach events last month. Read more.
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Every day is Climate Action Day with the Annual Giving Drive
The International Day of Climate Action, observed on October 24, raises awareness and mobilizing efforts to combat climate change. The day focuses on promoting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources in a just way, protect ecosystems, and advocate for policy changes that addresses the climate crisis. This day also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the planet so current and future generations can thrive and live in harmony with nature. Join us in celebrating Climate Action Day.
Read more to learn about EGP nonprofits that work in the environment space. To see the full list and discover more search online or PDF by service category.
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Attend a 2024 Open Enrollment info session or Benefit Fair
View the most recent Open Enrollment information at www.kingcounty.gov/open-enrollment.
Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is coming up, Nov. 1–15. Get a head start on understanding your 2025 benefit choices and the changes for next year by attending an online information session or a benefits fair hosted by your Benefits team.
Register for an Open Enrollment Information Session to:
- See what’s changing next year.
- Learn more about your 2025 benefit choices.
- Discover why it’s important that you participate in Open Enrollment.
- Ask questions.
Attend a Benefit Fair to:
- Talk with representatives from benefits and retirement vendors.
- Get your questions answered by your King County Benefits Team.
- Learn about 2025 benefit options and changes.
- Get assistance with Open Enrollment.
Benefit Fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- Nov. 1: Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, Room 121/123
- Nov. 4: King Street Center, 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, 8th floor conference room
- Nov. 5: Atlantic/Central Transit Base, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, 2nd floor classroom
- Nov. 6: South Transit Base, 12100 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila, 2nd floor classroom
- Nov. 7: East Transit Base, 1975 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, 2nd floor classroom
- Nov. 8: North Transit Base, 2160 N 163rd St, Shoreline, 1st floor classroom
- Nov. 12: Aquatic Center, 650 SW Campus Dr, Federal Way, Banquet Hall Lobby
- Nov. 13: King County Airport FSS Building, 6526 Ellis Ave S, Seattle, conference room
- Nov. 15: Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, Room 121/123.
For additional information and tools, go to Open Enrollment or contact the King County Benefits Team at KC Benefits or 206-684-1556.
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Five Questions with Joseph Weber, DHR Disability Services newest Disability Services Consultant
1. What is your role at King County and when did you start? I am a Disability Services Consultant with the Department of Human Resources (DHR). My first day in this role was Monday Sept. 30, 2024.
2. What is your background in disability services? I have worked in various government agencies providing disability services to the public and a vast majority of work experience has been working directly with the King County community. Prior to my current role, I spent my previous 10 years in King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), specifically working in the Veteran’s Program. Preceding my county experience, I worked in the WA State Employment Security Department, WA State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
3. What will you be responsible for in your new role? As a Disability Services Consultant, I will work with employees and department supervisors, managers, and human resources to assist with reasonable accommodations, return to work plans, medical leave, and other disability related services.
4. What is the biggest challenge in the role? I would say the biggest challenge is, not all disabilities are the same even though two people may have the same diagnosis. The challenge leads to the case-by-case need and accommodation customization. This requires adaptability and a collaborative interactive process amongst all parties involved.
5. What do you most hope to achieve in the role? I hope to make a positive impact for departments and employees who are in need of disability services, so that we can achieve the best results for the community work we as a county provide. I also hope to find ways to continue to raise the level of assistance and removing any barriers or processes that may need improvement through continuous growth and collaboration.
Click here for more information on DHR Disability Services programs.
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King County at the DeafNation Expo, Oct. 19
Join King County at DeafNation to connect climate, action and community, Saturday Oct. 19. Register here for a free ticket.
We will host a sign and sing along at 10 a.m. with artists from the Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing communities performing Home, by Jacob Bain/Publish the Quest and talking about how our small actions connect us to each other. Our booth will record suggestions for an ASL environmental glossary, feature interviews on King County’s Green jobs, disability access, climate & forestry, and internships and trivia questions.
This biannual event brings the Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf/Blind communities and their families together and helps us consider our services from our customer’s perspectives. For more information, contact Mary.Rabourn@kingcounty.gov.
Employee News 