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.
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Election ballots have been mailed out
Your ballot is in the mail! Check your mailbox and if you haven’t received your ballot by Monday, October 21, 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. Election Day is November 5 – now is a great time to make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard!
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Sound Transit Police bike unit boosts system safety with increased visibility and flexibility
Crossposted from the Sound Transit Platform blog
You’re used to seeing security on our trains. But now you can see Sound Transit Police on bikes as well.
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of our riders, Sound Transit Police, a unit of the King County Sheriff’s Office, has formed a seven-officer bike team. The goal of the team is to increase law enforcement visibility throughout the system with extra presence in problem areas.
Because it is a flexible police resource, you might see the bike unit around any station. Using information from patrol deputies and crime analysts, the team looks for trends to deploy effectively and to be proactive, engaging with people and staying highly visible when on duty. Read more.
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Celebrate education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of teachers around the world. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future by educating, inspiring, and guiding students. This is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges teachers face including underfunded education systems, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient resources.
It’s also National Book Month! Join us in celebrating education and literacy through the Annual Giving Drive.
Read more to learn about few EGP nonprofits that work in these areas. To see the full list and discover more search online or PDF by service category.
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Emergency Management staff participate in Tolt River dam failure exercise
Crossposted from the DES Express
Emergency Management staff participated in a full-scale dam failure exercise for the South Fork Tolt River Dam on Oct. 3.
The City of Seattle owns and operates the Tolt Reservoir and Dams, located 16 miles upstream from the City of Carnation on the South Fork Tolt River. The reservoir stores 57,900 acre-feet of water to supply about 30 to 40 percent of the drinking water for 1.6 million people in the metropolitan Seattle area. In the unlikely event of a dam failure, water from the reservoir may inundate the City of Carnation. Read more.
Pictured: Left to right, Emergency Management employees Edan Edmondson, Andrew Matthews, Debbie Hunt, and Travis Bilyeau at a tour of the South Fork Tolt Dam last month.
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Carol Basile takes new role as Public Finance Officer
Crossposted from the DES Express
Carol Basile has accepted the newly created role of Public Finance Officer (PFO) for King County. This new position manages the county’s $5 billion debt and $11 billion investment functions and is part of the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD) management team.
“We created this position to ensure we have the appropriate leadership influence and oversight to manage our complex and rapidly expanding debt and investment programs,” said Ken Guy, FBOD director. “Carol is perfectly suited to step into this role given her financial and accounting expertise, her outstanding leadership skills, and her ability to partner with agencies and outside experts to advance our vision for the future.” Read more.
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Get ready for Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is just around the corner—Nov. 1–15. Many employees will have some significant benefit changes for next year. Look for information mailed recently to your home address and use the following resources to learn about your benefit choices for 2025.
- Go to the Open Enrollment web page. Find everything you need in one place, including links to resources and detailed information.
- Look for the Open Enrollment mailer sent to your home address: Regular Employee Mailer, Transit ATU 587 Employee Mailer, Deputy Sheriff Employee Mailer.
- Sign up for an Open Enrollment Learning Session hosted by your King County Benefits Team.
- Stop by one of the Benefit Fairs held in multiple locations in November.
- Watch the Open Enrollment Overview
If you have questions, contact or stop by the Benefits office:
- Chinook Building, 2nd Floor
- 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
- 206-684-1556 kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov
- Closed on Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Employee News 