Domestic Violence Advocates build meaningful relationships with survivors

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in observance, it is important to highlight the work King County is doing to support survivors of domestic violence in King County. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., resulting in over 10 million people each year. Here in our region, in 2020 the number of domestic violence-related felony charge referrals, the most serious legal filing, did not decrease, despite temporary court closures, the statewide stay at home… Read More

November 2021 General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2

King County Elections (KCE) mailed out ballots to 1.4 million voters. If you have not received your ballot, you can access and print your ballot online and return it by mail or drop box, as you usually would. There are 15 ballot measures on the General ballot this year, and several important offices, including King County Executive, Metropolitan King County Council, and Port of Seattle Commissioners. Drop your ballot in one of the 74 drop box locations across the county by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2; drop it in the mail to be postmarked… Read More

Employee vaccination clinics provide over 1,800 COVID-19 vaccine doses

As the COVID-19 vaccine became more widely available, it became clear that to best support essential workers who have complex schedules and shifts, King County would need to bring the vaccines to worksites. Through a collaborative partnership with Public Health – Seattle and King County, their vaccine partners, and King County labor unions, onsite clinics provided 1,877 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to County employees and their loved ones between April 9, 2021 and Oct. 2, 2021. King County Metro led the way, hosting 31 clinics that provided a total of 1,582… Read More

Celebrating 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Every October, King County celebrates the many contributions made by people with disabilities, and how they strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our country. With this in mind, the King County Executive and King County Council jointly honored their contributions by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In the Oct. 5 virtually held King County Council meeting, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove and Councilmember Claudia Balducci shared reading of the proclamation, with each councilmember adding additional insights. The meeting can be viewed here. “Every person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential,… Read More

KCLx 2021 art contest celebrates Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month

The King County Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx) is excited to kick off a variety of events and discussions that celebrate the colorful and eclectic heritage of Latinx identity. KCLx is curious to ask the Latinx community, “What does this identity mean to you?” To answer this question, KCLx is launching the “What does LATINX mean to you?” Art Contest. This contest is an opportunity for participants to showcase their unique interpretation of Latinx/o, Chicanx/o, and Hispanic identity. KCLx wants participants to answer the question “We all share common stories, such as culture, heritage,… Read More

Recognizing King County CFJC food service employees

In celebration of National Food Service Employee Day on Sept. 25, the Children’s and Family Justice Center (CFJC) would like to recognize the food services team. The team provides CFJC youth all their nutritional needs and operate under the National School Lunch Program guidelines. They are being recognized for all their outstanding efforts during COVID-19, the winter snow in March, and for working diligently with minimal staffing levels, particularly throughout this year. Every challenge has been met with professionalism and pride, a desire for continuous improvement, and a passion to build on… Read More

Executive proclamation for 2021 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month and events

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning Sept. 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County. View the official proclamation here. National Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15 in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long, important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans. More than 62 million people of Latinx ancestry live in the United States, with almost 220,000 calling King County home. To commemorate the celebration, the King County Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx) in collaboration… Read More

The CFJC Youth Action Team is now accepting applications

The Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC) Youth Action Team is an opportunity for young people ages 14 thru 18, from a variety of backgrounds, to come together to find and share their voices as it relates to community resources, planning, and engagement.  Who can apply? King county youth, ages 14 thru 18. No previous experience needed to be a member, only a willingness to get involved. Must possess a passion for taking an active approach to create a united community within King County. The Youth Action Team meets at the Child… Read More

What to do if contacted by media

If you are contacted by a member of the media in your professional capacity as a King County employee, you should know what steps to take and who to reach out to in your department. Your first point of contact should always be your department’s Public Information Officer, who can work with the reporter to answer their questions and connect them with the best person to represent the county on an issue. We have put together a brief reference guide to help you if you are contacted by a member of the… Read More

Street and sidewalk closures around City Hall Park

A series of street, lane, and sidewalk closures will commence Friday, August 13, around City Hall Park as the City of Seattle prepares to close the park and begin restoration at the site. For the past six weeks, a County and City-funded contractor called the JustCARE program has been working with the 50-plus people living in the park, located just south of the King County Courthouse, to help them move voluntarily to safer and more sustainable shelter options. This includes individual safety and shelter plans for each person. As of today, almost… Read More