Coming together to address racial inequities and care for one another
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, recognized as Sept. 15 – Oct. 15., the King County Latinx Affinity Group has hosted several events to celebrate the Latinx community. In addition to these events, the Group has also developed opportunities to honor and highlight the great work being done on behalf of other minority communities. In July, the group held a Lunch and Learn to discuss working alongside the Black Lives Matter movement, and how to support the efforts being made to raise awareness and create change in response to the injustices experienced by the Black community. To… Read More
Is your new workspace earthquake ready?
October 15 is the annual Shakeout drill, an opportunity for us to practice what to do during an earthquake. Many of us have participated in this drill while in an office building, but few have at our homes. We encourage employees to take time before the event to check out if their new workspace is earthquake ready. Do you have large hanging items such as mirrors, plants, artwork or pictures, or lighting hanging near your workspace? If yes, considering moving them or finding ways to make them secure during an earthquake. Are you able… Read More
Want to get employee emergency notifications? Sign-up for KCInform
During an emergency having timely information on what is happening is critical. King County employees can sign-up for KCInform, the employee alert and warning system, to receive information on incidents that can affect their work and safety. King County will conduct a test of KCInform at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, alongside the annual ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email are already in the… Read More
Reducing flood risks, improving salmon habitat, sustaining orca: Work begins on a major Cedar River restoration project
King County and partners have started a major restoration project along the Cedar River that will reduce flood risks, improve habitat for Chinook salmon, and provide sustenance to southern resident orcas. The 52-acre project will restore a mile-long portion of the river in South King County to its natural state, creating slow-water, shallow habitat that is ideal for native Chinook salmon. It will build on the progress that partners have made to protect people, homes, and infrastructure from flood risks along the the river that flows from the Cascades to the southern tip of… Read More
Join us: Veteran diversity, equity and inclusion listening sessions
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Our King County Veterans Program, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Puget Sound Health Care System) is hosting four listening sessions on diversity, equity and inclusion in veterans service systems. The listening sessions seek to learn and hear from veteran constituents (partners, employees and clients) to identify systemic bias and discrimination in veterans services in King County. Please join us for a virtual conversation on: Veteran Listening Sessions: Addressing Systemic Racism with Veteran Systems Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 1:30 –… Read More
Reducing coronavirus risk as we spend more time indoors for fall and winter
Crossposted from Public Health Insider As the season changes, cooler temperatures mean more time indoors. The risk from COVID-19 increases with indoor gatherings compared to outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the spread and stay healthy. We talked to Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin about COVID-19 risks indoors and what to do about it. Dr. Duchin, you’ve said “outdoors is safer than indoors.” Why is that? Socializing outdoors is less risky than indoors for two main reasons: First, natural outdoor airflow rapidly dilutes viruses floating in the air. Second, sunlight kills viruses. But, as we… Read More
New Climate Action Toolkit will help King County cities develop customized climate strategies, mobilizing the region’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions
A new Climate Action Toolkit created by King County and King County-Cities Climate Collaboration will provide local governments with practical guidance on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for both government operations and at the community-wide scale, spur the growth of an equitable clean energy economy, and preserve our natural environment. If approved by the King County Council, the toolkit that King Executive Dow Constantine announced today will be available at no cost to all 39 cities. It is designed to be a flexible guide for cities in all stages of climate planning to… Read More
Pet of the Week: Mr. Wilson
Hi! My name is Mr. Wilson and I am available for adoption. I am an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing! I like getting attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My caregivers have noticed that I do not seem to get along with other cats and dogs, so I may do best as the only pet in my new home. My personality color is RED. I am… Read More
Lunch and Learn Sessions for Disability Awareness Month, October 7 and 21
In celebration of October as National Disability Awareness Month, the Department of Human Resources is hosting two Lunch and Learn discussions that focus on Race and Disability, to be held via Zoom. We will begin our discussion with a short video and then an open dialogue facilitated by Workforce Equity Manager Gloria Ngezaho, and employees Jennifer Greenlee, Lili Stansberry and Christina Davidson. All King County employees are welcome to join. Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, Oct. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. – Discussion on the intersection of Race and Disability Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, Oct. 21… Read More
Virtual Zero Carbon Conference, October 7 and 8
The International Living Future Institute is happy to invite you to the Zero Carbon Conference! This inaugural event will feature experts from around the world who understand the need for equitable decarbonization in the built environment. Join this virtual event to learn about the technology, materials, and financing needed to pave the way for scalable decarbonization. It’s more important than ever to bring carbon emissions down and change the status quo for the built environment. The keynote speakers at this event will be Tom Steyer, who is well known for his climate… Read More
Employee News 