Employee volunteers needed for temporary redeployment at smoke shelter
King County and the City of Seattle are jointly opening a shelter in Seattle for homeless persons with conditions vulnerable to smoke, and there is an urgent need for employees to fill positions starting today and tonight. There is an immediate need to fill roles through temporary redeployment at the shelter site in SoDo as we respond to wildfire smoke in our region. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are sought for the temporary emergency smoke shelter from Friday afternoon through Monday morning. The site is located at 1045 6th Ave South, Seattle…. Read More
Guidance for working in smoky air
Dear employee, Our region is experiencing significant levels of wildfire smoke today, which is expected to continue through the weekend. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of… Read More
Executive Constantine convenes regional thought leaders for ‘12 Arguments for Change’, a series of live, virtual panels envisioning an equitable post-pandemic King County
King County is hosting three live virtual panels with local community leaders, equity experts and small business owners as part of a conversation series called “12 Arguments for Change.” Beginning on Thursday, September 10 and continuing on September 15 and 17, King County Executive Dow Constantine will moderate these panel discussions to identify how we create a sustainable, equitable recovery for King County into 2021 and beyond. Each panel will have a unique set of speakers with backgrounds ranging from healthcare to community-based nonprofits, small business owners, racial and social justice activists, educators, and… Read More
Tune in for the Executive Award for Community Resilience, September 11
On Friday, Sept. 11, King County Executive Constantine will present his 10th Executive Award for Community Resilience. The award is given each fall in recognition of outstanding efforts made by organizations to prepare for and respond to emergencies. As King County deals with two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice, organizations across the region are stepping up. This award honors those who have done extraordinary things in the arena of preparedness and response, to make sure their community can weather any storm. View the award ceremony live tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to watch… Read More
Pet of the Week: Dora
Hi! My name is Dora and I am available for adoption. I like getting attention on my own terms. When I come up to say hello, sometimes I want to rub against your pant leg, sometimes I want to smack you, and sometimes I want to bite you. I’ll always keep you guessing as to what kind of mood I am in! I am a gorgeous cat that at first was very timid, but once I realized that people just want to make me happy, I have taken my rightful place as princess… Read More
Advice for working in smoky air
Dear employee, You have probably noticed the smoky air in our region today. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors by performing desk… Read More
Two new COVID-19 testing sites to open in South King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider New testing sites in Renton and Auburn will bring additional free COVID-testing to south King County, where communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. A new site in Auburn opens Sept. 1, and a new site will open in Renton on Sept. 8. If you have symptoms, get tested early Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. It is important to get tested immediately if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath, fever,… Read More
Let’s Hit 90, King County!
Crossposted from Election Connection Over the last year, voters in King County have surpassed our expectations time and time again when it comes to turnout. In the August Primary, we projected 43% — you all showed up at 56%. The turnout for the 2016 August Primary was 37%. In the March Presidential Primary, we projected 40% — you all showed up at 56%. The turnout for the 2016 Presidential Primary was 33%. Needless to say, King County voters have been showing up and making their voices heard. Now, as we turn our attention… Read More
Join the conversation about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
All employees will soon receive an invitation by email or mail from the Auditor’s Office and the University of Washington to participate in a short, voluntary survey about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work builds on some of the safety surveys and communication you might have already received. By providing your insights, you can help to continuously improve wellness and safety efforts at the county and contribute to occupational health research being conducted by the University of Washington.
Metro is ‘Ready When You Are’ with new safety innovations and route changes
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Metro is rolling out more than 1,400 first-of-their-kind automated safety partitions between passengers and the driver, to be installed on Metro buses, including Sound Transit Express buses operated by Metro. Metro also will equip over 100 buses with on-board dispensers to provide masks on the busiest routes. To provide greater operator and passenger safety, Metro ceased front-door boarding and collecting fares on March 21. Read more.
Employee News 