September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Dear King County employee, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and this year it comes at a particularly difficult time for many people in our community. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that 1 in 4 people aged 18-24 has had suicidal thoughts in the month preceding the survey, which was conducted in June. Behind that statistic are people experiencing racism, worrying about their jobs, and feeling the pandemic’s threat to their health. It is clear, these unprecedented times are having profound impacts on the mental… Read More
Pet of the Week: Bagheera
Look who has their eyes on the prize… it’s Bagheera, our Pet of the Week! This young boy was brought in by a good Samaritan in early August. Bagheera likes to think he’s a panther – because he looks just like one! But that’s all just appearances, though, because Bagheera is actually a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. So, he’s one of our “Bashful Blue” pets – one that would do best in a nice quiet home. He may get nervous in new situations, so he’s looking… Read More
King County OEM delivers live webinar on preparedness to celebrate National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. Over the next few weeks, the Office of Emergency Management will be reaching out to residents around the County to make sure that they are taking actions to prepare themselves and their loved ones for disasters. As we all continue to face the daily challenges of living through a global pandemic, it is important not to lose sight of other natural disasters that could occur in our region. Earthquakes, flooding, and severe weather, to name just a few, could have an impact on our families, friends, and… Read More
Building a more resilient, sustainable, equitable King County: Executive Constantine announces regional strategy to confront climate change
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced his proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions countywide in half by the end of the decade, a stronger focus on climate justice, and preparing the region for climate impacts. “Climate change is impacting King County today, deepening inequities and intensifying natural hazards – flooding, wildfires, extreme heat – that put people, our economy, and our environment at risk,” said Executive Constantine. “We surpassed many of our goals from the current Strategic Climate Action Plan by listening to… Read More
Pet of the Week: June
Hi! My name is June and I am available for adoption. I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to “sit”, “stay”, “come”, and “stop.” Because of my shy nature, I would do best in a calm, quiet home. My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving dog who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so I am looking for a family who understands that… Read More
Taking a stand to end violence, racism, and death
Dear fellow King County employees, This week, our nation is once again convulsed by the police shooting of a Black man – this time Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. With the worldwide outrage and protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this year, people from all walks of life are demanding immediate, and meaningful change. The shooting of Jacob Blake again shows how far we still have to go, and the struggles that we must overcome, to make a fair, equitable and racially just society a reality…. Read More
New support and resources to help employees during COVID-19
King County has announced some new financial resources, tools, and policy decisions to help employees manage during this pandemic and make our work sites safer for everyone. The new resources include support setting up remote workspaces, more options for flexible work schedules, support resources and leave options for parents with school-aged children at home, and updated guidance on wearing face masks at work. The Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery has also been updated and divided into two separate guides with specific information for employees in one guide, and managers and supervisors in… Read More
King County dedicates $41 million to COVID-19 related rental assistance and eviction prevention
Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region. “Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and… Read More
Video: August 24, 2020 Update on COVID-19 in King County with Dr. Jeff Duchin
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Watch the recording of the August 21, 2020 media briefing with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Duchin spoke with reporters and answered questions about the latest status of COVID-19 spread in King County. The briefing addressed the latest trends in cases, the role social gatherings are having locally, and what we can all do now to reduce transmission during the sweet-spot before our weather turns colder.
CHOMP! 2020 Online Celebration
CHOMP! Summer Camp is just around the corner with great virtual programming lined up. From August 24 to 28 you can tune in each evening to check out new content, including a potato zucchini fritter demo, a virtual farm tour at Dandelion Fuzzies Minifarm, how to make a flute out of a carrot, gardening tips from Viva Farms and much more! Now in its sixth year, CHOMP! celebrates all that is fresh, delicious, local and sustainable in King County. The event supports King County Executive Dow Constantine’s Local Food Initiative by highlighting local farms and farmers, chefs and… Read More
Employee News 