King County District Court Expands Youth Traffic Court on Eastside
By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court East King County Youth Traffic Court provides teen drivers with an alternative to fines, while helping educate them and their peers on the justice system King County District Court has expanded its Youth Traffic Court Program from Redmond to the broader Eastside. The East King County Youth Traffic Court is a student-led organization that works with district court to hear real cases of traffic citations issued to 16- and 17-year olds, offering them an alternative to the traditional justice system. Cases are handled… Read More
Election 2020: Seattle voters support funding for transit
Crossposted from Metro Matters While some ballots are still arriving and being counted, so far an overwhelming majority of voters in the City of Seattle have approved Proposition 1: “Funding for Transit and Related Transportation Needs.” This proposition would replace a funding source that expires at the end of this year. Revenues from the new measure would fund transit services benefiting Seattle residents through the Seattle Transportation Benefit District. Proposition 1 was placed on the ballot when Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed Council Bill 119833 on July 31. The proposition increases the current 0.1% sales tax… Read More
Executive Constantine statement on approval of Harborview bond measure
King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement late Tuesday evening on the $1.74 billion Harborview Medical Center bond measure after King County Elections posted that it was passing by 77 percent of the vote in early returns. “While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees,… Read More
Pet of the Week: Bronco
Hi! My name is Bronco and I am available for adoption. I have a whopping 100lbs of love to give! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to sit! I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! My caregivers have observed that I do not get along with other dogs. I will need to be in a home with no other animals! I would love to be a couch potato with you! I love head pats and big fluffy blankets! My personality… Read More
Making Life Easier resources for supporting well-being through the election season
Making Life Easier (MLE) has developed resource guides for supporting well-being during this election season. To access them, login to www.KCMakingLifeEasier.com with username: King County, click on Navigate 2020 from the main menu, and select Election Season. Supporting Your Well-Being This Election Season In this guide, you will find common emotions and responses that may be experienced in this season, self-care strategies; tips for coping with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, considerations for communicating with your co-workers, and how your MLE services can support you and your family in these times. How Managers & HR Can Support Well-Being This Election Season In this… Read More
Remaining focused on our priorities and values
Dear fellow King County employee, I know that many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future of our nation and our world right now as we wait for a result in yesterday’s presidential election. For many, the prospect of weeks of recounts and legal actions only compounds what has been some of the most stressful times in our nation’s history, and our own lives. We must remain patient, vigilant, and steadfast. The record voter turnout in King County showed that, in this corner of the nation, we are united… Read More
Tips and resources for coping with election stress
Today is Election Day and many Americans are waiting anxiously for the results. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. And those feelings are being experienced throughout the King County workforce, as well. A recent survey of employees involved in the COVID-19 response showed that the presidential election is their primary source of stress. Election stress will show up in different ways for different people. Some examples include panic… Read More
Make your voice heard and vote today
Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t returned your ballot already. Registered voters can return their ballot: At a ballot drop box. Find your nearest ballot drop box—no stamp needed! King County’s 73 drop boxes are open up until Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. sharp. At one of the accessible Vote Centers. This year there will be seven locations: Elections Headquarters in Renton, CenturyLink Field Event Center, the Dempsey Indoor Center on the UW Campus in Seattle, Bellevue College, Showare Center in Kent, the Federal Way Performing Arts Center and Kenmore City Hall. For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections, contact King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683), or visit the Election… Read More
Access paratransit brings food to 10,000 families in need during pandemic
Crossposted from Metro Matters October is Disability Awareness Month – a month to honor individuals whom our King County Metro Access paratransit team celebrates all year long. Metro’s Access paratransit service provides around one million trips each year to our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) customers, allowing them to maintain independence and have access to whatever they need to thrive. It’s just one way Metro lives out its mission to provide mobility for all. In a pandemic, that mobility has looked a little different: Access paratransit has mobilized both people and the food… Read More
Pet of the Week: Maxwell
This senior boy is a super sweet adventure cat! He was brought in by his previous family this spring because they were moving. While with us, he’s wandered around the cat building checking things out (with supervision of course), and wasn’t bothered by the other kitties. Unlike many cats, Maxwell would love to go on walks outside on a leash and harness. Maxwell lived with another cat, and his previous family described him as shy but loving. We’ve noticed that he’s definitely an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up… Read More
Employee News 