A conversation on hope and hopelessness
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Adjusting to the changes COVID-19 has imposed has been very difficult for everyone. Some are navigating different layers of grief and loss. Many are feeling varying waves of hope and hopelessness. For those with mental health conditions, this time has been a continuation and possibly, an amplification of those thoughts and feelings. Mental health affects us all, and brings with it various challenges and concerns. If you or someone you know is in need of support, you are not alone. Support is available. We talked with Diana Cortez Yanez, a King… Read More
Virtual Resource Center offers easy online access to dozens of community service providers in King County
To provide King County residents with ready access to dozens of community service providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, King County District Court is making available a Virtual Resource Center (VRC). Operated as part of the court’s community court program, the VRC is open to anyone in the community to visit via Zoom videoconference or by telephone. Services at the VRC include access to education, work training, substance abuse treatment, transportation discounts, Public Health/the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, and many more. Prior to COVID-19, King County District Court operated in-person community… Read More
Metro to resume fare collection Oct. 1
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Thursday, October 1, Metro will resume collecting fares for all transit services: buses, Access paratransit, Seattle Streetcar (First Hill and South Lake Union), Vanpool, Via to Transit and other flexible services, and water taxi (Vashon Island and West Seattle). Fare collection is already taking place on Sound Transit Express bus and Sound Transit light rail. Safety partitions are being installed in our coaches to protect both passengers and our operators In anticipation of growing ridership, Metro has implemented numerous health innovations so fares can be safely collected with minimal contact between operators and passengers. Metro is… Read More
Elections in the time of COVID-19
Crossposted from Election Connection Keeping our staff and voters safe and healthy is one of our top priorities for this upcoming election. Here are some questions we’ve encountered about how we’re handling the upcoming election in the midst of a pandemic. How do I vote in a COVID-19 world? The great news is that we already vote-by-mail in Washington State. If you are already registered to vote, your ballot will be mailed to you automatically about three weeks before Election Day. You can fill it out in the convenience of your home and… Read More
My 2021-2022 proposed biennial budget
Dear fellow King County employee, Today I transmitted my 2021-2022 proposed biennial budget to the Metropolitan King County Council. It is a budget driven by our values, our anti-racism agenda, and the needs of our community. It tackles homelessness, transforms the criminal legal system, invests in our communities and community engagement, preserves and protects more of our region’s land and water, and continues our fight against climate change. It strengthens our equity and inclusion efforts, and purposefully incorporates an emphasis on racial justice and anti-racism. Some of the highlights include: A proposal… Read More
Executive proclamation for 2020 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 full proclamation here. To commemorate the celebration, the King County Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx) hosted a kick off celebration by hosting an informal panel discussion with the KCLx leadership committee. “During these difficult times, this is an opportunity for us to proudly share and celebrate our diverse Latinx culture with our colleagues, as well as come together with our King County familia for mutual support,” shared Melissa Arias, KCLx Membership Chair and Program Manager for the Department of Community and Human Services. KCLx is collaborating with Sound Transit Latinx… Read More
Watch Executive’s 2021-2022 Budget Speech today at 1 p.m.
You can watch a live stream of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s 2021-2022 budget speech at 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 22. To watch the Executive’s address please go to this livestream link at 1 p.m. today. If you’re unable to watch the budget speech live, we will send out a link to the video following the speech. Please note that watching the speech during work hours is optional and may require supervisor approval.
2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan – All employee briefing opportunities
King County employees are invited to come learn about the County’s proposed 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) at either of two free, Zoom “Lunch and Learns.” The 2020 SCAP is the County’s five-year blueprint for climate action, integrating climate change into all areas of County operations and work with King County cities, partners, communities, and residents. The plan outlines King County’s priorities and commitments for climate action for decision-makers, employees, partners, and the public. On August 27th, Executive Constantine transmitted his recommended plan to the County Council. All King County employees are invited to participate in either of two briefings to get… Read More
King County’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts gain strength
Crossposted from Public Health Insider The case investigators at Public Health—Seattle & King County are able to reach the vast majority of people who test positive for COVID-19 in King County. And most people are taking the important step of isolating themselves during their contagious period. A new data dashboard shows the numbers, and it demonstrates the rapid growth of Public Health’s contact tracing efforts. Highlights include: Since the spring, the team has grown to 61 members who investigate over 500 cases each week (roughly 95 percent of all cases in King County). Each week,… Read More
Leading with racial justice in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider On June 11, 2020, King County Executive, Dow Constantine, and Public Health Director, Patty Hayes, declared racism is a public health crisis. They heard the call-to-action from the community and have resolved to hold all of King County to a higher standard. King County is committed to providing the resources needed to equitably address the damaging effects of racism and will do the necessary work, long-term, to create and affect tangible change. Read more.
Employee News 