I have Pride!
With social distancing, Pride may look and feel different this year. In our “I Have Pride” video, King County Metro riders, employees, and family members show we can still Ride with Pride! For more ways to engage with Metro and 2020 Pride, go to visit the King County Metro Matters blog.
A call to #RecreateResponsibly guides reopening of King County’s parks and trails, and encourages ways to enjoy the outdoors safely
King County moved into Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan on June 19. For the Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), going through these phases has meant taking steps to encourage new habits while re-opening its parks and trails following the COVID-19 closures. As it re-opens, King County Parks has put several measures in place, including on-site signs, recreation policies, and operational adjustments. Parks is also part of the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, a statewide group that has come together during the pandemic to educate the… Read More
Fireworks safety in a pandemic
Every year in the U.S., about 9,000 people are injured using fireworks at home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Most of these injuries take place around the July Fourth holiday. This year, we have been dealing with the dual pandemics of COVID and racial injustice. Most public fireworks displays have been cancelled. If you decide to use consumer fireworks, please do so with caution and follow local rules and regulations. In addition, remember that social distancing, wearing a face covering and hand-washing are still very important. Fireworks are banned… Read More
COVID-19 update: Increased ridership, restored trips, required masks and face coverings
Crossposted from Metro Matters Ridership on King County Metro has increased in recent weeks as more people choose to ride public transportation and the state allows more activities under its “Safe Start” plan. Metro continues to require masks or face coverings be worn on transit. Buses currently have reduced passenger limits to support social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19. Metro analyzed preliminary extrapolations to create an unofficial estimate of weekly ridership, which remains lower compared to a year ago but shows early signs of recovery. Read more.
Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for August 4
Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard. Who: You and your co-workers What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – August 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: A drop box location near you Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots and drop boxes are often busiest in the last… Read More
Emergency Operation Center experiences dual activation
Already activated in February for COVID-19, King County had a dual activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from May 30 through June 7 in response to protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “Dual activations are very rare anywhere, and they’re tough,” said Brendan McCluskey, Emergency Management Director. “Staff rose to the challenge. We had to keep track of both situations, including resources and costs. We had more people in the EOC and had the need for physical distancing with COVID-19.” On a few occasions, the King County EOC… Read More
King County GreenTools Program “sheroes” honored by the US Green Building Council for equity and social justice work
The US Green Building Council honors King County “Women in Green Sheroes” for advancing equity and social justice through sustainable development, green building, and community empowerment. For their efforts to advance equity and social justice through the sustainable development work carried out under King County’s GreenTools Program, Solid Waste Division employees Patti Southard and Nori Catabay were honored as “Women in Green Sheroes for Economic Empowerment in the Pacific Region” by the US Green Building Council. “Everyone in King County deserves access to a healthy community where people, businesses and the environment can thrive,” said… Read More
Pet of the Week: Coco
Summer is nearly here – and our Pet of the Week Coco is ready for some outdoor fun with you! This young German Shepherd/Akita mix is energetic, playful, and loving – so he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets. Coco is a very smart dog who is learning how to “sit.” Though Coco may come off as seeming uninterested, he simply needs some time to warm up before being your best friend. Given his boundless energy, Coco would do best with lots of exercise as well as brain games such as puzzle… Read More
What does Phase 2 mean for families?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Are you a parent or caregiver wondering what Phase 2 means for your family? We’ve compiled a list of questions and answers that may help you navigate through some of the confusion as we safely re-open. Can we see friends and family again? Yes! You can gather with up to five favorites once a week. For example, you can invite five or fewer friends over to your home once a week. (That number six on your list should be on your B team and will have to come over the following week). In reality,… Read More
Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality
Dear fellow King County employee, Each June, we celebrate Pride and the fight for equality and equal rights for LGBTQ+ people, their accomplishments, and many contributions to our communities here in King County and around the world. While COVID-19 precautions prevent us from celebrating together in person, the fight for equality remains critical. This year’s Pride celebrations come at a time when millions of people are standing up to ongoing racism, violence, and killings of black people and other people of color, and the systemic racism that continues to impact the life… Read More
Employee News 