King County buildings open Monday, June 1
King County buildings will be open to employees on Monday, June 1. We will notify you if activities today alter this plan. All employees who are currently telecommuting should continue to do say per prior guidance. Our guidance remains the same for first responders and mission-critical employees for the Executive Branch. The following entrances incurred some superficial damage during the weekend’s protests and will be closed tomorrow for repair work: King County Courthouse – 3rd Avenue Entrance – CLOSED. Access the building via 4th Avenue Entrance or the tunnel from the Administration Building…. Read More
Supporting each other and our community during COVID-19
With a guiding vision of “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” King County employees are thinking about how best to support each other and our community through this pandemic. Though we are not all on the front lines, the actions we take are critical to the success of those who are. Balanced You supports King County employees in living the “We Are One Team” value by providing tips on how you can do what you can, where you can to support the efforts of our front line… Read More
Guidance for employees under City of Seattle curfew
Dear employee, People in King County and across the country are demonstrating against racism, hate, and violence against black people and people of color in the United States, sparked by the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd, who died with a white police officer’s knee pressed to his neck. Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced a 5 p.m. curfew effective today, Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Employees are advised that per the curfew, they should remain in their residence to the extent possible and should refrain from traveling in… Read More
Community without contact: Supporting innovative farmers through CSAs, online markets, and farm stands
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green All aspects of the local food economy have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and farmers are on the frontline making sure food is harvested, packed, and delivered in a way that prioritizes safe, healthy food for consumers. However, like many industries, farmers are facing financial hardship as sales outlets are limited or effectively gone as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. During these uncertain times, many farmers are getting creative to help consumers access fresh local food with online ordering, delivery services, and new pickup locations. The… Read More
An update on our services
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC COVID-19 UPDATE: Pet adoptions resumed by appointment-only Monday, May 11 at 6 a.m. Due to COVID-19, our adoption process has changed. Adoptions of our animals from our Kent shelter have switched to an appointment-based system. Please visit our pet adoption page to learn about this new process. For more information about the COVID-19 outbreak, visit kingcounty.gov/covid. Our number one priority at RASKC continues to be focused on delivering our mission of “Helping People and Pets.” We are honored to be of continued service to our communities, both in person when needed… Read More
Recognizing Metro operators for their dedication and commitment
The Seattle Times recently highlighted how the public is saluting Metro operators with bubbles and joy in an article from their Stepping Up series, which focuses on “moments of compassion, duty and community in uncertain times.” The article shares how residents prepare for the next bus to drive by to show their appreciation. “Then the self-proclaimed ‘Bubble Brigade’ hooted and hollered, waved signs of support and blew kisses and bubbles at the lumbering yellow and blue buses that rolled by and occasionally reciprocated the sidewalk salute with two loud horn honks.” Read the full article in The Seattle… Read More
COVID-19 ridership update: Masks required as region uses transit for essential trips
Crossposted from Metro Matters Ridership on King County Metro continues to remain steady at just over 100,000 daily trips across our reduced service network. We’re in the first week of a new directive to wear masks or face coverings in King County and on public transportation, and by wearing a mask you are helping support and protect drivers and customers who are using Metro to make essential trips. Metro analyzed preliminary extrapolations to create an unofficial estimate of weekly ridership, which remains substantially lower compared to a year ago. Read more from Metro… Read More
Standing together against racism
Dear fellow King County employee, Earlier this week we witnessed the tragic last moments of a man’s life – a black man in Minneapolis, who died with a white police officer’s knee pressed to his neck. This follows the February shooting by three white men of an unarmed black man jogging in Brunswick, Georgia. These killings, and the deaths of countless black and brown Americans in much the same way over the past few years, are stark reminders that racism and hate continue to thrive in our nation – in communities large and… Read More
“Supporting our Kids through the Pandemic with Connection and Collective Care” webinar, June 10
During the recent Balanced You webinar “A Conversation on Self-care and Connection,” we heard from employees that one of your top concerns is how the pandemic is impacting your kids. Because you asked for help supporting your kids through this, we reached out to one of the area’s top parent coaches, Sarina Behar Natkin, to coordinate a webinar and Q&A session for King County employees. The webinar will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Register here. The session will be recorded and posted for those who cannot attend the live… Read More
New data shows broader social, economic, health impacts of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Nearly everyone in our community has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It might be from COVID-19 illness, or from local and state efforts to slow its spread. We all are experiencing social distancing, school closures, business closures, or isolation and quarantine. Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a new set of data tools that show some of the broader impacts in King County – focusing on social, economic, and overall health and well-being. Key topics include unemployment, housing and food needs, internet access,… Read More
Employee News 