Public Defense creates new post-conviction unit 

Crossposted from For the Defense People with criminal convictions who are eligible to have those convictions vacated will get additional legal assistance to do so, thanks to a new post-conviction relief unit at the King County Department of Public Defense. The department started its new unit this month, a pilot project funded by King County’s recently passed 2019-2020 operating budget. One paralegal and the equivalent of one full-time attorney will provide the legal help eligible clients need to get convictions vacated. The pilot project also provides funding to the King County Prosecuting… Read More

Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for April 23

Support your community and your commitment to public service in a visible and impactful way by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day and allow voters to experience the excitement and camaraderie of the voting process. State law requires that ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. Election Day. Drop box closers provide customer service and assistance to voters returning their ballots to a drop box on Election night. King County Elections has rapidly expanded our ballot drop boxes from… Read More

Have a say on Clean Water Plan 

King County has started work on a new Clean Water Plan. The plan will guide the County’s work to protect water quality, public health and our environment for decades to come. This is your chance to learn about what we are doing to protect Puget Sound, lakes, rivers and streams and tell us what your priorities are for the future. King County is committed to an inclusive process and will involve all kinds of people. We are going to be sending messages out about our progress, events and workshops. We hope you will… Read More

Pet of the Week: Buster 

Buster is a 4 ½ year-old, brown brindle, Pit Bull mix. His personality color is RED, meaning he is a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. Buster is an energetic guy who would love to be your hiking partner. He would also make a great cuddle buddy and he just adores belly rubs!  Read more. 

Kudos! Trailhead Direct program featured for improving access to trails 

Launched in 2017, the Trailhead Direct program was recently highlighted on the REI store blog, with one writer sharing how the program encourages residents to both drive less and explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Reliant on the weather, the program will star back up later this year. Read the full article here.  Kudos to our innovative programs, like Trailhead Director, for helping residents to better access the outdoors and for minimizing traffic! 

Pet of the Week: Mer 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Mer has so much love to give, he just can’t wait to find his forever home!  Could it be with you?  Mer is a 3yr old male cat, Brown Tabby, domestic short hair (ID #A579532).  This handsome boy is an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home.  He enjoys having his head scratched, as well as under his chin and behind his ears.  He thinks it’s simply divine, and may even lean into the pets and stretch his neck out when you… Read More

Pet of the Week: Dexter 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Who’s a handsome boy? Why, it’s Dexter, our Pet of the Week!  This young pittie is full of energy and loves to play! That’s why he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets. He tends to calm down more when people around him stay calm. Dexter also does best when he gets lots of exercise and something to keep his mind busy.   Read more. 

Executive Constantine shares his experience participating in the annual point-in-time homeless count 

Executive Dow Constantine shares his experience participating in the annual point-in-time count of people who are experiencing homelessness in King County. It included responding to a young person who was struggling and asked for help.  

March dates for DCHS School-to-Work Transition Resource Fairs 

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is hosting its 12th-annual  School-to-Work Transition Resource Fairs for students with disabilities and their families. Sponsored by King County Developmental Disabilities Division, this fair will include workshops for families, educators, and students. Learn about supported employment, community resources, transportation, parks and recreation programs, family advocacy, and housing. Learn more about the fairs here and in the video below.  Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Highline College. Register here.   Wednesday, March 27, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Microsoft. Register here.

2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan Update – Staff Kickoff Lunch and Learn 

All staff are invited to learn about King County’s commitment to confront climate change and understand how to contribute to a major update to the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) that will start in 2019. The SCAP is King County’s five-year blueprint for County action to confront climate change, integrating climate change considerations into all areas of County operations and our work with communities. Based on high demand, we’ve added a final lunch and learn session in March to outline the SCAP update process and share how staff can engage and contribute ideas…. Read More