Two divisions from the Department of Public Defense (DPD) are moving into leased space at the Dexter Horton Building next week, the first step in what will eventually become a consolidation of DPD’s downtown Seattle staff into one location. The Director’s Office – about 30 people located on the second and fourth floors of the Chinook Building – and the Associated Counsel for the Accused Division – about 75 attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists and support staff located in the Prefontaine Building – are moving to Dexter Horton. Their first day in their… Read More

With fall officially here, the Meowtropolitan Cat Café is a popular place to relax and enjoy the rain. Located in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, the café is a partnership between Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), located in Kent, and two private owners. Officially opened in December 2015, the café has been an instant success. Some weekends are even booked full with reservations, which are needed to visit and enter the ‘Cat Lounge.’ Cats are fostered from the RASKC Pet Adoption Center, and hang out in a separate area, behind… Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Health insurance navigators are everywhere in King County, but with so many choices, you might need help navigating the list, too. We’ve made it easy by putting details about our biggest up-and-coming events and opportunities right here. Read more at Public Health Insider

We would like to take the time to say how thankful we are for our employees and their dedication to making King County a beautiful, welcoming and civic minded region. It is with you that we can innovate, connect and provide excellent service to our community and people across the community. Enjoy the holiday and the time with your loved ones. We look forward to continuing to forge ahead with you, the King County employee, by our side.

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Ever since the election, people are wondering whether their health insurance coverage will survive next year, if the Affordable Care Act (sometimes called “Obamacare”) is targeted for repeal. The short answer is, Yes. Your insurance should stay the same all through 2017, whether you are enrolled through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange or through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Open Enrollment has already started, for people with incomes that qualify for discounted plans on the Exchange. There are two deadlines coming up. The first deadline – to complete… Read More

Crossposted from King County Wastewater Treatment Division Over four days in early Nov, area firefighters and wastewater employees participated in hands-on training in rescuing people from hard-to-reach, potentially hazardous spaces. These “confined spaces” are defined by how hard it is to get in and out of them, and can have poor or even dangerous air quality. Each day, about 12 firefighters participated in drills along with Brightwater treatment plant employees. “It gives everyone – the firefighters and our plant employees – a chance to practice our procedures for responding to a potential… Read More