Kudos! King County joins list of best places to work
King County’s efforts to create a workplace culture that empowers employees as problem-solvers and decision-makers are beginning to pay dividends, with the County making Forbes magazine’s list of America’s 500 Best Employers in 2016. King County ranked number 192 on the 2016 list –the first time it has appeared in the ranking– and number 19 among governments nationwide. Forbes compiled the list by asking more than 30,000 U.S. workers employed by companies with more than 5,000 staff members how likely they were to recommend their employer to someone else and how they… Read More
Paratransit/Rideshare Operations Manager steering program to meet rider needs
Imagine being unable to take a bus because of a disability. Riders without disabilities can take it for granted, but riders with disabilities do not. For those riders with disabilities who can’t take their trip on the bus, there is Access, King County Metro’s ADA paratransit service. It is a demand response, shared ride transit service that picks riders up and takes them to their destination. It operates during the same times and days as the bus does and riders can use it to go anywhere as they would the bus. With… Read More
KIRO 7 story looks at fix for 2017/18 budget deficit
King County is facing a $50 million budget deficit in 2017/18, and KIRO 7 News spoke recently to Budget Director Dwight Dively about a small fix that would have a big impact for the County’s ability to provide services. Below is an excerpt from the story: According to Dively, a 3.7 percent increase would help the county provide necessary services for its increasing population. At the current 1 percent rate, Dively explained, the county is in the red. “If we were able to keep up with inflation and population growth with our… Read More
Exercise program smashes stereotypes, pairing youth and law enforcement
The Badges and Barbells Weightlifting Club is a unique program that builds connections between King County and the community. The program is targeted toward students and First Responders, which includes law enforcement, corrections and fire personnel. It focuses on weightlifting, conditioning workouts and additional exercises to improve individual health and allow participants to form positive relationships. Andrew McCurdy, Sergeant with the King County Sheriff’s Office and current Covington Chief of Police, heads the program. “As First Responders, we too often only have contact with teenagers during times of crisis,” he said. “By… Read More
Flood reduction grant opportunity deadline is May 27
The King County Flood Control District has announced the availability of $3.3 million in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding in King County. Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special purpose districts, tribes, cities and towns within King County and King County agencies. Individuals who need funding for a local flooding issue are encouraged to work with an eligible group to apply for a grant. Projects must provide a flood reduction benefit so that it directly addresses existing or potential flooding. The deadline for… Read More
Drug court graduation draws media attention
Public defender Natasha Coleman recently asked King County Superior Judge Cheryl Carey if graduates from the King County Adult Diversion Drug Court could share a talent at their graduation ceremony. The judge agreed, and the first such performance happened Wednesday, when rapper Shelby Allen – a 22-year-old man and one of Natasha’s clients – shared his story and his appreciation for Drug Court through a rap he wrote. KCTV, KING5 and KIRO radio were on hand to observe him. Natasha said Shelby was thrilled. “It was the best ceremony I have ever… Read More
KCIT wants to share Earth Day kudos with DNRP!
When it comes to Earth Day, move over Department of Natural Resources and Parks and shine a little green glory on KC Information Technology (KCIT)! While it’s true we don’t clean water, recycle asphalt shingles or plant trees, our paperless programs (SharePoint, CRM, paperless paychecks) can save a forest! Yep, KCIT is helping green the entire county with new processes, technologies and applications.
Mark your calendars: Alaskan Way Viaduct shutdown begins April 29
Commuters and drivers should start planning now; use http://www.99closure.org Starting Friday, April 29, the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the viaduct between South Spokane Street and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel. This closure is expected to start prior to the morning commute and last approximately two weeks as the SR 99 tunneling machine Bertha digs underneath the roadway near Yesler Way.
2016 Special Election ballots mailed out
The Elections Department has mailed ballots for the April 26, 2016 Special Election to all registered King County voters. Only certain jurisdictions are participating in this month’s election so not everyone will receive a ballot. For a detailed list of what is on the ballot, please visit the King County Elections website. The May Presidential Primary Election ballots will be mailed on May 4. Please remember: Do not use interoffice mail service to return a ballot. Also, do not return ballots to the Voter Registration Annex. The April election day deadline is… Read More
Good Food Champion: Eat healthy, support local
Crossposted from the It’s Easy Being Green blog Everyone can help to build a stronger food system by working to become better “food citizens.” Be aware of what you’re consuming, where it is grown or produced, and whether others also have the opportunity to eat healthy, local food. Through wise food purchasing and consumption we can keep our farms productive, our food businesses thriving, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, healthy food. Here are 10 ways to become a local food champion: 1. Buy local Few places do food better… Read More
Employee News 