Amber Green Named Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services 

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections This week, Kelly Rider, Department Director, appointed Amber Green as Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Amber is a long-time employee at DCHS, and most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer. In March, Amber was named Acting Deputy Director, a role that hasn’t existed since 2021. Amber holds a wealth of expertise across the department, including emergency response, workforce and workplace strategies, and department level efforts on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB). In 2000, Amber joined DCHS in an administrative position and… Read More

RASKC found homes for more than 400 pets in Clear the Shelters campaign

Crossposted from the DES Express More than 400 pets, including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies and five small mammals, found their “furever” homes after Regional Animal Services wrapped up participation in the “Clear the Shelters” campaign last week. Clear The Shelters is a nationwide campaign to get more pets adopted into more homes. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and the first time that RASKC is participating. “We’re always grateful to our pet-loving community for opening up their hearts and homes to these… Read More

Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor

Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more. More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP… Read More

Executive Constantine proclaims 2024 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month

Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. This month recognizes the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life,” he said. “I urge all… Read More

Five things our interns taught us this summer 

Every summer, the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB) invites a group of bright, eager students to spend 10-12 weeks with us as part of our public service internship program. These PSB interns gain hands-on experience, participate in professional development opportunities, and get a real chance to make an impact in their communities. In return, they bring fresh perspectives that help us see our work through a new lens. This summer was no different.  Here are the top five things they taught us:  1. Enthusiasm is contagious (and necessary)  There’s nothing… Read More

New RapidRide G Line celebrates start of service, Sept. 14

Employees are invited to celebrate the official start of the G Line service on Sept. 14. This is a community event that will have informational booths, entertainment, food, and a G-Line five-door bus on display. Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshments, grab some swag, shop at local businesses, and sign up for an ORCA card. Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will be held on 19th Ave. between E. Pine and E. Madison St. This location carries the honorary designation of “Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave.,”… Read More

New report release: “Early Learning Facilities: Investing in Spaces Where Children can Thrive”

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The Early Learning Facilities investment that funds improvements to family- and center-based child care facilities, released a report highlighting 2023 accomplishments. Read that report here! The investment from King County’s Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) directs Sound Transit 3-related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. Read more.

Equity in Infrastructure: King County signs pledge to support Historically Underutilized Businesses

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Sound Transit, the City of Seattle and other regional transit leaders to sign the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge to improve contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). “King County is committed to advancing equity in contracting, and the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge aligns perfectly with our ongoing work to support minority and women-owned businesses,” said King County Executive Constantine. “By amplifying opportunities for historically underutilized businesses, we seek to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in and contribute to our region’s… Read More

Counting down: New RapidRide G Line and more King County Metro bus service begins Sept. 14

Crossposted from Metro Matters Starting Saturday, Sept. 14, King County Metro is expanding evening and weekend transit service and launching its eighth RapidRide – the G Line – which will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley. The RapidRide G Line project and Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line expansion north to four new stations represent more than $3.1 billion in public transportation investments. Along with enhanced bus service upgrades, these new services will strengthen rider connections and expand the transit network…. Read More

DCHS shares video highlighting Crisis Connections

King County offers crisis services, and it all starts with making sure people have someone to call when they are experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. In honor of 988 Day and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) wants to make sure everyone feels comfortable making that call or text to 988 or the regional crisis line. Staff at Crisis Connections are always available to answer, talk, listen, and offer support. View the video below. Learn more about Crisis Connections at https://www.crisisconnections.org and… Read More