Join King County’s ‘Stream Team,’ the environmental scientists who hunt for bugs to monitor the health of local watersheds
King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams. Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county to collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health. Cick here to watch a video to learn more about the program and how to apply.
Black History is American History — Ride Metro to visit local African American historical sites
Cross-posted from Metro Matters In a collaborative project, community activists, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and King County Metro created 40 photo murals installed in seven bus shelters in the Central District recognizing the living legacy of African Americans in this community—shelters you of course can reach by bus. Click here to read more about these installations and how to experience other historic locations in the community.
Have you had your COVID-19 booster shot?
Boosters significantly cut down your risk of getting severely ill. You’re eligible for a booster if it’s been at least five months since your primary vaccination series with either Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months since your Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Free Community Vaccination Centers Community Vaccination Centers are open for first dose, second dose, and boosters for adults and children. Federal Way Performing Arts Center now through Feb. 18, and Feb. 20 to Feb. 28 from noon to 7 p.m. Appointments and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to schedule an appointment. Auburn Community Vaccination… Read More
Flood control to Major Tom: River and Floodplain Management Section keep King County high and dry
The heavy rains and melting snows have brought upon King County its annual river flooding season. As the most common winter weather occurrence, flooding is a danger in both rural and urban areas. King County’s River and Floodplain Management Section (RFMS) within the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) works to overcome these flooding challenges and educate the public about safety. Capital Project Manager Stella Torres and Engineer Heather McPherson shared about their work with this team, and how important it is to be… Read More
Our recent survey about employee safety programs
Almost 2,500 King County employees who work in downtown Seattle recently had their say on new and existing programs designed to enhance safety at and around county worksites in the downtown campus. A total of 6,833 employees were invited to take the survey, with 2,491 submitting responses. The key findings were: For existing programs, employees were most interested in the Security Escort program (57% very or somewhat interested) followed by Walk-pooling (47%), VanPool (35%), Goat Hill Garage Tunnel (30%), and VanShare (25%). Almost half (42%) of employees were very or somewhat interested… Read More
Powering regional recovery by inclusion
Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and engage people with disabilities. Click here to read these stories of courage and motivation.
Trading a sick day to help end homelessness
Team members from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office traded a sick day to volunteer with Sound Foundations NW (SFNW) and be part of the solution to end homelessness in our community. At the Hope Factory in SODO, they worked as a team on an assembly line to construct the frame of a tiny home which will provide shelter for someone experiencing homelessness. This tiny home is 96 square feet and will be set-up at the new Friendship Heights Village at Aurora and 125th in Seattle later… Read More
Meaningful ways to thank a veteran for their service
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them. While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, you could instead say: “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.” “Thank you for the… Read More
Domestic Violence Advocates build meaningful relationships with survivors
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in observance, it is important to highlight the work King County is doing to support survivors of domestic violence in King County. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., resulting in over 10 million people each year. Here in our region, in 2020 the number of domestic violence-related felony charge referrals, the most serious legal filing, did not decrease, despite temporary court closures, the statewide stay at home… Read More
November 2021 General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2
King County Elections (KCE) mailed out ballots to 1.4 million voters. If you have not received your ballot, you can access and print your ballot online and return it by mail or drop box, as you usually would. There are 15 ballot measures on the General ballot this year, and several important offices, including King County Executive, Metropolitan King County Council, and Port of Seattle Commissioners. Drop your ballot in one of the 74 drop box locations across the county by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2; drop it in the mail to be postmarked… Read More
Employee News 