King County Elections and Department of Community and Human Services Election Day partnership

On Nov. 3, King County Elections conducted the largest Presidential election in its history, amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic. As can be imagined, Election employees had been preparing for this day for months.  Elections formed a great partnership with the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Health Ambassadors in the COVID-19 Emergency Services Group. The Health Ambassadors program was developed to play a critical role in King County’s ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve hospital capacity. The Ambassadors, who perform outreach duties by passing out… Read More

Supporting mental health and well-being through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive   

This week, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports mental health and well-being. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.   American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (1508) – Exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education and to reaching out to people with mood disorders.  Kitsap Mental Health Services (0907) – Kitsap Mental Health Services provides recovery-based behavioral healthcare for people of all ages. Services are each designed to best support an individual’s recovery.  Mental Health American, formerly National Mental Health Association (4035) – The nation’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to helping… Read More

Thanking our local veterans for their service

Dear fellow King County employee, For more than 100 years, our nation has dedicated November 11 as the day to recognize the brave members of our country’s armed forces past and present. They placed their own lives at risk to defend freedom here at home and around the world. Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor and thank them for their service. As we acknowledge the 115,000 veterans of all ages who call King County home, let us also recognize the 1,314 individuals we work beside every day – the King County… Read More

King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11 

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.   Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor.  Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities.  Services will return to normal on Thursday, Nov. 12. 

King County District Court Expands Youth Traffic Court on Eastside

By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court   East King County Youth Traffic Court provides teen drivers with an alternative to fines, while helping educate them and their peers on the justice system King County District Court has expanded its Youth Traffic Court Program from Redmond to the broader Eastside. The East King County Youth Traffic Court is a student-led organization that works with district court to hear real cases of traffic citations issued to 16- and 17-year olds, offering them an alternative to the traditional justice system. Cases are handled… Read More

Election 2020: Seattle voters support funding for transit 

Crossposted from Metro Matters  While some ballots are still arriving and being counted, so far an overwhelming majority of voters in the City of Seattle have approved Proposition 1: “Funding for Transit and Related Transportation Needs.” This proposition would replace a funding source that expires at the end of this year.  Revenues from the new measure would fund transit services benefiting Seattle residents through the Seattle Transportation Benefit District. Proposition 1 was placed on the ballot when Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed Council Bill 119833 on July 31. The proposition increases the current 0.1% sales tax… Read More

Executive Constantine statement on approval of Harborview bond measure 

King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement late Tuesday evening on the $1.74 billion Harborview Medical Center bond measure after King County Elections posted that it was passing by 77 percent of the vote in early returns.   “While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees,… Read More

Pet of the Week: Bronco 

Hi! My name is Bronco and I am available for adoption. I have a whopping 100lbs of love to give! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to sit! I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! My caregivers have observed that I do not get along with other dogs. I will need to be in a home with no other animals! I would love to be a couch potato with you! I love head pats and big fluffy blankets! My personality… Read More

Making Life Easier resources for supporting well-being through the election season 

Making Life Easier (MLE) has developed resource guides for supporting well-being during this election season. To access them, login to www.KCMakingLifeEasier.com with username: King County, click on Navigate 2020 from the main menu, and select Election Season.  Supporting Your Well-Being This Election Season In this guide, you will find common emotions and responses that may be experienced in this season, self-care strategies; tips for coping with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, considerations for communicating with your co-workers, and how your MLE services can support you and your family in these times.  How Managers & HR Can Support Well-Being This Election Season In this… Read More

Remaining focused on our priorities and values

Dear fellow King County employee, I know that many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future of our nation and our world right now as we wait for a result in yesterday’s presidential election. For many, the prospect of weeks of recounts and legal actions only compounds what has been some of the most stressful times in our nation’s history, and our own lives. We must remain patient, vigilant, and steadfast. The record voter turnout in King County showed that, in this corner of the nation, we are united… Read More