Shared learning towards a racially just King County
In 2023, more than 70% of King County employees took the We Are Racially Just training, a wonderful achievement for a course that was only launched in August. At King County, we aim to reach our True North – to create a welcoming community where every person can thrive. To achieve this, we must be racially just and actively work toward dismantling racist systems, practices, and approaches. The training is one of the ways King County has worked toward this goal. We are racially just is a core value of King County… Read More
Make your nominations for Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards
The nomination period for the Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards is now open through Feb. 16. The annual awards, formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards, honor Executive Branch employees and teams for their exceptional contributions in leadership, innovation, and Lean maturity. There are three award categories: Any King County employee can nominate a team or individual for an Innovation or Leadership Excellence Award. You may review the nomination criteria here. We look forward to seeing your nominations and celebrating the many great achievements from 2023.
Facility tour looks at ways to enhance safety and security
Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams joined a group of employees and labor representatives on a tour of the King County Courthouse and its surroundings to review ideas for improving access to the courthouse while maintaining security at the building. The tour, led by Facilities Management Division Deputy Director of Operations Drew Zimmerman, was part of efforts to create safe, more welcoming environments around King County facilities in downtown Seattle and across the county. The group discussed options for improving access to the Courthouse after hours, especially in the darker, winter months, improving… Read More
Congratulations Hazardous Waste
Cross-posted from WLRD News Congratulations to the Hazardous Waste Program for being named an EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year for the seventh consecutive year. This national award recognizes individuals, businesses, and other entities that identify cleaning and chemical products to be healthier for people and the environment. The Program advocates for upstream strategies to eliminate harmful chemicals at their source, rather than requiring homeowners and the public sector to dispose and/or treat them. Two examples: the presence of “forever” chemicals (for example, PFAS), in everyday products used in packaging, cosmetics,… Read More
30 years at King County: A love story
By Katie Hayhurst In 1993, Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) employees Greg Rabourn and Mary Rabourn (née Pehl) began working as Special Waste Technicians in the Solid Waste Division. Little did they know it was also the start of a beautiful relationship. This couple’s “meet-cute” involved 900 acres of squishy garbage at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. Greg started working one month before Mary was hired and agreed to take the new person out for a tour of the landfill. Mary recalled the scene as semi-trailers slowly shuffling 40 yards… Read More
Five questions with Tim Hams, Employee Transportation Program Manager
Whether it’s by bike, bus, or boat, the King County Employee Transportation Program (ETP) helps get you to and from work with a variety of resources while saving you money with your employee ID/ORCA card. KCEmployees.com recently spoke to Tim Hams, the new ETP Manager and asked five questions to get to know him a little better. What is your role at King County and when did you start? Employee Transportation Program (ETP) Manager, effective September 30, 2023. I supported ETP for a couple years with the prior ETP Manager before his… Read More
Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention celebrates 2023 award recipients
“For those who do not work inside the jail or juvenile detention, these can be somewhat mysterious places. For those who do know the jail and detention, we often see people when they are at the lowest point in their lives.” That statement from the opening remarks by Alan Nance, Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) at their annual awards ceremony underscores the importance of the work each and every one of the people in DAJD do every day to provide a safe and secure environment. “Our annual… Read More
Energizing! the Future
Did you know that building and facility energy use is the region’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which represents nearly half of King County carbon emissions? The continual increase in greenhouse gas emissions is a key driver of the ongoing climate crisis. The need for sustainable, regenerative, and resilient building practices is critical to curbing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a climate-friendly future. Additionally, climate change often disproportionately impacts frontline communities – communities that face historic and current inequities and have limited resources to adapt, often cited as environmental justice… Read More
Christie True – Executive Constantine’s longest-serving department director – retiring after 39 years of service at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the retirement of Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director Christie True – the longest-serving department director on his Cabinet – after a 39-year career at the agency. Executive Constantine credited True for reinforcing King County’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward by producing climate solutions, protecting water quality, restoring habitat, conserving open space, and improving access to parks and trails. The Executive Office will conduct a nationwide recruitment for one of the largest metropolitan natural resource agencies in the country. “Since I appointed her Director… Read More
Five questions with Lauren Orichio, Supported Employment Program Manager
1. What is your role at King County and when did you start? I started at King County on Sept. 18 as the Supported Employment Program Manager. The goal of the Supported Employment Program is to create employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities within King County Government. In doing so, we get closer to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. 2. What is your background in supported employment? I was a special education teacher in Seattle Public Schools before joining PROVAIL, a multi-service agency supporting individuals with developmental… Read More
Employee News 