Employees, others get an opportunity to test out “zippy” electric vehicles
Crossposted from the DES Express Fleet Services recently hosted their first “Ride and Drive” event focused solely on light duty electric vehicles, the kind you might drive at work or home one day (or already!). The goal was to provide information and opportunities for King County employees and folks from other agencies to try out electric vehicles, enticing them to consider using them when more become available. Attendees met first to hear presentations from electric auto makers. “Ford, Volvo and Mack Trucks all focused on their vehicle electrification programs, what’s available and… Read More
Caroline Whalen retires after 29 years at King County
Crossposted from DES Express Caroline Whalen, director of the Department of Executive Services since 2010, retires next month after 29 years at King County. Her last day in the office will be Sept. 8. “Working for King County was the best career decision I’ve made,” Whalen said. During her county career, she has written land use code, organized massive rezone mailings along with an associated call center, analyzed legislation, and served as a lead staff for the County Council. She worked her way up to deputy director in the former Department of… Read More
Surface Water Management Fee discount for families with low incomes – Apply by Sept. 15, 2023
If you qualify as a low-income household and live on your own property in unincorporated King County, you may be eligible for a 50 percent discount on the annual surface water management fee on your land parcel(s). Residents approved for the King County Senior Citizen and People with Disabilities Reduction in Property Taxes are already approved for this discount and do not need to apply. The open period to apply is every year from Aug. 1 through Sept. 15. Learn more about the fee discount at www.kingcounty.gov/swmfeediscount, call 206-477-4800, or email wlrdswm@kingcounty.gov. Information about… Read More
Providing support for Maui wildfire response
The devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui last week left a trail of destruction and loss of life in their wake. The impact on people, communities, and the environment has been devastating. Rebuilding homes, communities, and lives will take months and years. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, with those who lost their homes, and with the first responders working hard to find those that are still missing. Employees may be wondering how they can help. This year’s Annual Giving Drive is… Read More
Excessive heat warning Aug. 14-16
Hotter than normal weather is forecast for our region from Aug. 14-16. Temperatures could reach the low to mid 90’s during the day, and the 60’s to 70’s at night. Here are some tips from Public Health – Seattle & King County to help you manage the heat: Get more tips and advice on these sites: Public Health – Seattle & King County: Hot weather preparedness King County Emergency News: It’s a summer heat wave in the NW – what you should know | King County Emergency News (kcemergency.com) King County Regional Homelessness… Read More
Kent Division shines during power outage
Crossposted from the DAJD Employee Newsletter A 15-hour power outage caused big disruptions at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) last month. Court was cancelled for the day, but shutting down the jail wasn’t an option. Staff worked together throughout the event to ensure a safe environment for everyone in the building. What could have been a disaster ended up merely a nuisance – albeit a long-lasting nuisance that impacted all three shifts. Read more.
Women in trades: Ivy Schmitz
Crossposted from the Metro Layover Employee Newsletter Meet Ivy Schmitz. She works as a Utility Laborer in our Transit Facilities Division (TFD). Ivy is one of the 6.2% percent of women who make up the female workforce in the transit trades industry. This industry has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated field, with women facing educational and training barriers, an unwelcoming workplace culture and environment, and lack of awareness and exposure to the possibility of employment in the trades. Ivy first joined Metro as a Maintenance Crew member in South Facilities and then… Read More
Bringing a global upbringing to transport local impact: Meet William D. Clark with King County Metro
From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group As a Functional Analyst III for King County Metro Transit Facilities Division, William D. Clark (he/him) feels a responsibility to try to positively promote wellbeing and engagement in the workplace. This care expressed itself in his quiet but powerful presence, and his commitment to personal growth, learning, and living fully. “I would say that my interest in the transportation environment was due to my upbringing. We were always on the move and being accustomed to unrest and unease about staying in one… Read More
Focus on values: We solve problems
Fellow King County employees: As Deputy Chief Operating Officer – and an employee of King County for almost 25 years, much of it in risk management – I am proud of the changes that have taken place in our workplace. We have become more of a learning culture, treating problems as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. We have also become more comfortable with taking measured risks to better meet the needs of all our residents. These changes are important to consider as we take a closer look at one of our… Read More
King County runners tackle 200-mile Ragnar
For 30 hours starting the morning of Friday, July 14, 24 runners representing the Assessor, DES, DNRP, FBOD, RALS, KCIT, WLRD, King County Council, DCHS, the Regional Homelessness Authority, DAJD, the Environmental Lab, DHR, and the Executive Office took to the roads in the annual Ragnar Northwest Passage, an approximately 200-mile relay from far north Blaine to Whidbey Island’s Langley. This is the first year King County fielded two full teams in this legendary annual run. Running through the night, the King County Ragnariffics (pictured above) and King County Bureaufasts (pictured below)… Read More
Employee News 