Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 19
King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Monday, June 19. King County officially began observing Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits. Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. The establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday – in addition to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) – reflects our… Read More
Executive proclaims May 2023 as Older Americans Month
Cross-posted from Cultivating Connections In recognition of the contributions of older residents in our local communities, King County Excecutive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May 2023 as Older Americans Month. Executive Constantine encourages all residents to honor the important contributions that older adults of every race, class, and ethnic background make to the progress of our County and nation. Learn more and read the full proclamation here.
Third anniversary of Con Confianza y En Comunidad
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Con Confianza was envisioned as a community-led space where community members, community leaders and organizations could receive direct and accurate information about the COVID-19 virus. Since misinformation was directed at Latinos, Con Confianza y En Comunidad was the place to receive the latest data on the virus and resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and communication and technical support from the County. Read more about this effort and watch the video.
King County proclaims May Treatment Court Month. Here’s what that means for participants
From the King County Superior Courts The King County Council and the King County Executive have proclaimed May Treatment Court Month. This proclamation recognizes and celebrates the success of program participants. It also affirms the important role courts play in addressing problems at the intersection of public safety and public health. For three decades, King County’s treatment courts have helped people whose legal system involvement stems from substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders to transform their lives. Read more.
New appointment scheduler assists county veterans
The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group and King County Veteran’s Program would like to remind all County employees who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces that the Veteran’s Administration (VA) has launched a new appointment scheduler to connect you with VA Benefits Counselors. The Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) is a streamlined scheduling process for in-person or online appointments to learn about your benefits and how to navigate the VA’s processes. This is a useful resource for those with questions about benefit eligibility, or in need of assistance filing… Read More
King County takes part in Women in Trades Fair
Several King County departments participated in last Friday’s Women in Trades Fair at Seattle Center. Hear from two Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) employees – operators Alyssa Moreno and Kylie Turner – about their experiences in their jobs and working at WTD. Follow King County on LinkedIn for news about fellow employees, job opportunities, county initiatives, and more.
2023 Seattle Pride Parade
2023 Seattle Pride Parade planning is underway. If you are a King County employee and want to be kept up to date on all things Pride Parade, send an email to Leah.Holland@kingcounty.gov with PRIDE INFO 2023 in the subject line. This year, t-shirt sales will be done completely online and mailed directly to you. The Parade route runs from downtown Seattle to Seattle Center on Sunday, June 25. More info will be sent out soon. Happy PRIDE!
Voters approve Crisis Care Centers Levy—a generational investment to transform the behavioral health system in King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine applauds the approval of the Crisis Care Centers initiative, a nine-year levy that will create a regional network of five Crisis Care Centers, restore and increase mental health residential treatment beds, and invest in the people who do the difficult, important, and historically underpaid work of providing mental health and substance use disorder services. “King County voters agree – we must build a stronger behavioral health system to meet the urgent and growing need for care,” said Executive Constantine. “With this strong approval, we will chart a… Read More
MLK Committee volunteers needed
The employee-led MLK Committee is seeking volunteers. The committee shares responsibility for organizing the annual MLK Celebration and designing the MLK Calendar for 2024. There are many opportunities available for those who would like to participate. This includes serving as a Larry Gossett Award ambassador, helping decide speakers and performers, artwork selection for the calendar, and much more. If you are interested, submit your information here by April 24. For questions, reach out to Jasmine Harbor in the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice.
KC employees can help residents preserve their Apple Health insurance
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Thousands of King County residents who have health insurance through Apple Health risk losing coverage in coming months. Public Health—Seattle & King County and its partners in the community are leading an effort to help them take action in time. Beginning this spring, many clients will need to verify that they’re still eligible for Apple Health. The good news: There are options for people to keep health insurance coverage – if they act in time. Learn more and download the flyer here.
Employee News 