Coming soon: Add pronouns and preferred first name/nickname to PeopleSoft and Microsoft
Starting Nov. 1, employees will be able to add pronouns and preferred first name/nickname in PeopleSoft and Microsoft 365 (including Teams and Outlook), making them visible to other King County employees. This option advances our We respect all people value and helps us create a more inclusive and affirming workplace for everyone. It also aligns with the County’s Gender Identity in the Workplace policy. These options will be available for both PeopleSoft and Microsoft 365. Sharing this information with other King County employees is a personal choice and completely optional. Once entered, this information may be subject to public disclosure… Read More
Five Questions with Joseph Weber, DHR Disability Services newest Disability Services Consultant
1. What is your role at King County and when did you start? I am a Disability Services Consultant with the Department of Human Resources (DHR). My first day in this role was Monday Sept. 30, 2024. 2. What is your background in disability services? I have worked in various government agencies providing disability services to the public and a vast majority of work experience has been working directly with the King County community. Prior to my current role, I spent my previous 10 years in King County Department of Community and… Read More
Celebrating 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In October, King County celebrates the contributions made by people with disabilities, and how disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, enhance our workforce, our communities, and our country. On Oct. 8, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). A job is so much more than a paycheck. It enables a person to contribute to their community, fulfill their potential, and build meaningful connections with those around them. King County’s Supported Employment Program has been creating significant employment opportunities for those with… Read More
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Dear fellow King County employee, King County occupies the unceded ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Suquamish Tribes, and those Coast Salish individuals who are not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. It is home to a thriving Native American population from Tribal nations regionally, and across North America, whose rich traditions and ongoing achievements benefit all. Since 2022, we have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an observed and paid holiday in King County on the second Monday in October, and on Oct. 14 we will show respect for… Read More
King County partners with Minority Veterans of America to open first-in-the-nation transitional housing for LGBTQ+ veterans
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Earlier this week King County Executive Dow Constantine and Minority Veterans of America celebrated the opening of Q’mmunity House today, the first transitional home in the country for LGBTQ+ veterans. Q’mmunity House will provide on-site holistic case management, connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming, and supportive home for LGBTQ+ veterans experiencing homelessness in King County. The program fosters long-term stability and community connection by addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ veterans who often experience higher rates of homelessness, discrimination, and other obstacles when accessing critical resources…. Read More
Recognizing Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters Earlier this month, Executive Dow Constantine proclaimed Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. We would like to take a moment to recognize this annual observance, which celebrates the cultural, educational, economic and political contributions of the Latinx/Hispanic communities across our region and country. National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, by President Ronald Reagan and is observed annually from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, coinciding with the national independence celebrations of several countries. The Latinx/Hispanic community is the second-largest ethnic group… Read More
Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor
Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more. More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims 2024 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. This month recognizes the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life,” he said. “I urge all… Read More
New report release: “Early Learning Facilities: Investing in Spaces Where Children can Thrive”
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The Early Learning Facilities investment that funds improvements to family- and center-based child care facilities, released a report highlighting 2023 accomplishments. Read that report here! The investment from King County’s Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) directs Sound Transit 3-related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. Read more.
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with Nuestra Tierra/Our Land
King County Superior Court will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with lunchtime events at the King County Courthouse in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Nuestra Tierra (Our Land) will feature food (including tamales from La Huerta Mexican and Latin Market in Kent) a panel discussion, guest speakers, mariachi music, and dancers. It will take place at noon on September 20 in Jury Room 2E at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Avenue North, Kent, and at noon on September 27 in the Presiding Courtroom (E-942) at the King County Courthouse, 516… Read More
Employee News 