King County Bureaufasts conquer 200-mile Ragnar Relay
The King County Bureaufasts, a 12-person King County employee running squad, completed the Reebok Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay July 14-15, spanning 200 miles of relay running from Blaine to Langley, WA. With some new faces on the team this year, the King County team shared two days of bonding, cheering, fatigue, and most importantly, a weekend in the Ragnar Bubble. The team trekked through some of the most breathtaking scenic views that the Pacific Northwest has to offer including Mount Baker and Olympic Mountain to Deception Pass and Puget Sound. Each member ran… Read More
Keeping employees safe delivers cost savings
“Prevention is the best cure” might sound like a cliché but it’s an important part of keeping King County employees safe at work and decreasing injury-related costs. King County’s Safety and Claims section is implementing a multifaceted approach to reduce costs on workers compensation claims and lost work days as a result of occupational injuries and illnesses, and their efforts are delivering an estimated $7 million in annual savings in liabilities – funds that can go to providing services to more customers. “It’s not any one thing in isolation that is moving… Read More
KCIT named top large county IT organization in the U.S.
King County Information Technology (KCIT) took first place in the 15th annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey. King County was recognized for its vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration. “This is an important award,” said Bill Kehoe, Chief Information Officer and IT Director. “It validates the real, day-to-day work that our employees do. They are the reason King County is known as one of the Best Run Governments in the country.” The Digital Counties Survey comes from the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The national… Read More
Kudos! Resident praises employee for excellent customer service and community impact
The following is a letter from a King County resident giving Kudos to Rita Bellitto, Cable Administrator in the Office of Cable Communications, which helps cable TV subscribers who live in unincorporated King County. Late last year I learned of the existence of and contacted the KC Office of Cable Communications. I spoke with Ms. Rita Bellitto, Cable Administrator. She was fantastic. She took the time to explain what would be involved to have cable services delivered to my neighborhood in Fall City, which is rural and has underground utilities. After almost a decade of my contacting the wrong… Read More
KCVP staff receives shout-out at Seattle Mariners game
Shared from the DCHS Touching Base Newsletter Throughout the season, the Seattle Mariners recognize some of the brave men and women of the United States Military (active, reserve, veteran or retired) at each Friday and Sunday home game as part of their Salute to Those Who Serve program. On June 11 Michelle Bregel from our King County Veterans Program – Seattle office was recognized by the Seattle Mariners for her military service and continued service to the veterans of King County. Michelle served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Security Police, from 1991-1997. She also… Read More
PTE17 includes Administrative Professionals event in magazine
Local 17 featured the April Administrative Professionals Recognition event in a recent issue of its Insight publication, highlighting notable participants, speakers and the importance of honoring administrative employees for their work. It shares: “Based on feedback received from attendees and award recipients, the engaging event helps Administrative Professionals feel honored, valued and appreciated. It also reaffirms that King County is a wonderful place to work.” The Administrative Professionals Program and Career Support Services were also both featured in the June 21 Metropolitan King County Council: Annual Labor Summit. To read the full PTE17 article, click here, page 8. To learn more about… Read More
ACEs work featured in regional publication
The Community Health Services Division “ACEs Collaborative” group is featured in the current issue of “Northwest Public Health,” published by the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. ACEs stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences, and refers to an influential study on the impacts of childhood trauma on lifelong health. From the ACEs study, a body of learning has emerged nationally that challenges agencies and organizations to understand the impacts of trauma and help build resiliency. The article, entitled “Hope and Healing: Training a Workforce to Better Support Health,” describes the staff-led work of the Collaborative over the… Read More
Treatment plants go ‘Platinum’ in 2016
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Another year, another stellar performance that earned national recognition for our treatment plant operations. Four of our plants were honored with Platinum Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies headquartered in Washington D.C. To earn the awards, the treatment plants must meet 100 percent compliance with the effluent discharge limits set by permits under the federal Clean Water Act and the state’s Water Pollution Control Law. Our Carnation Treatment Plant earned its first Platinum award for five consecutive years of perfect compliance with its discharge… Read More
Michael Jacobson named Chair of the ASPA’s Center for Accountability and Performance
Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director for Performance and Strategy with the County’s Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has been named to a three-year board term and one-year chairmanship of the American Society of Public Administration’s Center for Accountability and Performance. During his term, Michael is working to advance awareness about the importance of performance and accountability in government through the Center’s regular webinar series and annual organizational and performance leadership awards. He will also host performance-related expert panels at ASPA’s annual conferences. “Another part of what has been exciting for me is… Read More
Employee News 