Celebrating 2023 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. King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). On Oct. 10, during hybrid King County Council meeting, Councilmember Claudia Balducci read the proclamation and provided additional personal insights. Thank you to the King County Council for recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month as a time to honor the invaluable contributions of… Read More
King County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new deputies
King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently welcomed the newest members to the team after completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). To become a Sheriff’s deputy, you must complete 720 hours of BLEA training within six months of hire. The 720-hour BLEA is designed to provide recruit officers with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for safe, proper, and effective law enforcement service. King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams attended the graduating ceremony for the BLEA to recognize the newest King County graduates, including one she knows very well –… Read More
My proposed one-year supplemental budget
Dear fellow King County employee, Today I transmitted to the County Council the mid-biennial budget proposal, which revises the County’s 2023-2024 budget that was adopted last fall. This is the first step in a two-month public process, leading to Council adoption in November of a final County budget. As I shared back in April, the county’s general fund is facing a significant shortfall due to the state’s arbitrary and outdated one percent limit on property tax collections – the largest source of revenue for the general fund. This cap, combined with rising inflation and increased costs,… Read More
Chief People Officer featured in blog on transformation of primary care
Crossposted from Balanced You King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams was featured in a Washington Health Alliance blog post about efforts to transform primary care in Washington State. The article highlights a public/private partnership involving some of the state’s largest employers which aims to build a more effective primary care system for residents and providers. Read more.
A ‘New Energy’ arrives as Executive Constantine unveils new colors for Metro’s electric fleet
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled one of Metro’s next-generation battery-electric buses wrapped in the new colors of the fleet today at Metro’s South Base. Called “The New Energy,” the livery design is a mix of electric yellow and seafoam blue, is a visual representation of Metro’s commitment to helping combat climate change and will be outfitted on all the new vehicles joining the fleet. Along with Executive Constantine, Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and Teague Livery Design Manager Katie Ryan, helped unveil… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims 2023 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month and King County, Executive Dow Constantine has declared Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. The month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cultural, educational, economic, and political influences and contributions of Latinx residents. “I urge all residents to join in this community celebration,” he said. Read the full proclamation in English here, and in Spanish here.
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that we can all provide hope and support to those who are struggling. Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic added to our anxieties and challenges, putting further stress on people’s mental health and wellness. We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and… Read More
Executive, employees accept Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington D.C.
King County was honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members. Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. On hand to receive the award were King County Executive Dow Constantine, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Metro Transit Operator Christopher Cappelletti… Read More
New Racially Just training for all Executive branch employees
Dear fellow King County employee, One of our core values is “We are racially just.” This means that we work purposefully and intentionally against racism and discrimination, and toward equity for all by building anti-racist and pro-equity approaches into our work, our policies, our budgeting, and our trainings. It means that we make racial justice a central part of how we work and act as King County employees. That is why we have launched a new training: We Are Racially Just: Our King County Values at Work. This training will help to… Read More
Lorraine Patterson-Harris appointed County Administrative Officer and Director of Department of Executive Services
Executive Constantine has appointed Lorraine Patterson-Harris County Administrative Officer (CAO) and Director of the Department of Executive Services (DES). Her appointment is subject to Council confirmation. Lorraine has most recently served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Department of Natural Resources (DNRP). For the last eight years, she has been a champion for that department, leading continuous improvement work, implementing technology systems, the “Green Where We Work” initiative for DNRP’s post-pandemic operations, and leadership development efforts centered around equity, competencies, and our values. Her previous leadership roles with King County include… Read More
Employee News 