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
Angela Toussaint receives 2022 Individual Contributor Award
DAJD Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager Angela Toussaint has been honored with the Individual Contributor Award, one of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards which highlights an individual contributor who does not directly manage staff. The Individual Contributor Award is one of three Leadership Excellence Awards honoring King County leaders who embody the Executive Branch values and drive for results that make King County better for employees and customers, and move King County closer to its True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. View the award announcement and watch… Read More
Executive Constantine appoints Marissa Aho as new Director of Climate Office
King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Marissa Aho – a highly experienced leader in climate action and resilience planning – to serve as Climate Director, overseeing King County’s work to address climate change and advance its Strategic Climate Action Plan. “Marissa has an exceptional background to lead King County’s Executive Climate Office, bringing with her nearly a decade of expertise in strategy and policy planning around climate action, environmental justice, resilience, and sustainability,” said Executive Constantine. “We look forward to her leadership as King County continues investing in solutions and taking… Read More
Executive Constantine announces changes to Senior Leadership Team
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the upcoming departure of Deputy Executive April Putney and the appointments of Shannon Braddock as Deputy Executive and Karan Gill as Chief of Staff. Shannon, the current Chief of Staff, and Karan, the Deputy Chief of Staff, have decades of experience between them in policy, strategy, and government and community relations in our region. “I would like to thank April for her service to King County as she prepares to depart next month for an exciting new opportunity outside of government,” Executive Contantine said. Read more.
Executive Constantine responds to US Supreme Court affirmative action decision
King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement today on the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in college admissions. “Allowing disparities rooted in racism to persist is a choice,” Executive Constantine said. “When we ignore that fact, as the court did today, we perpetuate the ugliest aspects of our nation’s past and present. The better future we all want is built on a foundation of pluralism, diverse perspectives, and abundant, shared opportunity, and America will not be able to reach its potential until we directly confront and defeat discrimination and bias —… Read More
Focus on values: We are racially just
“We are racially just” is a core value of King County government because to reach our True North – a welcoming community where every person can thrive – we must achieve racial justice. Only by achieving racial justice can we, together, experience the peace, power, and prosperity needed to truly thrive. Watch the video here and below.
Update on the budget process and next steps
Dear employee, Back in late April, Executive Constantine emailed you about the unavoidable budget cuts facing the County’s General Fund. As the Executive explained, state law prohibits more than a 1% annual increase in the property tax. When inflation grows, that law prevents us from keeping up with rising costs, and inflation has been as high as 9.5% in recent years. King County was able to pass a two-year budget last year, and while the overall budget is healthy, it’s based on several funding sources. One key component – the General… Read More
Executive Constantine announces winners of the 2023 Green Globe Award
The Green Globe Award is King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship. Eleven individuals and organizations from across King County were recently honored by Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks with a 2023 Green Globe Award for outstanding work to protect and restore the environment, and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, more equitable King County. Read more here and and watch the video below.
Gender Inclusion in the Workplace Team receives 2022 Innovation Award for People
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) and Gender Inclusion in the Workplace Team has been honored with the Innovation Award for People. This award, part of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, is one of the of five Innovation Awards highlighting department teams whose projects, improvements, and ingenuity deliver exceptional, measurable results. “We solve problems” and “We drive for results” are core values at King County, and these award recipients met challenges in creative and impactful ways. King County employee engagement surveys found that gender diverse employees felt less engaged, less safe,… Read More
DLS Participatory Budgeting Project Team receives 2022 Innovation Award for Equity and Social Justice
The Department of Local Services (DLS) Participatory Budgeting Project Team has been honored with the Innovation Award for Equity and Social Justice. This award, part of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, is one of the of five Innovation Awards highlighting department teams whose projects, improvements, and ingenuity deliver exceptional, measurable results. “We solve problems” and “We drive for results” are core values at King County, and these award recipients met challenges in creative and impactful ways. Read more and watch the video here.
Employee News 