November 2020 proclaimed Native American Heritage Month in King County
As part of our celebrations for Native American Heritage Month, the Metropolitan King County Council and King County Executive Dow Constantine have proclaimed the month of November 2020 Native American Heritage Month in King County. Native American Heritage Month was initially proposed in 1990 as American Indian Heritage Month by U.S. House Joint Resolution 577, and in 1991 by Congress Senate Joint Resolution 172, before November was ultimately proclaimed as “Native American Heritage Month” by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. “Whereas, in King County, we honor the unique government-to-government relationship that… Read More
Join the Executive Department at the Harvest Festival II: Ultimate Zoom tomorrow, November 18
The Executive Department Senior Leadership Team is excited to invite employees to Harvest Festival II: Ultimate Zoom, which includes a drawing to benefit organizations doing important work in the community and on issues critical to King County’s priorities. Donations can be turned into drawing tickets until 11 a.m. tomorrow. Make a donation and be entered into the drawing here. Prizes include bottles of wine and a tasting voucher, state and national parks passes, board games and puzzles, and a stay at the downtown Fairmont Olympic. Winners will be announced tomorrow. Hear from Executive Constantine, the Senior Leadership… Read More
King County honored with workplace mental health award
I am proud to announce that King County has been awarded the 2020 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at the Platinum, highest, level by Mental Health America (MHA). The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to improve employee mental health and create a psychologically safe workplace for all employees. It recognizes the comprehensiveness of our mental health approach at a time when we are expecting higher mental and behavioral health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing racial injustice,… Read More
Thanking our local veterans for their service
Dear fellow King County employee, For more than 100 years, our nation has dedicated November 11 as the day to recognize the brave members of our country’s armed forces past and present. They placed their own lives at risk to defend freedom here at home and around the world. Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor and thank them for their service. As we acknowledge the 115,000 veterans of all ages who call King County home, let us also recognize the 1,314 individuals we work beside every day – the King County… Read More
Executive Constantine statement on approval of Harborview bond measure
King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement late Tuesday evening on the $1.74 billion Harborview Medical Center bond measure after King County Elections posted that it was passing by 77 percent of the vote in early returns. “While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees,… Read More
Remaining focused on our priorities and values
Dear fellow King County employee, I know that many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future of our nation and our world right now as we wait for a result in yesterday’s presidential election. For many, the prospect of weeks of recounts and legal actions only compounds what has been some of the most stressful times in our nation’s history, and our own lives. We must remain patient, vigilant, and steadfast. The record voter turnout in King County showed that, in this corner of the nation, we are united… Read More
Make the most of your King County benefits
Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is Nov. 1-15, so now is the time to review your benefit options for 2021. Make sure you get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by learning what’s offered during Open Enrollment and how you can make changes: Check out the new online enrollment tool: This year, we’re using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface – making it easier for you to complete Open Enrollment using a smartphone or tablet. For details and step-by-step… Read More
Extension of mandatory telecommuting through July 5, 2021
Dear fellow King County employee, This has been a challenging year. We’ve had to radically change many aspects of our lives. The way we work has shifted dramatically for all of us, whether you are working onsite and remotely. First responders and employees delivering in-person services continue to do extraordinary work, adjusting to new safety measures and protocols. Teleworkers have adapted to new technology and changes in the way services are offered. Employees with school-aged children are juggling multiple roles, while the demands of work remain. I thank you for your efforts…. Read More
Working to end domestic violence
Dear employees, This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and how we can stop it. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 10 million people each year – according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. There is also concern that these numbers will jump as a result of social distancing and quarantine during COVID-19. King County is committed to stopping domestic violence in our community and at work…. Read More
Reducing flood risks, improving salmon habitat, sustaining orca: Work begins on a major Cedar River restoration project
King County and partners have started a major restoration project along the Cedar River that will reduce flood risks, improve habitat for Chinook salmon, and provide sustenance to southern resident orcas. The 52-acre project will restore a mile-long portion of the river in South King County to its natural state, creating slow-water, shallow habitat that is ideal for native Chinook salmon. It will build on the progress that partners have made to protect people, homes, and infrastructure from flood risks along the the river that flows from the Cascades to the southern tip of… Read More
Employee News 