Proudly in defense of breastfeeding, in King County and everywhere
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Statement from Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health—Seattle & King County, responding to news that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services aggressively attempted to water down international support for breastfeeding through the World Health Organization. “The notion that any national or international health agency would not completely support breastfeeding is truly shocking. Breastfeeding is broadly endorsed by both the medical community and nutrition community – and for very good reasons. Decades of research have demonstrated benefits such as: Breast milk supplies antibodies, which lowers the… Read More
It’s Electric! Brand new battery bus charger debuts as study touts climate, health benefits of electric transportation; King County Executive Constantine honored with award
Crossposted from Metro Matters By Jeff Switzer It’s another first at Metro and in the country: A fast-charging station for battery electric buses debuted at Bellevue Base this week, newly installed in a bay where buses are cleaned and fueled each day. Having a charging station installed above the service bay makes it unique in North America, according to electric battery bus manufacturer Proterra. The move makes for efficient and effective maintenance and recharging. It also replaces a slow-charge old-school plug that maintenance staff used to use to recharge battery electric buses…. Read More
Walk in the Shoes – Cynthia and Dynese
County employees do amazing work on behalf of our residents, which I was able to see firsthand in May when I visited King County’s Youth Services Center (YSC) to walk in the shoes of Juvenile Detention Nurse Cynthia Marino and Juvenile Detention Supervisor Dynese Greer. They help youth in King County who enter the criminal justice system leave it with a better chance of living a happy, productive, successful life. Accompanied by Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, I met with Juvenile Detention Deputy Director Angela Toussaint who gave us access badges for… Read More
Executive visits employees who are empowering strong communities through partnerships
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams recently visited King County employees and partners from the Communities of Opportunity program to learn more about their work to create greater racial, economic, and health equity that enables all people in King County to thrive and prosper. “Our goals for Communities of Opportunity line up with the intersection of wanting to see that all people are thriving economically, that all people are healthy, that they have quality, affordable housing, and that they are connected to the community,” Andréa Akita, Director… Read More
Employees recognized for service by Executive, Council
Congratulations to all of the employees who were recognized at Monday’s Service Awards ceremony in County Council chambers:
Get to know Gary Kurihara, Chief Performance Officer
King County Executive Dow Constantine has launched a new video series introducing the five members of his Senior Leadership Team, starting with Gary Kurihara, Chief Performance Officer. “Unfortunately, despite considerable effort over the years, I have not yet mastered the ability to be in more than one place at one time,” Executive Constantine said in an email launching the video series. “So I rely on my Senior Leadership Team – which currently includes Budget Director Dwight Dively, Chief of Staff Rachel Smith, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Chief Performance Officer Gary Kurihara… Read More
2019-2020 Proposed Budget and reorganization overview
Director Dwight Dively of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget has put together a short video of his points on the upcoming 2019-2020 Budget process. “The County uses a biennial – or two-year – budget process, and our biennium starts Jan. 1 of each odd-numbered year,” said Dively. “The timeline for our budget process begins with getting budget proposals from departments by the end of June. The executive will then submit his budget proposal to council Sept. 24. The King County Council would then adopt a budget sometime in mid-Nov., and… Read More
Supreme Court decision will not affect strong partnership with labor
Dear fellow King County employee, Today, the Supreme Court handed down its decision on Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, ruling that state and local public employees cannot be required to pay union dues or fees. Labor unions have always been valued partners in our efforts to make King County a great place to work, and a highly effective service provider for our residents. Just last month, the King County Council approved our groundbreaking Master Labor Agreement jointly developed with our Coalition of Unions, which gives us a… Read More
Newest transit-to-trails service makes it safer, more convenient to explore Mailbox Peak
Trailhead Direct – a public-private partnership co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks –launched its third route this weekend, offering transit service from North Bend to one of the most popular trails in the Pacific Northwest; Mailbox Peak. The newest transit-to-trails service reduces unsafe overcrowding at the Mailbox Peak parking lot. Transit vans depart every 20 minutes from a satellite lot in North Bend during weekends and holidays. “We are making it safer and more convenient for hikers to explore one of the premier trails in our region,” said King… Read More
New Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy for Executive Branch, Elections, Assessments and Sheriff’s employees
Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams has launched King County’s new Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct Policy, effective July 1, 2018, which applies to employees in Executive Branch departments, Elections, Assessments and the Sheriff’s Office. “Through our Investing in YOU initiative, we are building a workplace culture that is respectful and supportive of all employees and the unique skills, experiences and perspectives that each of us brings to King County.,” Abrams said in an email to employees. “There is no place for any type of harassment or discrimination in this culture, and our… Read More
Employee News 