Executive Constantine proclaims June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month
Acknowledging that King County is a leader in advancing equitable policies and practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed June 2023 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. “I urge everyone to honor the fight against discrimination and the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people to our County and our society,” the Executive said in his proclamation. Read the full proclamation below.
KCSO Crisis Negotiation Team, Part III
Part I explored the evolution of the King County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). Part II told the story of how a mental health professional became an official part of the team after years of volunteering. The final segment illustrates how they put it all together. An incredible partnership Over the last several years, there have been many improvements implemented in the partnership between TAC 30 and the Crisis Negotiation Team that have made KCSO into a leader in the crisis field. “We’re ahead of our peers in having a mental… Read More
Changes are coming to Fleet Motor Pool vehicles
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The Fleet Services team is working to update technology that will allow motor pool dispatch users to reserve and access the vehicles using their mobile phone, making access to vehicles more efficient than the current system using lock boxes in our King County garages. The next phase of the project is to pilot this new technology with customers. Fleet Services is looking for frequent users in King Street Center and Goat Hill Garage to test out the new process and provide feedback. Read more.
New IT Helpdesk feature offers faster ticket submissions, workarounds
The IT Helpdesk homepage (Cherwell) now offers a “Known Issues” section that lists non-urgent issues impacting employees. The next time you experience a tech issue, quickly scan the Known Issues list to see if the problem has already been reported. If so, you can click the “View Knowledge Article” link to learn more about any available workarounds. A handy “This Affects Me Too” button automatically generates a pre-filled Helpdesk ticket that quickly routes your ticket directly to the technicians working on the issue. This new feature is designed to streamline your ticket submissions, and… Read More
Facilities Management Division’s real estate professionals find “needle in a haystack” for Health Through Housing
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The county’s newest Health Through Housing property is likely to be ready to house queer, transgender, Two-spirit, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QT2BIPOC) residents this fall. Securing the Capitol Hill property took more than a year of behind the scenes work and negotiation by the Department of Executive Services’ Facilities Management Division’s Real Estate Services (RES) section. To date, RES has found and bought 11 properties for the County’s Health Through Housing Program. Read more.
King County breaks ground on a state-of-the-art recycling station
King County broke ground on a state-of-the-art station in South King County that will offer enhanced waste disposal and recycling services, contributing to the Re+ initiative that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by reinventing the region’s waste system. The new South County Recycling and Transfer Station in Algona – south of Auburn – will make it safer and easier to recycle appliances, glass, metals, plastics, wood, and paper, compost yard waste, and dispose hazardous materials. The green design includes a solar array that will provide nearly half of the energy needed to operate the… Read More
Executive proclaims May 2023 as Older Americans Month
Cross-posted from Cultivating Connections In recognition of the contributions of older residents in our local communities, King County Excecutive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May 2023 as Older Americans Month. Executive Constantine encourages all residents to honor the important contributions that older adults of every race, class, and ethnic background make to the progress of our County and nation. Learn more and read the full proclamation here.
Third anniversary of Con Confianza y En Comunidad
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Con Confianza was envisioned as a community-led space where community members, community leaders and organizations could receive direct and accurate information about the COVID-19 virus. Since misinformation was directed at Latinos, Con Confianza y En Comunidad was the place to receive the latest data on the virus and resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and communication and technical support from the County. Read more about this effort and watch the video.
Mental health resources for children and teens
While we work to ensure that King County employees have the resources they need to take care of their mental health, it is important to note that 50% of all mental health conditions begin before age 14 and 75% before age 24. Current reports indicate that the rates of anxiety and depression among children and teens are increasing. If you find that your child needs mental health care, Washington state has a free resource to connect families with mental health providers for children and teens 17 or younger. The referral service helps families… Read More
Chinook Wind Project and Mitigation Reserve Program receives 2022 Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship
The Chinook Wind Project and Mitigation Reserve Program, within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources Division, has been honored with the Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship (Sustainability). This award, part of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, is one of the 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. The Team includes Megan… Read More
Employee News 