King County turns to new contracting method to fix critical wastewater pipes 

Traditionally, large public projects are designed under one contract, and built under another. By the time construction crews start the work, design meets reality – often in the form of costly unexpected change orders to the project and delays. The Wastewater Treatment Division has project needs so critical it can’t afford such uncertainties. So, King County submitted the case for an alternative method of project delivery called “progressive design build.” This contracting method brings designers and builders to the same table at the early stages of project development. Read more.

Administrative Professionals Q1 recognition

King County Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public. Administrative Professionals may include, but are not limited to, Administrative Specialists, Office Assistants, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Dental and Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and more. Show your appreciation Take the time to show your appreciation for an administrative professional. The first quarter recognition period closes March 31. All recognitions received between April 2022 through March 31, 2023 will be highlighted at the… Read More

Get active and fit with this healthy discount

We know physical fitness resources are important to King County employees and their families.   King County employees covered by our health plans, have access to several gyms for a flat monthly fee through the Active&Fit Direct™ program. Find a flexible fitness lifestyle that will work for you. No long-term contracts, you can add or switch gyms anytime and cancel your membership when you need to without penalty. Read more about the benefits included and how to join.

Records Center staff go above and beyond

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Late last year the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) was contacted by the spouse of a retired DAJD commander who had recently passed away. The former employee’s wife explained that her husband had retired after 30 years of service with DAJD, and while undergoing the emotional process of assessing his personal belongings she discovered documents that appeared to contain potential public records. Not knowing the status of the documents she had discovered, she contacted DAJD requesting assistance identifying the records and determining the best course of… Read More

Keeping boats afloat: Two Water Taxi stories

Cross-posted from Captain’s Blog As part of Transit Appreciation Week and Transit Operator Appreciation Day, the King County Water Taxi wants to recognize two members of the team who work to ensure riders have a smooth sail from dock to dock. Kennedy Menendez, who helped get over 80 stranded Bremerton passengers home on a late night run, and Capt. Dan Krehbiel, who was the first captain hired for the Water Taxi in 2009, are just two of the King County Water Taxi staff who are on the water every day, providing service to West… Read More

‘It takes people to move people.’ King County recognizes Transit Appreciation Week

It’s officially Transit Appreciation Week in King County, thanks to a proclamation from the King County Council recognizing transit employees who keep the region and its economy moving forward everyday. Councilmember Rod Dembowski spoke of Metro being the “most visible function of King County.” Dembowski, sponsor of the proclamation also highlighted Metro’s important role in providing mobility and opportunity to millions of riders through the years. Read more and watch the video here.

Annual Women’s History Month: Passing the Torch

The theme for the annual King County Council Women’s History Month panel is “Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation.” This live, online event features a panel of specialists who will speak about a life in activism and new voices who are picking up the banner for the next generation. Read more about the a panelists for this event. Wednesday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Join via livestream on King County TV or Facebook. This presentation is sponsored and moderated by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry, the Legislative Branch Equity and Social Justice Team, and… Read More

GIS is everywhere (and everything, all at once)

Cross-posted from GIS & You So…what is GIS? In short, it’s a Geographic Information System that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). According to Lisa Owen, from the King County GIS Center, it’s “data that knows where it lives.” Lisa recently had the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on Women in IT, with a spotlight on GIS. Read her entertaining blog post telling about her experience as a woman… Read More

Moving forward together: A shared vision for Metro’s future

“Transit must lead with equity and provide world-class service.” Michelle Allison, the new King County Metro General Manager, recently posted her perspective on the current state of the agency is and the vision for where it is headed. Allison shared three main priorities of the agency and those they serve to move forward together. Each priority is informed by deep and ongoing engagement with the community, a partnership that will continue every step of the way. Read more.

Now is the time to invite nonprofits to participate in the Annual Giving Drive

Nominate a nonprofit for inclusion in the Annual Giving Drive, and they will be contacted when the application cycle opens later this spring. All nonprofits must apply and meet eligibility requirements annually in order to be included in the Annual Giving Drive. Read more.