Do you file an annual financial disclosure? Watch your email for information
If your department has determined that you need to file an annual financial disclosure form, watch for an email from donotreply@neogov.com that says “System – Task Ready” in the coming weeks. Like last year, the Financial Disclosure Program will be sending forms through NEOGOV rather than through county email. Participation in this program is required if you receive the email from NEOGOV. All forms are due by April 15, 2023. Please contact your department directly if you have questions about why you have been asked to fill out the form. For any questions about the… Read More
With her robe, Judge Hawk takes responsibility for making justice real
Cross-posted from King County Superior Court When Judge Jaime Hawk was helped into her black robe on Jan. 26, it wasn’t the first time she’d worn it. For more than five months, she’s performed the work of a King County Superior Court judge. And yet the formal ceremony — called an investiture — still had the air of something significant. Welcoming Judge Hawk to her new-ish role, Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary I. Yu noted the role judges play in creating and maintaining “a legal process that is predictable and rule-bound, where every individual has… Read More
Executive Constantine launches Re+, reinventing the region’s waste system to cut carbon emissions, transition to a sustainable economy
King County is launching a new initiative, Re+, to return valuable materials to the economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by the region’s waste system. Re+ aims to recover nearly 70% of materials that are currently being sent to the landfill that could avoid becoming waste in the first place by being reused, recycled, or composted. Re+ will advance a goal in King County’s 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan to cut countywide greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade. To watch the video and read more. click here.
Executive proclaims February 2023 as Black History Month in King County
In 1986, the King County Council voted to designate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the county’s namesake in honor of his advocacy for the fair and equal treatment of people of all races. As well, King County acknowledges that Black history is American history; that the long history of forced enslavement, and institutional and structural racism toward Blacks in the U.S. and its generational impacts, and has committed itself to make progress on Equity and Social Justice through racially just policies that combat anti-Black racism. In light of these… Read More
King County Security Tips – The shock factor: Do not take the bait!
One of the most common and successful tricks cyber criminals use to trigger you into falling for their scams is fake “stressor events.” In this context, “stressor events” are shocking or compromising situations that inflict fear or provoke other emotions for the purpose of causing an impulsive reaction. How it worksWhen the bad guys present a shocking claim to an unknowing victim, they often add a sense of urgency to drive home the “importance” of the scenario. In reality, this sense of urgency is another factor increasing the chances that you will react… Read More
Tech Tip: Practice good IT “hygiene” – restart your computer regularly
Did you know your computer’s operating system is updated several times a year? This update happens behind the scenes, but requires you to restart your computer. This restart can take several minutes. Your computer may offer to reschedule this required restart until later, but will only allow you to postpone once or twice – you can’t delay the update forever! Most updates include important features such as new virus protections that are critical for the safety of King County’s systems. Please practice good IT “hygiene” and restart your computer regularly! Be sure… Read More
DES plays key role in severe weather response
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The Department of Executive Services (DES) regularly helps King County stay operational during severe weather, as safely as possible. During the severe cold and ice that hit in late December, DES agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management and Facilities Management Division, helped senior county leaders make a rare decision: close county buildings and suspend most services for a day. Read more.
Honoring the legacy of Judge Patricia H. Clark
Judge Patricia H. Clark was a strong advocate for youth involved in the justice system. As a commissioner for King County Superior Court, Judge Clark handled many cases involving at-risk youth and children in need of services, also known as ARY and CHINS cases. In 1998, she joined the Superior Court bench, where she continued to serve until her retirement in 2013. During her tenure, Judge Clark left her mark on Juvenile Court, including stints as chief juvenile judge and chief advocate. As mentioned in a 2019 story by Superior Court: “[Clark]… Read More
Executive Constantine announces $52 million in funding for open space preservation projects
Multiple projects throughout King County will receive a combined $52 million in open space preservation funding after a plan proposed by Executive Constantine has been approved by the King County Council. The money will fund 36 projects that will increase access to greenspace and parks in underserved communities, acquire land for habitat restoration, protect tree canopy, and strengthen the local food system. Read more.
Attend an upcoming mindfulness class
Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Register for an upcoming class below or view the full schedule here.
Employee News 